We need to travel overnight from Sicily to Rome. I've been looking at the Trenitalia website, and can see the train I think I want, but in the "buy" section there are so many choices for seats, etc. and I simply do not know what each choice really means. And their help page does not describe those choices. I feel my best option to get what I want is to find a travel agency in Italy that can do the booking for me. The website says certain agencies can do the booking, but does not name any agencies. Anyone have recommendations for an agency? Or alternatively, point me to where I can get descriptions of all these seating choices? Since overnight, I'd like to sleep, but I see a dozen different choices, and don't want to book the wrong thing..... and then, if we do sleeping arrangements, does that mean we will have no seats at all for the trip and we Have to lie down the whole way? have never been before, so am rather ignorant of how this all works.... thanks in advance.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
You can buy your tickets at a train station as well as a travel agency. If you give your departure point in Sicily, which night train you wish to take, and how many people will be in your party, I'll try to explain your sleeping accommodation choices.
Posted by
OP
Philadelphia
3 posts
Thank you so much Tim! We want to depart Catania, arriving Rome Termini. From the Trenitalia website, I'm looking at the 1938 Bellini (Express) train leaving at 2200, night of April 1st. It is just myself and my husband traveling.
and if you know of a travel agency (assuming it has to be Italian?), I would welcome a recommendation, as I'd rather have this confirmed before we go there (and find no space on train for late purchase).
Thanks again.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
First, a disclaimer. While I have traveled on night trains in Europe, I haven't done so in Italy. My analysis is based on my limited experience.
Couchettes for four "comfort" means four built-in bunks. Couchettes can be mixed or female only.
You and your husband could share a two-bed compartment, but not a three-bed one. To mix male and female, you have to book the entire compartment.
Since a drawing of two beds is shown when choosing a double seat compartment and the fare is higher than a two-bed compartment, I'm GUESSING that the double seat compartment has a few more amenities. In either case I THINK the beds fold away for evening and morning use.
If you click on the "choose your rate" drop-down window, you'll see a list of fares. You can always get standard fares. If you book well in advance, you can get Amica fares (20% off).
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Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
You can book online up to 60 days in advance on the Trenitalia site; but you have to register first, a process that can be problematic.
Or you can phone the Trenitalia Call Center. The phone number for calls placed from outside of Italy is on this page: www.trenitalia.com/en/area_clienti/call_center/index.html.