Every time I go on the trenitalia website it is only in Italian. how do I get to an english website that I can more easily navigate. We will be traveling this summer end of June to mid July and thought it might be best to purchase in advance. I also have been told there are rumors of a train strike this summer.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2365 posts
English site http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html
Type "Trenitalia" in the search box above, there have been many discussions about people having difficulties getting tickets online typically related to the kind of credit card used, and sometimes what type of ticket (not all can be purchased online). Despite the challenges, I successfully ordered tickets ahead in 2006 and picked them up at the self-serve kiosks.
Train strikes (and ferry strikes, and metro strikes) happen, and there is always a rumor about one. Sometimes they're planned sometimes not (see www.commissionegaranziasciopero.it - it's in Italian but you can get the gist). It's one of the joys of Italy - take your patience, good humor, and Rick Steves books (there are usually other transport options).
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Booking is allowed up to 60 days in advance for domestic routes on the Trenitalia site. To do a dummy booking and get timetables and fares, enter a date within 60 days from today.
New train timetables throughout Europe will be issued in early June. They should be posted sometime in May.
The only real advantage to booking in advance is that you have a better chance of getting Amica fares (20% discount). However, if any of the alloted seats are still available, you can buy an Amica fare ticket up to midnight of the day before departure.