train headache with seat picking - help!
Oct 17th, 2008, 03:37 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
train headache with seat picking - help!
Well, my family and I are in Italy and having a splendid time. The information on this site has been soo valuable. thank you! I may even be inspired to post a (short) trip report when I return!
one problem, though - the trains. So far we have travelled from Venice to Firenze and Firenze-pisa-Firenze and Firenze to Roma. I have booked on the website, at the train station with the fast tix machines, and at the station with a ticket person. Each time I have tried to book tix for all four in my group to sit together. well, it hasn't happened!
the man at the station promised we were all together. of course, we were three and one and that made me quite cross. does anyone know whether you can select seats either via website or at the tix machine at the station? We are travelling to Naples on Wednesday and I would love for us to be together for once . . .
Thank you!
one problem, though - the trains. So far we have travelled from Venice to Firenze and Firenze-pisa-Firenze and Firenze to Roma. I have booked on the website, at the train station with the fast tix machines, and at the station with a ticket person. Each time I have tried to book tix for all four in my group to sit together. well, it hasn't happened!
the man at the station promised we were all together. of course, we were three and one and that made me quite cross. does anyone know whether you can select seats either via website or at the tix machine at the station? We are travelling to Naples on Wednesday and I would love for us to be together for once . . .
Thank you!
Oct 17th, 2008, 06:24 PM
#2
I purchased some tickets last month while I was in Italy for another Fodorite (he was unable to get Trenitalia's online system to work). I used the ticket machines in the train station in Rome and selected the seats I wanted. It was for an ICPlus train, but it showed the seat layout. You should be able to do a walk-through on the ticket machines because you don't have to pay until the end.
What type of train are you wanting to book and what class? The seat numbers on the AV and ES trains usually look like they won't be together, but that's because the number layout is screwy.
I took the AV from Florence to Rome last month, but was traveling alone and didn't need to arrange seats with anyone.
What type of train are you wanting to book and what class? The seat numbers on the AV and ES trains usually look like they won't be together, but that's because the number layout is screwy.
I took the AV from Florence to Rome last month, but was traveling alone and didn't need to arrange seats with anyone.
Oct 17th, 2008, 10:36 PM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,969
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think there is a quirkiness in getting the seat assignment using the online (when it worked) as well as the ticket window.
When we traveled in three, we were NEVER assigned three seats within the 2x2 facing cluster. One would be across the aisle with other two are either across from each other with someone else at side or diagonally across from each other.
I used to think this was because of the seat availabilities. But lo, when I reserved seats on ES trains, Trenitalia still split us across aisle when there were plenty of unreserved ES train seats. I am now inclined to think that the seat assignment system itself is ...
When we traveled in three, we were NEVER assigned three seats within the 2x2 facing cluster. One would be across the aisle with other two are either across from each other with someone else at side or diagonally across from each other.
I used to think this was because of the seat availabilities. But lo, when I reserved seats on ES trains, Trenitalia still split us across aisle when there were plenty of unreserved ES train seats. I am now inclined to think that the seat assignment system itself is ...
Oct 18th, 2008, 01:00 AM
#4
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dcm58, I can't answer your question because I am just starting to try to get to grips with the Italian train system myself- I need to book tickets for our trip in December.
However, I am hoping you can answer a question for me. Did you have luggage with you on the train journeys you've done so far, and if so, where did you put it on the trains? I have read that you should never let your luggage out of your sight, but is there enough room to put 5 suitcases for 5 people above the seats you are sitting in?
Please carry on having a splendid time - I'd love to hear how you're getting on.
However, I am hoping you can answer a question for me. Did you have luggage with you on the train journeys you've done so far, and if so, where did you put it on the trains? I have read that you should never let your luggage out of your sight, but is there enough room to put 5 suitcases for 5 people above the seats you are sitting in?
Please carry on having a splendid time - I'd love to hear how you're getting on.
Oct 18th, 2008, 07:21 AM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 74,699
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
HI dcm,
>we were three and one....<
Did you ask the stranger who was sitting with your group to trade places with the other member of your group?
....................................
