I started my experience of riding the wonderful rails of Trenitalia on my first Day trip of my semester abroad. We went to Pisa. Bob, our director, organized everything, so we had no idea how the trains worked, how to buy a ticket, how to validate it.
Once we took the train on our own, it was a whole different story. We would wait in the long, long lines in Florence SMN train station, and once we got to the front of the line we would always have the one attendant that was mean or didn’t speak enough English.
How to buy a train ticket
The good thing about buying tickets (now that I know) is using the automatic machines. They are usually the ones that have people lined up behind them, but you don’t have to speak to anyone. Very easy.
Don’t use the Regional machines though. They are for the slow trains that stop in ever little town. One thing I learned the hard way is when I was running late for a 10:30 am train from Rome to Florence. I rushed and ran to the nearest automatic machine got my ticket for the 10:30 train and as I was running to the track it was on, it was pulling away! I was furious. I didn’t look at the time before I purchased the ticket. I am stupid!
Always look at the time before purchasing a ticket that is for train on its way out of the station. Another thing I learned from this horrible experience is that you can just exchange your ticket on the same machine by punching in the number on your ticket. I mistakenly ripped mine up in the feat of anger. Blast!
Tourists’ misconceptions of the train schedule in Italy amazes me. All the months I lived in Florence, there are only a few times I was stuck on the train or waiting for a train on the platform. Most of the time, I have experienced efficiency of the train system in Italy. Oh the one thing that is bad about train schedules is when they are canceled. Sciopero means strike in Italian, if you ever see signs like this hanging in any station in Italy, find someone who can translate it for you. It is not fun waiting for a train that will never show.
Things to remember when riding on a Trenitalia train
Always remember to validate your ticket in the yellow boxes located in the station or on the platform. You will get fined big if you don’t validate your ticket. Also make sure you have the right type of ticket for the type of train you are riding. I once bought a Regionale ticket instead of an Intercity one. The difference you ask, Regionale doesn’t require a seat reservation, and Intercity does. Thankfully, I had enough cash on me to pay the conductor.
When riding on the fastest train, Eurostar, be aware some people try to ride this train without a seat reservation. If this happens point it out to them and they should promptly move out of your seat. Also some people switch seats to be close to loved ones; if you don’t mind switching from a window to an aisle, then go ahead. Usually people are really kind on switching seats. If not just talk really loud until they let you sit with your friend across the aisle. Kidding!
Above all, enjoy the views out of your window. You are in Italy, how lucky are you? While training around Italy, find places to stay at Venere.com.
Photos originally posted by pizzodisevo, zimpenfish, bluviolin, Ashley Pollak
Topic: Tips and Ideas |
96 Comments
Tags: Italy, transportation
About the author
Katie has a true obsession with Italy and she has lived in Florence on and off for the past 5 years. She has been a tourist, vacationer, student, and an au pair. All of these experiences have made her into the person she is today. This is a place she documents her life with her own thoughts and audacious lifestyle: http://www.katerinafiore.com
96 responses to “Basic tips for traveling in Italy by train”
Report an inappropriate commentJanuary 23rd, 2008 at 10:28 pm
yes, when travelling through Italy recently we found the Trenitalia to be quite organised. Providing you wait patiently beside the main screen (always being alert to theft), it is easy to watch your trip number progress through the list before proceeding to the correct platform. Sometimes the train is sitting waiting at the platform for ages, but most often arrives just before departing and that is when the fun begins!
Be prepared for a lot of jostling as locals swarm to the door pushing and shoving. Many do not wait for others to get off and the fight to haul a large suitcase up high train steps while others are trying to push past, is not a pleasant experience. Once on board, sanity returns.
A first class single window seat is a very pleasant way to travel – with one seat forward and the other back, as a couple one can alternate in who travels forward. It is very conducive to snoozing and with great views that are often interrupted by piles of rubbish beside the tracks, roads and houses, a couple of hours goes quickly. Enjoy!
January 23rd, 2008 at 11:50 pm
You are correct Merrill, when you say you must be patient when waiting for the train to arrive or depart. And more importantly keeping on eye on your belongings because the train stations are a favorite for the stealing folks. You also must be patient when you are entering and exiting the train as well. Just know the train will not leave when there is a line of tourists trying to get on. Thanks for the comment!
January 25th, 2008 at 2:57 am
I love traveling by train in Italy! It’s economical and efficient. You also get to meet the most amazing people. I’ve never had trouble with rude people, and found that Italians are very gracious to tourists and willing to help. I don’t speak Italian, except to say, Good day sir/madam. Please excuse me, but I don’t speak Italian. Do you speak english? Most of the time they do- or they can grab someone who does.
January 25th, 2008 at 3:49 am
Yes, Italians that live in tourist areas usually speak a bit of English. They are very kind and willing to help. Italians are also grateful that you are at least trying to speak the language, no matter how much you know or don’t know. Thanks for the comment, Sandy!
