I was directed through "rome2rio.com" to go to LOCO2 to purchase train tickets. There you pay and pick up your tickets at the station. I don't like to leave things to chance. Any other places to purchase tickets?
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8138 posts
Most people purchase their tickets on Trenitalia.com. The earlier you buy'em, the cheaper they are.
Best website about Rome (and much of Italy) is RonInRome.com. He goes as far as to show you a train station ticket vending machine and how to navigate through all the pages in English.
Posted by
Rick Steves Europe
353 posts
Hi Carl,
It's usually never a problem buying Italian train tickets as you go, a day or two at the station. I go to Italy every year and have never had a problem getting on a train. You can save some money buying any high-speed train tickets ahead through the Italian National Rail website - www.trenitalia.com. Most regionale trains can only be purchased a week or so ahead.
When you buy a ticket on a high-speed train you are buying a reserved seat on a particular day and time. Advance purchased tickets are usually non-refundable, non-exchangeable, so be ready to commit at time of purchase. Tickets on Regionale trains must be validated a box in the station before boarding the train or risk paying a hefty fine. This includes trains to and from Rome and MIlan airports into the city centers.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32201 posts
carl,
It would help to have some idea which rail journeys you plan on buying tickets for? I haven't heard of "Loco2" but would suggest purchasing tickets from other reputable sources. For example....
- Trenitalia (the operator of the rail network in Italy - their website not always the most "user friendly")
- Capitaine Train (very easy website to use)
- Italia Rail (website also works well).
When booking tickets with the "fast" trains which have compulsory seat reservations, the ticket seller will provide a PNR code which the passenger provides to the Conductor. The E-mail with the code can be printed at home, and this typically includes a bar code (although the number is all that's required, printed or not). It's not necessary to pick up tickets at the stations.
For travel on Regionale trains (no reservations) the best method is simply to buy the tickets when in Italy, either at a Kiosk or staffed ticket window. Regionale tickets are only offered for sale online seven days prior to journeys and pre-purchased tickets come with restrictions, so buying locally is a better method. One caveat however - Regionale tickets purchased locally MUST be validated prior to boarding the train on the day of travel, or you'll risk hefty fines!