eurail vs pay as you go trains in Italy

Posted by Robin (Conway, S.C.) on 05/17/09 03:05 PM

My daughter there for 3 weeks . So far Florence to Rome then to Cinque Terra and back to Florence. It appears that it is cheaper to pay as I go but am I missing something. Are the price on Rick's train site in euros or USa dollars . Please advise. My calucations, if Ricks' train eurail prices are USA$

I have these trips
2 people ( adult and 14 year old_
Forence Italy to Rome 40 x 2 =80 euros
Rome to Cinque Terra 50 x 2 =100 euros
Cinque terra to Florence 30 x 2 = 60 euros

from Rick's site: eurail adult 202 (Euros)?? youth 164 ( euros) ??

Is it just easier to have the eurail pass? Help please Robin

Posted by Larry

Elk Grove, CA, USA

05/17/09 07:48 PM

6898 posts

Robin, it is almost always more expensive to have a Eurail pass in Italy. P2P is less expensive. What's missing here is that Italy has a supplemental charge on their premium trains. 15E-20E for the Eurostar and 5E for the ICPlus trains. You will most likely be on a Eurostar from Florence to Rome and on an ICPlus train to the CT. Your 80Euro fare from Florence to Rome is correct for the Eurostar. For Rome to the CT on an ICPlus run, it's 67.40 Euro for 2 and not 100. CLICK HERE to see what I see on the morning runs from Rome to Vernazza. From the CT to Florence, it's most likely 18.40Euro for two on most runs and not 60Euro. Again, CLICK HERE to see what I see. The cost of your passes plus the supplemental fees is more expensive.

Posted by Robin OP

Conway, S.C.

05/18/09 01:57 AM

10 posts

You are so kind to help me. Thank you. So it is cheaper to pay for my train fare there. This helps. What is P2P? I imagine - pay 2 persons. right?

You seem to know a lot about Italy. Where should I start in CT ( cinque Terra) I figure 2 nights there. My daughter and I will do some easy hiking check out the beaches, take the train between the samll towns etc. Leave to florence on the third day

You know of a reasonable and safe place to stay?

Thanks again

Posted by Ash

Tulsa, Oklahoma, US

05/18/09 08:07 AM

290 posts

Robin, pick up the RS Italy guidebook for CT information or try www.francamaria.com for rooms in Vernazza.

Rick's railpasses are in USD. Oh, BTW, P2P means 'point-to point'

Posted by Larry

Elk Grove, CA, USA

05/18/09 08:52 AM

6898 posts

Robin, sorry for the initials. P2P means point-to-point or pay as you go. Almost any place is the CT is nice to stay. It's crowded but very safe. The most popular town seems to be Vernazza, but you'll see input here about how nice it is in Monterosso, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Not to dis Corniglia, it's up on a high cliff and doesn't get the attention that the other 4 towns get.

I suggest that you stop into any TI (Tourist Information) office as soon as you get there and purchase a 2-day Cinque Terre Treno card. You want the one with the Trenitalia logo on it. Be sure to validate it. CLICK HERE to see a picture of these cards (it takes about 30 seconds to load). They will provide unlimited train travel for the validated period from Levanto in the north to La Spezia in the south. It will also cover the fares on the hiking trails (yes there are trolls in the ticket booths on the trails). It doesn't cover the ferry.