I'm somewhat overwhelmed by train options. I'll be traveling with adult daughter, first few weeks in May. We plan to train from: Milan to Basel (Switz), Basel to Venice, Venice to Florence, Florence to Sorrento, Sorrento to Rome...phew! tired already. I've never been to Europe, definitely need the best budget choice for trains. Help!?
Posted by
Fresno
189 posts
Welcome to the club. I finally emailed one of Rick's helpful staff with our questions and got a clear answer back - but still needs more research. Try them. Good luck
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Debs, you've picked a couple of long train rides but not anywhere near the worst. Milan to Basel SBB takes 5.5hrs on the Eurocity (EC) high-speed. If you are lucky enough to get on the Cisalpino (CIS) "tilting" train (leans into turns), you can get there in just over 4.0hrs. The CIS tilting train costs 75Euro, the EC train fare is 68Euro. CLICK HERE to see a typical train schedule for this run.
Basel SBB to Venezia Santa Lucia is most likely your longest trip. 7.5hrs-9.0hrs and train changes depending on the run. CLICK HERE to see this schedule. 93Euro 2nd class for this trip.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Here's some more. Venice to Florence takes 2.5hrs-3.5hrs again depending on the run. Many are direct trains with no changes.
Florence to Sorrento takes a bit of understanding as there are two different train systems involved. The first is the Trenitalia run from Florence to Naples. Most runs require a train change in Rome; a few will stop there but don't require a change. 58Euro 2nd class. CLICK HERE to see this leg of the run. About 3.5hrs.
At Naples, you change to the Circumvesuviana train for the 1:10hr journey to Sorrento. Sorrento back to Rome is the reverse of coming down. About 4.5hrs to make this journey.
You can cut 20% off the standard fare if you ask for the Amica fares on Trenitalia. If they are available, they will sell you the discounted tickets.