How to buy italian train tickets before you leave home. Cheap advance train tickets advance tickets info trainline. To get the cheapest price on high speed train, we recommend you to book italy train tickets in advance. But it is normally possible to buy it on the spot too if it is not fully booked, but i dont think it.
This is especially the case if you buy tickets in advance and are able to get a discount. I m assuming that the earlier i purchase them, the better price i can get. Sorrento will be busy on weekends in may, so if you travel there on weekends, book early. High speed italian trains like this are an important part of our guide for how to. Trying to figure out how to buy train tickets in italy in italian can be overwhelming if you are not fluent. Luftahansa is one where travelers can book open not train specific tickets on long distance train from their arrival airport to other cities in germany for a fare rivaling advance purchase fares. You can buy most european train tickets online from anywhere, so it all comes down to how early you are able to commit to a nonrefundable. And booking a week in advance is almost always cheaper than booking on travel day. Theres no better way to see the cities of italy than by train, trains link just about every town or city of any size, centre to centre. The reason you cant book everything via one website is because the train lines are operated by different companies. I have compared companies and routes for years in order to write a guide on how to buy train tickets in italy. Should i purchase train tickets between milan malpensa. The reason you can t book everything via one website is because the train lines are operated by different companies. That said, if you book in advance, you can change your ticket if you miss the train.
Citytocity refers to train travel between the major cities in italy, as opposed to, which usually connect smaller cities and towns with each other or with the nearest major city. Highspeed trains in italy require to have a seat reservation booked in advance to boarding a train or you could be kicked out of the train. Whether youre traveling with a rail pass or not, its worth taking the time to figure out whether you need seat reservations on european trains depending on the route and type of train, reservations can be criticalor a pointless hassle and expense. I will be travelling from rome to florence on 28 march should i buy a ticket in advance or is it ok to buy on the day.
In italy, you must reserve seats on ic innercity, ec eurocity, frecciarossa and frecciabianca trains. Hi, i am a bit confused whether i should book my train tickets in advance for my travel in. The faster trains tend to be posted first and the slower, regional trains will get posted last. You can always book you seat reservation once you are in europe, but remember that premium trains sell fast. Sbb runs an eurocity stopping in luzern with terminus in venice. Tickets for the private italo rail service that serves most major italian cities can also be bought up to four months in advance, with good discounts. Please note that some operators can be slow to open reservations as far in advance as they claim.
We are traveling from milan verona florence monterroso via train and want to know if we should buy train tickets in advance. Im assuming that the earlier i purchase them, the better price i can get. That includes taking regional trains to get to smaller towns or short distances, and fast speed trains to travel between major italian cities. No need to wake up in the middle of the night, nobody gets tickets so early. Tickets to book in advance in italy fodors travel talk forums. I like the idea of being flexible about travel but my concern is that the most direct train will be sold out so will have to take a longer train with more connections or have to wait for a while at train station. Most frecce fast train and intercity italian train tickets are only sold within four months of the actual travel date and sometimes less so you will usually not be able to purchase tickets more than four months in advance. Italia rail reservations and supplements italy train ticket. But always book as far in advance as you can to assure the best price and to avoid your class of service being sold out especially during peak travel season on high speed trains.
Europe tickets to book in advance in italy hi friends i will be visiting italy from 5th may to 17th may and i will be visiting venice, florence, pisa, lucca, siena, rome and pompeii. Feb 17, 2020 be aware that if you purchase your ticket in advance for a fast train, or freccia, you cannot change the time or date later can be changed up to the time of the booked train, on payment of a change fee. Be aware of the following holidays in italy in addition to the weekends. We will be headed to venice, milan, cinque terre, florence, rome, naples, almalfi coast and finishing in bari should i buy train tickets tofrom major cities i. If you are planning to visit rome, florence, venice, and milan, individual train tickets will cost less than an italian rail pass.
Either buy your tickets at the station or book online. Things to book in advance in rome by at least three months. Without a car, i regularly travel through italy by train. While you can usually buy italian train tickets right at the station in italy, its often more convenient to buy them ahead of time. We are taking the train from rome to florence, florence to venice and then the high speed train from venice to milan. You can always try buy train tickets at your train station of departure. Have looked up trains grindelwald to milan depart 07. All trains in italy require a seat reservation and that. Tickets between the major italian cities do sell out so book train seats between rome, florence, milan, venice, and naples in advance. In addition, any cross border day train will require a seat reservation.
