Eurostar vs Point to Point
Feb 21st, 2003, 04:13 PM
#1
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Eurostar vs Point to Point
There are great train tips on this site, but I'm still a bit confused..We are doing the Big Three - Rome,Florence, Venice, with a possible side to Sienna. My question 1) Is it cheaper to book the Eurostar, and if so, do I do it while still in the States, 2) If it is cheaper to take a point to point train,can I or should I make reservations while still here. OR Do I purchase Italy flexipass for those destinations?
Third, can anyone recommend a definitive website for Italian train travel? thanks!
Third, can anyone recommend a definitive website for Italian train travel? thanks!
Feb 21st, 2003, 07:02 PM
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visit www.trenitalia.com for info about trains in italy.
Eurostar is the most expensive of the trains in italy but also uaually the most reliable. No need to book the trains from the US as from Rome to Florence for example there is a train almost every our (eurostar) or every two hours (Intercity with a difference of 6 euros less with the Eurostar).
In case of doubt i would suggest that you buy the so called KILOMETRIC TICKET, a booklet composed of 20 coupons, each valid for a section (for example ROme- Florence, Florence-Venice etc). The good thing of this kind of ticket if that it is valid for 3000 kilometers and up to 5 people can use it. I make some example: from Rome to Florence there are 316 kilometers. If you are 2 people traveling together on this line you will use 632 kilometers. On the other section from Florence to Venice you will do the same thing. The kilometric ticket costs in 2nd class 226euros, seat reservations and supplements excluded. SO if youpurchase it you can take almost every train BUT if you take for example the Eurostar or the Intercity you must pay the supplement. Just remember though to show your kilometric ticket to the clerk at the ticket counter, because he will need to fill one coupon for the section you will be using.
Eurostar is the most expensive of the trains in italy but also uaually the most reliable. No need to book the trains from the US as from Rome to Florence for example there is a train almost every our (eurostar) or every two hours (Intercity with a difference of 6 euros less with the Eurostar).
In case of doubt i would suggest that you buy the so called KILOMETRIC TICKET, a booklet composed of 20 coupons, each valid for a section (for example ROme- Florence, Florence-Venice etc). The good thing of this kind of ticket if that it is valid for 3000 kilometers and up to 5 people can use it. I make some example: from Rome to Florence there are 316 kilometers. If you are 2 people traveling together on this line you will use 632 kilometers. On the other section from Florence to Venice you will do the same thing. The kilometric ticket costs in 2nd class 226euros, seat reservations and supplements excluded. SO if youpurchase it you can take almost every train BUT if you take for example the Eurostar or the Intercity you must pay the supplement. Just remember though to show your kilometric ticket to the clerk at the ticket counter, because he will need to fill one coupon for the section you will be using.
Feb 21st, 2003, 08:42 PM
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I believe the kilometric ticket may have been discontinued - see this thread:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessages.jsp?fid=2&tid=34399844
In any case, for this route just buying point-to-point tickets when you get to Italy would almost certainly be simpler and cheaper. (For Siena, it's easiest to take a bus from Florence rather than the train.)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessages.jsp?fid=2&tid=34399844
In any case, for this route just buying point-to-point tickets when you get to Italy would almost certainly be simpler and cheaper. (For Siena, it's easiest to take a bus from Florence rather than the train.)
Feb 22nd, 2003, 05:47 AM
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Hi Rosie. The Eurostar is a type of train in Italy. They also have Intercity trains and local trains.
You can buy point to point tickets on all three of these trains.
Eurostar trains will not take you to Siena. It will take you from Rome to Florence, Florence to Venice.
If you check the schedules on trentalia as Batuffolina suggests, it will tell you which trains follow which routes and the prices.
I agree with Jahoulih. Buy the tickets in Italy for all legs of your trip in your arrival city at one time.
You can buy point to point tickets on all three of these trains.
Eurostar trains will not take you to Siena. It will take you from Rome to Florence, Florence to Venice.
If you check the schedules on trentalia as Batuffolina suggests, it will tell you which trains follow which routes and the prices.
I agree with Jahoulih. Buy the tickets in Italy for all legs of your trip in your arrival city at one time.
Feb 22nd, 2003, 07:42 AM
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Hi Rosie,
The Italian Eurostar (ES*) is a class of train. It is not related to the Eurostar train between London and Paris.
If you go to www.railsaver.com you will be able to compare prices for
p-t-p and railpasses. Railpasses must be purchased before you leave.
You can take a train from florence to Siena, it will be a local not the ES*, or you can go by bus, which many people on this forum recommend.
The Italian Eurostar (ES*) is a class of train. It is not related to the Eurostar train between London and Paris.
If you go to www.railsaver.com you will be able to compare prices for
p-t-p and railpasses. Railpasses must be purchased before you leave.
You can take a train from florence to Siena, it will be a local not the ES*, or you can go by bus, which many people on this forum recommend.
Feb 24th, 2003, 01:30 AM
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I found travelling by Eurostar between Italian cities wonderful. 2nd class is fine but you still must book a seat and pay a supplment - well worth it.
If you are going to Siena from Florence, go by bus rather than train. If you go by train, the train station is outside the city walls in Siena and you have to take a bus into the centre of Siena. If you go by bus from Florence you are dropped off in the centre of the city, inside the city walls.
Its about 1 hours 15 minutes by bus/
Hope this helps. Isobel
If you are going to Siena from Florence, go by bus rather than train. If you go by train, the train station is outside the city walls in Siena and you have to take a bus into the centre of Siena. If you go by bus from Florence you are dropped off in the centre of the city, inside the city walls.
Its about 1 hours 15 minutes by bus/
Hope this helps. Isobel
