I will be traveling in July between Venice and Rome and later from Florence to Rome. How far in advance can I buy the tickets? Do I buy first or second class? Is there a specific website that offers the best price or do I just go to Rail Europe?
Thanks Jacquie
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
You can buy from the official trenitalia site but be aware that there is a schedule change every June so tickets for dates after that are posted later. You can check dates earlier than June to get a feeling for what the prices will be but until the new schedules are posted you won't be able to purchase. The official site is: http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=ad1ce14114bc9110VgnVCM10000080a3e90aRCRD Be sure to use the Italian city names. Roma, Firenze.... Donna
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
You can easily avoid RailEurope and get better fares on the Italian train website www.trenitalia.com. You can buy tickets without registering but it seems a bit better when you do register. Trenitalia sends you a temporary password that you need to change right away. RailEurope is quite easy to navigate but it is more expensive. For Trenitalia, its a bit more challenging and you must use the Italian name for the train stations. You can buy tickets as early as 119 days out from the time of travel. Special Super Economy fares for both of your journeys can be found as low as 19Euro one-way. Super Economy fares are non-exchangable and non-refundable. 2nd class is just fine. 1st class has a bit more arm and leg room.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
There's also an excellent resource at Roninrome.com on train travel (and almost anything else about travel in Italy): Train Travel in Italy