I am wondering what the best way to reserve a seat ahead of time for traveling on Dec. 23 from Florence to Rome. Should I wait until I arrive in Florence, which will be a three days before the departure to Rome or is there a way to reserve a seat state side? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23310 posts
You can reserve directly with trenitalia.com. Advance reservations might allow you to get the mini fare discount but it locks you into that schedule. You should be fine reserving three days early and the mini fare could still be available. With something like 53 trains a day between Rome and Florence you can always find a seat if that is your principle concern.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta
5 posts
Thanks Frank! Great information. Didn't realize there were that many trains leaving daily. Just concerned about getting a seat since it is the holiday weekend.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
If you want to get a Mini fare, book NOW at trenitalia.com. I just checked the timetables for 23 December and found that Mini fare seats are already gone for some departure times on that date. If you wait until you get to Florence to buy tickets, you should be able to get a seat on one of the high-speed EuroStar Italia trains that make that run. However, since you'll be in the middle of the Christmas rush, you may not be able to get tickets for the departure time you'd prefer.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta
5 posts
Have either of you booked train/seat reservations with Rail Europe online?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23310 posts
Generally most experienced rail travelers avoid Rail Europe because it is a travel agency who sells limited tickets at marked up prices to North Americans. You should compare RE prices to Trenitalia.com and decided for yourself.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11348 posts
Tara:
I recently booked three Trenitalia trips in Italy for December. It's very easy, and if you need step-by-step help, Ron in Rome's site has it. Much as you, since I knew the days we would be traveling between cities, it wasn't risky to buy in advance, and I saved about 100 euros on three segments for 2 people by snagging mini fares. You are right: Dec 23 will most likely be quite busy so get those tickets! Be sure you tell your credit card company you are going to make an overseas purchase so they don't block the transaction. Laurel