Purchasing Trenitalia Tickets
Jul 31st, 2015, 10:12 AM
#1
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Purchasing Trenitalia Tickets
I thought I had it figured out and I did until I went to purchase trenitalia tickets from trenitalia and I must have entered the wrong credit card info three times and then got rejected. I swear, how many ways can you enter the same info the wrong way. I must have found them all. Never had this problem before with the same card. I would still like to purchase tickets for three from Rome to Florence and return before we leave in November. I can always get them at the station in Rome, but I would like to get premium seats and probably need to purchase them in advance. Any recommendation for ticketing agencies woud be apprecated. I checked one agency and they were offering premium tickets on direct (rosa) train for less than half of what Trenitalia was charging. Is this possible?? Thanks for any info.
Jul 31st, 2015, 10:29 AM
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I use Itiliarail always. Good service and all in English.
WWW.ITALIARAIL.COM
WWW.ITALIARAIL.COM
Jul 31st, 2015, 10:39 AM
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Italiarail adds commission to the purchase and seems to make tickets available a little later than Trenitalia. I have used them until Trenitalia started accepting Paypal.
Trenitalia is one of the place where people have different experiences: for some it always works and don't understand what is the big deal. For others it sometimes works and sometimes not, while for others, it never works. The simple "contact your bank" does not address all the problems as often the bank does not even get asked to approve the purchase - Trenitalia blocks the transaction outright without even bothering your bank.
I have bought several tickets from Trenitalia using Paypal this year. One ticket as recent as this week. I have a credit card with no foreign transaction charge linked to my Paypal. In my experience, Paypal payments seem to go through more successfully than straight credit card payments.
Trenitalia is one of the place where people have different experiences: for some it always works and don't understand what is the big deal. For others it sometimes works and sometimes not, while for others, it never works. The simple "contact your bank" does not address all the problems as often the bank does not even get asked to approve the purchase - Trenitalia blocks the transaction outright without even bothering your bank.
I have bought several tickets from Trenitalia using Paypal this year. One ticket as recent as this week. I have a credit card with no foreign transaction charge linked to my Paypal. In my experience, Paypal payments seem to go through more successfully than straight credit card payments.
Jul 31st, 2015, 11:11 AM
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FYI, WWW.seat61.com has ALL your answers re. train travel.
Yes, Italiarail charges a $3.50 fee per ticket but is refundable by going to: [email protected]. You will need your PNR number for your refund.
Yes, Italiarail charges a $3.50 fee per ticket but is refundable by going to: [email protected]. You will need your PNR number for your refund.
Jul 31st, 2015, 01:42 PM
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http://www.italotreno.it/en
Italo Treno competes with Trenitalia on the Rome-Florence line - same speeds, similar trains, easier to work many say - may have cheaper prices - RailEurope in US at times matches TrenoItalo's lowest prices which are similar to Trenitalia.com so as a last resort www.raileurope.com - for general details on Italian trains check www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com along with www.seat61.com - discounted tickets come in first class too and at times not much more - if not go for them as first class IME is more relaxed than 2nd class - especially for those hauling around heavy luggage - more space to stow as there are less people in each car and you can get single seats with an aisle and window view both - no bothering others to get out or vice versa - only in first class do you get these which can face each other for couples with a table in between - for those who like privacy.
Italo Treno competes with Trenitalia on the Rome-Florence line - same speeds, similar trains, easier to work many say - may have cheaper prices - RailEurope in US at times matches TrenoItalo's lowest prices which are similar to Trenitalia.com so as a last resort www.raileurope.com - for general details on Italian trains check www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com along with www.seat61.com - discounted tickets come in first class too and at times not much more - if not go for them as first class IME is more relaxed than 2nd class - especially for those hauling around heavy luggage - more space to stow as there are less people in each car and you can get single seats with an aisle and window view both - no bothering others to get out or vice versa - only in first class do you get these which can face each other for couples with a table in between - for those who like privacy.
Jul 31st, 2015, 02:01 PM
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Italiarail is fine; they don't add a commission. You're maybe thinking of RailEurope.
It sounds as though the problem wasn't with the Trenitalia site. I understood Bev to say that she had entered her credit card details wrong three times and was consequently blocked, which seems a prudent course of action on the part of Trenitalia.
On the Frecciarossa trains, there are four classes: Standard, Premium, Business, and Executive. Standard and Premium have exactly the same seat and carriage configuration. The seat coverings are leather in Premium, and they give you a snack and an Italian newspaper. I wouldn't pay extra for it, especially since I don't care for leather seats. In Business and Executive the seats are wider and recline further, but only Executive has more leg room, and also has leg rests.
