I will be taking a train from Nice to Rome and stopping for a few nights in Genoa, Cinque Terre, and Pisa along the way. I've decided to not buy a rail pass because it seems like an incredible waste of money for what I'd be using it for. However, I'm starting this journey on June 13th and have run into some questions regarding purchasing train tickets. Should I be buying these tickets in advance, or day of at the train station? I don't mind taking the slower regionale trains if they're going to be cheaper. If I do need to by them in advance, what website would you suggest to buy tickets from in the US?
Posted by
Minneapolis
1261 posts
Hi devon. Correct, do not buy a pass. For Genova to CT and CT to Pisa, best to wait and buy in Italy. For Nice to Genoa/Genova and Pisa to Roma, you can save by buying in advance if willing to lock in an exact date and time, or just buy when there. If you buy at last minute, you will pay the 'base' fare. View schedules and fares on trenitalia.com. (except some additional Nice - Genoa connecting options not shown). Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
If you are willing to use the Regionale trains then buy at the station just prior to boarding or the day before if more convenient for you. The Regionale trains are the cheapest, never discounted, so there is no point or advantage to buying in advance on-line. In fact, the on-line ticket comes with restrictions that the ticket purchased at the station does not have. However, tickets purchased at the station must be validated (time stamped) prior to boarding so look around for the little yellow/blue/green boxes near the platforms and watch the locals do it.
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
I checked for the train from Nice to Genoa (Genova). Advance buying saves you some money (EUR 28 instead of the regular EUR 35) for the morning train. It gets more interesting with the afternoon train (EUR 15 instead of the same EUR 35). Tickets can be bought on the website of the Italian railways.
You can get good bargains for the Pisa to Rome leg. For a random date in the second half of June I've seen a high-speed connection for as little as EUR 9,90 if you don't mind being tied to a specific train. Even the Regionale train is much more expensive at EUR 23,95.