Hi: <BR> <BR>I"m flying into Vienna, Austria and then taking a train from Vienna to Florence (and then trains to Rome and Venice, then back to Vienna). Eurorail has a pass that is slightly cheaper than point-to-point. My question is is trenitalia any better. I've been to their website but can't seem to get prices. Also, is Eurostar also in Italy. All I can find on Eurostar is about England and France. I'd love to hear from others on their thoughts on this.

I can't give you info on the Eurorail, but I can comment on your trip. My husband, daughter and myself took this exact trip 2 years ago April. <BR>We took the evening train from Vienna (I think it was an 8 PM train). We did not have sleeping cars. We arrived Florence early the next morning, exhausted, but in one piece. I have no regrets and would travel this way again. I know the train stopped in Venice before the final destination in Florence. The cost was about $60.00 or less, if I remember correctly. The arrangements were made by my daughter's host family in Vienna. <BR>The Eurostar is a totally different train which I know goes between the major cities: Rome, Flornce, Venice, Milan. I believe the IC are the second fastest trains. <BR> <BR>Hope someone else can help you further. <BR> <BR>Denise

If you are using point-to-point prices you got from www.raileurope.com - - be aware that these are 20-40% higher than what you would pay, buying after you arrive in Europe. I find it hard to believe that a pass is more economical. <BR> <BR>and if you buy there, there are discounts of multiple passengers, with as few as three traveling together (you don't say if you have that or not). <BR> <BR>Eurostar is the name of the trains serving London and Lille, Brussels and Paris traveling through the English Channel tunnel. But is also a name (unrelated, really) used by the flagship high speed train service from Venice to Rome (and other rourtes, I believe). <BR> <BR>You can find prices on Trenitalia - - also known as www.fs-on-line.com - - by simply choosing an actual train as if you want to book the ticket online. Apparently there is a way you can do this, and claim it there. Sorry I can't help you with that, as I have never bought tickets that way. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

I agree with Rex, I would doubt that a railpass esp one bought thru a commercial company would be cheaper than point-to-point tickets. Also I don't believe that the suppliments and the small seat reservation fee are included in a railpass for Italian Eurostar trains (and InterCity train suppliments). <BR> On www.trenitalia.com Once you are in the timetables to find your FARE and connection info, to the left of your chosen train under the "Select" column either click-on the train's #(1,2,3,.) or the "red square/triangle". HTH Regards, Walter

Janine <BR> <BR>Go to www.railsaver.com and type in your itinerary for an estimate of the cost of a pass vs. point-to-point tickets.

Thanks everyone for your tips!! <BR> <BR>I'll start working on it. <BR> <BR>Janine