Italy is a tourist hotspot and there are many cities throughout the country to visit. Milan, Verona and Venice in the north, Florence, Pisa, Siena in the middle of the country and Rome, Naples and Pompei further south. If you want to see them all, you can travel through Italy by train. However it can be difficult to navigate your way around Italy especially if you do not speak Italian. Here are a few tips on visiting the different cities by train.
Check for which train your ticket is valid
If you have an Inter Rail or Euro Rail ticket, then you may need to reserve a seat in advance. This requires an additional fee. In the UK it can by £3, but in Italy it can be 10 euros to reserve your seat. Most trains you will probably not need to reserve your ticket but if you are travelling in the peak season, do you really want to take the risk and end up standing for the duration of your journey?
Only arrive 20 minutes in advance
You do not need to arrive at the station more than 20 minutes before the train is due to depart. There are many trains arriving and departing and therefore a train may not be on a platform for more than 5 minutes. If you have already bought your ticket, spend the time exploring the city you are visiting, instead of sitting and waiting on a platform.
Travel Backpacking Italy by Train
Check the train schedule
If you do not have much time, you may want to take the fast trains to explore Italy. They do not stop in as many places, meaning you can arrive at your destination earlier. These trains are more modern and have allocated room for luggage (which the other trains do not). The compartments on the fast trains also have plug sockets and a café train and toilets. One downside is that they are more expensive, but if you would rather pay in cash than in time, take the fast train.
Make sure your train stops at your destination
The train will make many stops before it arrives at its final destination. For example if you are heading to Florence from Verona, the final destination of the train will be Rome. If you are unsure of the stops, check with a member of staff from “Trenitalia”, (Italy trains in English) that the train pulls in at your station before you embark.
Take day trips to other cities
The beauty of the train system in Italy is that you can easily explore the Italian countryside and cities as many are located near one another. If you are renting one of the apartments in Venice, you can take a short train ride to Verona and spend the day exploring another city.
Buy tickets on board
If you are in a rush, you can also buy tickets on board. There is an inspector who comes round, but to be on the safe side you should buy your tickets before you leave the train station.
When travelling round Italy, you should also reserve your accommodation in advance. When in Rome, make sure you check out the Rome apartments for rent for all those holiday makers who want a peaceful and relaxing home to stay in.
Eurail is the best for not just Italy but Europe backpacking.
Let me find out if I’m able to travel by train from Barcelona, The country to Venice, Italia. From my searching, I’m presuming you will find no trains which go to Venice direct from Barcelona, so exactly how should we receive from Barcelona to Venice via train? (I’ve checked out travelling with an plane, but Let me learn about happening trains)
Thanks!
Another question: What locations can you’re able to for a train from Barcelona’s stop?
this is actually the arrange for my short trip, five days :
From Milan to Rome
From Rome to Positano
From Positano to Milan
Are you able to please let me know recognise the business (italiarail, euro rail) I ought to obtain the tickets from and just how much it is?
Which is much better , rent a vehicle or travel with train and take more time sigh seeing?
thanks,
Katherine
Basically take Europe Train Pass, must i perform the reservation from the chair or can one go ahead and take train anytime anywhere?
Thanks greatly
I am traveling through Italy by train (public transportation) to Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome. What type of luggage do you suggest, a hiking backpack or a rolling suitcase?
I was wondering if you see a lot of the scenery of southern Italy on a train between Naples and Reggio di Calabria or somewhere where i can catch a ferry to Sicily.