Economical way to Travel from Lucene to Venice
Apr 7th, 2013, 05:22 PM
#22
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Hi kybourbon: Please let me know if you try to get ticket of 53 CHF (refer to my post: sm2707 on Apr 4, 13 at 12:51am) going all the way to purchase the ticket. I tried it today also and it still offers 53 CHF, but when I enter information to book a ticket then it shows 82 CHF.
Apr 7th, 2013, 07:26 PM
#23
Sorry, I imagine the discounted tickets are sold out by now. You can't purchase them at all when you get within a certain time frame (a couple of weeks before departure).
>>>Local people would take the local train Chiasso dp 10.16 up to Milano Porta Garibaldi and reach Milano Centrale from there by metro; but I guess that would be too complicated for you.<<<
There are local trains from Chiasso to Milan Centrale departing 8:06 (ar 8:50
and 9:08 (ar 9:50) along with the two EC trains (one the OP was trying to book from Lucerne) that pass through Chiasso. Both the EC trains show as having 9€ super economy tickets available from Chiasso to Centrale on Trenitalia. If you decide to spend the night in Chiasso, you could go on and book the EC tickets on Trenitalia now. The local trains you would either have to buy at the station or perhaps they will show on Trenitalia 7 days from travel (R trains can only be purchased online 7 days in advance).
>>>Local people would take the local train Chiasso dp 10.16 up to Milano Porta Garibaldi and reach Milano Centrale from there by metro; but I guess that would be too complicated for you.<<<
There are local trains from Chiasso to Milan Centrale departing 8:06 (ar 8:50
and 9:08 (ar 9:50) along with the two EC trains (one the OP was trying to book from Lucerne) that pass through Chiasso. Both the EC trains show as having 9€ super economy tickets available from Chiasso to Centrale on Trenitalia. If you decide to spend the night in Chiasso, you could go on and book the EC tickets on Trenitalia now. The local trains you would either have to buy at the station or perhaps they will show on Trenitalia 7 days from travel (R trains can only be purchased online 7 days in advance).
Apr 9th, 2013, 09:30 AM
#25
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Thanks, kybourbon. Because rates are so bumped up...I plan to stay at Chiasso the night before and then take train from Chiasso to Milan Centrale which is available at 9 Euros super economy tickets on Trenitalia. Before I buy tickets from Trenitalia, I want to confirm that I will be able to pick tickets from Chiasso train station. A few days ago I called trenitalia and they said that they do not have any customer service/vending machines where we can retrieve tickets from if I buy online through trenitalia website.
Apr 10th, 2013, 08:13 AM
#27
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Apr 10th, 2013, 08:46 AM
#28
>>>Before I buy tickets from Trenitalia, I want to confirm that I will be able to pick tickets from Chiasso train station.<<<
My understanding is you are going to be in Italy before you go to Switzerland according to your other earlier thread re: travel Rome/Zurich. Pick them up in Milan or Rome on your way to Switzerland.
My understanding is you are going to be in Italy before you go to Switzerland according to your other earlier thread re: travel Rome/Zurich. Pick them up in Milan or Rome on your way to Switzerland.
Apr 10th, 2013, 12:59 PM
#29
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...do you know how long the queues usually are at Roma Termini or Milano Centrale?
In my opinion, the ticket counter at Chiasso is the best solution. The ticket for the EC trains from Chiasso (only) to Milan could also be bought in advance at Lucerne, but it would cost more.
In my opinion, the ticket counter at Chiasso is the best solution. The ticket for the EC trains from Chiasso (only) to Milan could also be bought in advance at Lucerne, but it would cost more.
Apr 11th, 2013, 08:10 AM
#30
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kybourbon: Sorry about the confusion. I will be landing into Zurich -> Spend a few days in Switzerland -> Train from Luzern to Italy -> Italy back to Zurich for flight back home.
So my question still stands, I buy tickets from Trenitalia, I want to confirm that I will be able to pick tickets from Chiasso train station. Please let know if you are aware. Thank you for all your help.
