This is my first time to travel by train in Italy and wonder what is the best way to get the ticket. Should I get the ticket online or should I buy it when I am there? Which train is the best (both in terms of duration and price) should I get? Can I use the ticket for a specific train or I can use it for any train with the same itinerary? I checked Eurorail for Munich-Verona and saw many trains, however, when I went in to buy, there is only one overnight train available. Can anyone explain why? Thank you.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23314 posts
First, Eurorail is not the best source for scheduling info. Use trenitalia.com for Italy. If you purchase early on line you can get some discounts but it is just as easy to purchase via the ticket machines or the window when you are in Italy. You will have lots of train options depending the schedule so just select the train that fits your schedule or price. The high speed trains are the fastest and the most expensive, the IC are in between and the Regional are the slowest and cheapest. All trains in Italy except the Regional require a seat reservations and that restricts you to that train at that time. Only on the Regional train can you get on and off in the direction of travel during the day. While there maybe lots of trains between two cities there may only be one overnight train with sleeping compartments.
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
864 posts
I use the RailEurope site for timetables, frequency of trains, fastest from A to B, costs etc. Lets you have a good idea going in what is and isn't viable for your particular itinerary. It's not like you have to buy from them, you can just window shop.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23314 posts
The Rail Europe site only lists the trains that they sell tickets for so not all trains on all routes are listed. Since RE is travel agency all of their tickets are sold at full price and sometimes a substantial markup plus delivery charges. Rail Europe does not sell any discounted tickets. In general, I personally believe that you should avoid using Rail Europe. The best site to use for scheduling information is bahn.de.
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
864 posts
When in doubt I go with Frank's advice.
Posted by
Kansas
1175 posts
Check out www.seat61.com for all of your Italian train questions, other European countries too. We've learned how to travel by train across Europe and Asia using this site. He makes it very easy to learn how to get the best prices and the best seats.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
There is only one direct night train between Munich and Verona, but it arrives in Verona at 02:37 on its way to Venice. You have several daytime departure times from which to choose on direct EC trains, the trip takes 5hr30min, and the best discount fare booked up to 92 days in advance on the German Rail site is €39. When are you taking this trip and what is your itinerary in Italy? Booked in advance on the Trenitalia site, you can get discount fares for many routes.
Posted by
OP
New York, NY, USA
2 posts
Many thanks to you all for your advice. I have one more question: which train should I use when in France? I will need to buy ticket from Genoa to Cannes, then from Cannes to Agen, Toulouse and after that to Poitier. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Follow Frank's advice and consult the detailed timetables on the German Rail site. Here's what you'll find there. Genoa-Cannes: One connection at Ventimiglia. Cannes-Agen: There is a direct night train. Daytime trains require a connection at either Marseille-St-Charles or Toulouse-Matabiau. Agen-Toulouse: Frequent service all day. Toulouse-Poitiers: There is at least one direct train, but most departure times will require a connection at Bordeaux.