Italian Train Pass
 

By train from Rome to Venice, in Venice 2 weeks, train to Florence and in Florence 1 month. We will use both cities as a base, taking the train to various cities about 20 in all. (Venice to Verona, Venice to Padua, Florence to Pisa, etc). Please help me make sense of the Trenitalia promotions? I thought there was a Trenitalia Pass for unlimited train travel from 3-10 days but I've searched and can't seem to find it. There seems to be a Silver Card, Amica and Base Pass. Any recommendations for over 2 senior citizens who will travel 2nd class in October? Should we just buy at the station but I really would like to prepay as much as possible. I would appreciate any and all advice. Thanks. jk

You should buy point-to-point tickets after you get to Italy. Since you will be there so long, you will be able to take advantage of some of the discount tickets that must be purchased anywhere from 24 hours in advance (Amica discount) to the discounts for the fast trains of 15%, 30%, 60%.
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...003f16f90aRCRD

I'm not sure you qualify for the Silver Card or Base Pass. Many travel cards are for Europeans only.

Hi jan,

The unlimited pass is the common Railpass for Italy. The 10-day saver pass (2 or more together) is $329 (235E)
http://www.raileurope.com/rail-ticke...ass/index.html

Compare this to the discount prices (Promo -25 and Promo -15) purchasable 2 mos in advance. For example, Rome/Florence on the ES* is 36E.

Ypu have to buy a year-long card for the Senior discount.

Amica has been replaced by Promo (I believe).

Enjoy your visit.

((I))

Amica still exists. Here's a list of all the offers. Be sure to click on the different items at right.

http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...003f16f90aRCRD

Since you will be in each of your locations for an extended period. I suggest you find a local travel agency to frequent. They can help you make the best choices and will offer the same discounts.

I agree with the suggestion of a travel agency if you are going to buy point to point tickets.

We like the flexibility of a pass as the penalties for the discount fares are steep. You generally have to throw them away.

Many of your day trips are quite cheap so a pass really doesn't make sense. Venice/Padova can be as cheap as 2.90€ or you can pay 12.40€ to get there 15 minutes faster. Florence/Pisa is only 5.70€ and Venice/Verona 6€(2hrs) or 16€(1hr).

Amica still exists, but is no longer on the AV/ES trains.

>>>>The unlimited pass is the common Railpass for Italy. The 10-day saver pass (2 or more together) is $329 (235E)<<<<

A rail pass does not include seat reservations which are mandatory on the fast trains (AV/ES/ICPlus) in Italy. You would have to purchase these in addition to the cost of the pass. For AV the seat fee is 20€, ES-15€ and ICPlus-5€. The prices you see on Trenitalia include your seats on these type of trains.

Seat reservations are now compulsory on all Intercity trains in Italy; the "Intercity Plus" category no longer exists.
A rail pass makes even less sense for Italy than before: all fast trains require reservations; local trains are still very cheap.

Information about the senior discount card (Carta d'Argento/Silver Card) is here:

http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...003f16f90aRCRD

For those 60-74, the card costs 30 euro. It is free for those 75 and over.

The regulations for the Silver Card states that a "valid identity document" is required for purchase. In time past, this limited the purchase to European Community members, but from the various links it is unclear if this is still a requirement.