Semi Dumb Question Abt Trenitalia Ticket Prices
Apr 21st, 2016, 12:24 PM
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Semi Dumb Question Abt Trenitalia Ticket Prices
So I was looking at Trenitalia ticket prices for a vacation in 2 months. Not sure if this is a dumb question or not so I am going to throw it out there and beg forgiveness if I look like the newbie of the year (as I have actually been to Italy once before!).
Do Trenitalia ticket prices change super frequently like US airline prices do? Or if I am looking today, the price I see is roughly the price I will get if I book online sometime in a similar time frame. Airlines change prices like every hour so I wasn't sure if that same logic applied to trains.
Thanks!
Do Trenitalia ticket prices change super frequently like US airline prices do? Or if I am looking today, the price I see is roughly the price I will get if I book online sometime in a similar time frame. Airlines change prices like every hour so I wasn't sure if that same logic applied to trains.
Thanks!
Apr 21st, 2016, 01:18 PM
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The earlier you pay, the better the deal.
Just be aware that with the discounted fares, if you miss the train you lose your money.
Even if you pay full fare, you only have one hour to make a change to your ticket and take another train.
Just be aware that with the discounted fares, if you miss the train you lose your money.
Even if you pay full fare, you only have one hour to make a change to your ticket and take another train.
Apr 21st, 2016, 01:29 PM
#4
Yes, fares change because the cheapest fares fir certain services sell out and when they do the fares that are left for you to buy are going to be higher.
If what you are REALLY asking is do fares change based on how well a particular timing is selling as they do when an airline computer is "watching" how well, or poorly, a particular flight segment is selling and adjusts the prices accordingly?
Not that I know of.
I am not even sure that Trenitalia will start discounting a timing's fare if the train hasn't sold well just prior to departure.
If what you are REALLY asking is do fares change based on how well a particular timing is selling as they do when an airline computer is "watching" how well, or poorly, a particular flight segment is selling and adjusts the prices accordingly?
Not that I know of.
I am not even sure that Trenitalia will start discounting a timing's fare if the train hasn't sold well just prior to departure.
Apr 21st, 2016, 01:42 PM
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check www.seat61.com for such questions and lots on discounted ticketing like thru Trenitalia.com.
Though prices do not bounce like ping pong balls as air fares tend to sometimes the number of tickets at a discounted prices are sold in limited quantities on each train - thus the 9 euro fare you see today may become 40 euro a few minutes later if the 9 euro fares are bought out - if no discounts remain then full fare is shown.
Book as soon as possible. check first class fares too as sometimes discounted first class fares may not be much more than the cheapest 2nd class fare and IMO there is significant difference between classes with first class being more relaxed - fewer seats in same-size train car and IME usually more empty seats - and less people in same-size train car means easier fending for luggage stowage space- plus you get a gratis beverage and pastry or some such plastic-wrapped sweet treat. Fewer people in the car also means easier deboarding and there are usually no creaming babies in 1st class! so if the difference is not much as many report at times it's a no-brainer IMO to pay the little extra if that be the case - especially on the trip of a lifetime.
Some local Italian residents on Fodors have a different take - saying that first class ain't worth an extra euro and that you only get an extra 10 cm of seat width more - well that is just misinformation - there are many benefits besides just that - like the rows with just one seat in them - two can face each other with a table in between - ideal for couples - and that's both an aisle and a window seat - no bothering others or being bothered by others to get in and out, etc. Only in first class do they have these seats.
Cheapest is not always the best deal though some adamantly dispute this for some weird reason and say not even a euro more is worth first class - guess that they have never ridden in first class as locals are liable not to do - they take short rides and often do not have bulky luggage and are not on the trip of a lifetime - if you spend the typical 200-300 euro a night on hotels splurge a bit on train travel too IMO.
for lots of general info on Italian trains check not only www.seat61.com but also www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com.