January 25th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Train travel in Italy is an excellent way to see the countryside and meet Italians as well as other tourists. Italians are extremely kind and tolerant but I recommend that you learn at least some travelers phrases or do a traveler’s Italian course. It really adds to the experience. In 2007 we were able to have breakfast in Venice, stop in Florence for lunch and some shopping and arrive in Milan for dinner – all by Trenitalia!
January 25th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Isn’t it great? I loved that about Trenitalia too, waking up in one city and falling asleep in another. It is really efficient way of getting around Italy. Forget trying to find a bus station, the trains are the best!! I also agree with Rosalind in taking a small, basic Italian course before arriving in Italy. Also keep a phrase book with you as well. It does come in handy when you are looking for a bathroom, hehe! Thanks Rosalind!
January 25th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Very informative post. Thank you!!!
January 25th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Another thing to keep in mind is that Italian train stations have different big screens or bulletin boards for arriving and departing trains. When I first moved to Italy I often lost lots of time staring at screens, trying to figure out what platform my train was leaving from, only to realize I was looking at the arrivals “arrivi” screen – duh! Arrivi and Partenze (departures) screens are often not next to each other but in completely different parts of the station, and often the screens are not very clearly marked.
January 26th, 2008 at 12:22 am
Yes that is a very important point. I forgot about the boards and how confusing they can be. Thanks Susan!!
February 1st, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Wholeheartedly agree on validating your tickets before you get on the train. When I started riding Trenitalia, I bought reserved tickets on-line (which you don’t have to validate). On the same trip, however, I had purchased a non-reserved ticket to Venezia and thought no more about it. Until an extremely attractive conductor proceeded to ignore my pleas of ignorance and imposed a hefty fine. Now I validate the heck out of everything.
February 1st, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Breck, I feel your pain. It is another thing I always remember to do when riding Trenitalia. (the other thing I do is always be polite to the people I am sitting around) You can’t use the “I’m a tourist, I didn’t know,” line because they really don’t care if you are a tourist, resident, or a citizen of Italy, they will still fine you. Thanks for the comment!!
February 1st, 2008 at 9:15 pm
If I know the dates when I will be traveling between cities in Italy (Venice to Rome,in March), should I reserve a seat ahead of time, or can I just buy a reserved seat in the station on the day of travel?
February 1st, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Janet,
There is usually no need to reserve a seat ahead of time, you should be fine making the reservation on the same day or the day before you’re traveling.
If you are planning to travel on a Friday or Sunday evening though, you might want to book your seat a few days ahead, as trains are busier because of commuters and people on weekend trips.
February 1st, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Janet,
Susan is right, but I have never had a problem getting a ticket the day off or before the day I want to travel. And March isn’t that touristy of a month. I am sure you will be just fine getting your tickets the day you want to travel. Remember to use the automatic machines, they are much easier than trying to talk to someone. If you have any other questions feel free to reach me at my website!
Buon Viaggio!
February 2nd, 2008 at 10:12 am
We go to Italy every year and always rent a car as we stay in countryside. However this last year we took the train from Florence to Venice for the day. It was great. At the last minute they changed the track number for departing from Florence, so masses of people are running from one track to another. But I love Italy so much that what ever happens is always a wonderful experience.
February 2nd, 2008 at 4:32 pm
I found it confusing knowing which car your seat is in and how to determine from outside the train where exactly to go. The first class cars are not always at the front, correct? And I agree with the mass confusion when getting on the train. Since the track is often not known until the very last minute, throngs of people and luggage are all competing to get on at the same time.
February 2nd, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Judy,
I found that most of the time the 1st or Prima classe is usually the first 2 or 3 cars, depends how long the train is. Carrozza means carriage and the numbers are located on the doors of each carriage. They are either on a piece of paper stuck to the window of the door or on the Eurostar or and overnight train will have a digital sign with the number of the Carrozza and which class the car is. I am sorry if that sounds bit confusing. Feel free to contact me if you want me to explain further. Thanks for the comment!
February 2nd, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Thank you Katie. Are there always assigned seats in first class? There are never assigned seats in second class, correct? Judy
February 2nd, 2008 at 7:01 pm
It depends on what kind of train. If it is an Intercity or Eurostar then second class does require you to buy a reservation. But if you are talking about Regionale(the regional trains that stop every little town) then no seat reservations are required. To be honest, first class isn’t really the extra money on the Eurostar or any other train. They look exactly the same, same seats, same windows. That is my opinion though. I have the same excited, relaxing train ride when I am in 2nd or Secondo classe.
Hope this informations helps!!! Any more questions, I am all ears. 
February 3rd, 2008 at 4:12 am
Actually, I think the information that Katie Greenaway posted is inaccurate and naive. She talks about waiting in long lines at the Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station in Florence and attendants who “didn’t speak enough English.” Why should she expect them to speak English? She’s in Italy, not Britain or the U.S. I’m American; I had a phrase book, and I TRIED to communicate with people in Italy in their language: it makes them less “mean” if you try. But my wife and I arrived and left Florence at the SMN station and found no long lines, as a matter of fact, no lines at all.
