I will be traveling around Italy during Easter week. Is there a need to buy my train tickets online first?

Question

i would much prefer to buy point-to-point tickets once we're in italy itself, but i'm afraid it will be difficult since it's the easter period. we'll be going rome-florence-venice (in that order). are there price differences, and are the machines easy to use? thanks!!

Answer 1

If you know the days of when you will be needing to travel, then I would buy them online. If you dont know and are kind of winging it, then just buy them at the station a head of time.

There are different prices between each destination.

The machines are super easy to use. I usually went to the ticket teller and bought them that way.  Rome is going to be very busy, I know it was when I went there, so I would show up early.

If I were you, I would go the day before to the station and buy them, or if you want to go the same day, then show up at least an hour before, incase there is a line, you dont miss your train, but I do believe there are serveral trains that travel that route since its popular.  

Make sure you are in the proper line though. Some are just for that country and others are international lines. They also have a line for ppl traveling the same day, I believe thats in Florence, that have that as well. So make sure you don't get into the wrong line.

Good luck and enjoy, you will have a blast!!!

Answer 2

I was in Italy this past October for a 3 week vacation. In planning my trip I thought of buying my tickets on line ahead of time but then decided against it. The price difference is nominal and should your plans change there may be a change fee if you dont make those changes at least 24 hours before your date of departure. I visited the cities you mention and a few more...At each train station they have an information center. The attendants will assist you with schedules providing a variety of options. Most attendants speak English. Once you have decided on your scedule just go to the ticket window and purchase a ticket with a seat number confirmed...first class is a bit more expensive but worth it...whether you go 1st or 2nd class do make a reservation. Also, purchase your tickets at least one or two days before your departure date. The trains are used extensively in Italy so they can fill up fast. Also, the Rome - Florence leg of your trip - take the express train, known as ES (Eurostar) - the trip will take just over 90 minutes...well worth a few extra Euros. In the event you want to check out schedules ahead of time and get some more info check out the following website:

http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html

One last thing to consider - the Florence-Venice trip...unless you want to see the country side or dont want to spend the extra euros for the ES train (about 3 hours Florence - Venice on the ES train), consider an overnight coach train. It usually leaves around midnight and gets you to Venice around 7 am. You can also get a private cabin with coffee service in the morning.

Have fun...Ciao!

Answer 3

Buying tickets in advance is not mandatory but definetly adviceble, especially for Easter trip; be careful, from Rome to Florence (and to Milan, when you're headed toward Venice) you can choose between InterCity, which are cheaper but slower, booking is optional; Eurostar are faster and cost more, booking is mandatory (you can't simply stand up, there!); although you can book just before departures, you'll risk not to find seats anymore.

When you're in Florence you can also choose a Cisapino train that can bring you to Milan: it cost like InterCity but it's fast as Eurostar and more comfortable; when in Milan, you'll find more InterCity than between Rome and Milan, some Interregionale, also, (slower, cheaper, but crowded unless you ask for "1 Classe"). Still, Eurostar and Cisalpino.

You can also buy a Eurostar ticket and if you choose to delay you can ask for a "change of book" (in the railway station).

Look at Trenitalia site http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html

for every info about procedures to follow, and any info about booking in advance or even last minute offers; during holidays they often add extra train not listed on ordinary schedule, so take a look some days prior to your trip.

Answer 4

I've done similar journeys in Italy, you can buy from the machine when you get there. if its likely to be very busy there is a website. My important tip is this: pay the extra E2-3 for a seat, this is a separate cost, otherwise you may end up standing for a 4 hour journey in a narrow corridor! the machines are easy and in english. there are also 2 types of trains, local/regional or the eurostar trains, eurostar trains are of a really good quality with adjustable seats, sockets for chargers etc The local trains are hit'n miss. PS I thought venice was rubbish, verona is much more 'true Italy', but the others are d**n nice too!

Answer 5

The peak of allergy season.  

Take your favorite medication.

Answer 6

It doesn't matter to book a ticket. In case of crowded trains, you will stand up during the travel and that's all. The machines are very easy to use, you can also choose English instructions. Ciao