So my question still stands, I buy tickets from Trenitalia, I want to confirm that I will be able to pick tickets from Chiasso train station. Please let know if you are aware. Thank you for all your help.
Apr 11th, 2013, 08:16 AM
#31
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neckervd: Tickets from Chiasso to Milan options -> I buy from Trenitalia.com or I buy tickets from Chiasso or I will buy from Luzern as one of the options you have provided. I will that in mind to avoid long queues.
Tickets on Trenitalia online is cheapest: 9 euro as compared to other options. If I buy tickets from Trenitalia now, will I be able to pick tickets from Chiasso train station.
Tickets on Trenitalia online is cheapest: 9 euro as compared to other options. If I buy tickets from Trenitalia now, will I be able to pick tickets from Chiasso train station.
Apr 11th, 2013, 08:17 AM
#32
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neckervd: Please let me know how I can take benefit of the links provided by you below.
http://fahrplan.sbb.ch/bin/query.exe/en?OK#focus
http://www.muoversi.regione.lombardi...oniViaggio.do#
http://fahrplan.sbb.ch/bin/query.exe/en?OK#focus
http://www.muoversi.regione.lombardi...oniViaggio.do#
Apr 11th, 2013, 09:47 AM
#33
>>>Tickets on Trenitalia online is cheapest: 9 euro as compared to other options.<<<
The other options, such as the local R train to Milan Centrale, are only 5.25€ walk up price. The R train seems to depart hourly from Chiasso to Milan and take 45 minutes. The S trains are the same price, but aren't going to Centrale.
>>>If I buy tickets from Trenitalia now, will I be able to pick tickets from Chiasso train station.<<<
No. I thought you were going to be in Italy first. You would need to pick them up in Italy.
I think I have another option for you though. Italiarail appears to have an electronic ticket. The price for the EC trains departing Chiasso on 4/27 at 10:11 and arriving Milan at 10:50 is $13 (that would be about 9€). The EC train that departs Chiasso at 11:11 and arrives Milan at 11:50 is showing the same price. Italiarail charges a $5 fee to book, but I believe that is per order, not per ticket. This price is showing if I request 1 adult ticket (also showing a $13 for 1st class). When I switch to 6 tickets, the supereconomy fare disappears. When I switch to 2 tickets, they are still available for 2nd class, but not first. Don't know if it's worth fooling with and paying the $5 booking fee if you have to make multiple bookings.
http://www.italiarail.com/
I didn't to a complete walk through to make sure you didn't need to pick up the ticket at a kiosk, but it appears you don't. This is what it says after selecting the train.
Ticket: CHIASSO - MILANO C.LE
Train Number: 13
From: CHIASSO
To : MILANO C.LE
Departure Date: 04/27/13 10:11
Arrival Date: 04/27/13 10:50
1st Class, 1 Adult
Adult, US $13.00
Fare: Super Economy
This is an electronic ticket (e-ticket) and no paper printed ticket is needed to ride the train. You will present the “PNR” to the conductor while on the train.
The other options, such as the local R train to Milan Centrale, are only 5.25€ walk up price. The R train seems to depart hourly from Chiasso to Milan and take 45 minutes. The S trains are the same price, but aren't going to Centrale.
>>>If I buy tickets from Trenitalia now, will I be able to pick tickets from Chiasso train station.<<<
No. I thought you were going to be in Italy first. You would need to pick them up in Italy.
I think I have another option for you though. Italiarail appears to have an electronic ticket. The price for the EC trains departing Chiasso on 4/27 at 10:11 and arriving Milan at 10:50 is $13 (that would be about 9€). The EC train that departs Chiasso at 11:11 and arrives Milan at 11:50 is showing the same price. Italiarail charges a $5 fee to book, but I believe that is per order, not per ticket. This price is showing if I request 1 adult ticket (also showing a $13 for 1st class). When I switch to 6 tickets, the supereconomy fare disappears. When I switch to 2 tickets, they are still available for 2nd class, but not first. Don't know if it's worth fooling with and paying the $5 booking fee if you have to make multiple bookings.
http://www.italiarail.com/
I didn't to a complete walk through to make sure you didn't need to pick up the ticket at a kiosk, but it appears you don't. This is what it says after selecting the train.
