Want to travel between Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan via high-speed train beginning June 20th. I’ve been watching both of their apps for dates to open but nothing past June 13th for the past few weeks.
Also, I know I have to take a regional train from Milan to Varenna, but do I need to book that way in advance too like the high speed trains? Party of 3 traveling together.
Thank you!
No telling when they will be available for sale. Not too long ago, you could not book more than 90 days ahead, so keep looking every few weeks.
The regional train to Varenna never sells out and does not take reservations. Even if you bought tickets months in advance, you would have no more right to a seat than someone buying a ticket with their smart phone while standing on the platform 5 minutes before departure. Just show up early at Milano Centrale when they spot the train on the platform and you will be the first aboard to grab seats. Return however, all bets are off since it originated in Tirano. Then just sit where you can. Stand if you must.
13th June is the bi-annual timetable change. Times are fixed in 6-monthly chunks (June and December).
Answer: they will be released 6-8 weeks before changeover date. But don't rush in, sometimes they release over a few days, so wait until all trains appear.
Regional trains do not have discounts for advance purchase. And you do not "book", you just buy a ticket, stamp it before getting on and and sit anywhere on the train. Price is €11.50 I looked it up on the Trenitalia website.
Chris and Sam.
Thank you very much for your reply! I appreciate it.
Regional train tickets purchased online are normally good for 4 hours from the selected time [and date] and are not validated. There are exceptions for Liguria and Trenord.
