I need to book a train for next week to go to Bolzano from Venice. It looks like the only direct train is a Deutsche Bahn that runs once a day. Friends will pick us up in Bolzano, so want to book a definite arrival time. So far, we have had 2 direct trains-in Italy, Trenitalia, one from Milan to Florence, another today from Florence to Rome. Nothing has been on time. Various reasons for delays. Is that likely to happen with any/all trains? Also, I am leery of the trains that have chages, such as in Verona, with only 10 minutes from one to other. Any experience about that?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15268 posts
Delays are not common. There have been lots of delays today apparently for info system technical problems. So far no confirmation if it was a Russian hacker attack.
Three days ago there were major delays between Florence and Rome due to a person being run over by a train on the track near Florence.
Posted by
Sweden
6470 posts
I wouldn't worry about delays. They can happen, but are usually not that much to worry about. However, if it was my trip I'd take the direct train since it is a bit faster. And a direct train is always a bit nicer than one that involves a change.
Posted by
OP
Tennessee USA
111 posts
Ahhh, thanks Roberto, for explaining. Today, they let us board a different train, to get to Rome in time for reserved event. Very nice, once we struggled with language. But what a tragedy on tracks a few days ago.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16894 posts
You need not limit yourself to a 10-minute connection at Verona if you’d rather plan in more time. Schedules are a bit random, but range from 1 - 3 trains/hour on each leg of the trip. Match them up as you like.
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
no confirmation if it was a Russian hacker attack.
I am afraid it was a French software engineer working for a supplier working for a subsidiary company of Alstom; it's more trivial than Russian hackers, isn't it?
I am sure Sharon will be delighted to learn that the company's CEO has already deeply apologised from his Paris office overlooking Paris. Lawyers will make millions thanks to this story.
with only 10 minutes from one to other.
You can make 2 separate purchases, but why? If you miss a Regionale train you can freely get on the next Regionale. You can take a Regionale running later than the one you have tickets for, but not a Regionale running earlier. So booking the train departing after 10 minutes in a single transaction is the most logical thing to do,
Posted by
OP
Tennessee USA
111 posts
Thanks, Dario, for both sets of info. Yes, it’s better than a Russian attack, but what a snarl it caused! Appreciate explanation of Regionale too. So, so many things are not obvious if one doesn’t comprehend the language. This is my fifth trip to Italy, but am older now, plus first trip after being at home 2 years, so maybe brain not working.