We are traveling from Rome to cinque terre by train. Is there any reason to make our reservation now, online, in advance? Or can we just go to the terminal and get the ticket then?
Trying to figure out of its easier to try to buy the tickets or try to redeem already purchase tickets - is there a risk that we won't get a seat?
Thank you,
Susan and Barry
When are you going and are you arriving at the airport the same day or will you already be in Rome? Makes a difference in what the correct answer will be.
Susan and Barry,
A bit more information would be helpful. For example......
To answer your question - YES, you can buy your tickets when you arrive at Roma Termini. The easiest method is to use the self-serve Kiosks, as the staffed ticket office usually has long queues.
We always have our rail passes in advance and don't bother with reservations unless required by a specific train or we plan to sleep on a train. You can also buy tickets right there. If you don't get one train, try the next.
If you are taking trains run by Trenitalia, you will receive tickets via email within seconds of purchase (regionale train tickets can only be bought seven days in advance unless part of a high-speed trip with train changes). I have never redeemed pre-purchased tickets in Italy, didn't know that was an option, and frankly it sounds like a headache-in-waiting.
Yes, it's very easy to purchase tickets at the station the day of your journey.
You will be switching trains at least once if not twice or even more depending on what time/train you choose from Rome. The trains running into the CT from La Spezia (very likely where you'll make a change) are almost all regionales, and can be very busy during peak season so it's possible to have to stand on those. No matter; you really can't reserve seats on them anyway (validate your tickets!!!!) and it's a short-ish journey to the 5 villages from there.
More info:
We will have been in Rome for 4 days before leaving.
We plan to leave for Cinque Terre on Saturday, May 9th, around 9-10 in the morning.
I hope that helps, and thank you!
Susan
Also, we are staying in Monterosso and we have traveled on trains before in Italy, although not for a few years.
Susan
Since you are traveling on a Saturday, you can get a 2 for 1 special on the trip, at least as far as La Spezia. So you can save 43.50 euro if you buy now on line. There is a 9:57 am IC train from Termini arriving La Spezia at 1:58 pm, connecting to a Regionale at 2:04 pm arriving Monterosso at 2:20 pm. 48.90 euro total including the Regionale.
Thanks, Sam!!
I just went online and booked and saved some nice money! Next time you're in Portland, Maine, I'll buy you a beer!
Susan
