We are interested in finding a website to purchase online advance discount train tickets in Italy. We are planning to pay in advance (approximately 6 months in July 2017) for train tickets from Milan to Florence, Italy. Thank you.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
You can go directly to the Italian source at www.trenitalia.com or use our US agent link for a similar price. Booking opens 3 months ahead of travel (unless they just extended it to 4 months; I forget at the moment).
Posted by
Watertown, MA
118 posts
You can purchase train tickets from Trenitalia 120 days in advance. Buying in advance can mean significant savings on the fare. That is the only reason to buy in advance.
Discounted fares can be as low as €24.90! In comparison, Base fare (full fare ticket can be modified with restrictions in standard class is €54. Only purchase super economy or economy tickets if you are 100% sure of date/time. Super economy are non-refundable and economy tickets can be changed before departure but you end up paying the difference in price between economy and base.
I have purchased many tickets on-line on the Trenitalia website and scored some great fares.
There is also a private train company that travels from Milan to Florence. Italo (http://www.italotreno.it/en) They offer good deals as well. Not sure when tickets will be available for July from Italo.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Laura:
Thank you for the response.
Bill
Posted by
San Mateo, CA, USA
257 posts
I was under the impression it was 90-120 days also, but I was able to book train tickets for both end of April and first week of May this week on Trenitalia.
Posted by
Watertown, MA
118 posts
Yes, 120 days out would be through May 6th.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Laura, it's been 120 days advance for Trenitalia for many years now. The only hiccup may be when the schedules change in June and December.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Laura, Holly, Dan & Zoe,
We really appreciate your timely response.
Bill
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32351 posts
bill,
You can also buy tickets online at Trainline.eu as they sell tickets for both major rail networks in Italy at the same prices at the networks. You can print the tickets at home and pack them along.
If you haven't travelled in Italy before, it's important to note that many cities have more than one rail station, so you'll need to know which stations you're using when you buy tickets. For the trip you've described, you'll likely be using Milano Centrrale and Firenze S.M. Novella and will be travelling on the high speed trains. Also note that the cheapest Super Economy tickets on Trenitalia are non-refundable and non-changeable once purchased so choose carefully. Tickets on the fast trains are specific to train, date and departure time, and come with compulsory seat reservations.