Though prices do not bounce like ping pong balls as air fares tend to sometimes the number of tickets at a discounted prices are sold in limited quantities on each train - thus the 9 euro fare you see today may become 40 euro a few minutes later if the 9 euro fares are bought out - if no discounts remain then full fare is shown.
Book as soon as possible. check first class fares too as sometimes discounted first class fares may not be much more than the cheapest 2nd class fare and IMO there is significant difference between classes with first class being more relaxed - fewer seats in same-size train car and IME usually more empty seats - and less people in same-size train car means easier fending for luggage stowage space- plus you get a gratis beverage and pastry or some such plastic-wrapped sweet treat. Fewer people in the car also means easier deboarding and there are usually no creaming babies in 1st class! so if the difference is not much as many report at times it's a no-brainer IMO to pay the little extra if that be the case - especially on the trip of a lifetime.
Some local Italian residents on Fodors have a different take - saying that first class ain't worth an extra euro and that you only get an extra 10 cm of seat width more - well that is just misinformation - there are many benefits besides just that - like the rows with just one seat in them - two can face each other with a table in between - ideal for couples - and that's both an aisle and a window seat - no bothering others or being bothered by others to get in and out, etc. Only in first class do they have these seats.
Cheapest is not always the best deal though some adamantly dispute this for some weird reason and say not even a euro more is worth first class - guess that they have never ridden in first class as locals are liable not to do - they take short rides and often do not have bulky luggage and are not on the trip of a lifetime - if you spend the typical 200-300 euro a night on hotels splurge a bit on train travel too IMO.
for lots of general info on Italian trains check not only www.seat61.com but also www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com.
Apr 21st, 2016, 02:08 PM
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Man in Seat 61 has great advice on booking Italian trains and telling you objectively what to expect in each of the 4 classes (2 first and 2 second):
http://www.seat61.com/frecciarossa.htm#.VxlN0zArKUk
And he suggests using
www.italiarail.com
for purchases matching Trenitalia's discounted prices but a lot easier to use than the notoriously fickle www.trenitalia.com (oh so so many complaints about exasperating experiences here on Fodor's in the past.
http://www.seat61.com/frecciarossa.htm#.VxlN0zArKUk
And he suggests using
www.italiarail.com
for purchases matching Trenitalia's discounted prices but a lot easier to use than the notoriously fickle www.trenitalia.com (oh so so many complaints about exasperating experiences here on Fodor's in the past.
Apr 21st, 2016, 02:12 PM
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That is a bit overstated but everyone have their personal view. The seating in first class is 1x2 and seats in 2nd is 2x2. And seat arrangement will vary - some cars have all the seats facing the middle so only the very middle seat with have two seats facing each other. On others all seats face each other. Basically the seats are wider with only three across instead of four in second. However, the space between seats is not much greater so knee space is nearly the same. If it is great I do not find it noticeably greater.
There are three levels of fares - super economy, economy, and base. SE is no change, no refund, no nothing. econ can be changed once paying the fare difference and base can be changed many times. All tickets are dead when the train leaves the station. There is some opinion that the base fare ticket can be changed for one hour after the train leaves at a ticket window. All tickets are changeable if the arriving train is late and you miss the connection.
There are three levels of fares - super economy, economy, and base. SE is no change, no refund, no nothing. econ can be changed once paying the fare difference and base can be changed many times. All tickets are dead when the train leaves the station. There is some opinion that the base fare ticket can be changed for one hour after the train leaves at a ticket window. All tickets are changeable if the arriving train is late and you miss the connection.
Apr 21st, 2016, 02:21 PM
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However, the space between seats is not much greater so knee space is nearly the same>
I am rather tall and in the aisle and window seat both in one I can more easily stick both feet out into the aisle when no one is there and can put bags on the floor since no one will have to hop over them to get out.
