trains in Italy
Hi everyoneI am looking for the cheapest and most efficient way of getting around northern italy.
Do I: pre-book and use the frecciarossa trains, use the slower but cheaper regional trains and buy tickets at the platform, use a rail pass, or just hire a car.
Note that i have very limited time and know very little Italian.
Thank you in advance for any advice!
2
I second Richiavo. "getting around Northern Italy" means everything and nothing. "Around" in a strict geographical sense could mean:Ventimiglia - Torino - Gran San Bernardo - Briga - Domodossola - Verbania - Laveno - Lugano - Colico - Stelvio - Bolzano - San Candido - Tolmezzo - Carnia - Udine - Gorizia - Monfalcone - Venezia - Padova - Ferrara - Ravenna - Faenza - Bologna - Parma - La Spezia - Genova - Ventimiglia.
Do you mean that?
3
If I wanted the freedom of improvisation and last-minute decisions, I'd buy tickets for regional trains. But I also know how I take trips -- specifically, I wouldn't be moving around too much anyway. Two changes of location a week would be average for me .. more or less depending on how much time I have and what I figure on doing with my time.4
i will be going from Milan to turin, then the next day turin to Tirano, then after that tirano to varenna and through to como via ferries, then como to malpensa airport the next day.6
Just use the trenitalia website, book frecciarossa etc in advance for the best prices, but regional trains are cheap and there are nos discounts booking an advance - just turn up at the station buya ticket, validate it in the little green and grey machine somewhere near the booking office / platform and get on the train. Agree with #5 - car is the expensive option7
Milan to Turin if you know your dates you can book in advance on the fast trains or just turn up and buy a regional.To get to Tirano you have to back via Milano and then to Sondrio. Then I think you would be best going to Lecco to take a boat to Como as that is the train line.
I would personally hire a car from Turin although not sue why bother going to Turin for one night.
8
That gives:Milano - Torino - Milano - Lecco - Varenna - Tirano - Varenna - Lake Como boat (from March 24th) - Como Lago - Saronno - Malpensa.
In the case you arrive at Milan MXP by plane, it would be better to go directly from there to Torino (direct bus) and to visit Milano on your way from Torino to Tirano.
BTW: there is absolutely nothing to see at Tirano.
