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Whether you are taking the train to reach Italy or just within Italy, you may find that using the Italian train system is the most cost-effective and low-stress way to travel on your vacation.
Positive aspects of the Italy train system
There are many advantages to taking the train while in Italy rather than flying or driving. Traveling on the Italian trains can be less hassle than flying, when you take into account getting to the airport, arriving at the airport an hour or two ahead of time, luggage restrictions, security checks, as well as reaching your destination after you have arrived (since airports are never in the major city centers). Given all of this, you may find that flying is just not worth the additional cost.
As for driving? If you've never tried driving in a major Italian city, you may be in for more than you bargained for. Streets are narrow and crowded, traffic can be hair-raising, and parking? Well, let's just say you that's a nightmare you don't need to worry about when you take the train! Plus, when you're taking the train, you can relax and enjoy the countryside rather than stressing about traffic and directions.
Some major benefits of taking the Italian train system are apparent with your very first experience. The rail stations are directly in the major city centers, which make your traveling more convenient right from the start. Transportation from the station to your hotel is usually easy and inexpensive, because the train station and your hotel will probably both be in the city center. The train ride gives you the opportunity to experience the countryside during your travel where an airplane ride does not give you that luxury.
The Italy train system is very different from the United States. Trains in Italy are frequent and popular, and the service is heavily used. Trains in Italy have been developed for the ease of use of local and international travelers alike.
Dealing with train stations and tickets
There are many different options available for those traveling by train in Italy. With such a variety of rail passes and tickets options, you are sure to be able to find a way to travel throughout Italy without spending more money than you need to, and still experience all that is Italy.
One fabulous option is that you can now check train schedules and book tickets online. You can figure out all your train options before you ever leave home, which makes life so much easier when you're on vacation. The Italian train schedules are even available online in English! The internet makes things so easy these days. The official Italian Railroad site (English version) is at http://trenitalia.com/homepage_en.html
You can purchase specific tickets, or look into longer-term passes. At time of writing, you can choose a basic Italy Pass that provides travel for any 3 days in a 2-month period with the option to upgrade to 7 additional days. An Italy Saverpass is a discounted rail pass for those who are traveling with a friend throughout Italy. Youth and seniors can get a discounted rail pass for travel. For those who also want to experience Italy by car, you can purchase a 3-day train and 2-day car pass for traveling.
Types of Italian trains
There are some European trains that require reservations for traveling while others do not. You will want to check ahead of time for the rules for the specific trains you want to take. There are many different types of trains available. These can be high-speed trains, scenic or even night trains. There are regional, direct, inter-regional, intercity, and Eurostar trains for every type of travel imaginable. On many trains, first and second class seats are available. Sometimes the second class seating will fill up more quickly than the first class so you may have better luck at getting first class seats, to avoid missing a train due to lack of space (especially during a high tourist time of the year). It's not a huge difference between first and second, but first class is usually quieter and a bit nicer.
You can purchase rail passes and tickets online or directly through the train stations, depending on your planning and time constraints. Some people like to pre-purchase the rail passes either through a travel agent or themselves, then go online to make reservations for their time of travel.
Important - Be sure to validate your ticket at the station before you board the train in order to avoid the fines that you could incur if you skip this important step. You'll see the validation machines in the train station, either out by the tracks or inside the building. You just insert your ticket to stamp it.
Typically Italian trains are good about running on schedule, though of course there are exceptions. Also, if you're planning a trip with connections, try to allow yourself some time to make the connection. In the major cities, the train station can be quite large, so getting off the train and maneuvering your luggage through the station to your next train can take some time, especially if your train car is at the farthest end from the station.
Precautions
Just as when you are traveling by air, boat or car anywhere else in the world, you will need to take precautionary measures when traveling on Italian trains. There is no guaranteed safe method of travel to avoid pickpockets, miscommunication, or other potential problems. If you are on an overnight train, be sure to secure your belongings to avoid tempting an outsider into your things. Be sure to check into the schedules and trains while traveling since at some smaller stopovers, the train will split in 2 with one section going one way and the remainder going an opposite direction. Be sure you know exactly where you are going and which section to be sitting in before the split. If in doubt, show your ticket to a conductor, and they can advise you.
A trip to Italy is a memorable experience and traveling the country on the Italy train system is a great way to see it. I highly recommend it!
Lee Kavanaugh is an avid traveler with a passion for everything about Italy. From Venice to Verdi, and Roman ruins to rigatoni, she loves it all. When not off exploring Italy, she's dreaming and writing about it, and planning her next trip.
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