Train Travel in Italy

Italian trains are often criticised for being slow and poorly managed. It is obvious that bureaucratic Trenitalia (website www.trenitalia.com) isn't up to the same standard as the rail networks in neighbouring countries, however tickets are much cheaper than elsewhere in Europe and the system is still a good way to get around as long as you understand some of its idiosyncrasies.

Many trains in Italy require a supplement above the regular ticket price. This is almost always the case with couchette and sleeper trains, although often what would appear to be a regular train may also charge a supplement. I was once charged a €5.20 supplement on a €1.50 half-hour trip from Padua to Venice, now I always check first to see if I need to pay a supplement. In most cases trains which require a supplement are marked on the timetable in red.

It's worth paying the extra money to make a reservation on Italian trains, which are often booked full. It's not unusual to have to stand for three hours or so on the busier routes. You normally have to make a seat reservation three hours before departure, however several train services accept reservations up to 30 minutes before departure.

Because Italian trains are much cheaper than trains elsewhere in Europe, it may be a good idea to buy individual tickets in Italy rather than use up days on your railpass if you're travelling on a Eurail Flexipass or similar rail pass.

When you buy a ticket at a station, you will need to stamp it at one of the validation machines at the entrance to the station platform. You will then have 6 hours to complete a journey of up to 200km or 24 hours for a journey over 200km.

Eurail and InterRail passes are valid on Italian trains.