travelgirl2_99

I'm not sure if we need to book tickets ahead of time in order to travel on the Eurostar between Rome and Venice, or if we can simply wait until we are in Rome and book them there. In the past, for traveling by train in both England and Germany, we have just showed up at the train station and bought tickets for the next train to wherever we are going, and have enjoyed the flexibility of not being tied to a specific time. However, in reading some other posts it sounds as if advance reservations are required for the Eurostar Italia trains - is this correct? If so, how far in advance do we need to book - do we need to book before we leave, or can we wait until we are in Rome and do it a couple of days ahead of time? We will be traveling on a weekend - Sunday - in case that makes any difference.

GAC

There is a Eurostar Italia train from Rome to Venice every two hours. Each train accommodates up to 590 passengers. Most times, you can secure seats with no more than 24 hours advance purchase. Many times, seats are available up to 10 minutes prior to departure. I would recommend that you purchase the tickets when in Rome, 24 to 48 hours in advance. Read my posting, on this site: "two types of trains between Rome and Venice".

The primary advantage of booking in advance, to take advantage of the "Sabato di Trenitalia" promotional fare, does not apply in your case, as you plan to travel on Sunday, not Saturday. So you're better advised to keep your flexibility and purchase the tickets locally.

BTW, if you did purchase in advance, and then needed to change, it's no problem, as long as you do so prior to the departure of your scheduled train. There is no fee to change reservations on Eurostar Italia trains PRIOR to departure of the originally scheduled train.

blithespirit

I bought my tickets online at www.raileurope.com because we were traveling in the summer when the lines to buy tickets in train stations might be long. Not only are there vacationing tourists in August, but many Italians take their vacations then, too. If you're not traveling in the summer, or specific holidays (like Easter, Christmas, etc.) then I think you're OK buying your tickets when you arrive at the station.

ira

Hi TG,

I doubt that you would have a problem booking your seat to Venice at the train station at FCO or when yuo get to Rome TE.

If you go on Saturday, you can go 1st cl for 30E a 37E saving.

GeoffHamer

The day of the week does make a big difference. Trains are generally busiest around a weekend because people go away for a weekend, or students and people working away from home go home to their families. Generally Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons and evenings are the busiest times of the week. However, there are lots of trains between Roma and Venezia so, if you can be flexible, you'll be able to make reservations at short notice.