Hi Stephanie,

You could actually wait to book until you are actually in Italy.We were just there in May and would buy our tickets the day before (or day of). That's really the easiest way. They have more options to choose from as well (than what is on the website).

That's my suggestion. Have a great trip!

Thanks for your post. I guess I am just worried b/c I have purchased timed tickets for Uffizi and Accademia and need to get to hotel on time to check in ect. before getting to museums. I had to book tickets b/c the museums are closed on Monday.

Thanks for your help.

Stephanie, Trenitalia updates their schedules twice a year. The mid-year update is due to take affect today. Rail Europe is a ticket broker and they take a certain risk in selling you tickets for routes that Trenitalia hasn't yet fully posted. I'm looking at a direct comparison of Trenitalia's new schedule for tomorrow (6/15) and RE's schedule. As expected, RE's schedule does not match Trenitalia's. RE shows a couple of runs that Trenitalia does not show. Conversely, I see runs on Trenitalia that RE doesn't show. Some departure times are different. Train numbers for many runs do not match. Even the train numbers for the 7:45 run you want are different on the two sites. I trust Trenitalia's information as they are the ones who run the trains.

To be a bit fair, RE fares are not double. Trenitalia fares are in Euros and RE's fares are in dollars. It's really $49.27 vs $65.

CLICK HERE to see the very early train schedule from Verona to Florence. Click on next for later trains. Note that there are 14 trains a day from Verona to Florence. You can easily buy the tickets for this journey when you arrive in Italy or Verona.

Finally, most trains departing Verona for Florence are Regionale trains. It's like the MTA in Boston. No seat reservations permitted. Buy your ticket, get on and find your seat. If no seats, you can stand. If you are on time at the train station, you won't miss your train. You will most likely need seat reservations on the second train as these are usually high-speeds.

Larry,
Thanks for your explanation. I completly missed the fact that it was euros vs dollars. So stupid of me! So, to confirm, your are saying to book in italy but will trenitalia have that 7:45 train #5485 getting in to florence #9467 at 11:23 be there? Also thinking if I went with the booking with the roughly $18 difference on RE would these tickets be "real"? I guess i am concerned that if I book on RE that I will get there and that train wont exist cause trenitalia didnt show it. How can RE get away with this?

Thanks so much for your help!!

Stephanie, RE is highly-successful for exactly the reason you mention. What you are planning is a bit out of your normal comfort level and RE can capitalize on this by putting a real ticket in your hand. They like your stress. Actually, Trenitalia can do this also and you can print out your tickets at home. I've done it. Its just that they no longer accept USA credit cards.

Most North Americans don't comprehend the enormity of the Italian train system. Its really huge. I can't guarantee that the train you want will be there but except for the occasional strikes, they usually are. RE can't guarantee it either. You'll know very quickly when you buy your ticket. The ticket machine will show the run or it won't. I'm betting that its there.

FYI, most runs from Verona to Florence begin with a Regionale train. Your 7:45 run does as well. When you get your ticket, it won't show the 7:45 train number or departure time. It's OK. Tickets for Regionale trains are open tickets. They are good for any R train making the run for 60 days. You will need to validate this ticket at the little yellow box in the train station and then hop on the train.

Stephanie, RE is highly-successful for exactly the reason you mention. What you are planning is a bit out of your normal comfort level and RE can capitalize on this by putting a real ticket in your hand. They like your stress. Actually, Trenitalia can do this also and you can print out your tickets at home. I've done it. Its just that they no longer accept USA credit cards.

I heard that some US cards work. Is ths true?

Most North Americans don't comprehend the enormity of the Italian train system. Its really huge. I can't guarantee that the train you want will be there but except for the occasional strikes, they usually are. RE can't guarantee it either. You'll know very quickly when you buy your ticket. The ticket machine will show the run or it won't. I'm betting that its there.

Its very confusing and yes i dont get there train system. But my husband just said to me, If we wanted to go to boston, would we book our tickets in advance. The answer is no, but if I would go to NY, I would.

What train is better...the eurostar or IC? Upon reading on here, advcie says to book 2nd class as not much different.

I did find a 6:59-1:23 on trenitalia for June 28th. Maybe I should try to booj this and see if my US card works? Otherwise, hope that this run or the 745 run will be there when in Italy. Otherwise, you had a good point about the rate difference on RE with euro/usd. But willit be there if I actually buy it??? Ahhhh....too much for me to deal with and wish I could just buy the stupid ticket and move on!!!! Need more coffee!!! Thanks Larry...you are very helpful :)
Stephanie