Also, will be taking a day trip, by train, from florence to pisa, but i was planning on just buying that ticket at the train station on the day of travel. During the trip the conductor will come by to scan your ticket. If you book in advance you can save money as i said in the previous message. Hello, my husband and i are traveling to italy march 1120. Train tickets are one size fits all and are valid only for the specific date and times requested no refunds are given for missed trains. For this reason, european trains mostly open for bookings only 90 days ahead, although a handful. All the links provided allow you to book the tickets in advance. Europe booking trains in italy should i book in advance. This page is mostly about what to book in advance in rome during the busy months march november.
Buying european train tickets by rick steves rick steves europe. I dont want to book ahead of time if i dont have to because i dont want to be bound by time constraints that i. Should i buy italy train tickets in advance rick steves. How to buy the cheapest italy train tickets online. Renee, you can certainly buy tickets for the premium trains in advance ie.
Buying train tickets in italy the 2019 guide the hotel. The only time you cant is during their schedule change which happens in mid december and mid june. Italiarail can make reservations on many but not all trains. Seniors can find a few ticket deals, most of which require a discount card purchased in europe discounts start between ages 60 and 67. Italiarail is a train ticketing site that is 100% in english. The main trains in italy are operated by trenitalia, italo and thello, which provide highspeed, international and regional trains.
Usually you can book tickets up to 4 months in advance. Advance single tickets cant be refunded by train companies, but they can be exchanged for a new ticket on a different service on either the same day or another date at a. Buying train tickets in italy the 2019 guide the hotel expert. If youre planning a trip to italy and plan to travel by rail, you may wish to buy your train tickets in advance. Europeans tend to book train travel only days or weeks ahead, not months, but of course the further ahead you can book the cheaper it can be. Tickets are oneway only, so do be sure to book your return tickets at the same time. We know how important it is to book your tickets in advance. Advance tickets sold through nationalrailway websites are often easily redeemable at the station. Though some train rides should be booked in advance, its generally easiest to buy tickets right at the station.
Once youre in italy, you can buy tickets just before you get on a train. For most firsttime visitors to rome, the biggest thing to worry about may be the lines at the two most popular sights, the colosseum complex which includes the roman forum and palatine hill and the vatican museums. You can buy passholder seat reservations at train stations and major travel agencies, reserving several key trains in one visit. We are a fully licenced partner of trenitalia and make the whole process fast and efficient. There are often machines where you can buy tickets as well. While tickets can be bought at the station, either at the ticket window or using the ubiquitous selfserve. Usually these are very simple things like buying a train ticket, which can actually be. Travel light, book em in advance and you may get considerable discounts because you will travel as family. Trenitalia can t, so will ignore any remaining tickets at the cheaper price level if there arent enough for all the passengers traveling. In my experience, however, people often arrive in rome with a wish list, only to discover that what they wanted to seedo needed to be booked ahead, and is now sold out. Hi all travelling from grindelwald to verona on 28 september 3 people. Please note that you wont be able to change your route. If you miss that train for any reason, your tickets will be worthless and youll have to buy more at full price. Tickitaly offers train tickets between selected italian cities on the comfortable and fast freccia arrow train services read on for more information or simply complete the form below to purchase your tickets.
Tickets to book in advance in italy fodors travel talk. I would like to book train tickets, and i understood that i could book tickets online through trenitalia 4 months in advance. Hi, i am a bit confused whether i should book my train tickets in advance for my travel in italy. At the minute depending on the departure hour for each train, italian time. For the best deals, purchase your train tickets three months in advance, if possible. How to buy train tickets in italy an american in rome. The italian train network is so extensive and modern that it connects all the major cities, so you can easily travel to and around the country. Booking may open only 3060 days ahead for travel immediately after the two annual timetable changes, on the 2nd sunday in june and 2nd sunday in december. One question that comes up frequently is what museums or tours should be booked in advance. Europe tickets to book in advance in italy hi friends i will be visiting italy from 5th may to 17th may and i will be visiting venice, florence, pisa, lucca, siena. You can book your eticket online directly on omio or the website of the train company. Train travel in italy, a beginners guide tickets from 9.
