I will be travelling to Italy (Rome, Florence/Pisa, Venice) early April.

Questions:
1. Which would be an easier route (cheaper & shorter time if possible) From Rome to Pisa. Should I get a direct route from Rome to Pisa (via the coast), or from Rome to Florence and then Florence to Pisa. I am getting confuse with the train system. I would prefer tot ake faster train though. Pisa will only be a day trip for me.

2. From Venice, I am thinking about going to Vienna. I know that there is a night train from Venice to Vienna. Since there is the 4 of us, I would like to make reservation for Couchette. How much is the fare? Is Amica fare applicable?

3. Please correct me if I am wrong. The train station in Rome is Termini Station. In Florence is Firenze S.M.Novella. In Pisa is Pisa Centrale. And in Venice is Santa Lucia.

4. For a family of 4, which one would be cheaper - family fare or amica? Would we be given a discount fare (family, amica etc..) straight away when if we to purchase at the ticket window or we have to tell them (sorry this question sound silly but I really want to know what I need to tell the cashier). The route, the time, seat reservation (4 of us together).

5. Would it be possible to book in advance esp my Venice to Vienna sector? I am really worry abt this?

Thank you

HI ez,

>1. I would visit Pisa as a daytrip from Florence.

2. See http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...0080a3e90aRCRD

3. You are correct.

4. The family fare is for 2 adults traveling with one child. To compare it to the amica prices, change your fare options where it says "choose your rate".

The ticket agent usually gives you the lowest fare, but it doesn't hurt to have your route, your tickets, etc printed out.

5. Yes. However, trenitalia is very quirky. You can get all of your tickets when you arrive in Rome, at the train station or from a travel agent.

For the night train to Vienna, look for SMART fares.

Dear Ira,
Thank you so much for your reply. In conclusion, I should be ok if I were to buy all my train tickets in Rome.

Another question, would it be easier to purchase the train tickets at Rome airport or Termini station? Read somewhere that at Rome airport, the queue is shorter and they certainly speak English. Your opinion?

Quick question - What is the standard rate from Florence to Pisa and vice versa?

Sorry Ira--here are the details for Family fare from the Trenitalia site. According to this, there can be two adults and two children:

"Offer for journeys of family groups made up of 3-5 persons of which there is at least 1 adult and 1 child of under 12 includes ticket booking (free) and provides the following discounts:
- 50% (30% for couchettes and WL) for children of up to 12
- 20% for others

The minimum price net of the discount is at least 10 euro for each person aged over 12.

The offer has limited seat availability, which varies according to day, train and class."

The SMART fare for a bunk in a four-person couchette on the Venice-Vienna night train is €59. The family special fare is €37. However, it looks like you can only buy the family fare tickets at a station or travel agency in Italy. See here: http://tinyurl.com/dnje3e.

Popular night trains can sell out weeks in advance. You could take your chances and book the night train as soon as you arrive in Rome. Or you could book NOW by phoning the Austrian Rail call center and asking for the SparSchiene fare. It's the same as a SMART fare: €59. Austrian Rail will mail the tickets to your home.

Hi ez,

>would it be easier to purchase the train tickets at Rome airport or Termini station? <

At FCO, IF the agent is in the mood and not too busy.

You can look up the cost at the trenitalia link I gave you.
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Hi ell,

>...Ira--here are the details for Family fare.....<
Thanks for the update.

It would be easiest to buy your tickets for Rome/Pisa using the ticket machines at Termini. There are rows of machines that are in English and accept credit cards. No need to stand in line at a ticket window. You probably will not have the Amica choice if you select Rome/Pisa. Amica is only an option for certain trains (faster trains - AV/ES/ICPlus) so if any leg of your route includes a slower train (R/IR/D) then you won't be given the Amica option. In that case you would want to select and purchase for a leg of the journey at a time.