We are traveling in October to Italy. We arrive in Rome and travel to Florence for the first night. Next day to Cinque Terre for two nights. Then back to Florence for a night ( we love Florence and are using it as a stopover ). Then we train from Florence to Venice. Three days later we train from Venice to Rome. I realize this isn't the most efficient itenerary but it works for us
My question is : which train tickets, if any should we purchase before we leave. ...? I assume we should purchase the longer trips ( Florence to Venice , Venice to Rome) in advance. But it seems the shorter trips should be purchased there to allow for flexibility. Plus the trains run more often on these shorter legs( Florence to CT for example). Is my thinking correct? Suggestions on when to buy any of these tickets?
Thanks
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32455 posts
If you can commit to specific trains & departure times on the express trains (Freccia, Italo etc.) then buying advance tickets can save money. However these trains come with compulsory seat reservations which are specific to train, date and departure time so can only be used on the one train listed on the ticket. Board any other train by mistake and you'll be subject to hefty fines which will be collected on the spot!
There's no benefit to buying advance tickets for Regionale trains as there are no discounts. Just buy these locally but DON'T forget to validate the tickets prior to boarding the train on the day of travel or again, hefty fines!
You can buy tickets on the rail operator websites or at www.trainline.eu at the same price. The Trainline website sells tickets for several of the rail networks in Italy, so it provides "one stop shopping".
Posted by
Minneapolis
1299 posts
Hi bgardner. Yes, your thinking is correct. If you are willing to commit to exact date and time and the savings are substantial, buy your Florence to Venice and Venice to Rome tix in advance. Or just wait and buy in Italy - if you buy at last minute you will pay the 'base' fare. All the rest of the trains, wait and buy in Italy. Note that October trains may not be for sale yet, usually tix become available 90-120 days ahead of time. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Shawnee, OK, USA
399 posts
I never purchase train tickets in advance. Always buy in country. The time of year you are traveling is not a busy time so you should be able to get tickets when you want to travel.
Posted by
Green Bay
22179 posts
But if you want to save money, buy as soon as they go on sale. Not for your arrival day, because your arrival time can be delayed, and as you say, between CT and Florence is mostly Regionali and the price is always the same.