Ticket: CHIASSO - MILANO C.LE
Train Number: 13
From: CHIASSO
To : MILANO C.LE
Departure Date: 04/27/13 10:11
Arrival Date: 04/27/13 10:50
1st Class, 1 Adult
Adult, US $13.00
Fare: Super Economy
This is an electronic ticket (e-ticket) and no paper printed ticket is needed to ride the train. You will present the “PNR” to the conductor while on the train.
Apr 12th, 2013, 03:06 AM
#34
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Official text:
"PURCHASE
You can buy a ticket with the ticketless procedure
on this site by choosing the trip proposal and inquiring the availability of one or more seats.
If buying on-line, after checking on seat/s availability, the system will ask the customer for his/her user-id and password for authentication.
Then you will be asked for:
- identification information;
- the payment of the sum through credit card.
After payment, the system will provide the Booking Code (PNR) and the Booking Change Code (CP) along with the carriage number and seat number/s.
For on-line purchases, the system will send a confirmation e-mail with all information on the transaction.
TICKET ISSUING
The ticket issuing of Italian Eurostar, Intercity and Intercity Plus trains takes place on board the train. The staff on board will issue the Ticketless ticket without requiring payment after checking the PNR stated by the customer with their list of expected passengers.
Should the customer have lost or forgotten the PNR number but be able to provide proof of identity (using a valid piece of identification) that corresponds with the details on the list, the staff on board may decide that the conditions exist for the issuing of the ticket and thus proceed with the Ticketless issuing (without payment request).
Under all other circumstances, the customer will have to pay for the ticket and the extra charge foreseen.
In this case, the customer may request a full refund from the Call Center phone reservations service, and the cost of the ticket purchased on-line will be credited back onto the relative credit card.
TICKET COLLECTION
Customers who originally decided to use the Ticketless purchase method are not allowed to collect or print their ticket.
Back to list
RESERVATION CHANGES
From the time of ticket purchase until the departure of the reserved train, customers can make an unlimited number of changes, in accordance with the tarifs, free of charge - via the Internet or the Call Center reservations service. From the departure of the train until 1 hour after the departure of the train originally reserved, ticket can changed at ticket offices only. "
All that concerns EC trains only. Until now, sm 2707 was unfortunately not in a position to tell us which train he intends to take.
"PURCHASE
You can buy a ticket with the ticketless procedure
on this site by choosing the trip proposal and inquiring the availability of one or more seats.
If buying on-line, after checking on seat/s availability, the system will ask the customer for his/her user-id and password for authentication.
Then you will be asked for:
- identification information;
- the payment of the sum through credit card.
After payment, the system will provide the Booking Code (PNR) and the Booking Change Code (CP) along with the carriage number and seat number/s.
For on-line purchases, the system will send a confirmation e-mail with all information on the transaction.
TICKET ISSUING
The ticket issuing of Italian Eurostar, Intercity and Intercity Plus trains takes place on board the train. The staff on board will issue the Ticketless ticket without requiring payment after checking the PNR stated by the customer with their list of expected passengers.
Should the customer have lost or forgotten the PNR number but be able to provide proof of identity (using a valid piece of identification) that corresponds with the details on the list, the staff on board may decide that the conditions exist for the issuing of the ticket and thus proceed with the Ticketless issuing (without payment request).
Under all other circumstances, the customer will have to pay for the ticket and the extra charge foreseen.
In this case, the customer may request a full refund from the Call Center phone reservations service, and the cost of the ticket purchased on-line will be credited back onto the relative credit card.
TICKET COLLECTION
Customers who originally decided to use the Ticketless purchase method are not allowed to collect or print their ticket.
Back to list
RESERVATION CHANGES
From the time of ticket purchase until the departure of the reserved train, customers can make an unlimited number of changes, in accordance with the tarifs, free of charge - via the Internet or the Call Center reservations service. From the departure of the train until 1 hour after the departure of the train originally reserved, ticket can changed at ticket offices only. "
All that concerns EC trains only. Until now, sm 2707 was unfortunately not in a position to tell us which train he intends to take.
