We will be traveling about 3 or 4 days by train in Italy in June before we get on a cruise ship. We want to take the slower intercity trains to enjoy the scenery, and because they are cheaper. Does anyone know if I should purchase a pass for these trains before our trip, thereby ensuring we will get a seat on the train, or chance it and wait to get tickets once in Milan where our plane lands?
Thanks so much for any replies.
A pass doesn't guarantee you a seat on any train. In fact, even with a pass, you will have to make mandatory seat reservations on IC trains, and reservation for Eurail pass holders are limited. I would just wait until you arrive in Italy, then visit Centrale station and pick up all your tickets then (reservation is included). It'll be a lot cheaper that way....a rail pass in Italy isn't worth it. As well, if you purchase your tickets at least one day in advance, you may get an Amica fare at 20 per cent off, if there are any left. Regional trains (really slow and limited in distance) don't require or accept reservations. But, again, the costs are so low, buy your tickets there.
Tickets on the IC trains are really cheap. You can really avoid the pass. Just write down the runs you want and buy the tickets when you get to Milan. I believe that you can get guaranteed seat reservations for 3Euro above the basic train fare. Still, I bet that you will jump on a Eurostar here and there. Hard to avoid as they are so fast.
Agree with previous posters. Train travel in Italy isn't like the US where you have a choice of 2 or 3 trains the entire day; in Italy routes connecting popular cities (such as Rome to Florence) may have 30 trains or more each day! Go to Trenitalia and look at the schedule for the trips you're considering. Do what most people do; wait until you get to Italy, then use the automated kiosks (with English menu) to buy your tix.
Actually, there are 55 trains a day from Rome to Florence. I've counted the runs.
