I'm traveling with family (6 adults total) from Rome to Murren, Switzerland on July 13. Should we purchase our reservations/train tickets in advance (stateside) or once we arrive in Rome (July 9)? It seems in order to save some money, we should purchase ASAP, but I'm not sure how much it actually saves, and I've had trouble using Trenitalia's site to book for a group of 6. I'd have to book in two separate groups. I know trains are regular, reliable, etc. My main concern is the Rome to Milan stretch. Any advice would be appreciated!
Posted by
Minneapolis
1258 posts
Hi Erin. It's a matter of how important it is to you to get the lower fare. Looks like trenitalia site lets you price easily for up to 5 people; I've never tried to buy for six. For most of the trains on July 13, there is a 49 euro fare available vs. the 'base' fare of 86E. If you want to buy in advance, it should work fine to buy 4 tix, then buy 2 more separately. Also, it's possible some of the lower fares may still be available when you get there; to gauge that, use a date 4 days out from today to get an idea what fares are available 4 days in advance.
Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
OP
Oklahoma City, OK, USA
7 posts
Great idea, Bob! Thanks! I wouldn't have thought of that.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Two thoughts. First, Bob is correct that Trenitalia won't let you buy more than five tickets. Second, the Trenitalia cannot see Muerren on their system. In fact, that cannot see farther into that part of Switzerland than Spiez. They used to be able to see as far as Interlaken Ost but that has changed. You can, however, see and buy this run on the Swiss rail website (www.rail.ch). I'm looking now at a fare of 204CHF (no special fares). Alternatively, to save money, you can book a trip from Rome-Termini to Domodossola in mid-July for as low as 58.40E. The ordinary fare is 95.40E. (Depart 10:00am and arrive at 15:02). Domodossola is in Italy near the border of Switzerland. It is one of 3 cities outside of Switzerland that I know of that will sell you Swiss tickets. Then, you book tickets on the Swiss train website from Domodossola to Muerren. The fare is 78.80CHF. Two thoughts here. First, if a Swiss pass or card is useful to you, you can buy in advance. It will be good from Domodossola to Muerren. Second, with the landslide on a major run from Milan to Arth-Goldau, traffic has increased on the run from Milan up through Spiez. This may have improved. I haven't looked at the Swiss train website in the last two weeks. Lola from Seattle is more current on this. I would suggest getting your tickets into Switzerland soon just to be sure.
Posted by
OP
Oklahoma City, OK, USA
7 posts
Thanks, Larry! Those are all great thoughts, and we are wanting to save money. Another concern though is getting to Murren as quickly as possible. Any idea what route would be the fastest? I've been looking on both Trenitalia and sbb.ch to try and find out. Just curious if anyone has done this trip and knows the fastest route.