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-   -   Italia Rail Questions (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/italia-rail-questions-713486/)

Roaming Jun 15th, 2007 02:17 PM

Italia Rail Questions
 
I have been trying to purchase train tickets on the Trenitalia site since 6/8 and have not been successful. Someone suggested the Italia Rail website and I am just about ready to try them, but I wanted to see if anyone can comment on them first. I hate to spend $630 without knowing for sure that other people have been happy with their service and the tickets were real.

So, can anyone comment on this company?

Zerlina Jun 15th, 2007 02:23 PM

I may be wrong, but I think Italia Rail adds a huge mark-up to Trenitalia's fares.

Roaming Jun 15th, 2007 03:23 PM

I thought they would add a huge markup also, but they are quoting $630. The Trenitalia price is 439 Euros. Not much difference if you are looking at a $1.43 exchange rate.


violetduck Jun 15th, 2007 07:11 PM

What are you getting for $630? That is a nice chunk of money. Point to point tickets in Italy are very reasonable so
unless your price is for several people and includes great distances it seems like
a lot to pay.
www.budgeteuropetravel.com was recommended
on this site regarding rail questions 800 441-9413. Maybe they
can help you. At least maybe you could
speak with a living person. :)

Jayneann Jun 15th, 2007 07:39 PM

Hi Roaming,

It only cost me $28 more to book Italia Rail than booking through Trenitalia. My ticket arrived within 2 days by DHL and I noticed the Italia Rail company is out of Newton, MA, according to the receipt. We leave on Monday and am SO relieved I don't have to worry about train tickets anymore!!!! :)

mcnyc Jun 15th, 2007 07:53 PM

Personally, I would suggest that unless you're buying tickets for a real popular route, you buy your tickets in Italy. It's relatively easy to do...but that's just my personal opinion.

ira Jun 16th, 2007 02:50 AM

Hi R,

>I have been trying to purchase train tickets on the Trenitalia site since 6/8 and have not been successful. <

What has been happening?

What is the itinerary?

Are you trying to book more than 60 days away?

((I))

Roaming Jun 17th, 2007 09:18 AM

To answer some of the questions, I am trying to purchase tickets for 4 adults and 2 children on an overnight train from Cefalu to Rome on July 9th. I am trying to select the 3 bed compartments. I get everything all selected and get to the payment screen and once I type in my credit card information I get either "cannot contact server" or "payment denied" errors. I have tried several different credit cards and I have even called the card companies to verify there is nothing wrong with my accounts and to inform them of the transaction I am attempting to make. They have all said that they do not see any attempts showing up on my accounts.

I have faxed trenitalia but they do not respond. I have trired creating new trenitalia accounts with different emails but nothing works.

I think I will go ahead and use the Italia Rail site in the morning. It is just inconvenient to have to make sure someone is home to sign for a delivery from them.

Thanks everyone.


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