We're travelling from Venice to Cinque Terre by train in mid-June. We're staying in Vernazza, but initially taking the train into Monterosso (thought it made most sense). I'm having a problem similar to others that I have read in that no options show up when I search on the various reservation sites. I understand that this is because the regional train schedules are not up yet. Question: Does it make sense to pre-buy the Venice to Milan leg on Frecce now, and then buy the Milan to Monterosso leg on the regional train later when we are in Italy? Or is it better to wait until the full schedule shows up before buying. Thanks all, in advance.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23270 posts
Of course it does. There are big price advantages to prebooking the Milan leg on-line. However, there is absolutely no reason - in fact, some disadvantage - to purchasing Regionale tickets on line. Buy the Regionale ticket when you get to Italy.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
The train from Milan to Monterosso is usually a reserved InterCity, not an unreserved Regionale, but that doesn't change the fact that it's not yet for sale. Yes, the price for the first leg will be better the sooner that you buy it.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
ss,
If you're staying in Vernazza, I'd suggest using that as your destination when buying tickets. Is there a particular reason you want to stop in Monterosso? It will be very easy to visit Monterosso during your stay, as it's only about 5 minutes by train from Vernazza.
There are two main routes from Venice to the Cinque Terre, either via Milan or via Florence. I've found that the Florence route is generally a bit quicker. If you don't mind getting an early start, one of the easiest solutions will be a departure from Venezia S. Lucia at 07:25, arriving Vernazza at 12:42 (time 5H:17M, 2 changes at Firenze SMN and La Spezia Centrale). The first segment of that trip is via FrecciaRossa and the remaining two segments are via Regionale trains.
With that particular solution, you can save a bit of money with advance purchase tickets for the FrecciaRossa segment (however the savings may not be that much). For the two Regionale segments, I'd suggest just buying your tickets from a Kiosk or staffed ticket office when you arrive in Venice (since you'll be at the station anyway). DON'T FORGET to validate those tickets prior to boarding the train on the day of travel, or you'll risk hefty fines which will be collected on the spot!
You could of course buy tickets for the entire route when you arrive in Venice, and not bother with advance purchase tickets at all.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you all for your input.
Ken, I like your option of going via Firenze and La Spezia to Vernazzo, and in fact have already purchased the Venice to Florence leg. Thanks!