Hi Ozz,
The luggage racks above the seats are for small suitcases - airline carryon size.
There are luggage racks for large suitcases at the end of each car.
There is space between seats that will hold suitcases, as well.
The only time your luggage is at risk is when the train is in a station. You don't have to watch it all of the time.
>we were three and one....<
Did you ask the stranger who was sitting with your group to trade places with the other member of your group?
....................................
Hi Ozz,
The luggage racks above the seats are for small suitcases - airline carryon size.
There are luggage racks for large suitcases at the end of each car.
There is space between seats that will hold suitcases, as well.
The only time your luggage is at risk is when the train is in a station. You don't have to watch it all of the time.
Oct 18th, 2008, 07:59 AM
#6
Luggage storage depends on the type of train you are traveling on. The AV/ES trains have storage space at the end of each car with additional overhead storage at your seats (and behind the seat backs). The ICPlus/IC trains have overhead storage (multiple racks)and will hold at least 25" suitcases and possibly larger if you can lift a large one that high.
Oct 18th, 2008, 08:04 AM
#7
Ozziez~ Trains are a bit different but in most situations you can put a smaller case above or even behind your seat. But regular sized suitcases are put on a luggage rack at the end of the car. So yes they are in fact out of your sight. So wherever you read not to do this, is not giving you very practical advice.
Oct 18th, 2008, 10:01 AM
#8
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Luggage storage depends on type of train and class of service. If you have large suitcases - anything bigger than a carry-on - it won't fit overhead.
When we have luggage we always book first class and generally have empty seats next to us - so we can keep the luggage with us. (And sometimes larger suitcases can fit on the floor under the seat.)
I would not leave luggage alone - even while train is moving - unless it was locked and chained to a stable part of the train.
When we have luggage we always book first class and generally have empty seats next to us - so we can keep the luggage with us. (And sometimes larger suitcases can fit on the floor under the seat.)
I would not leave luggage alone - even while train is moving - unless it was locked and chained to a stable part of the train.
Oct 18th, 2008, 10:15 AM
#9
dcm - yes, just ask and I think the 4th who has been stuck with your party will in most cases happily move for you...
regarding the luggage...
Often there is a large gap between the two sets of 4 seats where you can neatly slide a decent-sized carry-on which could cover you for at least 2 bags. I have also put a very large, heavy bag in the overhead on a train to Munich when I needed a lot of things I normally leave home. (Actually, my husband did it since I'm a midget and a weakling.) Then I asked a nice, strong young man who did the same with his bag if he would mind getting mine down for me in Munich since I was traveling solo. He kindly helped. This overhead was rather wide so it wasn't a problem - some are not.
Otherwise, I have many times left my luggage in the luggage racks at the end of the cars. It does make me a tad nervous, especially when they are outside the sliding door between the cars, but nothing has ever happened to our bags and we train around at least once per month. Sometimes I do stroll over by it during stops. I keep my valuables in my handbag at my seat.
In some of these racks I do think you could slide a bike lock through all your bag handles for extra peace-of-mind.
gruezi
regarding the luggage...
Often there is a large gap between the two sets of 4 seats where you can neatly slide a decent-sized carry-on which could cover you for at least 2 bags. I have also put a very large, heavy bag in the overhead on a train to Munich when I needed a lot of things I normally leave home. (Actually, my husband did it since I'm a midget and a weakling.) Then I asked a nice, strong young man who did the same with his bag if he would mind getting mine down for me in Munich since I was traveling solo. He kindly helped. This overhead was rather wide so it wasn't a problem - some are not.
Otherwise, I have many times left my luggage in the luggage racks at the end of the cars. It does make me a tad nervous, especially when they are outside the sliding door between the cars, but nothing has ever happened to our bags and we train around at least once per month. Sometimes I do stroll over by it during stops. I keep my valuables in my handbag at my seat.
In some of these racks I do think you could slide a bike lock through all your bag handles for extra peace-of-mind.
gruezi
Oct 18th, 2008, 10:17 AM
#10
more on the luggage,
I traveled solo by train to Ravenna from Zurich with a few bags I left in the luggage rack. Had to transfer trains 3 times both ways. No problems with my luggage missing, but I did pull a muscle in my back. Thought of my Fodor's friends and how they would have told me I packed too much!!
g.
