Since we will be traveling from Rome to Florence in mid September, I got online to purchase train tickets. (I have read in this forum that tickets may be purchased 120 days out)
It looks like I can purchase the ticket for a particular route and time and train now, just not the seat assignment. Is this correct? There is a difference in the ticket and the reservation? Two seperate things? A reservation is for a seat assignment and can be secured 60 days out?
Also, if this is true, what is the procedure for securing seat assignments once you have already purchased tickets?
THANK YOU!!!
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
If you make an online purchase of tickets that require a reservation, there's a box you can check that will allow you to choose your own seats (easy to miss). Otherwise, seats will be randomlly assigned. Reservation means that the ticket is only good for the train specified on the ticket and that you will have an assigned seat on that train. So, all steps will occur at the time of ticket purchase.
Posted by
OP
Williamsburg, United States
42 posts
At what point in the purchase process can you check a box? Before payment info? We are traveling with our son and I just want to be sure we are all together.
Posted by
Green Bay
20262 posts
Yes, payment is the last thing. You'll have your seats picked out before you get to the payment page.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23343 posts
All trains in Italy except the Regionale trains require a seat reservation -- no open seating at anytime -- that is assigned when you make the purchase. Seat assignment is automatic with the purchase. If you purchase three tickets, you will be given three seats together. The ONLY time a seat reservation can be purchased separate is when you are using a train pass. We never worry about seat selection and are always seated together.
Posted by
OP
Williamsburg, United States
42 posts
Perfect! Thanks!!
Posted by
OP
Williamsburg, United States
42 posts
One more train related question...any strong preferences out there between Trenitalia and Italo?
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
Italo is usually cheaper going from Rome to Florence and their complimentary wi-fi on board is easier to use than trenitalia's. It's free also on trenitalia trains, but they want a valid credit card number to let people surf the Internet.
The "choose your seat" box is quite useless: the system always keeps people together; you can switch seats with others if that car is full whereas if there are free seats no conductor will ever care if you are not seated at your booked place. Do as you prefer, but don't worry too much about it.
Posted by
OP
Williamsburg, United States
42 posts
Y'all are awesome! Thanks!!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23343 posts
I would go with schedule and price. Little difference between the two trains but Italo does not serve all stations with the same frequency.