Getting a bit confused by the Trenitalia and ItaliaRail websites and was looking for some wise travel advice to the following questions: (1) Can you not make a "reservation" on a Regional Train (e.g. Rome to Florence)? I can buy tickets ahead of time via these websites, but it appears you either cannot reserve a seat until you are in Italy, or perhaps at all, for certain trains. (2) Are we better off waiting to purchase train tickets once we get to Italy for travel between Rome, Florence, Lucca, Pisa and back to Rome for the week before Easter through Easter? And finally, (3) can you not ride in 1st class if you have a 9-yr old in tow? Many Thanks!
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
John. let me try and answer some of your questions. First, you can buy Regionale train tickets online, but ONLY seven days prior to travel. Frankly, as they never sell out - and you're limited to a specific train when you buy Regionale online... there is NO REASON to purchase a Regionale train online. You can buy all your Regionale tickets at your first train station. Bought this way, Regionale train tickets are good for up to two months - which should cover your travel needs. You can buy non-Regionale tickets (like the AV or high-speed trains) online up to 120 days in advance... unless there's a price and route change pending which happens in June and December. Sometimes if you're buying in say, July or February, you have to be patient and wait for the routes (and prices) to be posted. Easter can be very busy. I've had friends visiting who where headed to Venice from Rome and ended up having to purchase 1st class tickets as 2nd class was sold out for all the routes they wanted. If you know the days you want to travel - and don't mind being locked to specific trains and times - then the Trenitalia MINI promotion can save you some money. I'm not sure I understand your last question... yes, a 9-year-old can ride in 1st class. You will have to purchase a ticket for your child as anyone over 4 years old must have a ticket. Sometimes it's cheaper to buy an adult MINI ticket than to utilize the Trenitalia Family Offer. From Rome to Florence and back, the MINI might be the cheapest option. To Lucca and Pisa, you'll probably be on Regionale trains.