If we purchase a high speed train ticket for a specific time and the connecting train from Switzerland run a little later, can we use that same ticket for a later train? We are going from Interlaken to Venice. Just want to be sure that we aren’t out the cost of the ticket if the timing doesn’t work.
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
If you can get both tickets on the official site in a single purchase you are protected, but you can't freely get on a train that has only reserved seats. You must ask for a new seat reservation at the counter.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
One would think this should be similar to a connecting flight, where they would move you at no additonal cost to a later flight if the first flight arrives late. If you book a trip that includes both trains, you should be moved at no additional cost to a later train if your train from Switzerland arrives late. Check the Terms and Conditions to make sure.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
If you buy a ticket Interlaken -> Venezia from www.trenitalia.com then TRENITALIA will accommodate you if your trains are late and you miss connections. But you must take your ticket to the ticket counter and have them change it for you. You can't just keep your same ticket and decide to use it on another later train.
Posted by
Green Bay
22124 posts
The problem is, Trenitalia will not sell you a ticket from Interlaken Ost to Venezia S. Lucia, because the Interlaken to Spiez leg is by SBB and Trenitalia has no control over that train or ability to sell tickets for it. The best they can do is sell you a ticket from Spiez on an EC train to Milano Centrale and the connection to Venezia S. Lucia. It will be your responsibility to get to Spiez on SBB in time to board the train. In that case travel to Spiez a bit earlier so you will be sure to be there in time if there is a hiccup between Interlaken and Spiez.
You could buy the ticket from SBB, but they throw in a little caveat:
No liability will be accepted for the details or connections provided or for adherence to timetables. Please check for possible timetable changes shortly before departure.
So if SBB screws up and you miss your connection in Spiez, they seem to be saying it is not their problem, even if it is their fault.
Posted by
Minneapolis
1297 posts
Where are you making the connection, and how many minutes is the connection you are considering? If it is Milano Centrale, my instinct would be to allow a minimum of 30 minutes for the connection, and if there was an option for a 45 or 60 minute connection I would prefer that for more buffer and for a chance to stretch my legs or get something to eat between trains. Enjoy your trip!.