The Italian rail system provides an inexpensive way to travel around Italy. Rail travel enables one to leisurely view the country's scenic beauty, cities and small villages and to meet many of the local people.
The Italian railway network, operated by the state-owned Ferrovie dello Stato (FS), spans over 16,000 km., and every region of Italy is readily accessible by rail. The trains in Italy are clean, comfortable, and nearly always on time.
There are two basic options for paying for train travel in Italy, namely: "point to point" (individual) tickets and rail passes. Point to point means that you pay for train tickets as you go. A rail pass requires the prepayment of a fixed sum which allows you unlimited train travel for a fixed period of time.
Point to Point Tickets
Tickets for Italian trains are significantly cheaper than
those in other European countries. Hence, it is often more
cost efficient to purchase individual tickets in Italy, rather
than using a Eurail (or similar) rail pass. If you have a
Eurail pass, consider using up the days on the pass only when
visiting other countries.
Before buying a ticket, make sure you are aware of what the total cost of the ticket will be. In particular, many trains in Italy require the payment of a supplement, over and above the regular or quoted ticket price. This is invariably the case with couchette (or sleeper) trains, but many regular trains also charge a supplement. In most cases, train trips that require a supplement will be marked in red ink on the train schedule.
Most train stations in Italy have machines where you can look up schedules and buy tickets either in cash or with a credit card. Helpful clerks are available to assist you if need be. After you have purchased your ticket, you must have it stamped at one of the dedicated yellow validation machines to validate it. These machines are normally located at the platform entrances. Failure to validate your ticket could render you liable for a fine.
For trips of 200 km. or less, you have six hours to complete your travel from the time of the validation stamp. For trips of more than 200 km., you have 24 hours to complete your trip.
The purchase of a ticket does not guarantee you a seat on the train. On very busy routes, it is not uncommon to have to wait several hours before a seat becomes available. To avoid this, it is best to pay the extra minimal fee for a reservation, which will guarantee you a seat. Normally, you have to make a seat reservation at least three hours before departure. However, some trains accept seat reservations up to 30 minutes before departure.
First and second class seating on Italian trains is not all that different, and may not justify the premium involved for a first class ticket. Second class seats are quite clean, roomy and comfortable.
Finally, if you plan to travel overnight, it is essential that you reserve a couchette at least one day in advance. While there may be couchettes still available on the day you travel, these are allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
Rail Passes
Depending on your itinerary, a rail pass may save you money.
There are a variety of train passes available for traveling
in Italy and the more popular of these are briefly described
below:
Eurail Passes
Eurail allows unlimited first-class travel in 17 different
European countries for various lengths of time, depending
on the pass you buy (15, 21, days or 1, 2, or 3 months). A
Eurail Flexipass permits the holder to travel a fixed number
of days within a particular time period, such as any 10 days
or 15 days in a 2 month period. It is less expensive than
the regular Eurail pass, and is designed for travelers who
intend to stay a few days in some destinations before continuing
on.
Italy Rail Cards
If your travel plans are restricted to Italy only, the Italy
Rail Card pass is a better deal. This rail pass permits unlimited
travel throughout the entire Italian rail system during the
period of validity (8, 15, 21 or 30 days). The Italy Flexi
Rail Card entitles the holder to travel throughout the Italian
rail network for either 4, 8 or 12 days within a one month
period. The Italy Rail Card is available only to residents
of European countries outside Italy, whereas the Italy Flexi
Rail Card is available only to residents of non-European countries.
Where to Buy Rail Passes
Rail passes valid for travel in Europe and Italy can be purchased
online from Rail
Europe. They may also be available from travel agents
in your home country. Discounts are granted for youths (under
26), seniors (over 60) and for two people traveling together.
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