Hi all! We will be in Italy in mid-May and will be using trains several times. I just need help clarifying which ones I can (and should) book ahead and which ones are ok to just purchase at time of travel. We will be going: Florence to Venice; Venice to Milan and then right away to Varenna; back from Varenna to Milan. Also, I think I understand it that Florence to Lucca is regional, and can be purchased day of. Is that the same for the bus Florence to Siena? Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
All train tickets can be purchased up to 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time and No train ticket must be purchased in advance.
But doing it you could save some money when travelling on High Speed and InterCity trains. The reason is that discounted tickets are not available on the day of travel. Be aware that these cheap, discounted tickets can't be refunded and any change comes at a price.
Check by yourself, go on Trenitalia and search tickets for trains departing in a couple of hours. Anything sold out between Venice, Milan and Florence? On the other hand, you'll see only the expensive walk-up fares, called BASE.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8440 posts
I would buy the Milan/Varenna Esino/Milan ticket as a round trip (return) ticket as there is no ticket office in the Varenna station. There are other places to buy tickets in Varenna (the travel agent down the street}, but an R/T ticket would save you a task.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23267 posts
You don't need to book any train in advance IF your concern is that the train will be full. It is very rare for any train to be completely sold out. And a Regionale train will never sell out. If no seat available you stand till one becomes available. ALL other classes of Italian trains provides a seat reservation with the ticket. The ONLY reason to purchase in advance is to take advantage of any discount tickets that might be available. But discount tickets come with lots of restrictions and generally sell out within the first few weeks that the tickets are available for sale. Just go to the trenitalia.com and see what your options are.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
1416 posts
If you can commit to a particular train, the deals you can get on non-refundable tickets are on the high-speed trains from Florence to Venice and Venice to Milan. Look for “Firenze Santa Maria Novella” station and “Venezia S. Lucia” station.
I would take the Express bus 🚌 that runs from Florence to Siena as it’s faster, cheaper and drops you off right outside the old city.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
5581 posts
I agree with Kenko that the bus from Florence to Siena has its benefits. As was stated, the bus drops you off near the old town ON TOP of the hill Siena sits on. The train station is at the bottom of the hill. Depending on how much you can walk and where your inn is, you can walk from the bus stop to your inn.