Train from Venice to rome in dec 2011

MJ, you can easily buy your tickets to Rome from Venice once you arrive in Venice. It will take a bit of time in the train station (Ferrovia stop on the Vaporetto) but this is the time to do it. You can speed up your purchase in the train station if you use the automated kiosks. They will prompt you in English, make your seat assignements and accept your credit card. If you wait until you depart, you could bump into a full train. Buying 2-3 days in advance would avoid this. There is always the recommendation to buy online in advance to take advantage of the mini-fares (restricted ticket). However, I'm looking at the train schedule for Dec 30 and I see no mini-fares for the high-speed trains. However, these mini-fares could become available after Trenitalia changes their schedules in the middle of the month. To the new train travelers in Italy, Trenitalia changes their schedules twice yearly in mid-June and mid-December. (I would use the word u-p-d-a-t-e but this site deletes the word). Many schedules are not completely accurate or properly posted until the changess are online. So here we are 8-9 days from the so I can't really tell if what I see for Venice/Rome is accurate in terms of high-speed train runs, departure times and fares.

You can buy them in advance online and potentially save a bit of money in the process if you get a MINI fare. Info here at Ron in Rome: Riding the trains in Italy And here: Train from Rome to Venice

You can do it either way. Whatever best fits your schedule. Buying in advance may permit you to take advantage of the discounted mini fares but it locks you into a set schedule with a non-refundable ticket. The mini fare, unless sold out, is available till midnight the day before. The mini fare could still be available on the 27th. Of course, buying on the 27th provides more flexibility.

Thank you all for your reply!! Much appreciated!! :) Cheers.