In fact, in May 2007, on our first trip to Italy, we went by train from Bologna to Florence (with side trips to Pisa and Siena) to Rome to Naples (with a side trip to Sorrento) and had NO trouble with the train schedules, the personnel, or fellow passengers. Unlike Katie, we did some homework before arriving in Italy, so we knew what the process was and what to expect–even though that didn’t eliminate all our concerns.
1. You can buy a ticket ahead of time or on the day of your trip. On most of the intercity trips we took, our tickets were for reserved seats (not first class).
2. The trains for the day (side) trips we took to Siena, Pisa, and Sorrento did not have reserved seats. As a matter of fact, the train to Sorrento was more like a commuter or subway train than an intercity train.
3. It’s simply procedure to get your ticket stamped at one of the yellow machines in the station before you board the train. Even if you’ve already stamped the ticket in one station and you have to change trains at another station, it’s a good idea (though maybe not required) to stamp it at the station where you’re transferring).
4. Anyone who doesn’t check the time of the train versus the current time has little common sense. It’s like trying to get to an airline flight in the U.S. 15 minutes before takeoff and not yet having gone through security. Why would you expect that to work?
5. Katie talks about the regional and the intercity automatic ticket machines. I don’t remember encountering two types of machines, but I’m sure that they would be clearly marked. The machines offer the instructions in a choice of languages, so any questions or concerns should be quickly resolved if you read the screens and follow the instructions.
6. One thing I do agree with Katie on is the possibility of a strike. We flew into Italy at Bologna and left from Naples. When we were leaving our Naples hotel for the airport, we asked the concierge to arrange a cab but were informed by the desk clerk that the cab drivers had called a one-day strike (which seems not to be unusual in Italy), so no cabs were running. We then had to walk about 3/4 of a mile to the train station, where we were able to catch a bus to the airport. The cab strike was a little disconcerting for us but seemed to be a normal occurrence to the hotel people.
7. Anything you could need about Italian trains is available online: http://www.ferroviedellostato.it
8. We had a great time in the 12 days we were there, using the train system for all of our travel, except coming back to Naples from Sorrento, for which we took a boat. And that was fun too.
Enjoy your trip to Italy–and don’t fall into any of those traps that Katie did. Be prepared, not sorry.
February 3rd, 2008 at 5:55 pm
The comment by Joe really hit home when he said “you should not expect Italians to see English (when you visiting their country)the same is also true for Mexians when they come to USA they shouldn’t expect Americans to speak spanish !!!
One comment about train travel, if you travel by train in Germany and dont have the correct ticket you are in a heap of trouble, big time.
February 3rd, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Joe and Doirean,
You both make a valid point about you must try to at least speak Italian in Italy. I know that is true being that I lived there and had to speak in Italian when I got into trouble or had a simple question. Italians truly admire people that are speaking the language. My point was directed to getting your ticket in an easier fashion. By waiting in long lines in SMN stazione, in the summer, in the high season, can be a bit of a bore. But all in all, that is my opinion. I have traveled extensively throughout Italy, so I like to share shortcuts I have found since I have been living there. Thanks for your opinions and comments both of you! Cheers!
February 3rd, 2008 at 9:39 pm
I travelled with a party of four in April of 2007 throughout Europe and, sad to say, the only problem with travel by rail was in Italy. There was construction on one of the main lines from Venice to Rome and every 1/2 hour or so our train would stop on a side rail to allow another train to pass on the main line. It made us 2 hours late to meet up with our contact person for renting an apartment. There was a very kind Italian couple sitting next to us who allowed us to make a phonecall on their phone so we could tell our contact the problem.
Also, on the train to Pompeii someone died and the train had to stop and everyone disembarked to catch another train. These are things that make a trip memorable, though. Sorry that anyone had to die, but you learn to laugh about these things.
I found the Italian people very friendly and eager to help, even the school kids, who knew we were from Canada and shouted out the names of Canadian cities.
February 4th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Please let me knoew how I can get from Milan (malpensa ) to Genoa and from Milan (bergamo) to Genoa…thank you
February 4th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Melanie,
For Milan Malpensa to Genua: Take the Malpensa Express to Milano Nord Cordona station. From there, there is a train to Milan Central Station and from there, an express train to Genoa (Genova) Piazza Principe Station. The total journey time is about 3 and a half hours.
For Milano Bergamo (Orio al Serio airport) there is a shuttle bus service from the airport directly to Milan Central Station. From there, you can take the express train to Genoa (Genova) Piazza Principe Station. The bus ride is about an hour, and the train journey an hour and a half.
February 4th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
We will be travelling to Italy in May and will be taking a train from Rome to Florence and from Florence to Cinque Terre. I found the comments from recent travellers very useful and informative.
Thank-you
February 6th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Malpensa airport to Locarno. Any advice, please? We may have booked on a coach (nothing rec’d back, so perhaps not?) Malpensa to Bellinzona and know we can take a local train to complete the journey, but maybe that is not the best way.
