Hello, I'm looking at train tickets on Trenitalia for dates in May. When I search for 1 person, the cost is 19E. For 2 it is 38E. But for 3, which is what I need, the price goes all the way to 162E. Are there really only 2 of the economy priced tickets? Or do they only allow you to purchase 2? Would I be better to have one of my travel companions purchase her ticket separately?
I appreciate your advice?
What route are you travelling and on what date and at what time of day? That will allow others to go into the trenitalia site and check more easily.
amosk,
As the previous reply indicated, more information is necessary before anyone can offer suggestions.
I apologize. I thought one of you wise people might simply know if there was a standard policy.
Domodossola to Venice SL. The 10:17 train arriving at 2:40. We are traveling on May 23 which it won't let me buy yet. I'm looking at the Friday, May 20 and see the big jump for person 3. Now that I plug in more test dates, it doesn't do that big jump on other days which tells me it is not an automatic 3rd person thing. Captain Train shows 162 everyday that week before.
I think I need to relax and wait til I am in the purchase window. Thanks for trying to help this newbie!
I get the same result. My guess it is to do with dynamic pricing and there are only a couple of seats still on offer at discounted economy rates and the third seat is being charged at the base rate (less restrictive in terms of changes/refunds).
Use second computer or open two windows and make two separate purchases.
amosk,
Thanks for the additional information. There is no "standard policy" that limits tickets AFAIK, so it was helpful to have a few more details to try and determine what the problem is.
The train you're taking is a good choice, as it's direct which means you won't have to deal with a change in Milan. It will have a number of stops however. I did a "test booking" for 23 May, and the Trenitalia website indicates a price of €87 for 3 adults in Economy fare, or €29 PP. However, if I do the same booking with 2 adults, the website shows a total of €38 in Super Economy fare, or €19 PP. It could be that they only have two seats left in Super Economy? Once the quota is sold out for Super Economy, the price moves up to the Economy level.
As today is 24 January, I believe that's now within the 120 day window so you should be able to buy tickets now. You can try to purchase three tickets together on the Captain Train site but if the price doesn't look right, try booking two seats and then one separately. You may be able to choose seats together even if you buy separate tickets (I don't know as I've never tried to book for three people - I normally travel solo). You could also try booking three seats together, but choose the Economy pricing level.
Good luck!
If you do book a seat separately you can select the I need to be seated near another traveller box on trenitalia. I haven't had to use it but I believe it will allow you to get a seat with another person on a separate booking, subject to availability. Someone else may be able to provide more definitive information.
Discounted seats are capacity controlled. There may well be only 2 seats left at that price.
Donna
Another option is to travel on Saturday when you can pay for two persons at the price of one base (ask it at the counter, you may also be able to do it from the ticket machine in the station) but I doubt you can do it with capitain train which is French and not Italian. So you may book one person at the supereconomy then take a 1 travel for 2 on a Saturday. In that way your fare will be cheaper for you 3
