we are going to venice, florence and rome. should we book our trains from aaa. or just go to the train stations. if we book from home would their be much confusion. our hotels are booked as well as some tours. all,of your input would greatly be appreciated. we are leaving on sept. 15 help please!!!!

If it were me (it was!) I would book from home... another poster asked a similar question I think it was today.

My feeling is, if you can do from home, do it.. it's once less thing you have to do on your vacation!

I have just gone to the train station and bought a ticket. To me is seems MORE confusing to try to do it from home.

You can book from Trenitalia (Italian trains website) within 60 days of your trip without paying AAA prices. You might even find some discounts such as the 29E first class fare on ES.

www.trenitalia.com

Just a note on the trains in Italy. In my opinion, they don't seem to be as time sensative as some of the other European countries...so try to be patient.

Just buy your tickets on arrival in Italy. Walk up, say what you want and when you want it for, and you will get what you need. If you already know exactly the specifics for the next leg, Florence-to-Rome, you can get it at the same time, then you're all set.

Hi ray,

You can buy your tickets in advance at www.trenitalia.com. Choose "ticketless".

You will get a confirmation number. Just show the conductor your confirmation.

You can buy your tickets at Venezia San Lucia station when you get to Venice.

You can buy your tickets from any travel agent.

It's about 30E pp 2cl for each leg, too cheap for 29 and 39E specials.

Ira - The 29E special for ES trains (if not sold out) will save you 10E per person (regular 1st cl price is 39E) if you book first class from Venice to Florence and 12E per person (regular 1st cl price is 42E)for the Florence/Rome leg.

With the problems most people seem to have with trenitalia, I would just book t the station when you get there. Its very clear and simple and shouldnt take up too much of your time.

Once you arrive in Italy, you can purchase train tickets at any travel agency or American Express office and there is no surcharge. I was very glad I didn't purchase ahead for my transit from Florence to Venice in November as, when I arrived in Florence I found out a strike was called for all trains between 8am and 1pm for the day of my travel. If I had purchased from home, I would have booked a morning train. I ended up booking a 2pm train at a local travel agency and had absolutely no trouble at the train station. Those people who had tickets for earlier in the day was scrambling to get on trains and were piled in everywhere they could fit. With my 1st class ticket I had my seat waiting for me!