The trains ... again

Posted by NanC (Orange County, USA) on 04/23/09 03:07 PM

I am planning the last part of my trip which will be with a friend - after I have put grdaughter on the plane home.

We will see Rome, Florence and Italy in 10 days and are trying to figure out if it is better to go point to point or to reserve.

The only trains that come up on the trenitalia site are the CIS trains which require reservations - but the site is almost impossible to follow.

Any suggestions on whether my friend needs reservations before she leaves the states. I will be there already so I can purchase the first leg of the trip before she gets there.

thnx
S

Posted by Frank

Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA

04/23/09 03:22 PM

23284 posts

For most normal train travel in Italy, this is little to no advantage to reserving more than a day to two in advance. You can purchase her ticket in Italy when you buy yours.

Posted by Dick

Victor, NY, USA

04/23/09 03:31 PM

62 posts

I disagree with Frank. Trenitalia has introduced discounts as much as 30% for tickets purchased in advance. The only problem is their website denies US credit cards making it nearly impossible to book ahead from the US. Lots has been written about this problem and there appears to be little choice but to wait until you get to Italy.

Posted by Larry

Elk Grove, CA, USA

04/23/09 05:12 PM

6898 posts

Trenitalia updates their train schedules twice a year (June and December). What date and route are you looking at? If you are looking at Rome to Florence, there are 53 trains a day making the run. The June schedule change won't change it much if at all. You can easily put in a more current date and see these trains.

Trenitalia does have new discount fares most of which are set up on the website for advance purchase. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, American credit cards are being blocked. Thus, its unlikely that you can get the discounts. However, you indicate that you will be there early. If you can purchase earlier than 7 days before the day of travel, you could try for these discounts. They are limited so they might be gone but, they might still be available. You can buy these tickets from any staffed train station in Italy or at any station with the electronic ticket machines.