I am getting conflicting answers on train fares. Can someone please inform me if it is cheaper to buy train tickets on-line, from here in Australia or at the relevant station. We will be having many stops and starts from Venice, ending up in Sicily. Had considered the 6 day pass but according to Rick's calculations it is cheaper to buy as we need them. Then, is it also cheaper to buy on-line? This would most likely really lock one into a very set time of departure etc. and not leave room for any variance.
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Buying train tickets in Italy can be confusing. There is a PRICE advantage to buying in advance IF you can get a discounted ticket like the Trenitalia MINI promotion. With this promo, you can save up to 60% on your tickets. But you'll be locked into specific trains, routes, and times... and the MINI promo is only valid on the faster trains (Non-Regionale). The amount of MINI promo tickets available for any route is controlled by Trenitalia. Otherwise, the standard ticket is a BASE ticket. There are more expensive, flexible tickets... and there are other savings, such as Family and Group Tickets. So if you're routes and times are fixed, then the MINI promo is a great way to save money. You CAN ALSO buy them once you get to Italy... If these tickets are available, you can get one up until mdnight before your day of travel. But the odds of getting a MINI promo ticket decrease as the train seats fill. So there is a tendency for these limited seats to "sell out." I have purchased a MINI ticket the day before on a Rome-Naples route, in a train station in Rome. I saved 33% on those tickets. You might read artcles for more help: Booking on the Trenitalia Website or Buying a Ticket at a Train Station Kiosk. Good Luck!
Posted by
OP
Sydney, Australia
8 posts
Thanks for the info. I shall do some more research with the above in mind