GAC

Fodorites should be aware that there are three major types of trains currently in service begtween Milan and Venice during daylight hours, which is the subject of this advisory posting:

Eurostar trains (ES)

These were introduced a little over a year ago on this route, although currently there are only a handful of departures. The Eurostar is the fastest, smoothest, quietest and most reliable train in service in Italy. There is open-railcar seating (no individual compartments). All seats sold on a reserved basis, so nobody is standing in the corridor. Fully airconditioned. Somewhat limited luggage space overhead (won't accommodate huge suitcases), but plenty of room in-between seat rows, and there are smallish luggage racks at the ends of each railcar. First class has much more space for luggage and wider, plusher seats. Complimentary beverage, cookies and Italian newspaper (total value 3 Euros) in first class only. Seats in second class may be tight for very tall persons. Travel time 2 hrs. 43 mins. Fare (2nd class) Euro 20.66.

Intercity trains (IC)

This is the workhorse on this route, with hourly departures. Nearly as smooth and as quiet as the Eurostars, these airconditioned trains have individual compartments with sliding glass doors and plenty of overhead space for bulky luggage. Seat reservations are optional (additional 3 Euros), which means that there can be lots of people w/o confirmed seats, jamming the narrow corridor and blocking easy passage to and from the restroom and exit doors. A few of these trains originate in Turin, and are likely to be full by the time they reach Milan. Seat reservation deadline: 3 hrs. prior to train departure (from city of train origination). Seat reservations are strongly recommended in second class during busy periods and at peak times, particularly on trains which originate in Turin. First class seats not much different, slightly more leg room and usually much less crowded. Travel time 3 hrs. 4 mins. Fare (unreserved 2nd class) Euro 19.16.

Interregionale trains (IR)

These trains depart throughout the day, but not at regular intervals, and they make a few more stops than the ES and IC. Not nearly as quiet or as smooth as the Eurostars, but still acceptable. Open railcar seating. No seat reservations are allowed, and railcars are not necessarily airconditioned (a/c is being phased in slowly). Train runs strictly between Milan and Venice (some terminate in Verona), so you always board at the point of origination. First class seats are plusher and wider. Travel time 3 hrs. 28 mins. Fare (2nd class) Euro 12.34.

Recommendations: Take the Eurostar if schedule is convenient. You will have a guaranteed seat, and the fare is merely Euro 1.50 more than the Intercity. A reserved seat on the Intercity will actually cost more! When travelling eastbound, avoid the Intercity trains which originate in Turin, unless you have a seat reservation. Currently, these trains depart Milan at 9:10, 11:10, 16:10 and 19:10. The Interregionale train is not bad at all, and you'll save money, but try to avoid it during the summer at mid-day, when the temperature might become uncomfortable w/o a/c.

Note: On the Milan to Venice route, there is also a Eurocity train (EC), which is essentially like the IC, and a Cisalpino train (CIS), which is essentially like the ES. You will need to purchase a seat reservation for the CIS, either at the station or once on board.

www.trenitalia.com
Enter "Milano Centrale" and "Venezia S. Lucia"

ES = Eurostar
IC = Intercity
IR = Interregionale
EC = Eurocity
CIS = Cisalpino

111op

Very useful -- now, would advanced booking bring the fare down? I'd assume not.

GAC

Let me REPEAT MY WARNING about the Intercity (IC) trains departing Milan for Verona and Venice at 9:05, 11:05, 16:05 and 19:05. These trains originate in Turin and are often very full by the time they pull out of Milan. AVOID them without seat reservations, regardless of your desired class of service.

I happened to take the 11:05 a.m. IC train out of Milan on Friday, October 1st. This train is very convenient for early morning arrivals from North America at Malpensa Airport, and I fully anticipated that it would be full, so I bought a first class ticket given that I had no opportnity to request a seat reservation (too late to do so).

This train is also full because there is no IC train at 10:05 (except on Sundays), only at 9:05 and 11:05.

I arrived early at the train track, and jumped on the train as soon as the doors opened and passengers got off. I hurredly scouted for an empty, unreserved seat and claimed it. It was the last available seat on that particular first class railcar. Others behind me ended up standing in the corridor all the way to Venice. Had I not been aggressive in hunting for the seat, I would have met a similar fate.

I knowingly took a chance by taking this train, because I did not want to wait a full hour for the next IC train. Even with a first class ticket, I knew that the odds were difficult to get a seat w/o a reservation. I was lucky.

If you can avoid taking this chance, do so. Get a seat reservation for these particular IC trains, or take the Eurostar Italia train instead (where seat reservations are automatic).

To change the subject, a final word on the Interregionale (IR) trains: some second class railcars have older seats which are framed in hard, rubbery plastic, which many may find uncomfortable for the thighs and back of the head. Other second class railcars have newer seats with softer frames which are much more forgiving. So, it's hit and miss ....... First class seats are uniformly more comfortable, and slightly wider. These IR trains are UNRESERVED, and cost appreciably less than the ES and IC trains.

BlueSwimmer

This is great information!

I didn't know about the reserved seating and arrived in Milan with a wicked migraine/ jet lag combo, then had to ride the entire way to Venice sitting on my suitcase in the (extremely narrow) aisle, with my head banging on the window every time I started to nod off. It was a horrid start to an otherwise great trip. From then on, we always reserved our seats.

GAC

There is some important new information about IC train travel in Italy, including the very popular IC trains between Milan and Venice: see

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...=0&start=0