There’s no doubt we love a good Italian road trip, but, more often than not, you’ll find us boarding the (not-so-)gleaming double doors of an Italian train. Over 22.000 km (15,000 miles) of train tracks cover Italy, connecting disparate corners like floating Venice to the island of Sicily. Aside from a few countrysides, hilltop towns, and islands–for those you’ll prefer a car–the possibilities of train travel are endless.
Those from car-heavy countries will never know the bliss that trains can offer: no traffic, no fighting for parking, and the space/comfort to read, sleep, work, text, etc. on your commute. Yes, trains aren’t without their delays–especially here, we’re certainly not Swiss–but as the high-speed ones average 300 km/h (190 mph), you’ll still beat those road racers to the destination every time. So, whether you’re hopping on a regional line from Lucca to Cinque Terre, an Intercity Notte from Bari to Turin, or a Frecciarossa from Milan to Rome, here are 19 guidelines for what to do, and not do, on Italy’s trains.
*Disclaimer: These tips might seem a bit basic for frequent train travelers, and are more for the uninitiated, but we think everyone can use a good brush up every now and then.
DO match your train number with the ones on the departures board–don’t only look at the train’s final destination. There could be multiple going to the same place, and you’ll be fined if you hop onto the wrong one–not to mention the headache of accidentally taking a regional when you booked a high-speed.
DON’T wait until the train has stopped to stand up and collect your belongings. Trains only remain in a station for a few minutes at a time, and the last thing you want to do is push past the wave of people boarding while trying not to fall down those steep stairs.
DON’T speak, answer the phone, play music, or even have your ringer on in the Silenzio Cabin. You will be scolded. Elsewhere on the train, though, you’ll seem out of place if you aren’t yelling “Mi senti?” to someone on the other end, but please still be mindful.
DO arrive at smaller stations at least 10 minutes before your train, and in larger stations, at least 20 minutes–if it’s your first time in Bologna Centrale, Roma Termini, or Milano Centrale, may we suggest 30 minutes?
DON’T book tight layovers, especially in larger stations. You typically have to walk longer than you expect between platforms–and even take a couple staircases–and a few minutes’ delay can lead to impromptu workouts that rarely pan out.
DO feel free to bring snacks, sandwiches, and drinks on the train with you, and, if you’re down south, even full meals. We’ve seen plenty of tinfoiled plates loaded with leftovers, and been incredibly jealous with our simple panino. (High-speed trains do have a cafe car with a bar to stand at and some snacks, but don’t expect anything too substantial.)
DO validate your ticket before boarding a regional train, either online by clicking “check in” or by sticking your ticket into a small, brightly colored machine at the end of the platform. If you have a ticket but neglect to validate it, you can still be subject to fines–and trying to talk your way out of a ticket is not something we recommend.
DON’T expect train doors to open automatically; you’ll be impatiently instructed to push the circular arrow button once it lights up green to either enter or exit.
DON’T be surprised if there’s a train strike. Be sure to check official websites before your departure as the scioperi are indicated ahead of time. If there is a strike, there are some “guaranteed” regional and Frecciarossa lines (though that term should be taken with a grain of salt)–but your best bet is to take a deep breath and plan to reschedule for the next day.
DO try to avoid rush hours when taking regional trains: 7-9 AM, 5-7 PM, and 1-2 PM, which is when high schools get out, or you’ll end up next to snogging teenagers.
DO check your assigned carriage and seat on your ticket when riding high-speed and Intercity trains. You can’t just sit anywhere you wish, like you do on regional trains.
DON’T wait to buy your tickets. High-speed tickets increase rapidly in price within the days before departure, and, while regional trains don’t change in price, you can’t buy one more than 5 minutes in advance.
DO leave your larger luggage in the galley cubbies and place smaller suitcases where the backs of four-seat sections meet. Just DON’T forget anything when getting off, or you’re likely to never see it again.
DO board your correct carriage to begin with on Intercity and high-speed trains (it’s indicated on the train’s doors), or you’ll have a long walk of shame down crowded aisles.
DON’T panic if your platform number doesn’t show up until a few minutes before departure. If your train is on the board, it will eventually be assigned a platform.
DO double check your train number with both the large partenze board and the smaller board above your binaro (platform), and DON’T get confused if another train shows up on the same platform before yours, as many come through the same platforms in a matter of minutes.
DO compare the times and prices of Trenitalia and Italo before purchasing; you can mix and match legs from different train companies in one journey.
