We are going to be traveling from Venice to Milan, and then 2 days later, Milan to Florence. Which train is best, and must we book in advance (we leave in 2 days). If you book a reservation for a particular time, will you be able to use the ticket if you miss the train?
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Venice-Milan: IC trains make the trip in 2 1/2 hours. Milan-Florence: High-speed ES trains make the trip in just under two hours. All seats are reserved on both IC and ES trains and the reservation is included in the price of the ticket. If you buy a full fare ticket and miss the train, you can exchange it for one for a later train.
Posted by
OP
Newtown
16 posts
I see "ES City" on the Trenitalia website when I enter Venice to Milan - is this the same as "IC"? Also, I do not see any "discount" seats, is that because there are none? Do you advise buying these tickets in advance, or waiting until we get to the train station?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23568 posts
The ES and IC are similar trains. I think the ES is quicker than the IC. If a discount is not available then they are either sold out or never offered. If no discounts available there is no reason to purchase a head of time. Wait till you get there and know the exact time you want to go.
Posted by
OP
Newtown
16 posts
Thanks!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
I used the German Rail site for the timetables and it listed the Venice-Milan trains as IC trains rather than ES City trains. I don't know why. The Trenitalia site lists Regionale trains (short distances with frequent stops), IC trains (medium distances with no top speed given), ES City trains (up to 200 km/h) and ES Alta Velocita trains (up to 360 km/h). Mini fares are offered on both of your routes. If the Trenitalia site doesn't show them for your travel dates, then they are gone. To be sure to get a seat on the trains you prefer, it would be a good idea to buy your tickets a day or two ahead of each departure date.