Apr 12th, 2013, 09:01 AM
#36
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Thank you, kybourbon and neckervd.
kybourbon: neckervd compiled above information from Trenitalia.
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...f90aRCRD&let=a
The ticketless sale option is reserved to customers who travel on Eurostar Italia Trains, Eurostar Italia Alta Velocità, Tbiz, TrenOK, Intercity, Intercity Plus, IC Night and Express (seats, couchettes and WL) for all destinations (also intermediate) in 1st and 2nd class. Ticket purchase with the ticketless procedure is possible for the same offers for which sale through the Internet is allowed, provided that: - in the case of IC, ICN and Express train seating, customers request the 3 euro booking; - the request regards only one train of the chosen category; - the request is made starting from two months before and up to train's departure. The international Intercity and Eurocity trains are not included. The ticketless solution is only valid for the train and the day that have been booked. The cancellation option for arm's length contracts does not apply to this negotiation, pursuant to paragraph b) Article 7 of Legislative Decree no. 185 of 22 May 1999.
SM2707 Comments: based on above information, If I book online through Trenitalia and get PNR number (which I received when I book other routes from Trenitalia.com), I won't have to get printed tickets at the train station.
Exception is Eurocity trains where I have to get printed tickets from ticket counter or vending machine if I buy from Trenitalia which ofcourse wont' be possible if I get EC train from Luzern to Milan or Chiasso to Milan. Correct?
kybourbon: neckervd compiled above information from Trenitalia.
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...f90aRCRD&let=a
The ticketless sale option is reserved to customers who travel on Eurostar Italia Trains, Eurostar Italia Alta Velocità, Tbiz, TrenOK, Intercity, Intercity Plus, IC Night and Express (seats, couchettes and WL) for all destinations (also intermediate) in 1st and 2nd class. Ticket purchase with the ticketless procedure is possible for the same offers for which sale through the Internet is allowed, provided that: - in the case of IC, ICN and Express train seating, customers request the 3 euro booking; - the request regards only one train of the chosen category; - the request is made starting from two months before and up to train's departure. The international Intercity and Eurocity trains are not included. The ticketless solution is only valid for the train and the day that have been booked. The cancellation option for arm's length contracts does not apply to this negotiation, pursuant to paragraph b) Article 7 of Legislative Decree no. 185 of 22 May 1999.
SM2707 Comments: based on above information, If I book online through Trenitalia and get PNR number (which I received when I book other routes from Trenitalia.com), I won't have to get printed tickets at the train station.
Exception is Eurocity trains where I have to get printed tickets from ticket counter or vending machine if I buy from Trenitalia which ofcourse wont' be possible if I get EC train from Luzern to Milan or Chiasso to Milan. Correct?
Apr 12th, 2013, 11:39 AM
#37
Right. That was why I questioned neckervd posting all that. It simply doesn't apply to your question or the EC trains because Trenitalia requires pick up in Italy at a self service kiosk for trains between Switzerland and Italy.
That is why I suggested booking on Italiarail. They seem to provide a PNR for EC trains so you wouldn't have to pick up the tickets at all. They were showing tickets on the EC train from Chiasso for $13 if you selected two travelers which is close to the 9€ super economy price on Trenitalia. You may not be able to get all your tickets at the cheapest price, but I would try booking in groups of two. Since they were showing $13 tickets in both 1st and 2nd class on the early EC train. I would try booking those. They are not showing discounts from Lucerne.
That is why I suggested booking on Italiarail. They seem to provide a PNR for EC trains so you wouldn't have to pick up the tickets at all. They were showing tickets on the EC train from Chiasso for $13 if you selected two travelers which is close to the 9€ super economy price on Trenitalia. You may not be able to get all your tickets at the cheapest price, but I would try booking in groups of two. Since they were showing $13 tickets in both 1st and 2nd class on the early EC train. I would try booking those. They are not showing discounts from Lucerne.
