I'm sorry to be asking this question again, since I'm sure it's been answered numerous times, but I failed to save the previous answers I'd come across... At one point someone provided some information about saving money by purchasing point-to-point tickets a the last minute (i.e.l just a day or so before) on the trenitalia website. Checking if this is still a viable option, given that I'll be using American issued credit and/or debit cards. Someone had advised my girlfriend that it is much easier to purchase pre-loaded cash cards in Italy and use them? chip
Wauconda, IL
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23652 posts
A couple of things. You can save money by pre-purchasing tickets IF the mini fare is available. That fare can be purchase up to 48 hours prior to travel IF AVAILABLE since those fares are limit and do sell out. Not sure what you mean by pre-loaded cash cards in Italy. The pre-loaded cash cards purchase in the US are generally not a very good deals because the fees to use the cards can be high. A standard debit card is best especially if the card issuer does not charge currency conversion fees - which many don't and some do.
Posted by
OP
Wauconda, IL, United States
15 posts
OK. thanks. Are the mini-fares pretty obviously locatable on the trenitalia wesite> Or are they in a special section?
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17577 posts
They show up right on the main page that loads when you request a particular route, if they are available. But younare unlikely to get a good mini fare if you wait until last minute, which is 48 hours in advance. Best tombook way in advance, like 2 or 3 months ahead, to get the lowest possible mini fare. Booking Milan to Venice on 18 April, for example, there is one ESntrain showing a mini fare, but it is 98 euros- hardly a discount from the regular price of 106 euros. Booking for dates in June or July, on the other hand, you may get lucky and find one of the 9 euro mini fares.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32392 posts
Chip, As Lola mentioned, the "Mini" fares are indicated on the main search and booking page on the Trenitalia website. They tend to sell out quickly, so that might not be the best strategy for "last minute tickets". If you're buying only a few days before your trip, the "Mini" fares will likely be sold out. Happy travels!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
A couple of things about the min-fares. First, by buying mini-fare tickets, you lock yourself into a specific train departing a specific station on a specific day and time. This can be fantastic for the traveler who can plan their travel events well in advance. Second, the ticket is non-refundable. Third, if you buy well in advance, you can get those great 9Euro mini-fares on many runs. True, they may be available for the less popular times of the day but... Fourth, the best mini-fares are limited and are grabbed soon after posting. Fifth, the mini-fares are not available on the Regionale trains.