Trains in Italy
Sep 22nd, 2017, 03:34 AM
#21
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I'm saying something different. Especially if people are self-employed, spending hours comparing train fare prices on websites they don't understand is already wasting money. If using RailEurope is time efficient, don't be deterred by the supposed wisdom that if you're paying a middleman you're wasting money. Depends on personal circumstances. There are dozens of things in my life I pay other people to do because it's cheaper than me stopping what I am doing to try to figure out the cheapest way to do it, especially if in the end all I am saving is $12.
Sep 23rd, 2017, 12:57 PM
#24
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<i> The slower regional trains are subject to delays, are often uncomfortable and lack usable toilets. </i>
On many routes regional trains are the only trains. Some of them travel very long distances, such as the train from Ancona to Rome. The longer-distance regional trains are quite different from the commuter lines that travel near the larger cities. A 4-hour train ride would obviously be impossible without working toilets.
I travel often on the regional trains to Rome from Le Marche, because there aren't many other choices. The regional trains on that route are not bad at all, with comfortable seats, air conditioning in the summer, and decent toilets. The only problem is that they take longer than the only Frecciabianca train, and the few Intercity, trains on the route.
Even on routes which have mostly high-speed trains, many people have to use the regional trains, because they're the only ones that stop in the smaller cities.
On many routes regional trains are the only trains. Some of them travel very long distances, such as the train from Ancona to Rome. The longer-distance regional trains are quite different from the commuter lines that travel near the larger cities. A 4-hour train ride would obviously be impossible without working toilets.
I travel often on the regional trains to Rome from Le Marche, because there aren't many other choices. The regional trains on that route are not bad at all, with comfortable seats, air conditioning in the summer, and decent toilets. The only problem is that they take longer than the only Frecciabianca train, and the few Intercity, trains on the route.
Even on routes which have mostly high-speed trains, many people have to use the regional trains, because they're the only ones that stop in the smaller cities.
Sep 24th, 2017, 10:42 AM
#26
>>>if using Raileurope is simpler, Yes, you pay for that service. Decide if it's worth it to you.>
Again RE seems to match italotreno.com prices when I checked last year - are you sure it has changed or are you just saying that about RE as many do without checking?
OK - I agree. Seems trains fares are something weird in that folks who go great lengths to save a few bucks and for novice users of often fickle European train sites spend hours doing so.<<<
I haven't compared RE to Italo much, but for Trenitalia, RE just flat out makes stuff up and always has (they used to make up what the trains were called and now they make up names for the types of classes so you might not be getting what you think you are). You typically can't select your seats on the resellers either.
>>>The regional trains on that route are not bad at all, with comfortable seats, air conditioning in the summer, and decent toilets.<<<
I've been on some nicer regional trains also, but they had stairs inside the train which I find odd for newer trains. A train I took from Pompei (Trenitalia line, not Circumvesuviana) south a few years ago was a new regional with a very large, modern, wheelchair accessible bathroom. I also ended up on quite a few ratty old ones last trip.
Again RE seems to match italotreno.com prices when I checked last year - are you sure it has changed or are you just saying that about RE as many do without checking?
OK - I agree. Seems trains fares are something weird in that folks who go great lengths to save a few bucks and for novice users of often fickle European train sites spend hours doing so.<<<
I haven't compared RE to Italo much, but for Trenitalia, RE just flat out makes stuff up and always has (they used to make up what the trains were called and now they make up names for the types of classes so you might not be getting what you think you are). You typically can't select your seats on the resellers either.
>>>The regional trains on that route are not bad at all, with comfortable seats, air conditioning in the summer, and decent toilets.<<<
I've been on some nicer regional trains also, but they had stairs inside the train which I find odd for newer trains. A train I took from Pompei (Trenitalia line, not Circumvesuviana) south a few years ago was a new regional with a very large, modern, wheelchair accessible bathroom. I also ended up on quite a few ratty old ones last trip.
Sep 24th, 2017, 11:30 AM
#27
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ky,
Yes, for the 3rd tme, I am saying if somebody finds the RE website easier to use & locates tickets they need at a price they can afford, just buy them. All the effort to find marginally cheaper fares on Italo isn't worth it.
In my experience only Freccia trains in Italy reliably have usable clean toilet. Not even IC trains are guaranteed to have them. Regional trains have locked doors, out of service facilities, filthy ones, lacking toilet paper, water. The day I don't feel a need to travel Italy's regional and IC trains without packing my own toilet paper, I'll post. Lack of air con, long delays on many regional lines are standard (waiing for IC trains to pass), are standard experiences. There are some nice new regional trains. There are still many in service on many lines that are rattletraps running behind schedule several times a week.
Every place the OP wants to go is connected by fast train. Unless they truly can't afford, I recommend they book the fast train because they will have a nicer train trip and have more time to enjoy their destinations.
Yes, for the 3rd tme, I am saying if somebody finds the RE website easier to use & locates tickets they need at a price they can afford, just buy them. All the effort to find marginally cheaper fares on Italo isn't worth it.
