I need to get from Lucca to Manarola in September. I priced out train tickets and am not clear on whether I should buy 1st or 2nd class and if I should buy base or economy tickets. If someone could explain the difference that would be helpful. Also If it is recommended to buy tickets in advance or just wait.
Given that the tickets seem to be close to 90 euros per person. Does it make sense to try to hire a transfer? Could someone recommend a transfer service?
Thank you for your help!!
Something does not seem right about that price tag for train trip from Lucca to Manarola.
Where are you pricing your tickets?
Looking at Trenitalia website https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html on 4 random days in September, I see a max price of 38.40 euro per adult, and that's adding 1st class on the one leg of the journey on which it was available.
We hired 5terre Transfers to drive us from Parma to manarola. They are the only company that is allowed to drive into Manarola. Driver was early. He picked us up in a nice large van. Dropped us off at the beginning of Manarola where we transferred to a taxi who drove us to the tunnel in manarola center. From there it was a 1 or 2 minute walk to our hotel.
The same company drove us to la Spezia train station the day we left Manarola. We took an inter city train to Viareggio where we transferred to a regional train to Lucca. It was very inexpensive.
You are definitely doing something wrong
That’s a regional route- probably 2 changes -Viareggio and LaSpezia
No way it is 90 Euros
There is no Base, economy etc on regional trains. price never changes and they can’t sell out
Be sure you are spelling Italian station names correctly and using the official Trenitalia site
Just checked random day in Sept and almost every journey offered is less than 20 euros total
Oh my!! Thank you! I thought the price was per person it was in total for our party! The tickets are $21,80 euro per person! Is there a big difference between 1st and 2nd class? Leaning to 1st class. I am assuming economy is fine. We will be traveling that day via train unless there is a train strike or if we somehow miss our connecting train. Thoughts/
Oh good whew, lol
For such a short journey I wouldn’t bother upgrading to first class
Perfect so First class not needed. What about base versus economy?
Regional tickets are always same price
Could you share what date and trains you are looking at?
I do see one option that takes fast train from Pisa to La Spezia but it's not much faster- that would have a Base vs Economy choice for the fast train only. Economy tickets have restrictions.
The 9:30 Lucca departure uses a fast train for the second leg-Viareggio to La Spezia- Freccia Bianca- that is only 33 minutes- I wouldn't bother upgrading that! Base is fine.
or
Just pick one of the options that is all regional
Lucca>>Viareggio>>La Spezia>>Manorola
or the 8:30 departure uses an IC train for that leg- you do get reserved seats on that IC and have option of Base, Economy, Senior, 1st, 2nd
September 22 at 9:30 am is the ticket I am looking at. If the class of train does not matter I will just pick 2nd class. The price difference between base and economy is only 3 euros. We will take the train unless there is a strike. Should I still just pick base?
Hi Cathleen. My suggestion is to wait and buy those train tix when you are there. The price will be the same; just buy when convenient; i.e. when you arrive in Lucca, or day of your trip to Manarola. The machines in the Lucca station will have an English option, and then you will have a better idea of whether the 9:30 train is best for your schedule, or whether a different time would be better. Have a great trip!
That 9:30 departure includes a fast train leg-those can sell out
I would buy now and be done with it
I’m glad I’m not the only one who got confused by this! One site lists fast trains per person and the other for the whole group - it took me a bit to realize, too.
Should I buy base or economy? It looks like one is refundable and one is not and one allows only one change.
The base or economy part is only for the fast train leg.
I would just choose the Base for 3 euros more
You are making this complicated -it’s just a simple train ride with 2 changes!
We are currently in Italy and have been traveling by train. Never booked first class tickets. Not necessary. We have used the fast trains, inter city trains and regional trains.
Thank you! I know I am making this overly complicated! Thank you for hanging in there with me!
hey hey cathleen.alcantara
thanks for the good laugh re your post about 90E train ticket costs, been there done that.
as mentioned don't over think this.
on your second leg, look at the "cars/carriages" for seats if wanting to sit together. we chose one for 4 of us with table in middle which may cost you 2 to 3 euros each
have a great time & enjoy
aloha
