Trains in Italy questions

Ruth, I'll try to answer each of your questions in the same order: > I don't remember fast trains ever stopping at crossings. There's usually an underpass or whatever. Once they get up to speed, they don't slow down until the next station! > Yes, the fast trains go over bridges at times - depends on the route. They don't travel underground (at least not that I've seen). > NO, I've never found the trains to be "scary". There's really no sensation of the speed (aside from seeing the scenery go by VERY quickly). > You may be able to purchase breakfast - not sure about short runs? I'm reluctant to leave my kit to go to the dining car, so I typically just pick up a Cornetto and Coffee (or whatever) at one of the food stands in the station (there are usually lots of food outlets). There's usually a food cart on the train, where you can buy coffee, sandwiches, etc. (it's a bit overpriced, but convenient). > Yes, it's easy to see the countryside from the fast trains. I prefer to get to my destination quickly. The only difference of taking a slower train is that you'll see the same scenery pass by a bit more slowly, which will use more of your holiday time for travel rather than sightseeing. > Yes, you travel to Napoli Centrale and then walk downstairs to the Circumvesuviana station. You'll arrive at Pompeii prior to Sorrento, so will have to consider what to do with your luggage. > AFAIK, "Base Price" is the starting rate they use to determine all other fares. I believe that's covered on the Ron In Rome website. You'll have to purchase prior to midnight at least 48-hours prior to travel in order to get the "Mini" fare - you can do that in Italy using the Kiosks or a staffed ticket office. Cheers!

Thanks, Ken, for your answers to my questions! I am wondering still: Per your suggestion, I looked on Ron's site (it's great!) and the TranItalia site as well (English version). For two adults to travel from Roma to Napoli is 38Euros. I need it for a specific day, so I am stuck with the 38 Euros. Some days and times are only 18 Euros. Other days are 56 Euros for the Frecciarossa. I was reading (if I am understanding correctly) that as the train fills up (for some trains) the prices go up. I am not sure what the base price is for this particular trip. How do I find out? If I am inquiring about tickets for two, when they give a base price, is it the price for two or the price for one person? For example, even though I am asking about two persons, is the base price given for one person? Also, do I run the risk of not getting a seat on a fast train (at least fairly fast) if i do not book early? If all else fails, would I be able to book an Intercity train right before leaving? Thanks again, Ruth

Ruth, there are crossings where cars stop to wait for the trains to pass. Trains sometimes go over bridges, not underground so much but in some areas trains go through series of tunnels. High-speed trains are not scary but the scenery does go by fast. I suggest you get breakfast before you get on the train (you can take it with you). Most stations have at least one or more fast-food options (large stations often have a McDonald's sharing space with another fast-food place, but the breakfast menu is different from the McDonald' In Naples, there is an escalator or stairs to get to the Circumvesuviana stop. Make sure you're going to the correct track. Have a great time.

Thanks for your suggestions, Zoe.
Is the scenery worth watching at a slower pace between Rome and Naples? I actually want to get to Pompeii ASAP. Ruth

Ruth, I hope the site answered some of your questions. I wouldn't worry about seeing scenery between Naples and Rome - not much to see. The faster trains, in many parts of the country, travel on designated "separate"tracks. So whereas a Regionale train may travel through many stations, on an AV train you may not even see a station as the "designated" tracks avoid the cities they pass. Unfortunately, many of the AV trains DO travel underground - or rather through tunnels in mountainous areas. North of Florence headed towards Venice is a prime example. Too bad you're locked into a specific date; I just scored a €9 ticket from Rome to Naples in June. Trenitalia controls the allotments for MINI tickets and Family Offer tickets... so though the BASE price will never change, the MINI fare price may move due to the allotment. More often than not though, the "popular" times of departure always START out at a higher MINI price and never go down... To travel in the "off" times - like mid-afternoon - you may get better deals. Again, all those MINI prices are almost similar in manner to airline pricing, and who can figure those out?

Ron (or anyone else out there very familiar with Trenitalia) - what is WRONG with that site?? It is kind of ridiculous! I have tried numerous times to book a(5) seats on the Milan to Verona line and get to the pick seats page and then the payment page and it locks up on me. I have successfully purchased a ticket before (last month) for a different trip so I do know how it works. Any ideas? Also, we too plan to go from Rome to Sorrento, stopping in Pompeii on the way. Are there facilities for checking luggage? Thanks very much to all!!

Success! got the first of many tickets booked on Trenitalia! Ron - your website is terrific!
Many thanks!

Ruth, I hope that you have a great experience on the fast train. Its is truly fast and its very comfortable. These fast trains are stepping up to almost 200 MPH. Last year, we rode the French TGV from Dijon to Paris. About 180 MPH. Two years ago, I rode the world's fastest train from Pudong airport in Shanghai into Pudong, Shanghai (18 miles). 262 MPH. You don't have time to read the sign boards as you whiz by them. You'll love it.

Pompeii have free ( last year) luggage check in. Across from the ticket office.

Hi Larry,
Thanks for your good wishes. With Ron's very helpful advice, I was able to book two mini fare tickets on the Frecciarossa -- up to speeds of 360 kh/hr! I believe that's approx. 224 m.p.h. I feel a little scared, but looking forward to the experience! Ruth