We will be leaving Munich on a Thursday morning (9:31) in September and traveling to Bolanzo by train. The DB website is asking me if I want a seat reservation for 2nd class for 2.50 euros. Do you think we need a seat reservation or will there most likely be enough seats. Also, we will be traveling to Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples, Cinque Terra and Milan by train in September and October. Do we need 2nd class seat reservations for these trips? Thanks so much for any info you can provide.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Susan, for 2.5Euro, I would get the seat reservations. Very cheap. For Italy, you will most likely be on high-speed trains from Venice/Florence, Florence/Rome, Rome/Naples, a high-speed back to Rome, a possible high-speed to Cinque Terre. All of these high-speed trains require seat reservations. This applies to both 1st and 2nd class. But, if you buy these tickets while in Italy from the ticket windows or ticket machines, the seat reservation is included in the ticket price. No addtional costs.
If you are really good about getting your schedule down to your date and time of travel, you can make your list of ticket needs and purchase every one of them at the same time. Venice has a very nice train station. Also, there are travel agencies nearby the train station that will do this for you. You may be available for some discounts if you purchase early enough. Just have a really good list. You will have a stack of tickets. Or, you can purchase as you go. Once you do this once or twice, you will no longer fear the train system and you will see how really easy it is.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
If you are travelling with a rail pass, please don't "just take any non-reserved seat and stay there" on the Italian legs of your journey. As Larry noted, the fast trains all REQUIRE reservations, which you might want to get when you arrive at Bolzano. Be aware that there are also limits on reservations the rail companies make available for passholders.
If you are purchasing point to point tickets, then any reservations necessary will be included in the prices of the tickets.