Apr 12th, 2013, 10:47 PM
#38
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kybourbon and neckervd: First of all thank you both of you for helping me out. I don't know how many mistakes a newbie would make if one doesn't get help and guidance from experts like you both....
I think I have all sorted out. Again, I am open to advise based on my plan given below:
I have been deciding on what swiss pass to get and based on detailed research, breakdown of prices and analysis and I realized I should get 8 days consecutive pass for CHF 334.00 each even though I will be in Switzerland for 6 days. I will not be able to use it completely for 8 days but this will reduce many headaches (I have drafted a few below) and I will be able to use one of the free seventh day to travel from Luzern to Chiasso for free and then Chiasso to Milan is about 17 CHF.
I was first planning to get 4-Days Swiss flexi pass for CHF 268.00 each but when I did math, it turned out that it is much better and may prove to be more economical if I buy 8 days consecutive pass as I won’t' have to spend on any Half Fare for non free travel days. However, I understand I will have to pay extra for mountains (Jangfrau/Titlis) but that stands out for any pass I get.
Basic math: 334.00 - 268.00 = 66 CHF - Savings on half price fares - Fare from Luzern to Chiasso = Negative CHF..
Benefit of getting 8 days consecutive pass:
1) Train from Luzern to Chiasso free of cost on April 27th, 2013.
2) No check out from the hotel the day before from Lucern and hassle of checking in only for one night.
3) Don't have to get on long queues to get half fare tickets so it will save a lot of time.
4) Flexibility consecutive card provides to change plans on the fly, to board any tram, train or any swiss transportation system, free admission to museums with only a few exceptions.
Now, I only have two questions:
I still plan to take same train from Luzern to Chiasso (that will be free with a Swiss pass) Luzern - Chiasso || 07:47 - 11:01 and same train continues to Milan Central and reach Milan at 11:50 hour.
Luzern - Chiasso - Milano Centrale
Sat, 27.04.13, 07:47 - 11:01 - 11:50 Hour
1) Is it preferred or mandatory to reserve seats from Luzern to Chiasso as it's a long journey of about 3 hours.
2) Could we continue on the same train if I buy tickets online on sbb.ch from Chiasso to Milan.
I again truly appreciate all all help and guidance.
Thank you.
I think I have all sorted out. Again, I am open to advise based on my plan given below:
I have been deciding on what swiss pass to get and based on detailed research, breakdown of prices and analysis and I realized I should get 8 days consecutive pass for CHF 334.00 each even though I will be in Switzerland for 6 days. I will not be able to use it completely for 8 days but this will reduce many headaches (I have drafted a few below) and I will be able to use one of the free seventh day to travel from Luzern to Chiasso for free and then Chiasso to Milan is about 17 CHF.
I was first planning to get 4-Days Swiss flexi pass for CHF 268.00 each but when I did math, it turned out that it is much better and may prove to be more economical if I buy 8 days consecutive pass as I won’t' have to spend on any Half Fare for non free travel days. However, I understand I will have to pay extra for mountains (Jangfrau/Titlis) but that stands out for any pass I get.
Basic math: 334.00 - 268.00 = 66 CHF - Savings on half price fares - Fare from Luzern to Chiasso = Negative CHF..
Benefit of getting 8 days consecutive pass:
1) Train from Luzern to Chiasso free of cost on April 27th, 2013.
2) No check out from the hotel the day before from Lucern and hassle of checking in only for one night.
3) Don't have to get on long queues to get half fare tickets so it will save a lot of time.
4) Flexibility consecutive card provides to change plans on the fly, to board any tram, train or any swiss transportation system, free admission to museums with only a few exceptions.
Now, I only have two questions:
I still plan to take same train from Luzern to Chiasso (that will be free with a Swiss pass) Luzern - Chiasso || 07:47 - 11:01 and same train continues to Milan Central and reach Milan at 11:50 hour.