For a 90-minute trip, I wouldn't pay extra for any of these superior classes. Actually, I almost always travel standard (or 2nd, depending on the train). Sometimes there's a discount available for one of the higher classes that brings the price down to the level of standard/2nd, and then I take advantage of that.
Anyway, Premium is less likely to sell out than standard.
It sounds as though the problem wasn't with the Trenitalia site. I understood Bev to say that she had entered her credit card details wrong three times and was consequently blocked, which seems a prudent course of action on the part of Trenitalia.
On the Frecciarossa trains, there are four classes: Standard, Premium, Business, and Executive. Standard and Premium have exactly the same seat and carriage configuration. The seat coverings are leather in Premium, and they give you a snack and an Italian newspaper. I wouldn't pay extra for it, especially since I don't care for leather seats. In Business and Executive the seats are wider and recline further, but only Executive has more leg room, and also has leg rests.
For a 90-minute trip, I wouldn't pay extra for any of these superior classes. Actually, I almost always travel standard (or 2nd, depending on the train). Sometimes there's a discount available for one of the higher classes that brings the price down to the level of standard/2nd, and then I take advantage of that.
Anyway, Premium is less likely to sell out than standard.
Jul 31st, 2015, 04:56 PM
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I've been purchasing some train tickets online for our upcoming trip to Italy. I had trouble with trenitalia too. Chose the date, time and train I wanted, had 9 minutes to purchase, entered card information only to be told the reservation was not made. Is lay after three or four tries I called my credit card company; they had rejected the charge. Told them to please let it go through. Tried again that night but was rejected again. Then I tried a day later, and viola, no problem.
Also reserved a train through Italo Rail. That was easy, I wish Italo covered more routes that I was looking for.
Also reserved a train through Italo Rail. That was easy, I wish Italo covered more routes that I was looking for.
Jul 31st, 2015, 10:02 PM
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Italiarail's booking fee is variable. The around $3.50 figure assumes one is booking a fare around 50EU.
Also, Italiarail does not list all the trains listed by www.trenitalia.com at around 120 days ahead, but seem to eventually catch up to the Trenitalia listing.
For example, if I look up the lowest fares right now
Roma Termini-Venezia S. Lucia, for Nov 30,
www.trenitalia.com
8:50-12:35 49EU Frecciarossa 9412 = $53.82 --> booking fee $3.18 = 5.9%
9:30-13:20 39EU Frecciargento 9494 <b><< no matching train at Italiarail>></b>
9:50-13:35 59EU Frecciargento 9414 = $64.80 --> booking fee $4.20 = 6.5%
10:35-14:20 49EU Frecciargento 9416 = $53.82 --> booking fee $3.18 = 5.9%
10:50-14:35 39EU Frecciargento 9418 = $42.83 --> booking fee $3.33 = 7.4%
11:50-15:35 49EU Frecciargento 9422 = $53.82 --> booking fee $3.18 = 5.9%
13:50-17:35 39EU Frecciarossa 9430 <b><< no matching train at Italiarail>></b>
14:50-18:55 49EU Frecciargento 9436 = $53.82 --> booking fee $3.18 = 5.9%
www.italiarail.com
8:50-12:35 $57 Frecciarossa 9412
9:30-13:20 <b>=== Not shown at Italiarail ===</b>
9:50-13:35 $69 Frecciargento 9414
10:35-14:20 $57 Frecciargento 9416
10:50-14:35 $46 Frecciargento 9418
11:50-15:35 $57 Frecciargento 9422
13:50-17:35 <b>=== Not shown at Italiarail ===</b>
14:50-18:55 $57 Frecciargento 9436
To see that the italiarail booking fare is not fixed, look up Frecciargento 9414, 1st class, refundable fare
Trenitalia=109EU = $119.71 according to www.xe.com
Italiarail=$127
--> booking fee is $7.29, higher than the fixed $3.50 fee circulating the internet, or around 6.1%
Also, Italiarail does not list all the trains listed by www.trenitalia.com at around 120 days ahead, but seem to eventually catch up to the Trenitalia listing.