Any help will be very much appreciated – we leave in a week’s time!!
February 6th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
To Melanie,
The information Susan gave is accurate apart from the name of the station in Milan, whose name is *Cadorna* and not Cordona. Hope this helps!
February 6th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Pat,
I presume that the coach you booked is the Malpensa Express from Malpensa to Bellinzona station. This journey takes about 2 hours and costs 23 Euro one way. From Bellinzona, you can indeed take a train to Locarno, which takes another 20 minutes.
The alternative is to pass through Milan Cadorna (thanks for the correction Sonia
)and Milan central Station and change trains 4 times total to get to Locarno. This journey would take minimum 3 and a half hours so I guess that’s not really an option.
February 6th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Can I add a few comments that may help you to travel with children/luggage? Almost all platforms in Italy are much lower than the trains and the 2 or 3 steps up to the train are so narrow and steep they are impossible to climb for a child under 5. Think about your luggage size as you usually have very little time to hoist up your children, then you, then your bag!
We travelled First Class on a pass, which was wonderful, but its very hard to locate the correct carriage when the train pulls in. Sometimes its at the front, sometimes back, sometimes middle. Big stations have a little chart on the platform showing where the first class carriage will arrive. Mostly we played a game called ‘look for the gold stripe then RUN RUN RUN’ – (followed by all that throwing of children up the stairs).
Lastly, if you have reserved seats – prepare to fight for them. A few times people absolutely refused to move even though they were obviously in our seats. We had to wait for the ticket inspector to come through to help us move people, which wasn’t very pleasant but better than travelling in the freezing corridor!
February 15th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
I am traveling to Pisa first week in June 08.
We are planning to take the train to florence, spend 2 days there. Hire a car to see the counrty for 3 days.
We then want to travel by train to sorrento, what would be the best place to get the train. How long does it take to get to sorrento from Pisa ? What are the cost of the train fares?
Should we travel on the fast train!
We are not sure if we would have enough time to visit portofino.
We have 10 days in total for our holiday
We would be glad of any advise, as this is the first time in Italy.
February 15th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Nan,
I am responding to you through your email you provided. Advice is on the way!
Katie
March 20th, 2008 at 11:47 am
We are hoping to fly to Rome on 28th June 08 and then spend two weeks travelling (via rail) through Italy & France. All the advice above is great, as I was quite worried about it all, but could someone tell me if the rail tickets are expensive?? We are hoping to spend a few nights in Rome, then up to Florence…and then i’m not sure from there….any suggestions???
Claire
March 21st, 2008 at 4:16 am
Hi! my husband , I, and our 13 year old want to travel from Rome to Naples by train or bus around June 16 and then to Pompeii around june 18. How do we do that? My husband qualifies as a senior, my son as a student, and are there special rates for myself as a teacher. I just can’t figure out the type of train (or bus) even though I went to the Trenitalia site. Then we also want to travel Naples to Torino by train on aboutjune 20, 2008. Where do i find the prices for trains and the times?
Grazie!
March 21st, 2008 at 11:00 am
Hi Madelyn,
You can buy your tickets on line and find all the info you need to travel through Italy by train (times, fares, special offers, family tickets,…) also in English on http://www.ferroviedellostato.it.
Enjoy you vacation in Naples and Turin! (I really love these cities, especially Turin!
).
April 30th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
My husband, his parents, and our 1 year old son will be traveling from Rome to Sienna in May. We have booked the rest of our trip with no problems, but I am very confused about train. It gives us the option of seats or mandatory reservation. Then when you click mandatory reservation, it wants you to input a carriage and seat you would like. If I just click seat will it give us a reservation? I’m just a little confused. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also is there enough room for our luggage, carseat, and stroller on the train? I’m just a little stressed about all of this now. I figured it would be one of the more simple things to book, but it has been the most difficult. Thanks in advance
April 30th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Whitney,
I am going to email you with some advice. I just got back from Italy yesterday.
Ciao,
Katie
May 1st, 2008 at 11:12 pm
I too would like to know about carriage and seat assignment when making reservations on Trenatalia. We are a family of 5 (3 adults, 2 young kids) traveling from Venice to Monterosso June 9 and would like to reserve seats by eachother. I know I’ll be nervous to ask people to switch so I was hoping to have it all figured out before we left.
Also, can u.s. residents use the Amica (advance purchase option)? Oh, and what is everyone’s experience with going ticketless?
thanks
julie
May 2nd, 2008 at 12:40 am
Julie,
I am sending you an email with the information you are looking for. All of the info I want to tell you won’t fit in this comment box.
a presto,
Katie
May 8th, 2008 at 6:10 am
I tried to purchase train tickets on the trenitalia webpage, but I kept getting a credit card denied problem at the final stage. This happened with two cards (Visa and Amex). I was using a Mac so I tried completing the transaction on a Windows and still had the same problem. I called my credit company and they said that no charges had been attempted.
