I need 2 tickets from Rome Termini to Venice(not Maestre) Oct. 15 leaving Venice Oct. 19 for 2 seniors..should we purchase now or wait till we get to Rome Termini to purchase our tickets..is there an advantage to purchasing now..are there different train companies
I should be looking into purchasing the ticket..thank you
I would buy now-you're in the 90 window and can save a bunch! I usually use italiarail.com.
Yes, buy as soon as the tickets become available, and get "print at home" tickets. The cheap tickets sell out fast, leaving only the more expensive tickets.
But, when you buy a ticket it is for a specific train, and comes with the coach and seat numbers on the ticket. If you don't want to commit to a specific train, wait, possibly buying at the station, but that will cost more. The cheapest tickets are €19.90 per person second class. Full price (if you buy it on the day at the station) is €84.
The Italian National Railway website will sell you tickets. See: http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
You need to specify the correct station names, Roma Termini and Venezia S. Lucia, then enter a date and time.
For more info see this webpage: http://seat61.com/Italy-trains.htm
The advantage to purchasing on line, in advance is to take advantage of any discounts that might be available. The big disadvantage is that you are locked in tight to a special train, at a specific day and time. Miss it and the ticket is no good. Three levels of fares - Super Economy, Economy, and Base. Base is your walk up fare and changeable at the last minute. Economy allows for one change and paying the difference in fare. SC - no change, no refund.
And just to clarify for others, it's a four month window, not a 90 day window. The ultra cheap tickets become available four months ahead of the travel date.