In my experience only Freccia trains in Italy reliably have usable clean toilet. Not even IC trains are guaranteed to have them. Regional trains have locked doors, out of service facilities, filthy ones, lacking toilet paper, water. The day I don't feel a need to travel Italy's regional and IC trains without packing my own toilet paper, I'll post. Lack of air con, long delays on many regional lines are standard (waiing for IC trains to pass), are standard experiences. There are some nice new regional trains. There are still many in service on many lines that are rattletraps running behind schedule several times a week.
Every place the OP wants to go is connected by fast train. Unless they truly can't afford, I recommend they book the fast train because they will have a nicer train trip and have more time to enjoy their destinations.
Sep 24th, 2017, 12:04 PM
#28
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are you sure it has changed or are you just saying that about RE as many do without checking?>
when checking once last spring - once but many trains RE had Venice to Rome $23 tickets galore when Trenitalia had mainly more expensive tickets - but RE does have a $15 or so handling fee on orders under $399 - probably best for most to go to www.italotreno.com and book direct. Trenitalia yes RE was higher on their trains.
So I'll and you'll have to check to see what today's story is. But RE is not IME always more expensive but often is - depends on country and product.
when checking once last spring - once but many trains RE had Venice to Rome $23 tickets galore when Trenitalia had mainly more expensive tickets - but RE does have a $15 or so handling fee on orders under $399 - probably best for most to go to www.italotreno.com and book direct. Trenitalia yes RE was higher on their trains.
So I'll and you'll have to check to see what today's story is. But RE is not IME always more expensive but often is - depends on country and product.
Sep 24th, 2017, 12:25 PM
#29
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Just did quick check Nov 18 2017- single one-way
Rome-Venice
Italo- 45 euros best fare on lots of trains
RE - $54 best fare but only 1 train several others $64 and one at $27 but on slower train taking 5.25 hours.
trenitalia.com cheapest fast trains 50 euros - quick search but RE not out of ball park especially vs Trenitalia.
And I errored in previous post Venice to Florence that was $23 not Rome.
So again just go to www.italotreno.com or trenitalia.com - always been my advice unless RE is cheaper but if for some reason can't get to work...
Rome-Venice
Italo- 45 euros best fare on lots of trains
RE - $54 best fare but only 1 train several others $64 and one at $27 but on slower train taking 5.25 hours.
trenitalia.com cheapest fast trains 50 euros - quick search but RE not out of ball park especially vs Trenitalia.
And I errored in previous post Venice to Florence that was $23 not Rome.
So again just go to www.italotreno.com or trenitalia.com - always been my advice unless RE is cheaper but if for some reason can't get to work...
Sep 25th, 2017, 06:18 AM
#30
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I fully agree with PalenQ - go directly to the sites of Trenitalia and Italo.
The English versions are:
http://www.italotreno.it/en
http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
For longer trips I prefer Trentalia beacause the seats are more comfortable and they have something called Business Silenzio where phones should not be used and conversation should be quiet.
However, Italo often offers better fares and it is easier to book senior discounts for those not resident in Italy.
I find it offensive that RailEurope can charge a minimum of $18 per ticket. I had a look at their site and there is no option to pay in Euro which indicates that it is designed exclusively for the US market - exorbitant commission and poor exchange rate.
A little extra as PalenQ and I suggest can save you a lot.
The English versions are:
http://www.italotreno.it/en
http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
For longer trips I prefer Trentalia beacause the seats are more comfortable and they have something called Business Silenzio where phones should not be used and conversation should be quiet.
However, Italo often offers better fares and it is easier to book senior discounts for those not resident in Italy.
I find it offensive that RailEurope can charge a minimum of $18 per ticket. I had a look at their site and there is no option to pay in Euro which indicates that it is designed exclusively for the US market - exorbitant commission and poor exchange rate.
A little extra as PalenQ and I suggest can save you a lot.
Sep 25th, 2017, 08:16 AM
#31
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I find it offensive that RailEurope can charge a minimum of $18 per ticket.>
I believe that is $18 charge per order -if $400 or more no handling fee. But yes one ticket would be $18 - same as ten would be.
But again no need to use RailEurope unless for some weird reason you can't get either site to work.
I believe that is $18 charge per order -if $400 or more no handling fee. But yes one ticket would be $18 - same as ten would be.
But again no need to use RailEurope unless for some weird reason you can't get either site to work.
Sep 25th, 2017, 10:22 AM
#32
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there is no option to pay in Euro which indicates that it is designed exclusively for the US market - exorbitant commission and poor exchange rate.>
Actually paying in $ for an American is no minus but if your c c charges foreign transaction fees a minus - like comparing prices thru Italian sites in euros to RE or others in $'s - if you are charged not uncommon 3 % card foreign transaction fee then the euro prices would be 3% higher.
But it's a moot point because RE's $18 order fee means they would rarely be as cheap or cheaper.
Again only reason to us RE is you just can't get Italian sites to work - very unlikely as per many reports here.
Actually paying in $ for an American is no minus but if your c c charges foreign transaction fees a minus - like comparing prices thru Italian sites in euros to RE or others in $'s - if you are charged not uncommon 3 % card foreign transaction fee then the euro prices would be 3% higher.
But it's a moot point because RE's $18 order fee means they would rarely be as cheap or cheaper.
Again only reason to us RE is you just can't get Italian sites to work - very unlikely as per many reports here.