Yes a personal view - but I love those isolated aisle and window seats and do not care to be sitting next to anyone - more elbow space that way- to me these seats of one in a row - with a table facing the other one across from it - ideal for couples - is priceless or almost to me. and many trains I've been on have empty seats in first class and two of these can be nice leg rests!
I always have a first-class Eurailpass when I go to Italy (I typically take trains in several countries on one trip being the rail nut I am) so of course go first class and love it but if I had to buy a ticket then no doubt I would be in 2nd class unless first class was just a tad more expensive.
But I'm on a low budget - staying in cheap hotels and eating picnic style or in my room - if I were pay $200-300 a night for a hotel I'd also pay extra for the same reason folks pay that much - a better ride, especially on the trip of a lifetime.
2nd class is not bad - the newer high-speed trains are making them nicer and nicer but there is always a significant difference.
I am rather tall and in the aisle and window seat both in one I can more easily stick both feet out into the aisle when no one is there and can put bags on the floor since no one will have to hop over them to get out.
Yes a personal view - but I love those isolated aisle and window seats and do not care to be sitting next to anyone - more elbow space that way- to me these seats of one in a row - with a table facing the other one across from it - ideal for couples - is priceless or almost to me. and many trains I've been on have empty seats in first class and two of these can be nice leg rests!
I always have a first-class Eurailpass when I go to Italy (I typically take trains in several countries on one trip being the rail nut I am) so of course go first class and love it but if I had to buy a ticket then no doubt I would be in 2nd class unless first class was just a tad more expensive.
But I'm on a low budget - staying in cheap hotels and eating picnic style or in my room - if I were pay $200-300 a night for a hotel I'd also pay extra for the same reason folks pay that much - a better ride, especially on the trip of a lifetime.
2nd class is not bad - the newer high-speed trains are making them nicer and nicer but there is always a significant difference.
Apr 21st, 2016, 06:09 PM
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I've travelled first class from Venice to Naples as it is a long journey of over 4 hours. I found the minimal extra charge to be worthwhile, although the coffee was hideous and the snack was a pack of crackers - don't expect anything special.
However for a short trip - like the one hour Rome/Florence or Rome/Naples, I just go second. I wouldn't pay for first class for such a short trip.
However for a short trip - like the one hour Rome/Florence or Rome/Naples, I just go second. I wouldn't pay for first class for such a short trip.
Apr 22nd, 2016, 08:08 AM
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The space between seats is identical in Standard and Business class. Since you're almost always facing another person, there will be some negotiation of foot territory in both classes.
I think most people on this forum travel quite a lot, so I don't know why Palenq talks so much about the trip of a lifetime. I travel a lot partly because I don't spend my money on overpriced train tickets.
That being said, discounted tickets are likely to sell out later in 1st/Business class than in 2nd/Standard class, because these more expensive seats aren't in great demand. Therefore, the Business tickets can often be had for less than Standard. This is the only reason I've ever traveled in Business, and I've done it fairly often.
In the future, though, this may not be true, because on its newer trains Trenitalia is cutting back drastically on the number of Business seats.
By the way, on both the older and newer Frecciarossa trains, one of the Business cars is really just half a car, because the other half is the bar car for the whole train. You might want to choose a seat in one of the other cars (or, on the newer trains, in the only other Business car.)
The real luxury experience on a Frecciarossa train is in the Executive class, which costs more than double the Standard class.
The last time I was in Business, the beverage cart tried to sneak, zitto-zitto, past me without offering me anything. I had to practically trip the attendant to get my free preztels and Coke.
I think most people on this forum travel quite a lot, so I don't know why Palenq talks so much about the trip of a lifetime. I travel a lot partly because I don't spend my money on overpriced train tickets.
That being said, discounted tickets are likely to sell out later in 1st/Business class than in 2nd/Standard class, because these more expensive seats aren't in great demand. Therefore, the Business tickets can often be had for less than Standard. This is the only reason I've ever traveled in Business, and I've done it fairly often.