I traveled solo by train to Ravenna from Zurich with a few bags I left in the luggage rack. Had to transfer trains 3 times both ways. No problems with my luggage missing, but I did pull a muscle in my back. Thought of my Fodor's friends and how they would have told me I packed too much!!
g.
Oct 18th, 2008, 10:25 AM
#11
The overheads on the ICPlus train I traveled on last month easily held very large suitcases as people were requesting help to lift them up. They were bigger than 25" suitcases (appeared to be 29 or 30).
ozzie - Which routes are you traveling? I took an AV train from Florence to Naples and stored my luggage at the end of the car. That particular train only makes one stop (Rome) so that would be the only time you would need to keep an eye on your luggage.
ozzie - Which routes are you traveling? I took an AV train from Florence to Naples and stored my luggage at the end of the car. That particular train only makes one stop (Rome) so that would be the only time you would need to keep an eye on your luggage.
Oct 18th, 2008, 06:06 PM
#12
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks everyone for the info about luggage on trains. As we will have 5 large suitcases with us, I think we may have to do as you suggest nytraveler and book first class.
Kybourbon, I have only just started my "investigating how to use trains in Italy for the truly clueless" project. I have printed out many pages of advice from Fodorites on how to book train tickets in Italy and am about to start reading them. It looks as though I might need a Phd in train travel to crack this one!
We need to undertake 3 trips - hopefully arriving with all our luggage and all our children at the other end!
What we need to do is:
1. On 11th December travel early in the morning (perhaps 7am) without any luggage from Rome to Naples to Pompeii and back for a day trip
2. On 15th December travel with all our luggage from Rome to Florence, leaving about 10am
3. On 18th December travel with all our luggage from Florence to Venice, leaving about 10am
4. On 21st December travel with all our luggage from Venice station to Venice airport to be at the airport by 8am.
Our party consists of Mum, Dad, 17 year old, 12 year old and 10 year old.
I actually tried looking up the timetable for the trains that go from Florence to Venice on 18th December. I tried this on Friday (17th October) and was shocked when it looked as though there was only one train and it left after 9pm. However, when I looked at earlier dates I saw there were some more trains, so perhaps the details of trains for 18th December hadn't been released yet - it seemed as though timetables for trains were available for 57 days ahead, which seemed like a strange number, but then I have no idea what I am doing.
Kybourbon, I have only just started my "investigating how to use trains in Italy for the truly clueless" project. I have printed out many pages of advice from Fodorites on how to book train tickets in Italy and am about to start reading them. It looks as though I might need a Phd in train travel to crack this one!
We need to undertake 3 trips - hopefully arriving with all our luggage and all our children at the other end!
What we need to do is:
1. On 11th December travel early in the morning (perhaps 7am) without any luggage from Rome to Naples to Pompeii and back for a day trip
2. On 15th December travel with all our luggage from Rome to Florence, leaving about 10am
3. On 18th December travel with all our luggage from Florence to Venice, leaving about 10am
4. On 21st December travel with all our luggage from Venice station to Venice airport to be at the airport by 8am.
Our party consists of Mum, Dad, 17 year old, 12 year old and 10 year old.
I actually tried looking up the timetable for the trains that go from Florence to Venice on 18th December. I tried this on Friday (17th October) and was shocked when it looked as though there was only one train and it left after 9pm. However, when I looked at earlier dates I saw there were some more trains, so perhaps the details of trains for 18th December hadn't been released yet - it seemed as though timetables for trains were available for 57 days ahead, which seemed like a strange number, but then I have no idea what I am doing.
Oct 18th, 2008, 06:36 PM
#14
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ozzie,
From my memory, you arrive in Rome on Dec 10. You first trip is Dec 11, your daytrip to Pompeii. I suggest that on Dec 10 you head to travel agent somewhere in Rome, sit down calmly, and have them book all the trains tickets you need. The agent will not charge more than the cost of the tickets and may be able to get you Amica discount fares for some of the later trips.
