peapod

In April I will be flying into Milan, spending 5 days in Varenna on Lake Como, then going to Vernazza, Cinque Terra for 5 more days before returning to Milan for 3 days.
We will be traveling via the train network. I understand purchasing tickets prior to leaving the USA is cheaper but we want to be flexible. Is their such a thing as a 2 week pass? Would we buy that before arriving or is it something we can purchase at the train station in Milano. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

DebitNM

I found this site today, seems to be pretty handy for finding routes.
http://www.rome2rio.com/

I don't know for sure, but seriously doubt there is a 2 week pass. Regional trains don't usually need to be bought in advance, but YMMV.

sandralist

There is no pass. If you are traveling on certain days you might be able to purchase, last minute, other types of discounts (like 2-for-1 deals on weekends). Check out the Trenitalia website.

Also, I am not sure how "flexible" you want to be. There are only a few trains per day between Varenna and Vernazza that minimize how many times you need to change trains. Have you looked at actual train schedules? You might be able to see right now which trains you want. You will certainly want to arrive in le Cinque Terre before dark. it seldom makes sense in Italy to travel during the lunch hours.

You would probably save more money if you rent an apartment for 5 days in both places rather than not booking your train tickets in advance. Or if you use the slower regional trains.

sandralist

PS: I got curious and looked at the posted train schedules, and I think there is really on one train combination that I would want to take from Varenna to Vernazza -- even though it would mean traveling through the lunch hour. I'd go shopping in the morning for good things to eat on the train and leave around noon time. That way, I'd get into Vernazza by 6pm, in time for dinner.

sandralist

PPS: There is a 10.30 train that would also work for me, but not necessarily for people who aren't early risers or who need half a day to check out of a hotel. After 5 days in Varenna, I would probably be ready to move on to a new town first thing.

kybourbon

>>>>I understand purchasing tickets prior to leaving the USA is cheaper but we want to be flexible.<<<

Much (perhaps all) of your route is on the regional trains. Regional trains have no discounts, no reserved seating. There is no point in buying these tickets in advance. Regional tickets can only be bought online 7 days in advance and have more restrictions than if you buy them at the train station or in Italy.

You can buy some of these tickets on Trenord more in advance (they operate the trains in Lombardy) and they do have a pass, but it won't be useful to you as it's only for Lombardy. Most of your tickets are only a few euro. Milan/Varenna is 6.50€.

http://www.trenord.it/en/tickets/ticket-day-passes.aspx

If you plan to take a faster train Milan/Genoa, you might save a few euro booking it in advance.

peapod

Thank you everyone. Spent 2 hours on trenitalia website and got it all figured out.
I had already booked apartments, it was coming and going that I wanted to be flexible.
Looking forward to celebrating a special birthday with 2 of my nieces in the greatest European country of all.
PEAPOD A/K/A "3 peas in a pod"