Advantage to buying regionale tickets in advance

Excellent points!

All absolutely true. As long as you can live with the shorter validity period, no problem.

Zoe,

and because they can only be bought one week ahead."

I vaguely recall a post from lachera or one of the other Italian members of the forum, which indicated that Regionale tickets purchased online can be bought much further in advance than one week (ie: two months). I've tried to find that post but not having much success.

Trenitalia allowed us to pre-purchase tickets to Varenna 10 weeks ahead.

Just to clarify / provide further info for others who may read this...

The OP refers to regional tix bought 'in advance', but I think she more precisely means regional tix bought 'online'. Her advantages wouldn't apply to regional tix bought 'in advance' at a station or kiosk in Italy.

In addition, it should be noted that the big downside of buying regional tix online is that you are then locked in to a specific day and time. If your plans change or if you miss your travel window for any reason, the tix are worthless. Whereas, regional tix bought 'in advance' at your convenience at any station or kiosk in Italy can be used anytime in next 60 days by simply inserting into the validation machine before boarding.

Enjoy your trip!

Whereas, regional tix bought 'in advance' at your convenience at any station or kiosk in Italy can be used anytime in next 60 days by simply inserting into the validation machine before boarding.

Unfortunately, beginning August 1st the "open" regionale ticket good for any day up to 60 days in the future is no more. You have to provide the date you want to travel when you purchase the ticket, validate when you board, and you then have four hours to complete your journey. Trenitalia's notice--in Italian--here.

So sorry to hear this news as I was hoping to buy a bunch of tickets for various trips at the train station so I'd only have to stand in line ONCE! Thanks for the heads up.

You'll still be able to buy the tickets in advance, so long as you know what day you are going to travel. The big change is that these regionale tickets are no longer "open" as far as the date is concerned.

Eric, just to clarify, I can buy multiple tickets to different places in advance as long as I am certain of the travel dates. But I do NOT need to specify the departure time of day because validating the ticket sets the time.........correct??

Yep, that's it. Buy as many as you want (still up to 60 days in advance), use them on the day you said you would, validate before you board, and away you go.

Not to confuse things--but the ticket is good for four hours after you validate it, so your trip is supposed to be finished within those four hours. However, if your trip is so long it's going take more than four hours regardless, they won't penalize you so long go straight to your destination.

Bob and Eric, thanks for the additional info. Bob, I did mean buying online.

Ken, I have purchased regionale tickets online further than one week in advance if the regionale segment was part of a Freccia or intercity journey.

Zoe,

Some further information regarding the changes to locally purchased Regionale tickets, which will be taking place on 1 August......

http://www.slowtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68686

It appears that scamming is responsible for these changes, and hopefully the new procedures will reduce that. Travellers will have to pay attention to the new rules, or they can expect fines.

(Thanks to lachera for helping me find the link).

Does anyone know how far in advance you can by tickets for both a Freccia and Regional trains on-line for one trip (Venice to Pistoia)? I know it is cheaper the earlier you buy the tickets for the Freccia trains. It appears that the regional trains releases their schedules later than the high speed trains. Thanks

Don,

According to The Man In Seat 61.....

"Booking usually opens 120 days ahead for most high-speed & long-distance trains. But remember that this can shrink to as little as 30 days for dates immediately after the two annual Europe-wide timetable changes, on the 2nd Sunday in June and 2nd Sunday in December. It can help to know that for dates beyond these timetable changes, they try to load their high-speed trains first, to maintain as much of the 120 days as they can, they then load their regional, InterCity & sleeper trains much later, sometimes only 30-40 days before the timetable change date. So if you don't see the normal all-day train service which you expect to see, just one or two odd trains, the chances are that booking isn't yet fully open, looking too far ahead is a common mistake."

http://www.seat61.com/Italy-trains.htm#How%20to%20buy%20train%20tickets%20for%20Italy

Ken, thanks for the additional info. Good for Trenitalia for doing something to stop cheats!

I have noticed tickets being checked more often on trains this year. Buses, too.

As usual, Main in Seat... isn't quite right when it comes to fares and tickets, Italo tickets can go on sale as early as 180 days in advance, or much less than 120 days.