Big trip coming up and I had heard that it is best to book rail by Italy Rail while still in the U.S. to get the best "tourist rate." But my son-in-law tells me that his expatriot friend in Rome advises you buy your rail tix as you go, when in Rome, or whatever, not ahead of time, for best prices. Don't want to start a mother-in-law thing, but I do need to know what is true. We will be on the train a lot, for about 18 days. This is our third opportunity to be in Italy, but we have never used rail travel as much as we expect to do so in this venture.
Thanks for any help.
Bonnie
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Depending on when you're travelling, you can probably purchase most tickets a few days in advance...then you can take advantage of their "Amica" fares, 20 per cent off. If you wish to check schedules, or want to make sure you're booked on certain trains, go to the Italian national railway website at http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html. Book, there, look for the Amica rate if it's offered, and get an "ticketless ticket" e-mail confirmation with which you can just jump on the train. Some have experienced problems booking here, so register first, and when you get your password in the e-mail, try a couple of dummy bookings. Italy Rail will not be your best prices.
Posted by
Hendersonvlle, NC
486 posts
Buying ahead gets you a better chance at Amica fares (limited availability but restrictions on changes). So if you are sure of itinerary, try and get Amica fares. If not, or Amica fares are not available when you try, then you might as well wait as you can then change your mind.
Posted by
South Yorkshire, UK; formerly St. Louis, MO, USA
317 posts
I've found that train prices in Italy in general are inexpensive compared to the rest of Europe. I've never had an issue buying tickets as I go in Italy from a cost perspective. You dont mention your itinerary, but you could always buy the ticket for your next destination a few days ahead of time in-country. For example, if you plan to spend a few days in Florence and train to Venice, you could by your onward ticket the day you got to Florence. Another possibilty is to use the Railpasses section of the RS site, figure out where you'll go and approximate cost, then look at a railpass.
Posted by
OP
San Diego, CA, US
2 posts
Thank you, guys. Just the advice I need. Terrific of you to take the time to reply.
Bonnie