train travel in italy
 

I am hoping to catch a train from Florence to Venice to have lunch next week. How can I go about buying a return ticket online?

Are you in Europe now? (your use ofthe phrase "return ticket" suggests that you learned English from teachers with an England background - - as opposed to "roundtrip ticket", more common in "American English"). If so, you can buy iy at any train station in Europe.

There is a procedure on trenitalia.com and othrs who have used it can comment further if that's you need.

Best wishes,

Rex

topping...

Dear Rex,
Thank you for correcting my 'Queen's English'. Yes, I'm English, but I take your point that the phrase 'round trip' as opposed to 'return ticket' might be more widely understood outside the good ol' United Kingdom.
Thanks for information.

The term "return ticket" would be understood by almost anyone who understands the meaning of the words "return" and "ticket" especially all those who have actually purchased one.

I suspect you can either book ahead on-line using Trenitalia which will allow you to print out a confirmation number, etc., which you present to the official on the train (you will have pre-paid on-line).

Note that seat reservations on Eurostar services (assuming you'll use that faster service) are included in the price of the ticket.

I suspect you could do this from the UK, too, through an agency. Otherwise, if you will be in Italy for a few days ahead of your scheduled trip then you could probably buy the tickets there once you arrive.

Have a nice lunch and great trip!

Thanks for the advice Intrepid1. Will be brave and try to book online.

Have you ever taken the number 7 bus up to Fiesole? I wondered if you had to get the tickets in advance or got them on the bus itself. Does it leave from outside the station?

Hi teens,

In Italy you buy tickets *before* you get on the bus at tabac shops.

You have your ticket punched by a machine on the bus. Do not forget to punch the ticket.

The buses line up on the rightside of the SMN station as you face the main entrance.

PS

Bus schedules, routes and a map are at http://www.ataf.net/Default_EN.asp

I wasn't trying to correct your usage of the phrase "return ticket". It will b universally understood throughout Italy.

My point was - - and you correct me if I am wrong - - but I thought you couldd go to any train station near you and buy this ticket at face value?

Or was your point that you specifically want to buy it online, to save a trip to the train station?

I have tried to buy the ticket at my local station, but was unsuccessful. I am told that it is possible at some of the main city stations. The online method seems to be the most logical one for me.

Okay, tanks for the clarification. Another myth shattered.

Curious, can your local station sell you any ticket for any train transportation <i><u>anywhere in the UK</u></i>?

of course they can