Train reservations yay or nay?

Posted by Ptocruz (Tampa) on 03/15/14 04:39 PM

The last time I visited Italy (2011) you could not easily reserve trains online. Now through the raileurope.com or Italo website it is very easy to do.

My question is what has been your experience with prices reserving ahead of time?

I know that with Italo trains you do get a pretty good discount if you reserve ahead of time, how about TrenItalia? Is it worth reserving ahead of time?

We liked having the flexibility of picking the train that day. We always had a hour range in mind for example rome-florence sometime between 9:30-11:00 am. We would look at schedules and catch the next one available.

What do you guys/ladies recommend?

Posted by Zoe

Toledo, Ohio, US

03/15/14 04:54 PM

11613 posts

I travel on a budget so I can take longer trips, so buying a Trenitalia ticket for 9€ instead of 45€ is an easy choice, even if it means I have no cancellation/change opportunities. Italo uses some train stations that are further from the main terminal in major cities so check schedules carefully. Raul Europe is the most expensive and least comprehensive way to buy train tickets.

Posted by Frances

Dallas, TX, USA

03/15/14 05:07 PM

35 posts

Pre-book with ItaliaRail. We went in 2011 and booked out tickets through them. We are going once again this summer and just purchased our tickets. 4 tickets for $85 as a Super Saver rate in Premium seats, I'm happy with that!

Posted by Frank

Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA

03/15/14 07:54 PM

23666 posts

The only to reason to purchase tickets in advance is to take advantage of the discounts which can be significant if purchase well in advance of your travels. But you are then locked into a fixed schedule. On the Italian trains, you have three levels of fares - Super economy (no change, no refund, limited availability), Economy (no refund but exchangeable - think SW airline, limited availability) and base fare (fully exchangeable). However, no ticket can be exchanged IF the train has left the station. All trains, except Regionale trains require a seat reservations that comes with the ticket when purchased. Regionale trains are open seating, are the cheapest and slowest but offer the most flexibility. Never buy a Regionale train ticket on line. Buy them them anytime at the station, get on any Regionale train at anytime BUT validate (time stamp) the ticket in the yellow or blue box just prior to boarding the train.