We'll fly into Rome on Sunday at 8 a.m. (Sept. 18th; don't believe it's near any holiday). Rather than adding in a cushion of time and saving money with cheaper Mini fare, we'd like to get the earliest train to Venice that we can to optimize amount of time in Venice. Are we likely to face any sold out departures for an AV/high speed from Rome to Venice? We're a party of four and could split into twos; we're also willing to purchase second or first class tickets. We'll choose flexibility over the Mini price if we're pretty sure we can choose the most convenient time at the train station on the day of travel. (vs possibly being stuck with worthless pre-booked tickets if our plane had a long delay) Any advice much appreciated.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23282 posts
Lots of trains to Venice. Train rarely if ever sell out. And it is safe to say that first class never sells out. Provided you luggage is limited, it would be cheaper and more convenient to take a taxi (fixed 45E and tip) to Termini than the Leonard Express which is 14/person or 56E for your party. Walk through the front doors and you will find a huge bank of ticket machine - maybe two hundred. Pick one, pick English and buy four tickets. Your station would be St. Lucia which dead ends at the main canal. If you have time pick up some sandwiches in the station which is better that what is offered on the train. But there is a food car on the train.
Posted by
Texan in CA
4407 posts
If you, or your companions, aren't familiar with trains, here's a website that shows and describes the differences b/n 1st and 2nd class trains in Italy: http://www.roninrome.com/transportation/1st-class-versus-2nd-class Also, Ron has a fantastic photo tutorial on how to purchase tickets from the kiosks - and your USA credit card WILL work in them! It's called something like 'How to Purchase Tickets...' or 'Buying Train Tickets in Italy...' Very informative. Sold-out trains shouldn't be a problem; late Sunday night trains in August might be different. Or not. And I definitely concur on taking a taxi - and Sunday morning traffic shouldn't cause a problem. Oh, and Sept 18 IS a holiday - it'll be my first full day in Europe ;-) The drinks will be on me...
Posted by
OP
Des Moines, Iowa, US
13 posts
You guys rock! I hope to offer such great advice after we return from our trip. We'll definitely take the taxi....(and buy sandwiches)
-Kristi