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From Times Online

May 15, 2007

The experts: Italy by rail

Our rail expert helps Seema Patel with a classic Italian rail trip to Venice, Florence, Naples and Rome

A man waits at Rome Termini train station

Alan Heywood

There are six of us who will be travelling by rail through Italy in July. Five of us are 18-29 and the sixth member of the group is 14. We haven't booked our rail tickets yet and are not too sure on whether to book in advance or buy on the day. We have set dates of travel, which are: Venice to Florence on July 25; Florence to Naples on July 28; Naples to Rome on July 31. I have found one website where we can book rail tickets but I'm not sure if it is the best website to book on or if the prices are reasonable. This website is www.railbookers.com. On this website we cannot book until 60 days before our date of travel. Please could you advise. Seema Patel, by email

Times Online rail expert Alan Heywood responds: Rail travel in Italy is surprisingly easy, especially between major cities such as those you mention. Their trains are also modern, comfortable and as good as any on the European mainland. The only bad news I have for you is that everybody aged 12 and over pays the adult fare but, having said that, fares are relatively cheap.

Top of the range on most routes is Eurostar Italia - not to be confused with our own Eurostar services from London to Paris and Brussels. These are fast streamlined Pendolino tilting trains which, in some instances, also run on dedicated high speed lines. Next down in the quality stakes is Inter City Plus and Inter City - again very comfortable but not quite as fast, though you do avoid a fast train supplement.

Reservations are compulsory on Eurostar Italia and, if you leave it too late, you risk the train being full. Reservations open 90 days in advance (60 days for Inter City where it is also much easier to "turn up and go"). The total price you should pay for all three journeys is around £76.30 each although any booking agency may also add a booking fee - these poor souls have to make a living somehow! We did have a look here in the office whether it would be cheaper to use an Inter Rail but it isn't unless you are also intending to make other trips during your stay.

Now let's have a look at the choice of trains for the journeys you mention. A Eurostar Italia leaves Venice Santa Lucia (that's the main station on the Grand Canal) for Florence at 0632, 1032, 1123, 1232, 1432, 1532, 1632 and 1832 and takes just under three hours. Florence to Naples is every two hours from 0853 with a journey time of 3 hours 37 minutes. Finally there is a vast choice of trains between Naples and Rome. In this case, most are Inter City with a journey time of around two hours.

I tried out the Trenitalia's official website at www.trenitalia.com thinking it might be the cheapest since it is owned by the railway operator rather than an agent. Sadly, I found it very difficult to navigate and you are required to know the exact names of the stations. Firenze Santa Maria Novella is probably not on the tip of your tongue but, without it, the site sulks and doesn't want to play. You will also find yourself in the minefield of needing to know the different classification of trains or you might find you have booked yourself on a stopping train! So, once again, I find myself advising a rail specialist where you will receive good, honest and independent advice for a very modest fee.

Alan Heywood is a director at rail specialists, Ffestiniog Travel

Got a question for Alan, or any of our other travel experts? Email us at yoursay@timesonline.co.uk

Hi Alan
I am travelling on the Orient express to Venice. After a stop over i would like to continue to Florence by train and spend a few nights there. My question is.....do the trains run on a Sunday, and how do I buy and book a seat?

Thank you

wal adams, monks risborough, uk