What NOT to Do When Taking the Trains in Italy
Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you take the trains in Italy. Train travel in Italy is the best way to get around, but there are some things you should NOT do along the way.
Don’t Think You Can Visit Italy Without Taking the Train
Driving in Italy can be frustrating. Between the mopeds and the Vespas zipping around, and the unfamiliar traffic patterns, it’s not the most pleasant holiday experience. The train system in Italy is so easy to use; we highly recommend it!
Don’t Expect Your Train to Be on Time
The fast trains in Italy are usually pretty punctual, however the regional and local trains are not always super timely. If the board says “retardo” then your train is delayed. Sometimes it’s just five or ten minutes; when we were traveling to Bolzano, our train was delayed over two hours! Make sure you aren’t planning your schedule so tight that a train delay can ruin your trip! We would rather plan a a longer layover than risk missing our connection. Ten minutes between trains is just too tight!
When you are looking at the timetables, Arrivi is the arrivals board, and Partenze is the departures.
Don’t Forget There are Different Types of Trains
The Freccia are the super-fast trains, and also the most expensive. Regional trains also have a fast version, which is the Regionale Veloce train. The regular Regionale trains will stop in every little village along the way, so they take quite a bit longer.
This means that a regional train that leaves at 9 am might actually arrive at your destination later than the train departing at 10 a.m. You have to check the arrival and departure times, as well as the stops along the way, to ensure you choose the right train in Italy.
Don’t Think All Prices Are Equal
When you buy your train tickets in Italy, you will pay more for faster service. So you can’t just buy “a ticket” to Milan and then hop on any train heading to Milan. Prices vary quite a bit between different options.
If you buy early, you can often get first class tickets for the same price as you would pay for same-day coach class tickets. By planning ahead, you can have a more comfortable ride.
Don’t Be Afraid to Skip the Ticket Window
The ticket window at Italian train stations can often have a long line. If you’re in a rush or already know what you want, just head to one of the kiosks in the station. They have everything in English and they are super easy to use.
However, when you are at the kiosk, don’t accept help from anyone who is not an official employee of the rail line. A common scam in the larger cities in Italy is to “help” tourists by selling them invalid tickets or distracting them while someone else picks their pockets.
Tourist Scams to Avoid in Italy
You can also skip the ticket window by purchasing your train tickets online in advance. You can save a lot of money doing this, and you’ll also be able to take your time to make sure you have the right tickets before you buy! On our last trip to Italy, we saved over 500 Euros by pre-purchasing our train tickets in Italy.
Don’t Forget Seat Reservations
If you have a Eurail Pass, your fare may be covered, but you still have to reserve your seat on the train. The fast trains can, and do, sell out, so make sure you have a seat reserved! Your reservation will have a car number and a seat number, so make sure you board the correct car before finding your seat.
Every once in a while, they may change trains and you might find that two people have booked the same seat. Don’t let it stress you out; it will work out in the end. Definitely don’t lose your cool with the conductors; they are generally very helpful and friendly.
Don’t Forget to Validate Your Train Ticket
Pay attention to other train travelers. If you see a little stamp machine before the train entrance, that’s where you need to validate your ticket. If you board the train without first validating your ticket, it can be problematic.
Six Rules for European Train Travel
Don’t Expect a Lot of Luggage Space
Packing light for your Italy trip is crucial, and train space is just one reason. No matter which Italian train line you are on, from the Freccia to the locals, there is no space for a large suitcase. You also have to be sure you can lift your suitcase above your head, which is another reason to pack light! Getting assistance with your luggage is another time you can be easily scammed!
Sometimes, First Class will have extra space, but don’t count on it!
Don’t Let Your Guard Down
Train stations are a common place for pickpockets, so always be on alert at the station. It’s easy to be distracted by all of the people and not realize you’ve lost your wallet. Getting on and off the city trains is another place to be careful because you are probably already brushing up against people.
Don’t Forget to Potty Before the Train Station
Train Station bathrooms aren’t always free, and they aren’t always clean. Long distance trains will also have bathrooms, but they aren’t the cleanest. It’s a good idea to use the bathroom at your hotel or restaurant before you go to the train station. In any case, it’s a good idea to have small change just in case you do need to pay for the restroom at the train station.
Don’t Forget Food for the Train
Many longer trains will have a restaurant car, but the food is overpriced and mediocre. You’re better off buying food at the train station or before you arrive. Some train stations have some pretty good food options. If you’re traveling from Rome’s Termini Station, there’s a fantastic food market, the Mercato Centrale.
Don’t Overheat on the Train
Some of the regional and local trains do not have air-conditioning, so it can get quite hot in the summer. Make sure you are staying hydrated and wearing clothes that are comfortable for the climate.
Don’t Forget to Look Out the Window
Not only will you see the beautiful countryside of Italy passing outside of your window, you’ll also see some pretty cool historic sites. You’ll see palaces and cathedrals, mountains and coastlines.
Don’t Assume “Centrale” is the Main Train Station
Many Italian cities have multiple train stations, and there is often one called “Centrale.” In Milan and Bari, Centrale IS the main tration, but that’s not always the case. In Florence, you want the Firenze Santa Maria Novella station. In Venice, the station on the island is the Santa Lucia station. Always do your research and make sure you are going to the correct train station.
Don’t Forget to Download the App
The Trenitalia App is very useful. You can purchase tickets, keep your tickets on your phone, and look up different timetables. However, not all trains and train lines are on the app. There are some private trains in Italy that are not listed on the Trenitalia.
Don’t Forget About Baggage Storage
Many Italian train stations have baggage storage, or deposito bagagli. This is a great option if you want to explore a city along your route but don’t want to spend the night. You can arrive in the morning, store your luggage, and depart to your next destination in the afternoon or evening. It’s usually just a few Euros and way easier than lugging your bags around town! There are luggage storage options outside of the train stations, as well.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Train travel in Italy is easy and cost-effective as long as you do your research and plan ahead. Flights within Italy can also be affordable and much faster, so don’t forget to consider all of your options when traveling in Italy!
Need more travel tips for visiting Italy? Check out these blog posts!