Which are the best trains in Italy
 

There are so many different types of trains- ES, ES italia, ES italia AV, IC plus etc. could someone please explain the differences?

Also, is it better to purchase Amica or Standard?

Is it cheaper to purchase directly from Trenitalia than Rail Europe?

HI M,

The ES* and the AV are the top trains.

Amica is the discounted fare - check www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html for restrictions.

Tren is usually much cheaper.

((I))

You should base your choice of trains on travel time for the route you wish to take. The ES & AV trains Ira mentions are faster and have fewer stops. The coaches on both of those are more like an airplane than a subway or commuter rail.

For the most common tourist itineraries that include Rome/Florence/Venice/Milan I would take ES or AV trains that best match my desired arrival or departure time.

Should have mentioned that the trip would be from Rome to Ravello and back to Rome.

Was wondering if the bus from Rome to Amalfi was a decent option.

Appreciate your input.

Hi MW - The Rome-Amalfi bus runs only in high season (- June-Sept).
It's inexpensive but slow (- 5hrs)

http://www.marozzivt.it/

A better option is usually:
- train to Salerno, then
- ferry to Amalfi (- 35 mins)


For train timetables see:
http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html

Ferries to Amalfi depart Salerno during the season (- weather permitting) at:
8:40 - 9:40 - 10.40 - 11:40 - 14:10 - 15:30 - 17:15*

http://www.salernocity.com/comune/tr.../costiera2.asp

[With an early departure you can catch the 09.40 or 10.40 ferry ...]

Hope this helps ...

Steve

A good website that sets out just about all you need to know about Italian trains is:
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/trains/index.htm

Hi m,

Ditto SJ.

Once in A,alfi you take a bus or taxi up to Ravello.

Thanks everyone!

You are welcome, M.