Has anyone else had a similar problem? if so, How did you fix the problem.
May 8th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Chris,
I wouldn’t recommend buying your tickets online. I have never bought them online because you never know if the conductors will accept the online purchase. This is how Italy is, One person can say yes I can accept that type of ticket and another one wouldn’t accept it. I honestly don’t know why they give you the option of purchasing it online. There could be a strike that day that you buy them too, and you would then have to wait in line to have your tickets changed to the next day.
My friend who was living in Italy last year, used the “Ticketless” option which means, having a confirmation number sent to you Italian Mobile. And you then show the conductor the confirmation number and he punches it into his little handheld blackberry type object to see if it is legit. She had one problem paying for her ticket this way, once the conductor gave her a hard time about not having an ACTUAL ticket in hand. She was able to talk her way out of the fine but it is a risk you take.
If there is anyone out there that had purchased their tickets online thru Trenitalia, feel free to respond to this comment. I just have never tried to do it.
Hope this helps a bit, Chris.
a presto
Katie
May 9th, 2008 at 2:29 am
Thanks, Katie.
Trenitalia’s site now does offer a ticketless option (it is sent via email) but (sigh) the site doesn’t work for me.
Oh well. I’ll figure out something!
May 9th, 2008 at 3:10 am
Chris,
No Worries….Buying your tickets in Italy isn’t that bad.
Where are you heading during your trip?
a presto,
Katie
May 12th, 2008 at 7:22 am
I’ve been trying the same thing, to book an overnight 4-berth couchette for overnight June 3rd, rome to Paris.
There is a GO rate offered at 85 euro per person, as opposed to the full fare which is about 50 or so euros more… so i want to get that lower price and the site says only so many Smart Fares and Go Fares are available until they are gone. However, I can’t get my card to work.
Katie, do you know much about these discounted fares, and whether they should still be available in a couple of weeks when i arrive in italy? …Basically, I just don’t want to get to Rome and have to pay US$430 for my fiancee and I to get to Paris, when a lower fare is showing online. Any advice from anyone?
May 14th, 2008 at 4:07 am
Dan,
I don’t know of any discounted fares. I know if you purchase a Eurail pass it could be a bit cheaper. I haven’t traveled on an overnight train since 2002, perhaps the prices are a bit higher as well. Here is the site to purchase a Eurail pass. http://www.eurail.com/
Search around this site and see if this suits your needs. If not, I would go to the station in Rome (Termini) and go to the information area for Trenitalia and ask them.
Hope this helps,
Katie
May 15th, 2008 at 1:31 am
katie
Great to see the old Italy photo being useful!
Ash
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:34 am
I’ve been challenged trying to figure out European train travel and it’s reassuring to see that I’m not the only one. This is where I have found the most practical info – thank you!
We will leave Salzburg headed to Bellagio for a couple of days then on to Vernazza for a couple of days then to Orta prior to departure. I’ve spent several hours trying to figure out an economical, efficient way and am still stumped! We have one night between Salzburg and Bellagio and can stay along the train route.
Can you suggest the best way to leave Austria for Bellagio, along with a stopping point?
Then how about the next two routes, Bellagio to Vernazza and Vernazza to Orta? When I use the trenitalia website I get “no solutions found” for both of them.
Mille grazie,
Kathleen
May 22nd, 2008 at 4:07 am
Kathleen
From Austria you will probably head down thru Switzerland by perhaps a night train, I don’t know how you planned it. It would probably be the best way. You will definitely need to switch trains a few times. You will end up in Milano at the end of that trip so you can switch trains to Bellagio. From Bellagio you will need to head back thru Milano and then catch a train to La Spezia. From La Spezia there is a train just for Cinque Terre.
I am not sure where Orta is?? Is it near Naples??
let me know,
Katie
May 22nd, 2008 at 4:28 am
The night train you mention, is it using trenitalia? I haven’t planned that part of the travel because I can’t figure out the different rail websites (trenitalia, eurail, OBB in Austria) far enough to be able to compare routes and pricing. For example OBB can be accessed in English but once you get beyond the basic info it seems to only be in German.
Sorry to leave you wondering, Orta is a small town just outside Milan.
Thanks so much for your help!
Kathleen
May 22nd, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Kathleen,
If you go onto the Trenitalia site, and put in Salzburg, the city you are departing from, and then Milano, the city you will arrive at, you will see. Or you can stop in Brig, Switzerland and switch trains to head to Milano that way. I stopped there when I was going to Austria.
Is it called Lake Orta??
Katie
May 23rd, 2008 at 10:12 am
Thanks Katie for all your advice.
Myself, my husband and two children are travelling to italy late August and arriving in Rome. We will then be travelling to Pisa, Venice, Lamezia, Paris and Vienna. I had been trying to book cheap airfares through ryanair, airone and easy jet, however after reading your blog and advice you have provided to others I feel confident about using the train system as it will be considerably cheaper.
Thakyou for this information and I will email you if I have any questions.
