Does anyone know if the train prices are lower if they are purchased in italy as opposed to before from the states?

I should add that we are only doing short train rides...like Rome to Pompeii or Rome to Orvieto. Thanks

Hi cparris,

I have only bought tickets while I was already in Italy. I do believe that yes there is a surcharge attached for purcahse in the US.

I know there was a question like this earlier today however I can't find the link.

I was not aware of being able to purchase tickets in the USA for Italy.
If there is a surcharge, just buy them in Italy.
Our train ride from Sorrento to Pompeii was, I think, 1.30 EUR/one way.
I recommend just buying them there since you may want to change your plans once in Italy.

cparris -- there is no need to prepurchase tickets for your trips. They are easily purchased by using the ticket machines in Roma Termini.

The only time you should pre-purchase rail tickets is if you are planning to do a lot of locations and then you should invest in the whole Eurail, or Europass thing (which have to be purchased in the States prior to leaving), but for you needs paying as you go is the best bet.

Train prices in Italy are so cheap why pay a premium to some travel agency in the States for doing what you can do very easily yourself when you get there. If you want to check out prices for specfic journeys go to the Trenitalia website, they operate the railways in Italy. www.trenitalia.it Have a good trip.

www.vistaphotos.com

I have a similar question, but for a night train. Do you need to purchase in advance to get a sleeper?

Train tickets purchased in the US through RailEurope will cost you as much as 30% more than if you purchase them in Italy.

In Italy, you can purchase them from a travel agent and there will be no extra charge for the service. The tickets will cost the same as if you bought them at the station.

thanks for the help. I am glad to hear we can go to pompeii for so reasonable a price...we were thinking about taking a bus tour, but we like to go independently.