Hello,
I will be in Italy for the first time in early November and am wondering about the train systems. I will be traveling from Venice, Florence, Pisa, and Rome all by train. First off, what is the difference between Eurail, Rail Europe, and Tren Italia? I keep seeing all three and not sure if they are the same company or different. Which one should I take?
Also...do I need to buy the tickets in advance or can I just wait and buy them when I get to Venice (which is my first stop?) I am leaving to France in about 15 days so I fear that if I order them online they won't arrive before my departure. Is there a big price increase if I buy them in Venice?
Any help would be much appreciated...thank you! :)
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32222 posts
Ana,
To answer your first question, Trenitalia is the national rail system in Italy, while Rail Europe is a "marketing" entity set up by the European rail networks.
NO, you don't have to purchase tickets in advance, and doing so would probably cost you more. Especially in Italy, the best option is usually to buy there either from staffed ticket offices or automated ticket machines (which have an English language option). Note that some trains (ES Italia or "fast" trains) require compulsory reservations and these will be included in the cost if you purchase P-P tickets.
You indicated that you'd be leaving for France in about 15 days. Could you clarify how you're getting from France to Italy?
My suggestion would be to check the Trenitalia or bahn.de websites to determine the departure times and other specifics for each of the routes you'll be taking by rail. One important point to check is the number of changes on the trains. I usually try to minimize those, but on past occasions have taken rail trips with as many as five changes (those who travel light have an easier time changing trains). When you arrive at Venezia Santa Lucia, you should be able to buy the tickets for all your rail trips.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Mpls, MN
1003 posts
Ana as other posters stated there is no need to buy tickets in advance. It is cheaper to buy your tkts in Italy and you can easily buy point-to- point tkts once you get there. Was in Italy this past July flying into Venice. We were staying near San Marco and purchased tkts for most of our journies at the Oltrex travel agency mentioned in the R.S. book. It is conveniently located on the waterfront, just one bridge past the Bridge of Sighs at Riva degli Schiavoni 4192. The booking fee was 3 Euros per journey for our group of 5 people which we were happy to pay for the convenience. I did go to Trenitalia's website before leaving home and printed off the times we wanted. I would read the train info. in the back of R.S. Italy book and study the sample tkt. www.roninrome.com has some very helpful into on train travel in Italy. Buon Viaggio!