cadd

So I'm booking my train tickets and I was wondering if you guys could help me with some questions that I had:

1. When we go from Sorrento to Naples, is the train station that we end up in the same one that takes us to Florence? I'm trying to see what kind of window I need to give myself at that exchange when I'm traveling from Sorrento to Florence. Is this the right website to get train schedules:

http://www.eavsrl.it/web/sites/defau...oviario/Cy.pdf

2. When I book tickets from Florence to Venice and Florence to Pisa, etc. Is that the same train station also?

How much can I save if I book in advance for the longer-distance trains? Like $15-20 or something per person? How much in advance should I book also?

MmePerdu

1. Yes, same station, arrive lower level, go upstairs.

2. Yes.

3. The earlier you book, when tickets for your dates become available, the more you save.

All your questions should be answered here:
http://www.seat61.com/Italy-trains.htm

MmePerdu

Most of this information is covered in the responses to the questions you asked last month.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...l-in-italy.cfm

kybourbon

You won't be booking Sorrento/Naples in advance as it's a commuter train (more like subway transport). Runs every 30 minutes and travel time between the two is 70 minutes (about 4€). There are a couple of tourist runs per day between Sorrento/Naples that only stop at Pompeii, Herculaneum that cost 15€, but might not be convenient times for you.

The fast trains are usually in the stations and available for boarding for about 10-15 minutes. Depending on your car #, you could have a bit of trek to board (some trains are quite long).

>>>2. When I book tickets from Florence to Venice and Florence to Pisa, etc. Is that the same train station also?<<<

Same station in Florence, but you don't want to book Florence/Pisa in advance (you can't even book those on Trenitalia more than 7 days out). Florence/Pisa is served by regional trains which have no discounts and no reserved seating. Regional tickets bought online have more restrictions than if you just buy in Florence. They don't sell out. You hop on and hope to find a seat. You will need to validate a regional ticket before boarding.

For the fast trains, you can book 120 days in advance on Trenitalia or through the end of the schedule. Schedules change twice a year (2nd weekend in June and 2nd weekend in Dec). You didn't say when you were traveling, but if it's next spring, you will have to wait until you are in the time window and Trenitalia has loaded winter schedules (winter is Dec-June). You can save quite a bit booking in advance. On some of routes such as Naples/Rome or Rome/Florence a regular 2nd class ticket runs about 42-45€ walk up price (base price). An advance discount can often be bought for 19€ for the same ticket.

kybourbon

Correction - The 15€ Sorrento/Naples is round trip for the limited stop train and one way is 8€ (the limited stop is seasonal).

cadd

I booked through Trenetalia, do I need to print the tickets now or will they know?

MmePerdu

I believe it's always a good idea to print your tickets, whether you think you'll need them or not. Things happen.

Most recently I had a reservation at a nice UK country hotel, compliments of the manager. When I arrived he was away and had I not had a copy of our email exchange, I'd have had to pay for the room. Always bring documentation.

bvlenci

You need the PNR, which is shown on the tickets. You can write it down on a piece of paper, or save the e-ticket on your phone, or even write on the back of your hand. I always print it, though, to avoid mistakes or misunderstandings.