ANOTHER train question!!
 

Hi Guys,
Just needing some input for train tickets. Taking train from Venice to Florence on Sat. Oct.2nd. Since Trenitalia is having their Saturday sale, we have decided to take the IC train for 15 Euros each instead of the ES. Question is... is this a good choice? I hear IC is just as fast and has a larger baggage area. Also, should I purchase these tickets ahead of time on the Trenitalia site, or wait until I'm in Venice (I'll be there 2 days prior)? Also, if I do buy from web site, do I choose mandatory reservation or specific seats?? Don't want to screw this up! Thanks for any input. We will be travelling 1st class since the special gives you the same price for 1st or 2nd class.

Hi tennis,

The IC train normally takes 1/2 hr longer.

The ES* trains run on time. The IC trains are usually late.

Since you know when you are traveling, I suggest you buy your tickets in advance. I think it a good idea to get seat reservations. You don't want to run the risk of standing for 3 hrs.

Quite independent of the Saturday special fare, the ES train is better than the IC, even between Venice and Florence, a relatively short run. See my discussion: two types of trains between Rome and Venice, which applies to your case as well, and which discusses the differences in luggage capacities of the two trains.

As you are trying to secure the significant discounted rate, I see no disadvantage of doing so now, on the internet. As long as you've decided on a particular train, and don't anticipate the possibility of changing, why not lock in the rate now? You will also need to designate your preferred seating arrangements.

If this were my itinerary, I would lock in the rate now.

I re-read your posting and now realize that you're asking whether it is worthwhile spending 30 Euros per ticket (Sabato di Trenitalia promotional fare)to travel on the Eurostar Italia train from Venice to Florence, when the Intercity train on the same route and with the same promotion costs half as much and takes only 14 minutes longer.

My honest opinion is that I would save 15 Euros per ticket and go on the Intercity, especially if you can lock in first class seats at the promotional fare. This Intercity originates in Venice (its destination is Naples), so it should depart ON TIME, and probably arrive in Florence on time or nearly so. First class on the intercity train is very nice and not particularly crowded (especially in early October).

I don't think it's worthwhile spending twice as much to reach your destination 14 minutes earlier, under the facts in question. The intercity makes only two en-route stops more than the Eurostar: Monselice and Prato. Not much of a difference.

When you purchase your ticket online at the promotional rate, remember to select "non smoking" (I assume) as well as your seat preference. One railcar of the intercity train in each class is a smoking railcar, the others are all non-smoking.

The overall generalization posted above that Eurostars run on time and InterCity trains are late is erroneous, and that's being very charitable about the comment.

If saving money is important then go with the IC.

I guess I've been lucky. In two trips to Italy for a total of 6 weeks, the majority of our travel was train. Never had a late train, never had a strike.

France was another matter!