May 23rd, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Carmel,
I am glad this information helped. The train system all over Europe is fantastic! If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to ask them to me.
A presto,
Katie
May 25th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Hi Katie,
I have looked up the trenitalia website to find out how long it takes from Pisa to Venice. It shows there is only one trip on the day I require 27/09/08, and takes about 8 hours. I would prefer to be in Venice by early morning as we have only two days there. I have also tried to locate a cheap flight but there is nothing available on 27/09/08. The only airline that does that route seems to be airone. Do you have any other advice on other airlines that would fly that route, or whether Eurostar operates for the route.
Any information would be greatful.
Grazie Mille
Carmel
May 25th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Carmel,
If you travel from Pisa to Florence(1hour by Regionale) THEN Florence to Venice by Eurostar it will take you 2 and a half hours then. Whenever you are traveling from a small town to a larger city, you will always need to take a Regionale to the nearest city and then switch trains onward to your destination, Venice from Florence. If you want to do a straight shot from Pisa to Venice it is such a long train ride because you are on a Regionale. Always check what larger city is nearby to cut down on the travel time. So you can enjoy Italy more!
Hope this helps, Let me know if you have another one.
a presto,
Katie:)
May 27th, 2008 at 7:37 am
My husband and I are traveling from Venice to Rome on June 4 and back to Venice on the 6th of June. We were wondering if there is a place to leave luggage in Venice for our short trip to Rome. Also what train should we take to Rome? Any information would be grately appreciated.
May 27th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Grazie Mille Katie.
Carmel
May 27th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Jann,
I would ask your hotel in Venice if they will store your bags for two nights. It wouldn’t hurt. If not, there is space on the trains to transport your bags. I would take the Eurostar from Venice to Rome, it will take you only 4 hours and 20 minutes. Any other questions let me know!
Carmel,
You are welcome!
a presto,
Katie
May 31st, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Thank you Katie..I am wondering if the Eurostar is a intercity train since you have a reserved seat? Or do you?
Thanks
May 31st, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Jann,
Yes for Intercity, You MUST have a reserved seat. It is not as nice as the Eurostar however they BOTH require reservations. When you are searching for trains online, Intercity trains as IC. When you are purchasing them either online or in person they require to reserve seats.
Hope this helps!
Buon Viaggio,
Katie:)
May 31st, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Thank you so very much! We are planning to travel on the Eurostar and buying our tickets at the machines.
Thanks again, Jann
June 3rd, 2008 at 5:37 am
We are travelling at the end of July around Italy, and know that it is the peak season. We will be going from Milan to Riomaggiore to Rome to Venice. We’re worried that if we wait till the day before to book a seat they will be sold out. I know you’ve said earlier in the blog that you’ve never had problems, but just wanted to check that still applies in July?
June 3rd, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Erin,
I understand your concern. I traveled a lot during the month of July last year. I never had problems, like I said before. There is the chance that you might have to leave later in the day or take a Regional train instead of a Eurostar. I am sure you will get the tickets you need to travel from Milan to Riomaggiore to Rome and to Venice. Just be aware that there WILL be lines wherever you are, in every train station, because starting in July Italians start most of their vacations. I would definitely wait until you arrive in Milan because you never know if there will be a train strike on the days you choose to purchase before you arrived. Does that make sense? I am leaving tomorrow for Florence so if you still have more questions about traveling in Italy, please feel free to contact me.
Hope this helps!
Katie
June 8th, 2008 at 6:49 am
Hi Katie,
My sisters and I are trying to travel from Venice to Prague in the middle of July, but are having trouble booking the overnight train via trenitalia. Do you think we would be able to book it a couple days in advance when we’re already in Venice?
Thanks!
Karen
June 10th, 2008 at 12:04 am
Karen,
Sorry for the delay, I do not think it will be a problem. I would make an effort to get it purchases your first or second day here in Italy. Just so you don’t have to worry about it. I would talk to a teller inside the station in Venice so you get the right trains at the right time.
Hope this helps,
any other questions let me know,
Katie:)
June 13th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Can you please tell me how long a train takes to get to Pisa from Naples? Also from Pisa to Florence and Florence to Venice?
June 13th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Karen,
From Pisa to Florence is an hour or so, Florence to Naples(using Eurostar) is 3 hours and 45 minutes about, with a transfer in Rome. So all together about 5 hours.
a presto,
Katie
June 17th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Many thanks. So it is best to catch Eurostar from Naples to Florence then a train to Pisa then back to Florence? We also want to go to Venice from Florence, how long would this take?
June 18th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Karen,
Yes, Naples to Florence then switch trains in Florence to travel to Pisa.
Florence to Venice is about 2 hours and 40 minutes on the Eurostar.
Hope this helps,
You are welcome,
Katie
June 18th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Hi Katie,
My friend and I are going to go to Firenze from Paris and we have bought the Eurail pass so that it’s cheaper to make a reservation on the Artesia Night Train. We were told that we could make the reservation on the Trenitalia website but we could only see the Go/Flexi options but we couldn’t find any place to make a reservation!