In the future, though, this may not be true, because on its newer trains Trenitalia is cutting back drastically on the number of Business seats.
By the way, on both the older and newer Frecciarossa trains, one of the Business cars is really just half a car, because the other half is the bar car for the whole train. You might want to choose a seat in one of the other cars (or, on the newer trains, in the only other Business car.)
The real luxury experience on a Frecciarossa train is in the Executive class, which costs more than double the Standard class.
The last time I was in Business, the beverage cart tried to sneak, zitto-zitto, past me without offering me anything. I had to practically trip the attendant to get my free preztels and Coke.
Apr 22nd, 2016, 10:01 AM
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Since you're almost always facing another person, there will be some negotiation of foot territory in both classes.>
they do not have solo seats facing all in one direction anymore? Those are the ones I like as a solo traveler and I've always gotten them so sad to hear they are nearly no more of these!
they do not have solo seats facing all in one direction anymore? Those are the ones I like as a solo traveler and I've always gotten them so sad to hear they are nearly no more of these!
Apr 22nd, 2016, 09:07 PM
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I'm beginning to doubt that Palenq has ever been on a Frecciarossa train. He talks about putting his bags at his feet, forgetting that there is probably another person sitting across from him who wants that space for his own feet.
Apr 23rd, 2016, 02:12 PM
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https://www.google.com/search?q=frec...HeGCDkMQsAQIGw
What kind of seats are these in first class - this is what I'm talking about - one seat only with lots of space in between. Have you ever been on one? I have not because my last trip to Italy was 3 years ago and I stuck to IC and regional trains but I have ridden many ETR type trains just not the newest ones and the pictures here show what I am talking about - one isolated seat with tons of room around it - you say they never have had such seats?
In any case for anyone to say there is almost no difference between first class and second class (the general first and second class most people take I think) is talking nonsense for some weird reason that belies me and again if there were no differences why would anyone ride them - why would trains even offer them- obvious answers to this question.
You give such esosteric info about Italian trains - tremendous info I'm not sure why you and one other Italian train guru insist there is such little difference it ain't even worth a few extra euros.
What kind of seats are these in first class - this is what I'm talking about - one seat only with lots of space in between. Have you ever been on one? I have not because my last trip to Italy was 3 years ago and I stuck to IC and regional trains but I have ridden many ETR type trains just not the newest ones and the pictures here show what I am talking about - one isolated seat with tons of room around it - you say they never have had such seats?
In any case for anyone to say there is almost no difference between first class and second class (the general first and second class most people take I think) is talking nonsense for some weird reason that belies me and again if there were no differences why would anyone ride them - why would trains even offer them- obvious answers to this question.
You give such esosteric info about Italian trains - tremendous info I'm not sure why you and one other Italian train guru insist there is such little difference it ain't even worth a few extra euros.
Apr 23rd, 2016, 02:31 PM
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First class is now known as Premium
Second class is standard
I can guarantee you that Premium is the 4 x 4 configuration with a table in the middle. Just a bit more space. Someone has to ride 'backwards'
Second class is standard
I can guarantee you that Premium is the 4 x 4 configuration with a table in the middle. Just a bit more space. Someone has to ride 'backwards'
Apr 23rd, 2016, 09:24 PM
#19
>>>First class is now known as Premium<<<
Premium is 2nd class as is standard. The only difference between the two is the fabric on the seats (not the width or spacing) and you get a drink in premium for your 10€+ extra price (base price). 1st class is business class. You can not use a pass in premium or executive classes.
