Using the train system in Italy is very easy and they have made it friendly for tourists to use.
As with everything there are a few things to remember when using the trains in Italy so you do not get fined.
Here is how to use the trains in Italy when you are next on vacation there.
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How to use the trains in Italy – Buying your ticket
The first thing you need to know about how to use the trains in Italy is buying your ticket.
Tickets can be purchased online, on apps, at the ticket office at the train station or by a ticket machine at the train station.
The ticket machines are quicker to use at the train station, than lining up to buy a ticket from the ticket office.
They are user friendly as you can choose the language you would like the information in.
Just check it accepts the method you would like to pay with, as some only accept credit cards.
How to use the trains in Italy – Validating your ticket
The second thing you need to know about how to use the trains in Italy is validating your ticket.
Once you have your ticket before you go to the platform you will need to validate your ticket.
Validating your ticket stamps the time and date on the ticket and makes it valid to use the train.
There are validating machines around the train station and just before you go to the platform.
Place your ticket in the slot of the validating machine and wait until you hear the stamping before you take it out. Then you can use it for your train journey.
In Italy they do not have barriers that you have to put your ticket through to let you enter or exit the platform, like in other countries.
If you forget to validate your ticket you may be fined on the train when the train conductor comes around to check the tickets.
When you buy a return ticket only validate the ticket you are using for your first journey. Validate the second part on your return journey.
If you purchased your ticket online or on an app, you do not need to validate your ticket.
You will need to board the train on the correct date and time that you purchased your ticket for.
Sitting in the correct part of the train
The third thing you need to know about how to use the trains in Italy is sitting in the correct part of the train.
When you buy your ticket sometimes you can choose your seat in 1st class.
If you buy a 1st class ticket you will have to sit in this seat for your journey.
If you buy a 2nd class ticket you can only sit the 2nd class area of the train and these seats are not allocated.
Always check the price difference, as 1st class is not as expensive as you think for some journeys.
Getting on the right train
The fourth thing you need to know about how to use the trains in Italy is getting on the right train.
On your ticket is normally a train number, unless it is a local train and you can use the ticket at any time.
The departures board or TV screen will have all the train numbers, departure times and platform numbers.
Check your ticket to the departures board to see which platform you need to go to.
If you are using a local train and you do not have the train number on your ticket check the time you booked for the train departure time.
Listen to Announcements
The fifth thing you need to know about how to use the trains in Italy is listening out for announcements.
Announcements are made at most stations in Italian, then in English.
Listen out as sometimes they change the platforms of trains with only an announcement, especially in small stations.
How to use the trains in Italy – Using Train Apps
Trains apps are very good in Italy and they are in English, so it is easy to find a train time or if the train is running late.
Trenitalia is the app I like to use and you can even purchase train tickets on the app.
These tickets you cannot validate, but you have to get the correct train that you purchased a ticket for at that date and time.
Using the train when on a Cruise
Using the train from many cruise ports in Italy is a great way to see the sights on your own.
Just remember to take a train a little earlier to get back to the cruise ship on time.
As trains can be cancelled or be running late. At peak times and in the summer months train carriages can be very full.
Travel Essentials
I hope you found this article useful and feel confident to use the trains in Italy now.
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Happy travels!
Wow! The trains in Italy are surprisingly modern. Great contrast to the beautiful cities. Is the train affordable?
Author
It depends on your journey, if you going across country it will cost more than if you are traveling short journeys. Journeys under 2 hours are very affordable.