I keep reading of travellers using low cost AMICA tickets in Italy. Exactly what is this fare? Any real savings over railpass? If so, how do you access?
Thank you!
Jack
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
AMICA tickets are primarily available on trains that have reserved seating, such as AV, AV Fast, ES, ES Fast, ES*City, IC Plus, IC, ICN, Exp, CC, WL. They save you 20% versus the standard ticket price. The Railpass ticket, in most cases, is far more expensive than point-to-point tickets in Italy. You can get the AMICA ticket by asking for them when you purchase your tickets at the counter or travel agency - or by using the kiosks in all train stations. When you get to the class of ticket on the kiosk, select PROMO and if the AMICA is available, it will be here on this screen.
AMICA tickets are sold on a limited basis and when they're gone, they're gone! You must buy the AMICA tickets by midnight of the day before you travel. No buying on the same day!
For more info, click here:
AMICA
Ciao,
Ron
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2083 posts
Wasn't it a requirement that in order to obtain the Amica fare you had to buy 2 tickets? We travelled together so maybe I just got this into my head. In any event we saved a bit whenever the Amica was available. And even without this special fare, I'd still think point to point is a better value than the Railpass. We spent a month in Italy riding the trains and it was terrific; easy, convenient, and molto stress free.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
No Denny, I bought Amica fares for tickets just for myself. Definitely a useful savings!
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2083 posts
Interesting, Debbie. I guess I just assumed that Amica fares related somehow to "friends". Today's lesson: Don't rely on faulty memory of 40 year-old college Italian when buying train tickets! Thanks for the info.