I'm having trouble planning our train trips for my husband and I for this summer while in Europe (June/July) between Rome, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Interlaken, Munich and Amsterdam (11 days between Rome and Amsterdam, 4-5 travel days). I'm thinking a 5 travel day pass would be best? That Deutsche Bahn website that was suggested by Rick Steves is confusing to me (is there really only 2 trains that go from Rome to Pisa on Sat June 25th? And none before 3 in the afternoon? Or is it too soon to try and look that far in advance?) I'm just having trouble and need help! :-(
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
Many European countries change their timetables from "winter" to "summer" in mid-June, and timetable information and release of tickets for sale for late June journeys can be later than usual. Italy has a reputation for being particularly bad.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Yes, it's too soon to see a complete summer schedule for Italy, especially for regional trains. Look at a similar date before the June 12 schedule change, such as Sat. June 4th; they aren't likely to be much different on the new schedule.
Posted by
OP
Michigan
11 posts
Thank you!! :-)
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
In theory, the change takes place Sat/Sun midnight (Central Europe Time) on the second weekend in June and December. German Rail has their new schedule up about a month and a half before that time (this year I think it's already up). I've seen years where it was one or two weeks after the date, and Italian Rail still hadn't updated their schedules.
By the way, Italian Rail doesn't seem to show the schedule for regional trains more than a week in advance.