>>>I'm beginning to doubt that Palenq has ever been on a Frecciarossa train.<<<
>>>Have you ever been on one? I have not because my last trip to Italy was 3 years ago and I stuck to IC and regional trains <<<
>>>Some local Italian residents on Fodors have a different take - saying that first class ain't worth an extra euro and that you only get an extra 10 cm of seat width more - well that is just misinformation - there are many benefits besides just that - like the rows with just one seat in them - two can face each other with a table in between - ideal for couples - and that's both an aisle and a window seat - no bothering others or being bothered by others to get in and out, etc. Only in first class do they have these seats.<<<
Now that is misinformation since that isn't what anyone has said and it certainly isn't only an extra euro. As bvlenci pointed out, the pics you linked are mostly executive class, not 1st and some of those pics aren't even Trenitalia at all. If you don't know the class/configuration and haven't been riding them, it doesn't make sense to tell everyone else they must.
>>>Do Trenitalia ticket prices change super frequently like US airline prices do?<<<
The discounts ticket prices change, but don't fluctuate up and down. As Super Economy starts selling out, the price increases on them a bit. Once they are all sold, economy price can start going up a bit. When 2nd class standard Super Economy fare is increasing because it's selling out, you might find 2nd class Super Economy premium to be cheaper at that point than standard.
Base fares don't change. If you know the time of day you want to travel, go on and book your tickets now to snag some discounts.
>>>By the way, on both the older and newer Frecciarossa trains, one of the Business cars is really just half a car, because the other half is the bar car for the whole train. You might want to choose a seat in one of the other cars (or, on the newer trains, in the only other Business car.)<<<
AFAIK, you can't select which car you want to be in when booking online on Trenitalia. You can select the seat you want, not the car. Using a reseller like Italiarail, you can't even pick your seat.
Premium is 2nd class as is standard. The only difference between the two is the fabric on the seats (not the width or spacing) and you get a drink in premium for your 10€+ extra price (base price). 1st class is business class. You can not use a pass in premium or executive classes.
>>>I'm beginning to doubt that Palenq has ever been on a Frecciarossa train.<<<
>>>Have you ever been on one? I have not because my last trip to Italy was 3 years ago and I stuck to IC and regional trains <<<
>>>Some local Italian residents on Fodors have a different take - saying that first class ain't worth an extra euro and that you only get an extra 10 cm of seat width more - well that is just misinformation - there are many benefits besides just that - like the rows with just one seat in them - two can face each other with a table in between - ideal for couples - and that's both an aisle and a window seat - no bothering others or being bothered by others to get in and out, etc. Only in first class do they have these seats.<<<
Now that is misinformation since that isn't what anyone has said and it certainly isn't only an extra euro. As bvlenci pointed out, the pics you linked are mostly executive class, not 1st and some of those pics aren't even Trenitalia at all. If you don't know the class/configuration and haven't been riding them, it doesn't make sense to tell everyone else they must.
>>>Do Trenitalia ticket prices change super frequently like US airline prices do?<<<
The discounts ticket prices change, but don't fluctuate up and down. As Super Economy starts selling out, the price increases on them a bit. Once they are all sold, economy price can start going up a bit. When 2nd class standard Super Economy fare is increasing because it's selling out, you might find 2nd class Super Economy premium to be cheaper at that point than standard.
Base fares don't change. If you know the time of day you want to travel, go on and book your tickets now to snag some discounts.
>>>By the way, on both the older and newer Frecciarossa trains, one of the Business cars is really just half a car, because the other half is the bar car for the whole train. You might want to choose a seat in one of the other cars (or, on the newer trains, in the only other Business car.)<<<
AFAIK, you can't select which car you want to be in when booking online on Trenitalia. You can select the seat you want, not the car. Using a reseller like Italiarail, you can't even pick your seat.
Apr 25th, 2016, 11:08 AM
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Now that is misinformation since that isn't what anyone has said and it certainly isn't only an extra euro>
What would you say is the difference between the basic first class and basic second class on the neweer ETR traction trains- why would anyone want to pay even a euro more and certainly do - why?
Let's here from an expert (sincerely said)?
What would you say is the difference between the basic first class and basic second class on the neweer ETR traction trains- why would anyone want to pay even a euro more and certainly do - why?
Let's here from an expert (sincerely said)?