One question . . . you wrote: "On 21st December travel with all our luggage from Venice station to Venice airport to be at the airport by 8am."
From your description you will have been staying in Venice itself. Are you staying near the station? No train goes to the airport. You can take a bus or taxi from nearby Piazzale Roma.
If you're not staying near the station, then there's no reason for you to go to the station to get to the airport. The Alilaguna express boats goes from various locations around Venice directly to the airport. It costs about 11€ each. Since there are five of you, you might consider a private water taxi from your hotel to the airport, about 90€ for all of you.
From my memory, you arrive in Rome on Dec 10. You first trip is Dec 11, your daytrip to Pompeii. I suggest that on Dec 10 you head to travel agent somewhere in Rome, sit down calmly, and have them book all the trains tickets you need. The agent will not charge more than the cost of the tickets and may be able to get you Amica discount fares for some of the later trips.
One question . . . you wrote: "On 21st December travel with all our luggage from Venice station to Venice airport to be at the airport by 8am."
From your description you will have been staying in Venice itself. Are you staying near the station? No train goes to the airport. You can take a bus or taxi from nearby Piazzale Roma.
If you're not staying near the station, then there's no reason for you to go to the station to get to the airport. The Alilaguna express boats goes from various locations around Venice directly to the airport. It costs about 11€ each. Since there are five of you, you might consider a private water taxi from your hotel to the airport, about 90€ for all of you.
Oct 18th, 2008, 06:50 PM
#15
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Ellenem
Yes, your memory is very good! We do arrive in Rome on 10th December. If that won't be too late to book our train tickets, your idea of us going to the travel agent is a very good one. LoveItaly told me that there is an American Express office near the Spanish Steps that I could use to do this.
I was concerned that the trains would be heaviy booked by this late date, which is why I was going to try to do it myself from Australia. I would like the three children to be able to sit with, or as close to, the adults, and I do need to be able to make sure that we arrive at our destination with all our luggage!
If you think there will still be vacancies on 10th December for all the train trips we need to book, booking them in Rome on the 10th definitely sounds like the way to go.
Thanks for the heads up about Venice, trains and airports. You can tell I haven't got my head around this yet - I've been really busy booking accommodation, which I have now done, and train travel is the next thing on my list to tackle.
We will be staying in the Eastern part of San Croce, very close to San Polo, while we are in Venice.
Yes, your memory is very good! We do arrive in Rome on 10th December. If that won't be too late to book our train tickets, your idea of us going to the travel agent is a very good one. LoveItaly told me that there is an American Express office near the Spanish Steps that I could use to do this.
I was concerned that the trains would be heaviy booked by this late date, which is why I was going to try to do it myself from Australia. I would like the three children to be able to sit with, or as close to, the adults, and I do need to be able to make sure that we arrive at our destination with all our luggage!
If you think there will still be vacancies on 10th December for all the train trips we need to book, booking them in Rome on the 10th definitely sounds like the way to go.
Thanks for the heads up about Venice, trains and airports. You can tell I haven't got my head around this yet - I've been really busy booking accommodation, which I have now done, and train travel is the next thing on my list to tackle.
We will be staying in the Eastern part of San Croce, very close to San Polo, while we are in Venice.
Oct 18th, 2008, 07:40 PM
#16
ellen - I think the travel agents are starting to charge a fee for booking trains. I ran into that when I tried to purchase some tickets for a Fodorite last month (they had a sign saying there was a fee). Also, I believe using the ticket windows at Termini you will now incur a fee (maybe 2&euro
. I guess they are trying to get people to use the machines. I don't think it's listed as a separate fee on the ticket, you just get a price of 2€ higher. If it's not a tacked on fee, then the standard prices listed on the website were lower than at the station.
Ozzie - The trains you need will be at least hourly and sometimes more often so it won't be a problem. If you are training in from the airport, just use the ticket machines in the front section of Termini (the ones out by the track where the Leonardo arrives are cash only so don't use those). You can select English and just do a practice run until you are comfortable with the selections.
