I am taking a train from Rome to Naples on a Saturday morning at the end of June. When should I buy seat reservations? Is a day before enough time to be guaranteed a seat?

Hi italia,

We took the ES* Rome/Naples on a Thursday in Sept. and all of the seats were taken.

But what does this tell about seats available a day before?

I think a day before would likely be fne. If it's no big deal to buy them 48 hours ahead, you could do that, of course.

Best wishes,

Rex

>But what does this tell about seats available a day before?<


Nothing. It is entirely possible that I was the only person to buy my tickets from Florence to Naples (same train) a week in advance and that everyone in Rome bought their tickets between 2 and 48 hours before the train left Milan.

I wasn't intending to throw a barb your way, ira (and I actualy don't think you were trying to throw one my wy either).

The real question asked by "italia" is/was: will ALL of the seats be reserved up/sold out a day before a Saturday morning in June?

I predict not. But I don't know the consequences of my being wrong for this particular traveler.

Foe the ES train you should make it as early as possible, Saturday mornings can be crowded as many Italians go south for the weekend. I think that you have to make your reservation two hours prior, but I'm not sure.

However, the IC trains only take about 15 minutes longer, and are comfortable in 1st class. Good idea to get seat resevations.

<<Foe the ES train you should make it as early as possible...>>

I just don't understand this statement. Are you suggesting that 40 days ahead is better than 20 days ahead is better than 7 days ahead is better than 3 days ahead?

Is there any evidence or practical experience to suggest this?

With FF mile award seats, we all know the importance of "as early as possible"...

but for trains in Europe, I think that any trains that "fill up" do so 24-48 hours before departure.

I will admit, even I am just guessing here. But I have never heard any info to the contrary.

Definetly make sure you get a reservation. I had some problems on my train ride from Rome to Milan of people boarding without reservations and taking seats of those with. I purchased my rail pass and reservations from AAA....they are a good resource.