Venice to Bologna Train - Advance Tickets?
 

Looking at the Trenitalia site, the shopping cart is x-ed out for Venice-Bologna trains in May.

I assume that is because it is too soon to reserve tickets. (It's a Frecciarossa train, which I have believe support advice-purchase tickets.)

If so, how far out in advance can they be purchased...I want to get the best fare. :-)

Thanks.
ssander

90 days is the norm

what does seat61 say?

No, it's 120 days and has been for several years.

www.seat61.com is the site for info on discounted tickets - the cheapest trains though are regional trains that do not accept reservations and are dirt cheap - just buy in Venice and valid on any train during validity period. Takes a little longer but usually cheaper than discounts available on faster trains (which are really not that fast on this non-high speed route) - check first class fares too as they are also discounted and if not much more than 2nd class go for it as they are more comfy, especially on regional trains. For general info on Italian trains check also www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com.

There are direct regional trains Venice to Bologna hourly and they take just under 2 hours - faster trains take 45 minutes less but again usually cost much more - save yourself all the hassle of booking online (many frustrations using trenitalia.com reported in the past) and just buy that dirt-cheap flat fare ticket in Venice - you will always be able to get on.

checking schedules the Regional trains Venice S Lucia to Bologna also convey first class cars and IME of riding regional trains they are often largely empty - so not only would the regional trains be cheaper but even more comfy than on a potentiall packed faster train in 2nd class. Absolutely no reason to book regional trains - as said before they will not even accept reservations and I think it may be impossible to book online or may have a different validity period - just buy them in Venice.

Regional trains: €12.10, fixed price, buy on the day, journey 1h58.

Frecce high-speed trains: From €15 pre-booked, reservation necessary, journey 1h25

Your call.

But booking train tickets in December when you're not travelling until May next year, is like worrying about the amount of fresh milk in your fridge for next June - no need to buy tickets until a couple of months before, and even then you'll be amongst the first. Oh, and if you need milk for your coffee, buy it days before you need it, don't order it 6 months ahead ;0)