Trains from Genoa to Rome: a Word of Advice
Oct 26th, 2004, 07:15 AM
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Trains from Genoa to Rome: a Word of Advice
Fodorites have posted numerous inquiries about train travel between Genoa and Rome, sometimes in connection with cruise ship arrivals or departures.
It is important to bear in mind that a majority of the six Intercity (IC) trains running between Genoa and Rome originate either in Naples or further south (travelling northbound) or in Turin or Ventimiglia (travelling southbound). This means that the trains may be full or nearly so when boarding in either Rome or Genoa.
This makes a seat reservation, which is optional on Intercity trains, whether in first or in second class, desirable and even essential during peak travel periods.
The six Intercity trains on this route run every two hours, and take 5 hrs. 22 mins, making numerous stops enroute.
First class seats cost only 12 Euros more than second class, a worthwhile perk given the length of travel.
There is only one Eurostar Italia (ES) train running between these two cities, and its departure time is impractical, particularly on the southbound run. Moreover, it saves only 23 minutes in travel time (14 minutes on the northbound run), and the fare, in second class, is nearly identical to reserved second class on the Intercity (there is a greater difference in fare when travelling in first class). On the Eurostar, seat reservations are mandatory and come automatically with ticket purchase.
Most Fodorites will be travelling on one of the six Intercity trains, and should give some thought to the practicality of securing advance seat reservations. Seat reservations are not necessary on those IC trains which originate in Genoa (travelling southbound) or in Rome (travelling northbound), but you must identify these beforehand (you can do so on the trenitalia website).
www.trenitalia.com
It is important to bear in mind that a majority of the six Intercity (IC) trains running between Genoa and Rome originate either in Naples or further south (travelling northbound) or in Turin or Ventimiglia (travelling southbound). This means that the trains may be full or nearly so when boarding in either Rome or Genoa.
This makes a seat reservation, which is optional on Intercity trains, whether in first or in second class, desirable and even essential during peak travel periods.
The six Intercity trains on this route run every two hours, and take 5 hrs. 22 mins, making numerous stops enroute.
First class seats cost only 12 Euros more than second class, a worthwhile perk given the length of travel.
There is only one Eurostar Italia (ES) train running between these two cities, and its departure time is impractical, particularly on the southbound run. Moreover, it saves only 23 minutes in travel time (14 minutes on the northbound run), and the fare, in second class, is nearly identical to reserved second class on the Intercity (there is a greater difference in fare when travelling in first class). On the Eurostar, seat reservations are mandatory and come automatically with ticket purchase.
Most Fodorites will be travelling on one of the six Intercity trains, and should give some thought to the practicality of securing advance seat reservations. Seat reservations are not necessary on those IC trains which originate in Genoa (travelling southbound) or in Rome (travelling northbound), but you must identify these beforehand (you can do so on the trenitalia website).
www.trenitalia.com
Nov 5th, 2004, 01:59 PM
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If you take advantage of the "Sabato di Trenitalia" promotional fare and reserve a seat up to 60 days in advance through the Trenitalia web site, for travel on any SATURDAY (and only on a Saturday), you may qualify for a first class (reserved seat) fare of only 15 Euros on any of the six IC trains between Genoa and Rome, where the undiscounted rack rate is 46.74 Euros. A savings of 68% is quite good, to say the least.
And if you have a reserved first class seat on an IC train on this particular route, who cares about the Eurostar anyway!
And if you have a reserved first class seat on an IC train on this particular route, who cares about the Eurostar anyway!
Nov 5th, 2004, 09:22 PM
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The worst thing that ever happened to me traveling, was the train from Milan to Genoa...
thought I was in a third world country....no seats....got kicked out of first class.....took FOREVER! was hot, smelly, smokey and went thru a million tunnels...
and then we got to Genoa....UGH.
thought I was in a third world country....no seats....got kicked out of first class.....took FOREVER! was hot, smelly, smokey and went thru a million tunnels...
and then we got to Genoa....UGH.
Nov 5th, 2004, 10:33 PM
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toulousaine: I travel the Milan-Genoa route frequently and always by train and I have never had an experience such as you've described. This is a very easy, direct route and has always been pleasant. I buy 2nd class tickets and wouldn't sit in 1st class, so I have never been "kicked out". I travel this route with my 4-year old child nonetheless all during the year and have experienced all seasons of travel.
If you want to see how one travels in a 3rd world country, then go to one. Italy is not one and unfairly categorizing the country as such is wrong.
If you want to see how one travels in a 3rd world country, then go to one. Italy is not one and unfairly categorizing the country as such is wrong.
Nov 22nd, 2004, 11:41 AM
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Intercity (IC) trains departing Genova Piazza Principe for Rome Termini at 6:32, 12:52 and 14:52, and returning from Rome Termini to Genova at 9:46, 11:57 and 17:46, are all "Intercity Plus" or "Restyled Intercity" trains.
Railcars of "Intercity Plus" trains no longer have individual compartments with sliding glass doors, each seating six facing each other. Instead, seats are pullman-like, as on the Eurostar Italia (ES) train, with no separate compartments. Second class have four across, facing each other. First class have three across, facing each other.
Seats have new fabrics, better illumination for night travel, and there is a working table dividing the twin seats facing each other, providing a physical barrier between the passenger in front. The seat bottom pivots forward, allowing a modest recline. Restrooms are much smaller and more modern, as on passenger aircraft. Altogether, much like the layout on the ES trains.
"Intercity Plus" trains are supposed to be entirely non-smoking.
If you prefer to travel on the traditional IC train, you should keep this distinction in mind when planning your trip.
Railcars of "Intercity Plus" trains no longer have individual compartments with sliding glass doors, each seating six facing each other. Instead, seats are pullman-like, as on the Eurostar Italia (ES) train, with no separate compartments. Second class have four across, facing each other. First class have three across, facing each other.
Seats have new fabrics, better illumination for night travel, and there is a working table dividing the twin seats facing each other, providing a physical barrier between the passenger in front. The seat bottom pivots forward, allowing a modest recline. Restrooms are much smaller and more modern, as on passenger aircraft. Altogether, much like the layout on the ES trains.
"Intercity Plus" trains are supposed to be entirely non-smoking.
If you prefer to travel on the traditional IC train, you should keep this distinction in mind when planning your trip.
Dec 13th, 2004, 01:30 PM
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The rules for requesting seat reservations on Italian Intercity (IC) trains has now changed: read about this in
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34546072
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34546072