. I guess they are trying to get people to use the machines. I don't think it's listed as a separate fee on the ticket, you just get a price of 2€ higher. If it's not a tacked on fee, then the standard prices listed on the website were lower than at the station.Ozzie - The trains you need will be at least hourly and sometimes more often so it won't be a problem. If you are training in from the airport, just use the ticket machines in the front section of Termini (the ones out by the track where the Leonardo arrives are cash only so don't use those). You can select English and just do a practice run until you are comfortable with the selections.
Oct 18th, 2008, 09:54 PM
#17
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,393
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Ozziez, try this http://www.italiarail.com.au/tickets...us.asp?AFF=TRA
It is a company based in Melbourne (I think). We used them to book tickets when we were in Italy in May this year. We paid online, but could also phone and discuss the whole process. They mailed the tickets to us in Sydney and we took them with us. Very easy to deal with. We used them for the longer trips we were taking ie Venice - Sorrento. For the shorter trips we used the machines at the train stations. I don't know that we necessarily got discounts, but we were very happy to have those tickets in our hand luggage when we left Sydney.
Hope you have a fabulous trip!! Cathie
It is a company based in Melbourne (I think). We used them to book tickets when we were in Italy in May this year. We paid online, but could also phone and discuss the whole process. They mailed the tickets to us in Sydney and we took them with us. Very easy to deal with. We used them for the longer trips we were taking ie Venice - Sorrento. For the shorter trips we used the machines at the train stations. I don't know that we necessarily got discounts, but we were very happy to have those tickets in our hand luggage when we left Sydney.
Hope you have a fabulous trip!! Cathie
Oct 19th, 2008, 01:17 AM
#18
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ah Cathies - I think this may be the answer to my prayers! Thank you so much!
By the way, did you have luggage with you that was too big to fit on the luggage racks, and if so, what did you do with it?
Thanks for the good wishes for our trip too - much appreciated.
By the way, did you have luggage with you that was too big to fit on the luggage racks, and if so, what did you do with it?
Thanks for the good wishes for our trip too - much appreciated.
Oct 19th, 2008, 05:47 AM
#19
If you purchase through the Italiarail website, you won't have access to any of the discounted tickets (20% off can really save money with a family)and they will charge a mailing fee. They are actually a US company (owned by Wandrian).
ItaliaRail.com is the official North American Website for travel by train in Italy. It is owned and operated by Wandrian Inc., a U.S. corporation specializing in web-based software, sales, and marketing for the rail industry.
People worry far too much about purchasing train tickets for Italy. I've never had a problem getting a train I wanted even traveling with a group of six in high season on a popular route (Rome/Naples) and purchasing at the last minute (10 minutes before departing). I wouldn't go out of my way to track down the AmEx office (there are dozens of places that sell tickets), but it's easiest to buy your tickets in the machines at Termini (they are touch screen and extremely easy to use) when you arrive and select Amica discount (20% off). The only train you probably won't be able to get the discount for is the Rome/Naples because Amica requires a 24 hour advance purchase.
Slowtrav has an excellent page on trains explaining the ticket machines, types of trains, how to buy tickets (although their pics of machines seem to be an older type than the ones at Termini). You can click to enlarge the various pictures of tickets, etc.
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/trains/
ItaliaRail.com is the official North American Website for travel by train in Italy. It is owned and operated by Wandrian Inc., a U.S. corporation specializing in web-based software, sales, and marketing for the rail industry.
People worry far too much about purchasing train tickets for Italy. I've never had a problem getting a train I wanted even traveling with a group of six in high season on a popular route (Rome/Naples) and purchasing at the last minute (10 minutes before departing). I wouldn't go out of my way to track down the AmEx office (there are dozens of places that sell tickets), but it's easiest to buy your tickets in the machines at Termini (they are touch screen and extremely easy to use) when you arrive and select Amica discount (20% off). The only train you probably won't be able to get the discount for is the Rome/Naples because Amica requires a 24 hour advance purchase.
Slowtrav has an excellent page on trains explaining the ticket machines, types of trains, how to buy tickets (although their pics of machines seem to be an older type than the ones at Termini). You can click to enlarge the various pictures of tickets, etc.
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/trains/
