Italian Train Travel

February 9, 2024

Buon giorno amici! Traveling by train is the best way to get around most of Italy. I like to book directly at https://www.trenitalia.com/ or https://www.italotreno.it/en. You can buy a pass (if you are doing a lot of train trips) or just point to point tickets. Remember to use Italian city names (Firenze instead of Florence). Paper tickets need to be validated at the green machines located near trains. Electronic tickets don't need to be validated. Some segments require reservations (most high speed trains). I like to reserve seats whenever possible and generally just book 2nd class. You can book tickets and make reservations up to 4 months in advance and I highly recommend booking in advance especially in high season.

Train stations are generally easy to navigate and have at least one cafe, bathrooms and large monitors that show Arrivo (Arrivals) and Partenza (Departures) that include which platform your train will arrive on and if it is running late. Sometimes your platform number will not show up until 15 minutes before departure so you just have to be ready! Some of the bigger stations (Milan, Rome, Florence) are like shopping centers with restaurants and shops. Most stations also have a Trenitalia and/or Italo office available which is great if you need assistance (why I like to book directly ~ makes it easier if trains are delayed/cancelled and you need help).

Give yourself at least 30 minutes to make a train connection. Most stations are easy to navigate but Bologna has over 25 train platforms on multiple levels! Also, trains often run a few minutes late.

Please let me know if you have questions or visit my website to book a consultation to start planning a trip or review what you already have planned!

Ciao! -Alex