Is the Amica fare all the time or just a certain number until they sell out (Trenitalia). Also, IF we buy our train tickets before we leave for Italy (and Austria, too) I am assuming we have to choose a certain departure time. If we change our minds to go on a later train, can we do that? Is there a penalty for the change on Trenialia or Bahn.de? Also, the good fares I am finding on Bahn.de now (for Austria) - will they be available in country or do I need to buy them now? Another concern: I looked up the fares on Austria's train line (oebb.at) to compare to Bahn.de and Bahn.de wins. However, when we are at the train station in, say, Innsbruck, can we buy Bahn.de tickets or only Austria rail tickets? The tickets seem to be for the same exact train and class but different fares.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
"I looked up the fares on Austria's train line (oebb.at) to compare to Bahn.de and Bahn.de wins". Yes, I believe that German Rail is a bigger company and more efficient, and offers fares from Germany to Austria a little less expensive than does Austrian Rail. However, be aware that most European railroads, such as Austrian Rail, only show prices online for trips entirely inside the country. German Rail is one of the few railroads that will offer you fares online for a trip starting or ending (but not entirely) outside Germany.
All that said, I don't think German Rail has a ticket counter in Innsbruck. In Innsbruck you would have to buy tickets from Austrian Rail.
I believe that the Amica fares are limited in quantity so could sell out before the night before. It might be a good idea to get them from here before leaving.
Many of the good fares are for a specific train, and are non-exchangeable, non-refundable, or have a penalty of exchange later.
Posted by
OP
Fresno
189 posts
That's kind of what I was thinking. I'll probably try to call them tomorrow. Thanks.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
If you have purchased an Amica fare but decide to take a later train, you can turn in the Amica ticket, pay a processing fee, and pay the difference between the Amica fare and the standard fare for a new ticket. Certain conditions apply. Read the information about booking changes here.
Posted by
OP
Fresno
189 posts
Thanks, Tim. I looked up the changes section and it looks like it's possible to make a change for free with Amica IF there are seats available on the new train at the Amica rate. WHat are the chances of an Amica fare (or other comparable discount) being available I wonder when we travel in July?