When is a good time to book train tickets?

From where to where?

American tourists have been trained by our airlines about advance reservations and pricing. So forget what you know about airline pricing.. Second, each rail system is different so we need to know where you are doing. Two general comments ---- 1. Railroad ticket rarely sell out. Just too many trains running frequently. 2. The only reason to buy tickets in advance is to take advantage of any discount pricing that might be available. Discount tickets do have a lot of restrictions so you need to be absolutely certain of your plans if you buy in advance.

Since you posted this in the Italy section I will assume you are traveling in Italy. Three levels of pricing in Italy -- Super Economy, Economy, and Basic. The SE and E tickets are discount and the number of tickets available at that price is fixed for each train. When sold they are gone. Prices do not change daily as US airline ticket do. Both tickets are essentially no change, no refund. The one exception is if you miss a change of trains because the first train was late, then they will give you new ticket on the next train. All trains in Italy except Regionale require a seat reservation so if you miss a train you cannot just get on the next one -- unless, of course, you are using a Regionale trains. Those trains are open seating. Get on and go. No seat. Stand till one is available.

So -- if -- you want a discount tickets, then buy as soon as possible because those do sell out. You can probably buy now.

Answer #1; buy here, no resellers:

https://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en

https://www.italotreno.it/en [private competitor with lower fares on some routes]

Frank has explained it well. I buy my tickets ahead of time, so I’ll just add that when I buy Regionale tickets, I’ve learned to buy the time for the train one before I actually plan to travel. That way, if I arrive early to the train station, I don’t have to wait for that next train.

I have purchased mine for our April travels if you use Italo sign up for their newsletter it’s current 40% off select times I’ve saved a lot of funds. These are for fast train I don’t think the shorter regional trains need any sort of advance purchase.

Thank you all! Wonderful detailed explanations. We are traveling Milan - Venice- Florence- Rome.

Summer, I signed up for their newsletter. With 4 of us, and 3 trains, I can certainly use the discount,

Also, which train do you prefer? I’ve been to both sites…a bit confusing. Things are sold out already in the Prima seats on Italo. Also, just to be sure, the main train station if Milan is the Centrale, correct?

Just be aware that Trenitalia and Italotreno are competing companies, you won't be protected if you miss a Trenitalia train because one of Italo's is late. And viceversa.

Dario, so basically it’s better to stay on the same company for all legs? The pricing on Italo is a little better, I’m looking at the “1st” class seating. However, Trenitalia has much better times on one leg, so I’m leaning towards that one.

I have found that first class seating on trains are rarely worth the extra price. The difference in space and comfort is nominal. It would be fine to pick different companies for different legs, I think they were just warning that if a trip requires a layover/train change that those two trains should be one ticket. However, your route is really common and all the trains should be direct no matter the company you use. It seems that Trenitalia offers a group discount of buying 3 -5 tickets so might be worth looking into https://www.trenitalia.com/en/offers/insieme_offer.html

I don’t see any reason for first class tix either.

We’ve always found the trains to be quite comfy/roomy in 2nd class
None of your trips are longer than 2-2.5 hours and all should easily be direct fast trains

Buying 2nd class/Standard will save you a lot with a group that size and I doubt you’d notice the difference

I believe you can see pics of the different seating on man in seat 61 website

We ended up buying second class but I have traveled standard and the seats are comfy and plenty of room. I found lots of videos on YouTube showing the different classes so if you want to get an idea of how it looks just search there I found it helpful.

I have traveled on both companies in Italy numerous times. Usually in First Class. I find it quieter and more relaxing. And with Covid I'd rather not have to sit next to anyone.

However, with 4, you might be able to reserve a table seat for 4 which will allow your party to sit together without anyone else around. This is available in both classes but if you want to save money would be good for second class.

There's no need to stay with just one company. Go with whichever one has the best times and prices. Just don't have a short connection between companies. But with your routing, you shouldn't have to change trains.

Since you are three months away, its possible those "sold out" seats on Italo just aren't available yet or you are traveling on a holiday.

Great additional info! Since I don’t have to change trains between my destinations, I’ll interchange them, then.

Venice to Florence on Italo only offered an 8 and 11 departure, which I didn’t like. Trenitilia offered tickets starting at 9, which is when I wanted. So now I feel,comfortable booking that. I will also take a look at their discounts. Frank, did you like one over the other?