Do you have to purchase train tickets in advance when traveling in Italy? read on.?

Question

I'm planningon travel from Rome to two or three cities by train, could I purchase them at the train station the day that I want to travel or do I have to purchase them in advance??

Anyone who has traveled by train in Italy I'd like to hear from you...

Answer 1

Nope-no need for previous purchase. That is one of the things I love about train travel in Italy-you can be totally spontaneous. If you are in a large station and lines are long, you might want to purchase earlier, however, strikes happen frequently, so last minute is good to avoid losing the cost of your ticket.

Buon Viaggio

Answer 2

Some trains require seat reservation which would require advance purchase as the reservations are taken up quickly.  Keep in mind that trains with seat reservations are usually the nicer, cleaner, newer trains.  The ones that don't require reservations are old tatty trains that feel like they're travelling at 50 km/h.  Problem with the Ital Rail System is that they're constantly striking without any advance notice so you can be standing there waiting for a train and the whole company has to decided to take a 'day off' and strike.  Nice thing about the train is that it travels along the ocean so the views are usually nice...but there are alot of tunnels as well.  If you don't feel like dealing with ticket agents (they are often difficult individuals in Italy) you can also use the machines located at most train entrances with a credit card or better yet online at their official site:  http://www.trenitalia.it/en/index.html .  This is the english version.  You can check in advance what the costs are for a particular train ride between two cities and if reservations are required.

Answer 3

the best thing to do if book 24 hours in advanze if using the Eurostar it is obbligatory, but for the other trains no. on www.trenitalia.it you have all the timetables and prices. just remember to buy your ticket BEFORE getting on the train as in Italy the controllers are not allowed to issue tickets, and another impotant thing is that before you get on the train you need to oblitorate your ticket in the yellow machines at the start of the track, otherwise you could end up with a 25 euro fine to pay!

In reponse to marytmoore1970, the Italian Railways are obbliged by law to tell the public about the strikes at least 10 days before and after 9 years living in italy have NEVER experienced a strike like the one you've mentioned!

Answer 4

buy them the day you travel they are notorious for  rail strikes, you might consider renting a car and travel the coastline by train if you north nothing but tunnels  best to buy  1st class economy very few seats available

Answer 5

you can purchase there, but it is better and cheaper to purchase in advance.  www.railpass.com

Answer 6

If traveling over several days, a Eurail pass might be something to consider - but be advised that some faster trains require a surcharge to avoid a 10,000 Lira fine (say US$9.85).  Otherwise, you can buy the tickets the day you want to travel.  Its easy.

Answer 7

You can purchase train tickets in advance on the website: www.trenitalia.it . Or you can purchase the tickets at the train station the day you want to travel or, it is even possible to buy tickets whilst on a train. Good Luck!

Answer 8

you van if you want but plans can always change due to weather or, well.... how you feel that day. just show up and buy a ticket at the counter. they are cheap..... i did a lotta that for a few years....