We are traveling to Italy in September and fly into Rome. We will then take the express (hopefully) train to florence where we will be for 5 days. We will purchase that ticket when we land in Rome. Our next stop we are planning on taking a regional train to Lucca for a 1/2 day to explore and then head to Vernazza where we will be for 3 nights. Then we will train back to Rome from Vernazza for our last 3 nights. I am not purchasing advance tickets for the regional trains as I will just get them when we depart, but the train from Vernazza to Rome, stops in La Spezia(regional) and its a Frecciargento that departs La Spezia around 7am. Should I purchase that route in advance?
Posted by
Green Bay
21028 posts
Looks like you could save as much as 42.60 EUR per person by buying it now. Just buy it from Veranzza to Roma Termini and it will include the prevalidated Regionale ticket from Vernazza to La Spezia.
Posted by
OP
Chicago
36 posts
Thank you! The savings is all that much sweeter and could be spent on more food and wine!
Posted by
Pleasant Hill, CA, USA
473 posts
The best phone app we used while in Italy last month was Trainline.eu. It's the same price that you would pay in the station on the platform. Or on the train company's website. No service charges. You can buy them last minute or you can buy them in advance. Very easy to use can't recommend it enough. They also have a website. You won't have to validate your tickets either. Just show the conductor your phone. Works like a charm on our two-week trip to Italy.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11699 posts
departs La Spezia around 7am
Are you thinking of the Frecciargento that leaves at 7:44? Good plan to buy in advance and save some money, but be careful about your train out of Vernazza. If you count on the 7:09 and it does not show up (yes, this happens) you will be stuck or need a taxi, pronto. You might want to take the 6:26, just in case. As I recall there is a huge restaurant at La Spezia where you can hang out and have breakfast. Chances of two trains in a row being canceled or tardy is less risky.
Posted by
OP
Chicago
36 posts
Thank you everyone for the advice! We traveled a few years ago with our kids thru Italy and bought most in advance. With it just being the two of us this time, I was more apprehensive as Regionals are usually easy to get the day of. But did not know about the issue of the train in Vernazza possibly not showing up. I guess with anything when you travel you need to be prepared. I will definitely look at the earlier train now. We wanted to get to Rome rather on the early side as its one of our favorite cities and there is always so much to see! Thank you!!