For example, if I look up the lowest fares right now
Roma Termini-Venezia S. Lucia, for Nov 30,
www.trenitalia.com
8:50-12:35 49EU Frecciarossa 9412 = $53.82 --> booking fee $3.18 = 5.9%
9:30-13:20 39EU Frecciargento 9494 <b><< no matching train at Italiarail>></b>
9:50-13:35 59EU Frecciargento 9414 = $64.80 --> booking fee $4.20 = 6.5%
10:35-14:20 49EU Frecciargento 9416 = $53.82 --> booking fee $3.18 = 5.9%
10:50-14:35 39EU Frecciargento 9418 = $42.83 --> booking fee $3.33 = 7.4%
11:50-15:35 49EU Frecciargento 9422 = $53.82 --> booking fee $3.18 = 5.9%
13:50-17:35 39EU Frecciarossa 9430 <b><< no matching train at Italiarail>></b>
14:50-18:55 49EU Frecciargento 9436 = $53.82 --> booking fee $3.18 = 5.9%
www.italiarail.com
8:50-12:35 $57 Frecciarossa 9412
9:30-13:20 <b>=== Not shown at Italiarail ===</b>
9:50-13:35 $69 Frecciargento 9414
10:35-14:20 $57 Frecciargento 9416
10:50-14:35 $46 Frecciargento 9418
11:50-15:35 $57 Frecciargento 9422
13:50-17:35 <b>=== Not shown at Italiarail ===</b>
14:50-18:55 $57 Frecciargento 9436
To see that the italiarail booking fare is not fixed, look up Frecciargento 9414, 1st class, refundable fare
Trenitalia=109EU = $119.71 according to www.xe.com
Italiarail=$127
--> booking fee is $7.29, higher than the fixed $3.50 fee circulating the internet, or around 6.1%
Aug 1st, 2015, 07:39 AM
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In Business and Executive the seats are wider and recline further, but only Executive has more leg room, and also has leg rests.>
But don't they have solo seats in Business class - rows of just one seat - and these give more leg room because you have no other legs to bother on either side of you.
Locals travel without a lot of luggage but tourists on the trip of a lifetime IMO should enjoy the much more relaxed IMO first class - often many more empty seats IME and can even often put luggage on an adjoining empty seat IME - not so in a usually fairly full 2nd class - despitee what some may say there IS a different between first and second class IME - trying to minimize or trivialize it can be done if you don't bring in all the various factors - leg room is not the only one. Those solo seats to be are priceless and do not exist in 2nd class. An aisle and window seat both - no bothering or being bothered by others to get up - can stiuck long legs out into the aisle a bit, etc.
Many Italians pay extra for first class for good reason IMO. Americans on this board before have said 'never again 2nd class' so this is a very subjective matter.
But don't they have solo seats in Business class - rows of just one seat - and these give more leg room because you have no other legs to bother on either side of you.
Locals travel without a lot of luggage but tourists on the trip of a lifetime IMO should enjoy the much more relaxed IMO first class - often many more empty seats IME and can even often put luggage on an adjoining empty seat IME - not so in a usually fairly full 2nd class - despitee what some may say there IS a different between first and second class IME - trying to minimize or trivialize it can be done if you don't bring in all the various factors - leg room is not the only one. Those solo seats to be are priceless and do not exist in 2nd class. An aisle and window seat both - no bothering or being bothered by others to get up - can stiuck long legs out into the aisle a bit, etc.
Many Italians pay extra for first class for good reason IMO. Americans on this board before have said 'never again 2nd class' so this is a very subjective matter.
Aug 1st, 2015, 12:22 PM
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Too bad trenitalia.com is so so inept that they can't make a site that is friendly to use but rather one that seems designed to frustrate if all the legions of complaints heard here constantly are any harbinger. State-run railway what do you expect. Italiarail makes it simple - enough said.
Aug 1st, 2015, 12:24 PM
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Bev was talking about getting Premium seats, which are identical to Standard seats, and there are no "solo" seats in Premium class.
If I'm traveling with a companion, I don't want a solo seat, and even if I'm not, I've never been bothered with the legs of the person sitting next to me. Are you often troubled by people playing footsie with you, Palenq?
Anyway, 2/3 of the seats in Business class are <i> not </i> solo seats, and you're not guaranteed an empty seat next to you, either. For the trip of a lifetime, save your money for a romantic meal! It's much less of a crap shoot. It's only a 90-minute ride to Florence. If you have an intrusive seatmate, go to the bar car.
If I'm traveling with a companion, I don't want a solo seat, and even if I'm not, I've never been bothered with the legs of the person sitting next to me. Are you often troubled by people playing footsie with you, Palenq?
Anyway, 2/3 of the seats in Business class are <i> not </i> solo seats, and you're not guaranteed an empty seat next to you, either. For the trip of a lifetime, save your money for a romantic meal! It's much less of a crap shoot. It's only a 90-minute ride to Florence. If you have an intrusive seatmate, go to the bar car.
Aug 1st, 2015, 04:20 PM
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I appreciate all the additional replies. They have been very helpful. Called the credit card complany, got the card stregthened out, and logged back into trenitalia. I'am happy to announce we've gotten confirmed seats at last and still had at least 30 seconds before they would have timed me out. Could be a tad more "user" friendly, but then again I may have been more adept on the computer. LOL. Thanks again.
