Taking the train in Italy can be enjoyable and even make your trip easier … if you know how to do it.

I could write a dissertation on trains in Italy, but neither you nor I have time for that! Instead here are my top ten tips to help you navigate trains in Italy with ease.

1. Understand the different types of trains. In Italy there are basically three types of trains: fast trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca, Italo); regional trains and intercity trains.

Regional and intercity trains are slower and make more stops; but also cost less, don’t require advance reservations and do not have assigned seating.

Fast trains, as the name suggests, will get you to your destination quicker, have fewer stops (they mainly serve major cities), are more expensive and do require advance reservations.

2. Get the app and book ahead. Download the TrenItalia app (or go online to trenitalia.com). This is the official app for train travel in Italy. Here you can find and pre-purchase tickets on the government-owned regional, intercity and fast trains in Italy. You’ll also be able to change tickets on the app and check delays and track changes.

The only one you won’t find here is Italo, which is a private company also operating fast trains in Italy. You can go to italotreno.it to find options.

You’ll often have the choice between first or second class (when booking a fast train). There’s not a lot of difference between the two, so don’t be afraid to select the less expensive option.

I prefer not to use third party booking sites. However there are a few third party sites that might make your train travel a bit easier if you find trenitalia.com too difficult to navigate. These are trainline.com, omio.com and italiarail.com .

3. If you didn’t book ahead … yes, you can buy your ticket at the station. You can either go to the ticket window (where you may get assistance in English), or go to the automated ticket machine (you can also switch the language here to English).

Be prepared that some trains will be sold out. If they’re not sold out, they might be expensive and seats will be limited.

4. Validate your ticket. If you have a regional or intercity train paper ticket you will need to validate it before boarding the train. Look for the green machines on the wall by the tracks or at the entrance to the tracks. Without validating your ticket, you can be fined if your ticket is checked on the train.

5. Know your train number! This is critical as trains arrive on the same track just moments apart and may have the same final destination (but may not have the same stops along the way).

Your train number is also important when searching the board for your departure time and track. Do not use the final destination to find your track number or departure time.

6. Find your seat. On your ticket for the fast train there will be a car number and seat number. Find these numbers before your train comes so that you know which train car to board and where your seat is. Remember, regional and intercity trains do not have assigned seats, you can take any open seat.

7. Stow your luggage. On fast trains there are luggage racks above the seats for smaller rolling bags and backpacks. If you have a large bag (but really, don’t bring a large bag), you can stow it at the entrance to each car where there is a luggage rack for larger suitcases. On regional and intercity trains there are luggage racks, but they are much smaller. These trains are not made to handle a lot of luggage, so plan accordingly.

8. Learn the lingo. Although announcements are also made in English, knowing a few Italian words related to train travel is very helpful.

il binario = track

arrivi / partenze = arrivals / departures

rit. / in ritardo = late

l’orario = timetable

il biglietto = ticket

la biglietteria = ticket office

assistenza clienti = customer service

l’ascensore = elevator

i servizi = toilets (you will need a euro or two to enter the restroom in the train station)

la stazione = station

la carozza = train car

9. Be aware of your surroundings. The train station is a perfect spot to become a target for pickpockets or other scam artists. Pay attention to what’s happening around you, keep your bags with you at all times. And be aware that often pickpockets work in pairs – one will create a distraction while the other takes your wallet, phone, etc. I say this not to scare you, but to underline the fact that it is just as easy to be a victim as it is to NOT be one. If you pay attention and control your personal items you will be fine (no wallets or phones in your back pocket guys).

10. Pack light. If you plan to use the train as your main form of transport don’t overpack. Years ago, on my very first trip to Italy I brought a giant checked bag. I could have fit a family of four inside. Often in the train station you need to go up and down stairs to reach the next track and hauling an enormous bag with way too many pairs of shoes (that you won’t wear, trust me) isn’t ideal. I sweated a lot on that trip and relied on the kindness of strangers. And since then I have never traveled with more than a cabin bag and backpack.

11. Bonus tip, there’s a button inside the train door. If the door doesn’t open automatically, push it to open the door at your stop!

Learn from my mistakes, I beg you. Buon viaggio!

Let’s take the train

Cefalù: that’s amore

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