(last post for today). We are looking into IC trains from Milano Centrale to Levanto (on way to Vernazza) and the TrenItalia site is offering "Bimbi Gratis" seats, either first or second class. (we are five -- 3 adults, 2 kids). Any reason not to purchase the Bimbi Gratis seats (i.e., not reserved, other risks?), and is there any reason to purchase the first class (71 euro) vs. the second class (52 euro) for the approximate 3 hour trip? Since traveling in late July, would you also recommend purchasing now to avoid risk of the train selling out? Mille grazie!
Posted by
NY, NY
507 posts
Bimbi Gratis? Are kids free? So you would purchase 3 tickets?
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7054 posts
"Bimbi gratis is the offer from Trenitalia dedicated to children under 15 years of age travelling with at least one adult, in groups from 2 to 5 people. The offer allows children under 15 years of age to travel for free, while the other members of the group pay the Base Price for the selected train and service."
Posted by
Green Bay
21346 posts
Yes, it probably will not sell out but you might not find 5 seats together. But are getting this right? The adult base fare from Milano Centrale to Levanto is 26 EUR 2nd class, so Bimbi Gratis for 3 adults would be 78 EUR for 2nd class. There looks to be a better price if you get SuperEconomy tickets, if you can commit to a specific train.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34321 posts
You have to look at what is on offer.
How old are the children?
Remember that if you plan far enough in advance you can save buckets of money by buying super-economy and economy fares which are much cheaper than base (full fare) tickets.
So saving on children and paying full whack for adults may be more expensive than everybody paying very little.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17595 posts
+1 for what Nigel said: Super Economy fares are less expensive, but you must buy them in advance and commit to a particular train. They will sell out at some point.
I am wondering if you entered the number of people correctly to find those fares. Looking at a date in late July, for 3 adults and 2 children, I see a Super Economy fare of €56,70 for all 5 of you in 2d class (sold out in 1st); while the Bimbi Gratis fare is 78,00 in 2d and €106 in 1st.
The advantage of the Bimbi Gratis is that is a walk-up fare---you do not have to buy months in advance. But still somewhat in advance---so difficult to time if you are flying in and traveling onward the same day.
Posted by
Green Bay
21346 posts
Bimbi Gratis is a "walk-up" price, but you do have to book them ahead "up to midnight on the second day before train departure".
http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en/Offers/Bimbi-Gratis
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17595 posts
Thanks, Sam. I was not aware of that. I have edited my post.
Since it is based on Base fares, would they be able to exchange it if they miss the designated train?
Posted by
Green Bay
21346 posts
That is spelled out in the offer page lower down. Looks like up to 1-hour after departure with a 10 EUR fee and I assume you lose the Bimbi Gratis, kids would be charged for their tickets, but at half the adult fare.
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Many thanks for the suggestions, especially as to the super economy and for those who pointed out that my math was off (perhaps it is just the parent in me, but my mind defaulted to thinking my 16 year old daughter as a "child") so we need 3 adult tickets. Mille grazie!!