I have always done better buying point to point tickets in Italy on the rail system. However, in pricing a night train from Naples to Venice, it appears there are GREAT discounts -- 25% -- for people carrying a Cartaviaggio card. I've tried to do the online registration, but in the online, you have to list an Italian address. However, when I read the rules, there is no such requirement. Has anyone acquired a Cartaviaggio or other such card WITHOUT a real Italian postal address?
Unfortunately, you must be a resident of Italy to qualify for the Cartaviaggio card. Know anyone living in Italy? ;)
A family of 4 adults and one child under age of 2 is traveling within Italy. We will go to Florence for the day from Rome. What is a Cartaviaggio and how can I get one? Some sites indicate you can be a tourist and get one of these cards; you don't have to be a resident of Italy. Is that true? What is the best website to use to get the cheapest and best roundtrip rail tickets for the 4 of us? Any help would be appreicated.
Thanks!
RK
Trenitalia has cut back on the discounts it's been offering in past years. The rules on the Trenitalia website say you must be a resident of Italy to qualify for a Cartaviaggio. If you know someone in Italy, you might be able to get around it that way. But if the conductor asks for a piece of ID too (as they're are supposed to) with your Italian "address," then you're up a creek. I'd be interested to know what the other forums are suggesting. Otherwise, the Trenitalia site has 2nd class to Florence on ES trains at 33 E each way, while the EC trains (half an hour longer) are 26.50 E pp each way. Kids under 4 travel free, but aren't supposed to occupy a seat. You can only book 60 days in advance on Trenitalia, and registration and purchase can be problematical. Since there are so many trains between the two cities, and no meaningful discounts, maybe just wait until you arrive to purchase. You only need to buy online if you want to get on a specific train to maximize your day in Florence.