Train tickets and other

...My question is whether or not I need to book all train travel in advance. .... No, the ONLY advantage to booking early on-line is to take advantage an any discounts that might be available for your travel. There are three levels of fares -- Super Econ, Economy, and Basic. The two discount fares come with many restrictions -- think basically no change, no refund.

I would plan at least three hours, maybe four, to get off the plane, clear immigration and customs, train to Termini, and finally find your train to Lucca. Given the unpredictability of flights and lines for immigration, buy the ticket to Lucca when you buy your ticket at the airport station. Since your lodging is booked, you can buy your other tickets now at trenitalia.com and see if discounts are available. All trains in Italy except Regionale trains come with seat reservations and, therefore, are only good for that train at that time and day. Regionale trains are open seating -- just get on and go. No seat -- stand till one becomes available. Do not buy Regionale train tickets on-line as they come with more restrictions. Buy Regionale tickets at the station, validate (time stamp) in the little yellow, blue, green box near the tracks. Watch the local do it. Once validated the ticket is good for four hours on any Regionale train headed in the right direction.

The only tickets you should consider purchasing in advance are the tickets back to Rome. If you're willing to commit to a specific departure time, you may be able to buy Super Economy tickets at a substantial discount. There are a few direct Freccia and Intercity trains that go from La Spezia to Rome using the coastal route. Those would offer you the biggest discount and reduce your number of train changes. Note that Vernazza to La Spezia will be a regional train for which no discounts are available. If you don't book a direct train from La Spezia to Rome, then there's also the possibility your train to Pisa or to Florence will be a regional (again no discounts).

It's risky to pre-purchase tickets for your arrival day, so buy tickets for the next departing train to Lucca at the airport train station. If you're lucky, you be able to catch the 11:08 direct train to Florence (only 2 per day) where you would change to a regional train to Lucca. Otherwise, you'll have an additional change at either Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina.

Most trains from Lucca to Vernazza are regional trains for which there's no discount and no seat reservations, so just buy those tickets at the Lucca train station.

Kay,

A few thoughts on your questions.....

• Trip from the airport to Roma Termini - there's no need to book this in advance as it's a Regionale train so there are no seat reservations and no discounts. Just buy a ticket for the next departure. There are both Kiosks and ticket offices at the airport rail station. NOTE that there are two trains serving the airport, and for that trip you'll use the Leonardo Express. BE SURE to validate your ticket prior to boarding the train or you'll risk hefty fines which will be collected on the spot!
• For the trip from Rome to Lucca, that will likely be in two segments. The first part will be from Roma Termini to Firenze S.M. Novella via high speed Freccia train. Most of us here on the forum DO NOT recommend buying advance tickets for those, as they come with compulsory seat reservations that are specific to train, date and departure time. If you board a different train than the one listed on the ticket, again hefty fines. The second part of that trip from Florence to Lucca will again be via Regionale so no point in buying in advance.
• When you buy your tickets at the airport, buy tickets for your entire trip. They will include the compulsory seat reservations on those trains where they're required. Be sure to note your coach (Carrozza) and seat (Posti) details. Tickets for Regionale trains MUST be validated prior to boarding the train, while tickets for the Freccia trains do not have to be validated.
• On arrival day, your trip from the airport to Lucca will take on average about 4.5 hours. You didn't say what time your train is arriving, but you can check all the solutions at https://www.trenitalia.com/
• On your return trip, it's very easy to get from Vernazza back to Rome. Take the local train from Vernazza to La Speziale Centrale and then use one of the express (no changes) trains to Roma Termini.

On the trip from Lucca to Vernazza, you won't necessarily have to go through La Spezia. Check the Trenitalia website listed above to see all the solutions.

Some points to remember when deciding between advance purchase tickets vs. buying on the spot....

• You can save money ONLY with tickets for express trains (Freccia, Intercity). However the discounted tickets come with conditions (non refundable or changeable). If buying advance tickets for express trains, you must be willing to commit to a specific train and departure time.
• There are no discounts for Regionale trains, so it's just as easy to buy those on the spot. Don't forget to validate prior to boarding the train on the day of travel.

Give this site a look. https://www.seat61.com/Europe-train-travel.htm It explains a lot about train travel in Italy, actually shows you how to use the train tickets machines in the stations. We bought all our tickets the day of travel using my credit card in the stations. In Lucca on our first day we hired a private walking tour, half day of us would have preferred full day, with Wanda Martinelli. She was awesome, set us up with knowledge to make the rest of our visit there full of knowledge and good food. I would not hesitate to use her again!!! https://www.luccatours.com/

I use a site called www.Loco2.com - it was recommended to me by a poster on this forum- is user friendly- and no mark-up. You can also create a free account.

Happt Travels✨💫

Thanks very much everyone! Much appreciated!

Kaylin