There is an abundance of interest for my article of Basic Travel tips in Italy, so I decided to write a follow-up article answering more of your questions.
Eurail Passes. Are they a better deal or no?
Depends on how long you are traveling either just in Italy or across the Europe. I believe they are a fantastic deal these days. If your itinerary allows you to travel much easier by train, then it is worth the money. As the dollar keeps falling, in my opinion, the Eurail pass is a great idea.
Should I buy my ticket before I leave home?
I suggest on waiting until you arrive in Italy. Trains don’t usually sell out. The reason why it is smart to buy the tickets when you arrive is because Italy is known for their many strikes. So if you buy the tickets before and find out the day you bought them there is a strike, there is more time you spend exchanging the tickets. The domino effect begins of reorganizing your planned trip to Italy.
Can I make a reservation online for a Eurostar or Intercity train with my Eurail pass?
As far as I know, it isn’t possible to do this online. You must complete this process at the train station with one of the tellers. PS, there is an extra charge for this reservation.
Can I make a reservation from the automatic machines in the station?
Yes you can. You will choose where you want to sit using the touch screen.
How can I make sure our seats are together?
Choosing seats together is difficult to come by on the automatic machines. The way the seats are laid out are a bit different so you can be sure you are sitting together. When you get on the train and you seem to be spread out, see if the other patrons will mind switching so you can sit next to loved ones. If you really want to make sure you are together, go to one of the tellers and double-check.
Where do we look for the seat numbers and carriage numbers?
Carriage numbers are located on the outside of each car, Intercity and Eurostar. For example, it will say Carrozza 12 on the side of the car. On the Eurostar it is usually a digital screen and on the Intercity it is written on the side.
What is the difference between first class and second class in all trains?
On the Eurostar, the seats are a bit nicer but I believe that is all. For all other trains, there is really no difference. Spending the extra 10 or 15 euro to be in first class, is really not worth your money. There is no special service you are missing out on. Stick with the second class people.
Are buses more reasonable than trains when traveling cross-country?
Honestly I have never heard of anyone taking a bus from Milan to Florence, for example. I am sure their are buses but they seem to take a lot longer. I took one from Florence to Forte dei Marmi, the bus indeed, took longer than the train would’ve. The bus option is open for all that want to take it but I prefer the trains.
Is traveling during the summer months difficult for tourists?
The summer months (June, July, and August) are in fact the most crowded throughout Italy. The trains will probably be really crowded because everyone is trying to get to some place cool. I have never had a problem getting a ticket in the summer. Although I might have had to take a later train or a train the next day but I was never stranded.
Overnight trains. How do they work?
Overnight trains are fabulous if you want to go from Milan to Sicily or better yet Rome to Salzburg. Where ever you want to travel to, it is possible with the overnight trains. Keep in mind these trains aren’t cheap. Depending on where you are heading be prepared to spend about 100 Euro or more a person. Using the Eurail Pass, you will pay significantly less.
If you have any more questions that I didn’t address here please comment below.
Happy Travels!
Picture of Eurostar train originally posted by Mtl Shag
Topic: Tips and Ideas |
13 Comments
Tags: Italy, transportation
About the author
Katie has a true obsession with Italy and she has lived in Florence on and off for the past 5 years. She has been a tourist, vacationer, student, and an au pair. All of these experiences have made her into the person she is today. This is a place she documents her life with her own thoughts and audacious lifestyle: http://www.katerinafiore.com
13 responses to “More tips for traveling in Italy by train”
Report an inappropriate commentJuly 9th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
“Can I make a reservation online for a Eurostar or Intercity train with my Eurail pass?
As far as I know, it isn’t possible to do this online. You must complete this process at the train station with one of the tellers. PS, there is an extra charge for this reservation.”
I believe you can do this online on sites like ItaliaRail.com and RailPass.com.
There’s an option in the ticket search box that allows you to book “Seat Reservations Only.” Obviously, only choose this option if you already have your pass.
July 10th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Mark,
Great news! Thanks for letting me know this information!!
a presto,
Katie
July 16th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Hi,
I wanted to purchase a train ticket from Milan to Venice on the Trenitalia website but I don’t know the coach or seat number to input. I know that you recommend waiting until we get to Italy, but I would like to purchase this just this one ticket (the first of our journey) before we leave for peace of mind. Any suggestions on how to get around this?
Thanks!
July 18th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Juanita,
Try putting in carriage: 12 and seat: 54 and 55.
See what happens..
let me know,
Katie
August 5th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Hi !
I have read your experiences they are very valuables to new travellers like me.
I will be travelling along with my wife from PISA to Venice on 15th Augest morning 6.38 train. Reach Venice at 11.20 am. I will take a short trip to St.Marks square and Murano glass factory.
Then from Venice I have to catch a train to Zurich at 4.30 pm train (change in Milano). Is it possible ?
I am not planning to book the ticket in advance.
Whether Can I buy both the tickets on 14th Augest night at 9.0pm in PISA.
What do you think whether I will be able to make it ?
Regards,
Satish
August 7th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Satish,
The 15th of August is called Ferragosto, meaning that day in particular things could move more slowly. It is the one day that most of Italy is off to the beach or on holiday.
You are cutting it close, because you would need to take the 12:52 train from Venice to Milan and you will arrive at 3:55pm. I guess if you can make it to San Marco and the Murano Glass in that short of time, then I say you can do it. If not, I would chose I different time to leave for Zurich.
Hope this helps,
any other questions, let me know,
Katie
August 27th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Hi Katie-
I am so glad I found this - you seem SO knowledgeable and helpful…
my husband and I are traveling Oct 1-11th:
Milan to Venice
Venice to Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre to Florence (Day trip to Sienna)
Florence to Rome
I am having some difficulty knowing what trains to take. Can I get a Eurail pass and travel to all of these locations with it??? Would that be the best deal??? Also, if you could recommend a website for me to view routes and times, it would appreciate it greatly!!!
Thanks!!
September 1st, 2008 at 10:11 am
Erin,
You can search in Trenitalia for the times and how much each ticket is. http://www.trenitalia.it/en/index.html
I will email you at your email address to answer your other question.
a presto,
Katie
September 3rd, 2008 at 6:38 am
can i get from Massa Lubrenci to Florence and back by train or bus?
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:39 am
Marcia,
What part of Italy is that city located? I know a Massa near Viareggio, is that the one?
a presto,
Katie:)
December 12th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
What is the difference between first class and second class in all trains?
very very helpfull, you moron!
January 4th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Hello, Traveling to Venice Sept. 22 and then on to Cinque Terre, returning to Venice on Oct.5. Can you tell me the quickest train route I should take? Thanks
May 13th, 2009 at 8:44 am
well modernize train in Italy.Tips given in the blog are very much useful in traveling in train.
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