We also plan to take the night train from Firenze down to Messina and we don’t know how to make the reservation with the Eurail pass either.
Also, you have suggested purchasing tickets at the machine. Do you know if it’s possible to only make the reservation (for interncity trains) at the machine given that we have the train pass?
Thanks in advance!
Caroline
June 19th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Caroline,
Great questions! Ok, from what I know about the Eurail pass(I used one, once upon a time) you will have to make the reservations at the station from which you depart from.
Like when you arrive in Paris go to the station and make a reservation with one of the tellers. And then when you arrive in Firenze, make a reservation the same way. You cannot make a reservation via the automatic machines from what I know. I can check to see if that information has changed. When do you arrive in Firenze?
let me know if you have any more questions,
a presto,
Katie:)
June 20th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Thank you for being so helpful.
Can you please advise if you think One Country Eurorail tickets would be the way to go for our trip, are they the most cost effective etc?
We will need in one day a train from Naples to Florence then to Pisa and back to Florence. Then the next day a train Florence to Venice then a few days later a train Venice to Pescara.
What do you think? Thank you for letting us pick your brains!
June 20th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Karen,
Great catch! Yes I suggest purchasing this Eurorail pass it will save you buckets of money. I checked out the Trenitalia site to compare the price in Euro to Dollars. Much better deal to pay the $225 each for 3 days travel in Italy for 2 months. Check it out here http://www.eurail.com/eurail_italy_pass?currency=usd
I think you helped me figure out my new article, grazie!
a presto,
Katie
June 23rd, 2008 at 6:48 am
Hey everyone if anyone could give us some advice that would be great, we are off to italy in a week and just wondering firstly how to get from the malpensa airport in milan to bolonga mestre station, do we have to go through milan or can we get a train strait there from the airport?? Secondly if we get a eurail pass does that include regionale trains, and eurostar ect or do we have to pay more money for the faster trains, and how do we book seats on the trains? thanks heaps
tess
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:20 am
Tess,
From Malpensa you take a bus to Milano Centrale Station, then you can take a Eurostar from Milano to Bologna that is 1 hour and 40 minutes or you can take a Intercity which is 2 hours. You can’t go straight from airport to Bologna unless you rent a car.
Eurail passes do include regionale trains, meaning you don’t need a reservation for those trains, you can get on one and get on another without having to validate anything. Eurostars and Intercity trains you MUST make a seat reservation for an extra cost. I am not exactly sure how much each reservation will be. It depends on how far you travel.
Hope this helps,
safe travels,
Katie
June 24th, 2008 at 1:57 am
thanks for that helps heaps
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:55 pm
I am trying to purchase tickets for my husband and I to go from Rome to Florence. I was picking ’standard’ and ES for our rail choice. I picked mandotory reservation but then there is a request to pick ‘coach’ and ’seats’ – how am I to know what to put there?! Suggestions would be appreciated!!!
Thank you!!!!!
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:45 pm
JMF,
You really wouldn’t know what to write there. Because you never know how long this train will be. I honestly would wait until you arrive in Rome. It will not take you that long to purchase a ticket. There are tons of the automatic machines in Roma Termini Station and plenty of tellers if you would like to speak with someone. You won’t have to pick a car or seat, the machine or teller picks your seats for you.
Hope this helps,
Any other questions contact me,
Katie
Buon Viaggio
July 17th, 2008 at 4:39 am
This is a great train travel page. I’ve learnt so much for my upcoming trip in September. I do have a question though.
I am visiting Verona from Venice during one of my days. If i buy a ticket from Venice to Verona, will i be allowed to stop at one of the stops (Padova) and continue on my journey say 2 hours later?
Or do i have to buy 2 ticket? 1 from Venice to Padova, then another one from Padova to Verona?
Will appreciate any help
Damien
July 18th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Damian,
This is a great question. Let me check around. I have never thought of doing this. Not sure it is possible because you validated the ticket in Venice. But let me know get back to you about this.
a presto,
Katie
July 22nd, 2008 at 4:12 am
3 of us have each purchased a 7 day italian rail pass. i believe we only need this stamped before it is used the first time and each day we travel on the train we need to fill in the date?
on trains that require a reserved seat, is it cheaper to purchase the reservation at the train station or purchase online before travelling to Italy?
do reservation tickets need to be validated?
Thankyou for your help.
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:19 am
hi folks looking for some advice. i’m thinking of travelling to italy for the first time and looking to stay in sorrento. can you please let me know if i’m better flying to pisa or milan (bergamo), these are the 2 choices i have with ryanair. if the easiest way to get to sorrento from the airport is by train train, do you know roughly how long the trip will take and costs involved. any advice would be much appreciated!
July 24th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Paul,
Yes you only have to validate your rail pass on the first day of your travels. And yes from there you write down each place you travel to on the pass. The reservation is the same price either way you to it. But it is much easier to purchase your reservation when you are here rather than online, in my opinion. The reserved tickets will need to validated as well.
