OK, I've got the itinerary set and have booked my accomodations. Now I'm working on train travel. I've been to the TrenItalia site and understand that I can purchase my tickets online; however, I am wondering if the savings is that significant. I cannot find any of the "Mini" fares. Could they be sold out? I also understand that Mini fares can be purchased the day before travelthat these prices fluctuate (as airline ticket prices do). I also understand that some trains require reservations. Is there an additional expense for reservations, as there are in countries like Spain? I'm a little paranoid about buying in advance and then missing the train for the time I purchased. Can anyone advise? Lastly, I would like to stop at Orvieto on my way to Rome. Can travelers "hop off/on," or should I purchase a ticket to Orvieto and another from O. to Rome? Thanks so much for your responses. I'm getting excited (and a bit nervous) about the trip!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23650 posts
You really need to spend some time with train section in Steves' guide books. Without knowing your dates of travel (which would helpful in responding to your question) you may be too early from any reservations and that is why the fare is not available. If available, the mini fare can be purchased up to midnight the day before. The mini will vary depending on route and time but does not act like US airline tickets. The mini is either available or it is not. In Italy, ALL trains except the regionals require a reservation and the reservation is included in the ticket price. If you purchase a non-discounted ticket and miss a train you have about 90 minutes to exchange it for a new ticket. Only a regional train ticket would allow you to get on and then back on at a later time. From the time you validate a regional ticket (only ticket requiring validation) you have 24 hours to use it. All other tickets are train and seat specific. If you want to hop on and off going to Rome on anything other than a regional train, then you need two separate tickets because of the reservation requirement.
Posted by
Austin, TX
48 posts
I don't think there is any luggage storage available at Orvieto train station so you will have to carry it or find a hotel or tourist office to hold it.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Train tickets in Italy are priced based on distance travelled, so purchasing 2 tickets - 1 to Orvieto and 1 from Orvieto to Rome - would be either the same price or just slightly more than purchasing 1 ticket. The cost of the ticket from Orvieto to Rome is fairly modest - maybe 14 euro max - and the "mini" savings would be small, so you might also consider just purchasing a ticket for the next train when you're ready to leave.