If you are planning to visit rome in the quietest months part of december, january and early february, you may not need to book quite so far in advance. Italiarail italy train ticket and rail pass experts. I think fast trains can be booked up to 120 days ahead. The answers depend on the type of tickets and each type of italian train. Booking train tickets in advance italy forum tripadvisor.
To buy your train ticket in english, and to compare over 300 train and bus companies on the omio app. You wont be able to book tickets beyond the schedule change until they post them. Trains in italy the fastest and best value routes omio. You can buy your train tickets roughly 2 months ahead of when youll need them, and can even book them the day before your train trip. To avoid unpleasant situations, when all seats all already reserved, we strongly recommend that you book your seat reservation in advance and online. Malpensa is a trenord station, whilst milano centrale and porta garibaldi are both fs national railway company stations. Jan 18, 2019 trenitalia cant, so will ignore any remaining tickets at the cheaper price level if there arent enough for all the passengers traveling. Do i need to book train switzerland to italy in advance. Buying tickets soon after theyre released gives you a better chance of securing seats during busy travel days, and may give you access. Europeans use trains to go shopping, attend business meetings or visit granny, everyday activities that are usually planned only days or weeks ahead, not 6 months. Choose any route in the map above and follow the links to see ticket.
These are the available high speed connectins in italy right now. Venice to milan, florence to rome in advance, or can i buy them day of while we are there. I plan to travel from sicily to rome just before christmas as the first leg in a longer trip to the us. To book a train in italy you can do it with trenitalia or italo depending on the company you have chosen. How far in advance can you book tickets with trenitalia. Jan 21, 2019 five ways to buy train tickets in italy. Can travelers buy tickets on the day they want to travel, hannah wants to know, and what are the advantages to booking in advance. Trenitalias train schedules and fares are typically only released between 90120 days in advance, so its not a good idea to solidify travel plans before that pointthe timetable can change seasonally. Here is a helpful guide to let you know when bookings become available on rome2rio. Europe do i need to book train switzerland to italy in advance. Book italy train tickets online with italiarail the italian train travel specialists. Martha bakerjian is an italian travel expert who uses her home in northern tuscany as a base for her in depth explorations of the country.
So far, in my last 3 visits to italy, i have always bought tickets on the day of travel at the train station, and never encountered a sold out train. Let italiarail be your onestop online destination for competitive prices on a comprehensive selection of citytocity also known as pointtopoint tickets. You can compare fast and slow trains or filter them out completely if you dont want to worry about accidentally. While a rail pass is often the smart way to ride the rails in europe, sometimes it makes sense to purchase individual train tickets. Hello, my hubby and i are heading to italy in may 2018. April 25national liberation day may 1labor day after mon may 4, in rome you can find something any time even the same day. In germany, german rail has a deal with selected airlines luftahansa is one where travelers can book open not train specific tickets on long distance train from their arrival airport to other cities in germany for a fare rivaling advance purchase fares. Buying an advance ticket for a train on arrival day is too big a gamble for me. Travel with our frecce trains, at high speed, departing and arriving from the center of the main cities. If you can not decide a travel time, base fare is advised to enjoy a hasslefree travel. The good news is that you can generally get a decent discount on the full fare if you buy at least a month in advance. You can also book them through the trenitalia app look for the rate called global pass, which works for the singlecountry italy eurail pass, too. Be aware that if you purchase your ticket in advance for a fast train, or freccia, you cannot change the time or date later verona florence monterroso via train and want to know if we should buy train tickets in advance. For example, 90% of all uk train tickets are bought less than a month before travel.
I will be traveling by train from rome to florence on september 21st, and by train from florence to venice on september 24th. Travelers to italy often ask when they can buy their italian train tickets in advance of their trip to italy, or whether they even need to buy them ahead of their train travel date. Passholders seat reservation guide rail europe train. Can anyone tell me how far in advance i can purchase the tickets.
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