Aug 2nd, 2015, 05:04 PM
#16
>>> I checked one agency and they were offering premium tickets on direct (rosa) train for less than half of what Trenitalia was charging. Is this possible?? <<<
Without stating what the Trenitalia screen said in the transaction (and exactly what you are trying to purchase), I don't think anyone can guess what problems occurred. Typically, it's not notifying your credit card in advance and making sure the notice was entered (as now appears to have been the case for you) or not using the right browser (many websites will state you need to use specific browswers/versions). I usually notify my credit card I will be making purchases on an Italian website and call back the next day to check that the note was entered on my account (you often find they didn't get around to it). Once I've verify the account has been flagged to allow the purchase, then I buy. Never seems to be a problem for me.
Trenitalia will block you out for a time if you keep submitting multiple times. Many websites do that though, not just Trenitalia. Even Fodor's blocks you if you hit submit too many times in a short period. They suspend your account because they think you are a spammer.
>>>Italiarail is fine; they don't add a commission. You're maybe thinking of RailEurope.<<<
bvlenci - Italiarail does charge a booking fee PLUS they get a bit more mark-up by converting euro to dollar. So fee + exchange rate mark-up when you purchase on Italiarail. There have also been issues with wrong tickets and the purchasers were told to figure it out with Trenitalia, not them. YMMV.
>>>>PalenQ on Aug 1, 15 at 4:22pm
Too bad trenitalia.com is so so inept that they can't make a site that is friendly to use but rather one that seems designed to frustrate if all the legions <<<<
Explain how it could possibly be Trenitalia's fault if the OP entered the info wrong 3 times and didn't notify their credit card company? No website will process wrong info on purchase.
>>>But don't they have solo seats in Business class - rows of just one seat - and these give more leg room because you have no other legs to bother on either side of you.<<<
No, not really. Most single seats in business are still one facing one sharing a table. At the ends of cars (usually by the stinky restrooms or luggage bins) you might get a solo seat without a table, but you can get similar in economy if you don't want to face someone. I hate those seats because they use the back of the seat in front and have a flip-down tray instead of a table (plus the restroom proximity). I find seats with tables much more comfortable than the seats with flip-down trays. Now if you want to spring for Executive class (more than double the price of economy) you can get a single seat with no one in front of you. For a 70-90 minute ride seems a bit silly. You barely have time to sit down and get settled before you are gathering your things to get off.
Rome/Naples 70 minute ride:
Standard 43€, Business 58€, Executive 99€. (Premium, which is also 2nd class, is the same as Standard as far as seating layout/room except you get a drink so I didn't list it).
Without stating what the Trenitalia screen said in the transaction (and exactly what you are trying to purchase), I don't think anyone can guess what problems occurred. Typically, it's not notifying your credit card in advance and making sure the notice was entered (as now appears to have been the case for you) or not using the right browser (many websites will state you need to use specific browswers/versions). I usually notify my credit card I will be making purchases on an Italian website and call back the next day to check that the note was entered on my account (you often find they didn't get around to it). Once I've verify the account has been flagged to allow the purchase, then I buy. Never seems to be a problem for me.
Trenitalia will block you out for a time if you keep submitting multiple times. Many websites do that though, not just Trenitalia. Even Fodor's blocks you if you hit submit too many times in a short period. They suspend your account because they think you are a spammer.
>>>Italiarail is fine; they don't add a commission. You're maybe thinking of RailEurope.<<<
bvlenci - Italiarail does charge a booking fee PLUS they get a bit more mark-up by converting euro to dollar. So fee + exchange rate mark-up when you purchase on Italiarail. There have also been issues with wrong tickets and the purchasers were told to figure it out with Trenitalia, not them. YMMV.
>>>>PalenQ on Aug 1, 15 at 4:22pm
Too bad trenitalia.com is so so inept that they can't make a site that is friendly to use but rather one that seems designed to frustrate if all the legions <<<<
Explain how it could possibly be Trenitalia's fault if the OP entered the info wrong 3 times and didn't notify their credit card company? No website will process wrong info on purchase.
>>>But don't they have solo seats in Business class - rows of just one seat - and these give more leg room because you have no other legs to bother on either side of you.<<<
No, not really. Most single seats in business are still one facing one sharing a table. At the ends of cars (usually by the stinky restrooms or luggage bins) you might get a solo seat without a table, but you can get similar in economy if you don't want to face someone. I hate those seats because they use the back of the seat in front and have a flip-down tray instead of a table (plus the restroom proximity). I find seats with tables much more comfortable than the seats with flip-down trays. Now if you want to spring for Executive class (more than double the price of economy) you can get a single seat with no one in front of you. For a 70-90 minute ride seems a bit silly. You barely have time to sit down and get settled before you are gathering your things to get off.
Rome/Naples 70 minute ride:
Standard 43€, Business 58€, Executive 99€. (Premium, which is also 2nd class, is the same as Standard as far as seating layout/room except you get a drink so I didn't list it).
