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Train pass or not?

Posted by (Florida ) on

We’re planning a trip to Italy in September and hoping for help in planning our train travel.

We have a base in Rome for the entire stay, but will use it mostly as a place to stay during our Roma days.

This is our 3rd time to Italy and want to do some less-explored areas as well as hit some places we haven’t been.

Our preferred stops are Assisi - Rimini/San Marino - Bologna (happily accept any other area to get some Parmesano Reggiano as we’ve been to Bologna and Florence before) - Pisa- Siena and back to Rome and Ostia Antica for several days before flying home. We can go in either direction of the loop.

Is a pass worth it? We are both seniors and have no desire to drive. Last time we had rail passes, but not sure about the high speed trains in these areas.

You all have been great help in previous trips and look forward to your suggestions.

Posted by
23650 posts

The standard response for Italy is that a train pass is generally not cost effective. Probably should do a little homework and price out your various train rides just to be sure. But Italian rail is pretty cheap and it has hard to make a pass pay.

Posted by
905 posts

I have to agree with Frank on this. Unless you are going to spend a lot of time on trains and for any significant sitance, the day-to-day fares are very reasonable. Plus, some rail passes limit the number of days they can be used, etc. Plus, if you know exactly when you plan to tracel from point to point you can book Super Economy on Trenitalia and save a bunch. ItaliaRail does not offer their own rail pass, I think they still tout the Eurail passes.

Posted by
4874 posts

There is a section in each RS guidebook where he discusses passes vs. point to point tickets, so open yours up and check. Unfortunately you usually have to do some math. Also consider the ease of having a pass, except when you also need seat reservations.

The Man in Seat 61 also discusses passes very, very thoroughly. He also warns about the math.

Posted by
8027 posts

Although we’re planning on renting a car for our upcoming September/October trip, which includes a week in Bologna, on my trip 2 years ago, Parma was less than an hour from Bologna by train, and I did a Parmigiano Reggiano/Balsamic Vinegar tour by van from Parma. Coming all the way from Rome, the extra time and distance to/from Parma might not be practical, but could be worth looking into.

Posted by
137 posts

Thanks for the Parma info! We did a cheese, vinegar and prosciutto tour last tmw. Loved it!

This time, just want to buy some locally.

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