After doing much searching I found out about the new express train that just takes 30 minutes to get to Rome. It costs $24.24 roundtrip and only runs a very limited schedule. Has anyone used this train and if so can you tell me if there are reserved seats? Also, what happens if there is a train strike? I am planning on getting my tickets ahead of time but wanted to know if we could get a refund if there is one. Any information about this train would be most appreciated.
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
864 posts
I don't know about this express train but I've taken the train from Civitavecchia to Rome a couple of times. There are both local trains (avoid like the plague) and inter city fast trains (about once an hour if memory serves). It's usually only the milk run local trains that actually strike. Real express trains do not go on strike, certainly the Eurostar trains do not.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23278 posts
If it is a new train, it must be nearly direct for 30 minutes. The IC is fine and takes about 45 mins. You are paid a fair amount to save 15 minutes. All trains in Italy except for the Regional require a seat reservation so I am sure a reservation is required. Not sure what happens with a strike. I am sure you could get an exchange for another day.
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
When a strike happens, it can be of two types. 95% of strikes are the "friendly strike" types, one that is regulated (strange, but true) by laws in regard of duration, how demands must me forwarded, advance notice etc. In these cases, there is a permanent list of "treni garantiti in caso di scopero", or guaranteed trains in case of strike, meaning trains that must operate (obviously very crowded). This list usually means no major station is left without service, but contrary to what was written, express trains are often more affected than regional services. You can also have hostile stikes, in which wage pay is cut. Those are wild and have no "rules" governing them.