ES* or iC train in Italy?
Jun 27th, 2005 | 05:35 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 927
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ES* or iC train in Italy?
Hi, all,
I'm finally getting around to making this reservation. So many people have been helpful as I've planned other parts of our 30th anniversary trip--I'm hoping someone can help again...
I went to the trenitalia website, which is very easy to use, but I just want to check with you Fodorites before I book. Other posters have recommended the ES* train. Well, the choices I have on July 31 are a ES* at 8:14 a.m. which goes through Bologna and is a total travel time of 3:32 , arriving at 11:46. Or, I can take a non-stop iC (?) that leaves at 9:33 and arrives at 12:26 with total travel time of 2:53. Which do you recommend? Obviously, we'd like to:
a) sleep in a bit later than the 8:14 train allows if possible (but not a priority)
b) have as little train time as possible
c) have the most comfortable and enjoyable train experience
Anyone who has a suggestion, I'm very grateful!
I'm finally getting around to making this reservation. So many people have been helpful as I've planned other parts of our 30th anniversary trip--I'm hoping someone can help again...
I went to the trenitalia website, which is very easy to use, but I just want to check with you Fodorites before I book. Other posters have recommended the ES* train. Well, the choices I have on July 31 are a ES* at 8:14 a.m. which goes through Bologna and is a total travel time of 3:32 , arriving at 11:46. Or, I can take a non-stop iC (?) that leaves at 9:33 and arrives at 12:26 with total travel time of 2:53. Which do you recommend? Obviously, we'd like to:
a) sleep in a bit later than the 8:14 train allows if possible (but not a priority)
b) have as little train time as possible
c) have the most comfortable and enjoyable train experience
Anyone who has a suggestion, I'm very grateful!
The InterCity is faster, looks like a good option.
Jun 27th, 2005 | 08:36 PM
#4
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,473
Likes: 0
I have taken both IC/ES trains many times, both are comfortable; only ES tain the seat reservation is compulsory; with IC train you have to make extra reservation.
But, if I am not mistaken, both trains mentioned above only go to Venezia Mestre (another 15 minutes train ride to Venice proper), NOT Venice Santa Lucia. If Venice is your destination, perhaps it would be more convenient to take the next train dep 10:39-13:28 ( travel time 2:49)
But, if I am not mistaken, both trains mentioned above only go to Venezia Mestre (another 15 minutes train ride to Venice proper), NOT Venice Santa Lucia. If Venice is your destination, perhaps it would be more convenient to take the next train dep 10:39-13:28 ( travel time 2:49)
Jun 28th, 2005 | 02:24 PM
#6
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 37,526
Likes: 14
I'm confused. I don't see where you posted departure/arrival cities at all. The only city I see mentioned is Bologna but assume from other posts you are going to Venice. It seems there should be many trains to choose from not just the two you listed. What is your departure city?
Anyway - The ES train prices on Trenitalia always include the price of seat reservation and the IC does not.
Anyway - The ES train prices on Trenitalia always include the price of seat reservation and the IC does not.
Jun 28th, 2005 | 02:40 PM
#7
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,717
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The 8:14 (I assume we are talking about departure from Florence Santa Maria Novella) requires a *change* at Bologna.
There is a direct ES at 8:39 or at 10:39 to Venezia Santa Lucia. Either one takes 2 hours 49 minutes. Either one has five stops between Florence SMN and Venice SL.
Why don't you just buy the ticket when you arrive in Florence?
There is a direct ES at 8:39 or at 10:39 to Venezia Santa Lucia. Either one takes 2 hours 49 minutes. Either one has five stops between Florence SMN and Venice SL.
Why don't you just buy the ticket when you arrive in Florence?
