Looking at Trenitalia tickets from Rome to LaSpezia in October. One non-stop is an InterCity 510 and takes 4 hours. Another is labeled Frecciabianca and takes 3 hours 40 minutes. Is there a difference that I should be aware of? Is it worth it to get 1st class? Should I also pre-book tickets from LaSpezia to Monterosso?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32405 posts
Ron,
Either train would be good, as they're both direct. The InterCity trains don't run as fast as the Freccia trains, so that's why there's a slight difference in travel times. Both require compulsory reservations, which will be included with the tickets you buy. Note that your tickets (and reservations) on those trains will be specific to one train, date and departure time, so you can only use the one train listed on your ticket.
As the trip from La Spezia to Monterosso is likely going to be on a Regionale, you won't be able to pre-book that. I'd suggest just visiting the station in Rome on the day prior to travel (or whenever you happen to be at a station) and buy those tickets from a Kiosk. BE SURE to validate the tickets at the station in La Spezia prior to boarding the train to Monterosso. The trip from La Spezia to Monterosso is only about 16 minutes, so it won't be a long ride.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23671 posts
To answer your first class question. I say no. 2nd class is similar to business class in an airplane. It is not economy class. Seats are comfortable with decent space and are 2x2. First class are wider - 2x1 but surprisingly not a lot more space between seats. We always use 2nd class. Regionale tickets should always purchased at the station and never on-line. The other tickets can be purchased on-line to take advantage of any discounts that might be available.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11852 posts
Time difference aside, the freccia is a high-quality train experience. You should experience it at least once. You can by tickets in advance online and often score a great discount. If you can get 1st class for a super economy fare, do it. You can buy up to 4 months in advance if you are willing to commit to a non-ref ticket.
Posted by
2 posts
My husband and I are looking to but tickets from Monterosso to Rome in October. I was able to buy tickets from Milan to Monterosso but the Trenitalia website won't allow me to purchase the tickets to Rome without registering. It seems from the website you must have an Italian address to register which of course I don't. Any suggestions? Many thanks, Liz
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I've always been happy with standard second-class trains. The faster trains may have more than two classes of seating to choose from, and may cost a little more than the InterCity departures, because they are newer, fancier trains. I don't believe the Trenitalia registration is an insurmountable problem, but you can see other recent advice if you search above for "registration."