Luzern - Chiasso - Milano Centrale
Sat, 27.04.13, 07:47 - 11:01 - 11:50 Hour
1) Is it preferred or mandatory to reserve seats from Luzern to Chiasso as it's a long journey of about 3 hours.
2) Could we continue on the same train if I buy tickets online on sbb.ch from Chiasso to Milan.
I again truly appreciate all all help and guidance.
Thank you.
Apr 13th, 2013, 04:56 AM
#39
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It's interesting to see the cultural differencies. Local people at Chiasso would just arrive at the railway station about 10 min (or less) prior to the train's departure, buy a ticket at the counter and board the train.
Overseas people spend hours and hours loading down all possible and impossible internet sites, ask tons of questions in travel forums and spend so hours and hours which, compared with normal salaries of working people, would probably correspond to some hundred USD.
Kybourbon: I tried to book a 9 EUR EC-ticket Como SG - Milano C as well as a 14 EUR EC-ticket Chiasso - Milano C (always for train 13) on the http://orario.trenitalia.com/ website and it perfectly worked (I stopped just before entering the credit card datas, of course).
Overseas people spend hours and hours loading down all possible and impossible internet sites, ask tons of questions in travel forums and spend so hours and hours which, compared with normal salaries of working people, would probably correspond to some hundred USD.
Kybourbon: I tried to book a 9 EUR EC-ticket Como SG - Milano C as well as a 14 EUR EC-ticket Chiasso - Milano C (always for train 13) on the http://orario.trenitalia.com/ website and it perfectly worked (I stopped just before entering the credit card datas, of course).
Apr 13th, 2013, 05:30 AM
#40
>>>Kybourbon: I tried to book a 9 EUR EC-ticket Como SG - Milano C as well as a 14 EUR EC-ticket Chiasso - Milano C (always for train 13) on the http://orario.trenitalia.com/ website and it perfectly worked (I stopped just before entering the credit card datas, of course).<<<
That isn't the point or issue at all. You can buy both on Trenitalia, you just can't retrieve both. Como is in Italy so not at all what is being discussed. The OP is trying to book Chiasso which is in Switzerland. Yes, you can book Como on Trenitalia and not need to pick up tickets that are entirely within Italy only (you get an e-mail code to use). For international tickets on the EC train between Switzerland and Italy, you can also buy online from Trenitalia, you just can't retrieve it unless you pick it up in Italy. You do not get a code to use on the train. You get a code to pick up the ticket at a self service kiosk in an Italian train station.
sm2707 - There is a sale on the Swiss Pass (4 day pass) where you got an extra day free. Is that enough travel days for you to work with your plans? It's 5 consecutive days so it might not work depending on your itinerary. If you are staying in Zurich any, it might benefit you to combine the Swiss 4+1 pass with a Zurich pass which gives you transport around Zurich including a boat ride and museums. There is a 24 hour card and a 72 hour card.
http://www.swisstravelsystem.com/en/...ss-4-1-en.html
http://www.zuerich.com/en/Visitor/zuerich-card.html
That isn't the point or issue at all. You can buy both on Trenitalia, you just can't retrieve both. Como is in Italy so not at all what is being discussed. The OP is trying to book Chiasso which is in Switzerland. Yes, you can book Como on Trenitalia and not need to pick up tickets that are entirely within Italy only (you get an e-mail code to use). For international tickets on the EC train between Switzerland and Italy, you can also buy online from Trenitalia, you just can't retrieve it unless you pick it up in Italy. You do not get a code to use on the train. You get a code to pick up the ticket at a self service kiosk in an Italian train station.
sm2707 - There is a sale on the Swiss Pass (4 day pass) where you got an extra day free. Is that enough travel days for you to work with your plans? It's 5 consecutive days so it might not work depending on your itinerary. If you are staying in Zurich any, it might benefit you to combine the Swiss 4+1 pass with a Zurich pass which gives you transport around Zurich including a boat ride and museums. There is a 24 hour card and a 72 hour card.
http://www.swisstravelsystem.com/en/...ss-4-1-en.html
http://www.zuerich.com/en/Visitor/zuerich-card.html
