reservations for intercity trains in Italy

Posted by Deborah (Atlanta, Georgia, USA) on 05/24/08 07:01 AM

We are traveling to Italy in June. By air to Milan Malpensa. We want to take a slower intercity train from airport to Lucca, and two days later, from Lucca to Rome. From what I have gathered, it is best to purchase our tickets at the station as opposed to reservations from home. This way, if we are running late for a train, we won't lose our reservation. But I have also seen where people without reservations have not been able to fine places on a train.
Can anyone advise me the best way to purchase tickets?

Thanks

Posted by Doug

Portlandia

05/24/08 09:34 AM

3313 posts

For the trips you are describing, purchasing at the station is best. There are numerous trains daily so it's unlikely you'll have trouble finding a seat unless you're going at peak hour on a peak day.

Posted by Larry

Elk Grove, CA, USA

05/24/08 10:14 AM

6898 posts

First, from Malpensa airport to Milano Centrale, you will have to take a bus. This takes about an hour. Then, you can indeed take R, IC or ICPlus trains for the remainder of your journey. They take longer but they do cost less. Also, there are no seat reservations permitted on the R trains. These are just like the MARTA. None are required on the IC or ICPlus trains either but for 3Euro at the train station, you can get seat reservations.

You might want to think about a slow train from Lucca to Rome. That could take about 1.5hrs-2.0hrs more that the high-speeds. Lucca to Florence would be on a R train but from Florence to Rome, the high-speed only takes 1hr.43min.

Posted by Frank

WPB, FL & Firenze

05/24/08 11:20 AM

3112 posts

While (much to my surprise) the IC Plus trains to Lucca take the same amount of time as the high-speed trains (4.5 hours), they only run about every 3 hours (e.g one at 11:10, next at 14:05). Reservations are available but not mandatory on the Milan to Prato leg, but reservation aren't possible on the Prato to Lucca leg. If you really want the IC train via Prato, let the ticket agent know as they will otherwise assume you want the next available train.