What is the cheapest/easiest way to travel throughout Italy?

Question

Specifically, I will be in Rome for a few days and am looking to travel up to Venice (through Tuscany) within one week w/ a stop or two in btwn. I've been on trenitalia.com and it's not helping. The only thing I see is a "3 in 2 months" pass, but it's $160 per person! Ideally I'd love a week pass to use freely with a stop or 2 in btwn Rome & Venice. We check out of Rome on 4/21 and have a hotel in Venice starting 4/25. Any suggestions!? THANKS MUCH!

Answer 1

Trains are cheap in Italy compared with other countries.

Nevertheless there are different kind of train and you can plan your travel according to your preference : the cheapest way or the fastest way?

kinds of train :

eurostar : it is the most expensive , but it is fastest. You should reserve

intercity : a little be less expensive than euro star. There are two types of intercity : IC plus (you should reserve) and IC (reservation is not compulsory)

espresso : very awful train, but very very cheap. It runs expecially in the night

interregionale/regionale : awful train , but very cheap. There isn't reservation

Answer 2

train...cheapest, fastest.

Answer 3

Hi, great choices :)

The train is fast and cheap in Italy.

You must find train "interciry" or "regional", the "eurostar" train are more fast but more expensive.

From Rome to Florence with eurostar is 1 h 35 about £15 with itercity is 2 h 40 about £ 10

From Florence to Venice with eurostar is 2h 37 about £ 25 with intercity is 3 h 20 about £ 18

If you don't go in Tuscany change in Bologna is more cheap and fast

Bye bye

Answer 4

I think you can just take the trains that best suit you and pay for the tickets - rather than going for that trenitalia pass. Trains are definitely the most comfortable, cheap and convenient way of traveling in Italy. Enjoy!

Answer 5

Train by far... plus u don't really have to a buy a ticket. They rarely check. I probably made it to Venice 10 times without buying a ticket. Of course, I was young and broke then.

Answer 6

Don't bother to fly.  I did it from Rome to Venice and I spent longer in security lines, flyind and waiting for the water taxi in Venice then it would have taken to ride the train.  Go train for sure.

You can buy day pass tickets for the train but it's within a month-

http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/passes...

If you're under 26 you can pick up a discounted pass.  

I'd suggest skipping these 'bulk' deals and going with a point to point ticket, especially where you're searching to go.  Some trains require reservations with advanced purchase which is MUCH cheaper to book in advance here in the US.  Waiting to get to Italy is more expensive.  However, some trains are cheaper to pay as you go without reservations...depends on the line you're taking.  Major routes (Rome to Florence to Venice) should be booked in advance.

You can get tickets online at www.trenitalia.com

Good luck!