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Buying train tickets in Italy
First Things FirstFirst class seats are larger and the compartments are generally less crowded. Second class seats may not recline and the carriages are usually more densely populated. Regional trains do not have class differentiations. Seat assignments are mandatory for the high-speed Eurostar and Intercity trains, so these will be assigned when you purchase the tickets. Except during high vacation travel periods, such as holidays and the month of August, reservations and ticket purchases can normally be made on the day of travel. If you have a family unit or group, you may want to plan ahead and purchase your tickets a few days in advance. Reservations can be made up to two months beforehand. For trains other than the high-speed, a ticket gets you onboard, but doesn't guarantee you a seat! On popular routes, the train may be standing-room only for a portion of your trip. Buying TicketsThere are several options for purchasing your rail tickets. If you're the old-fashioned type who prefers personal service, take yourself up to the Biglietteria, the good ol' ticket window. If you're a techno-type you may want to buy tickets from the machines available in many stations; they are very convenient. Touch-screen functions let you choose your language and prompt you through the purchasing process. It is necessary to know the city names in Italian! (Venice doesn't exist; you want to go to Venezia). Purchases can be completed using cash or credit card, and the whole transaction usually takes no more than a minute. Many travel agents are also authorized sales outlets for the rail system, designated with the FS symbol displayed in their windows. Most will assess a small fee in addition to the ticket price but the convenience may be worthwhile for not having to stand in line at the station and they will make your seat reservations for you as well. If you're a consummate plan-aheader, you can buy online at www.trenitalia.com. Choose the ticketless option and print the confirmation. You will still need to make seat reservations, however, if you are using the high-speed trains. And lastly, for local and regional trains you can buy tickets at a tabaccheria or newsagent in or near the station. The TripIn the station the arrival and departure boards also list the track number - called a binario, or bin for short (but only in writing, do not ask directions to a bin or no one will understand that you are looking for a binario) - and the times. They list the trains' final destination, so if you're not traveling to the end of the line, you'll need to know what city that is. You'll need to pay attention to the train number on the board and on your ticket. If you buy from the ticket counter, be sure to ask the final destination of the train. The binario, or track number, is clearly marked at the head of each track. Validate your ticket in the yellow machine that resembles a time-clock. Without this validation stamp you can be fined. If you fail to stamp it, write the time and date on the ticket to show that you're not trying to get a free ride or find a conductor onboard to do so for you. First and second class cars are marked on the outside (logically, with 1 or 2). The carriage number is printed next to the door. Once you find the carriage you're reserved for, locate your seat number inside, breathe a sigh of relief that you made it aboard, and relax as you watch the lovely countryside of Italy skid by your window.
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