Purchasing Italian train tickets from USA!
Dec 21st, 2016, 04:53 AM
#21
Right, if it doesn't offer first class it may not exist on your route. You could try double checking on bahn.de which won't sell you a ticket but will tell you about the train.
How much luggage? You will have to be able to handle it yourself, potentially up and down 30-40 stairs, so you need to travel light.
How much luggage? You will have to be able to handle it yourself, potentially up and down 30-40 stairs, so you need to travel light.
Dec 21st, 2016, 05:49 AM
#22
>>>I want "first class" when I'm changing cities as I'm told that is the only way to keep your luggage with you.<<<
That isn't true unless you have huge luggage.
>>>There doesn't seem to be "first class" option, just "base" "economy" "super economy" etc<<<
Those aren't classes. They are fare prices. You can book 1st class tickets for full fare price (called base)or a discounted price (economy or super economy). You can also buy 2nd class tickets for base,economy or super economy. I think you might be confused about what you are seeing.
>>>When I choose my "dummy" date and departure/arrival city, it seems to default to second class<<<
Use a date before March 4 to check fares. Trenitalia has historically been slow to load all fares schedules (2nd weekend in Dec through 2nd weekend in June is winter schedule). Currently, on some routes (Rome/Florence for one) they seem to be loaded completely only through March 4.
Some trains have luggage racks mid-car in 2nd cl in addition to the ones at the end of the car and the overhead racks so it will depend on which train you are actually booking. I usually slide mine behind my seat in 1st or 2nd. Here's a pic of 2nd cl. Your luggage would go between the white parts of the seat (will hold about a 24-25").
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...ssainterno.jpg
To get meaningful help, you need to list your cities.
>>>Right, if it doesn't offer first class it may not exist on your route.<<<
thursday - They wouldn't be seeing discounted fare options for a train that doesn't offer 1st cl as regional trains are the only trains that sometimes have only one class. Regional trains don't have discounted tickets so he would not be seeing base, economy and super economy.
That isn't true unless you have huge luggage.
>>>There doesn't seem to be "first class" option, just "base" "economy" "super economy" etc<<<
Those aren't classes. They are fare prices. You can book 1st class tickets for full fare price (called base)or a discounted price (economy or super economy). You can also buy 2nd class tickets for base,economy or super economy. I think you might be confused about what you are seeing.
>>>When I choose my "dummy" date and departure/arrival city, it seems to default to second class<<<
Use a date before March 4 to check fares. Trenitalia has historically been slow to load all fares schedules (2nd weekend in Dec through 2nd weekend in June is winter schedule). Currently, on some routes (Rome/Florence for one) they seem to be loaded completely only through March 4.
Some trains have luggage racks mid-car in 2nd cl in addition to the ones at the end of the car and the overhead racks so it will depend on which train you are actually booking. I usually slide mine behind my seat in 1st or 2nd. Here's a pic of 2nd cl. Your luggage would go between the white parts of the seat (will hold about a 24-25").
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...ssainterno.jpg
To get meaningful help, you need to list your cities.
>>>Right, if it doesn't offer first class it may not exist on your route.<<<
thursday - They wouldn't be seeing discounted fare options for a train that doesn't offer 1st cl as regional trains are the only trains that sometimes have only one class. Regional trains don't have discounted tickets so he would not be seeing base, economy and super economy.
Dec 21st, 2016, 01:36 PM
#23
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Re: First class lounge in Venice. AFAIK this is behind a windowless, unattended door only unlocked with some card of plastic card. Good luck finding a way to get in or anyone to open the door for you. Unless I missed something,
Dec 21st, 2016, 02:18 PM
#24
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Thanks everyone - very helpful. I plan to travel 2nd class on all regional day trips. I don't want to put my luggage at the end of the carriage whilst changing towns/accommodation. So for instance I am travelling from Firenze to Ancona via Bologna on a Saturday. What I've seen on the Trenitalia site so far is that the Firenze to Bologna is the Freccia and Bologna to Ancona is the regional. Would 1st class be available do you think? It may be helpful to wait until the 3 months out date, but I'm just trying to get a handle on my total train fare budget (ballpark at least) Thanks.
Dec 21st, 2016, 02:39 PM
#26
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there are also regional trains Florence to Bologna that take about 1.5 hours - one change in Prato Centrale - www.bahn.de/en - check Local Transport Only box and un-check Fast Trains.
Much cheaper and I love stopping in smaller stations en route- just to see the action.
Much cheaper and I love stopping in smaller stations en route- just to see the action.
Dec 21st, 2016, 04:14 PM
#27
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What I've seen on the Trenitalia site so far is that the Firenze to Bologna is the Freccia and Bologna to Ancona is the regional. Would 1st class be available do you think?>
Well Freccia trains all have first class and if 2nd class is available and it surely is or will be it will be more available always than 2nd class. Those regional trains are mainly single-class - 2nd class.
Well Freccia trains all have first class and if 2nd class is available and it surely is or will be it will be more available always than 2nd class. Those regional trains are mainly single-class - 2nd class.