Hope this helps,
Katie
July 24th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Stephen,
It is easier and closer to fly to Pisa. There is train from the airport to the station. Then you can travel on to Florence where you can pick up the Eurostar and that will take you to Naples(with a switch in Rome) it will be about 3 hours and 45 minutes. Then you will take a regional train to Sorrento. You can find the prices on http://www.trenitalia.it/en/index.html.
Hope this helps,
Katie
July 28th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Want to take the train (Eurostar) back from Rome to Civitavecchia afternoon of Aug 12 (Eurostar is 45 minutes). Can’t purchase online since International VISA(Canada). My question is, in the morning, we’ll get off at St. Peter’s station. CAn I buy my afternoon Eurostar ticket in the morning when I arrive in Rome to avoid lining up in the afernoon? We are on a cruise and therefore tight schedule – and definietly don’t want to miss a train.
July 29th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Guido,
Of course you can buy them in the morning. There are automatic machines all over Termini stazione that you can quick buy the ticket once you get there. No worries.
Any other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Buon viaggio,
Katie
August 17th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Hi Katie!
Congratulations for this page. It’s really helpful to everyone who wants to travel by train in Italy and don’t have a clue about doing it. I am going to Italy in september and I was wondering if I can buy a Tariffa Amica in the automatic machines, or if the machine just sells the Standard fare. Also I am afraid to face long lines at the stations. Do you know if september use to be very crowded? Any help would be great. Thx!
August 18th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Thanks Camilla! I really enjoy helping people when traveling by train.
To answer your question, you cannot buy an Amica card from the machines. I honestly don’t know if they are offered to foreigners. You could ask the teller at the station to see if it is possible. September isn’t as crowded as the summer months, rest assured.
Buon Viaggio,
Katie
August 19th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Hi,
My credit cards are being denied on TrenItalia.
Can I buy tickets using my friend’s credit card.
My friend wont be travelling with me.
Also, can I buy Amica tickets?
regards,
Rakesh
August 21st, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Rakesh,
You can try using your friends credit card but I doubt it will work. I have heard from many people that buying train tickets online doesn’t work. I suggest buying your tickets when you arrive.
a presto,
Katie
September 10th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Katie:
I hope this is the venue for asking a question. I am trying to reserve overnight train connection from Rome to Verona on Sept 28. The TrenItalia website indicates a few trains that evening, the best being the 11:05 pm which arrives in Verona around 7 am. This train does not require any changes along the way.
The Trenitalia site shows several options for seating, sleepers/couchettes on the train. Among them are both a 4-person couchette and a 2 person sleeping room. I was hoping to reserve the double sleeper room for me and my wife, but after entering my choices Trenitalia advises me to choose another option for that train, or a different train. While it appears I can complete the reservation for 2 berths in a 4-person couchette, this is not my preference. Any idea why Trenitalia will let me reserve spaces in a couchette but not complete the reservation for the 2-bed room (doppie)?
Thanks for any help.
— Michael
November 25th, 2008 at 10:55 am
i want know that if i buy a rail pass in italy still i have to buy a train ticket in italy to go from one city to another or within the city.
bye
April 16th, 2009 at 5:45 am
My wife and I, two seniors, hoping to use only air plane carry on bags, will first travel frorm Pisa to Monterosso in the Cinque Terra. Went on the website and have the train schedule. Will buy the day of travel. Sounds like second class is sufficient. Later we will travel to Bellagio and have two suggestions. First take a train to Varenna then by boat to Bellagio. The second is a train to Como San Giovanni then bus to Bellagio. Do you have any preferences? Then we will travel to Malpensa. Do we take a train from Como or Varenna to Milan Centrale then bus to Malpensa or do we take a train to Malpensa? I’m a bit confused as to whether there is a train to Malpensa. I assume all of these are for reserved seats. Mahalo for your advice.
April 30th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Hello
I was just wondering if you can help me, as I’m travelling in Italy for the first time!
I need to catch a train from PISA to BUONCONVENTO, I had a little sneak at trenitalia, and its saying there is a Regionale train. The thing I’m worried about, is that there is a stop/change at Montepescali, eeek. How do i know where to change, are there signs, or do i just do it by time?!
Cheers
August 12th, 2009 at 11:50 am
It is so amazing that one can be able to travel around like this in a country with out having to worry about transport hiring a car or the cost of gas/petrol, we don’t have this type of luxury and I say luxury as here in South Africa, we have a none exsistant public transport system and what the Europeans have is just amazing.
September 5th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
I will be traveling by train from La Spezia to Naples. I understand that there is one train that I can take without any changes. Is this correct? If I wanted to get out at Pisa and do some brief site seeing, would I be able to board another train on the La Spezia to Naples ticket? Or would I have to buy one ticket from La Spezia to Pisa and then another from Pisa to Naples?
November 16th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Italian trains very convenient for the tourist who doesn’t have much idea about geography and language.
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