Using the train system in Italy.?

Question

Hi guys,

I'm having a major panic about ticket arrangements for the railway. It is too late for me to order rail passes, because I leave on thursday, my own fault I should have checked for them a week ago. Because I'll be in Rome for ten days, alone, I wanted to visit a few places out of it. Like Ostia Antica. Florence. Appian way. (Places where day trips aren't out of the question)

Is it easy enough to get those kind of tickets at the station? are they expensive? Any valid, up to date information will be appreciated.

Cheers,

AdAstraPerAspera

Answer 1

I just got back from a month in Italy and did travel by train. I did not have a Eurorail pass. I would buy tickets one or two days before my travel date in order to verify times, connections and reserve seats. Most train stations have information centers - the agents their speak english and are able to pull up and print schedules to give you several options.

Answer 2

Don't worry, just be aware of possible strikes.

We are used to have a lot of them during the year (a strike is also scheduled by next week but I can't remember the exact date). As rule however we will never get problems if you buy tickets before yr departure. Just on a few trains (like Eurostar and Intercity) you need to make compulsory reservation.

Avoid travelling in no-working days and during week-ends (unless you've booked yr seat).

Answer 3

Relax. I've traveled all over Europe by train and its a wonderful system. Generally you can purchase your tickets right at the station. get yourself a good schedule when you get there.

Answer 4

rail travel in italy is inexpensive, quick and easy, when they are not on strike ;)

Answer 5

I traveled Italy by train & I don't think you'll have any trouble getting tickets at the station - it's what the Italians do

Answer 6

I just came from Italy yesterday. Been there tons of times. So I know what im talking about! I've never prebought a ticket and never had a problem. Just go to the train station and get your ticket. The only thing I would suggest is to look up online before you go at www.trenitalia.com the train hours. you will see different train systems ES=eurostar IC-intercity. If you can take the ES its faster and doesnt stop everywhere.

oh.. if you are planning on taking a train either on a friday or sunday I would go to the trainstation a day ahead and purchase the ticket to make sure u get the hour that you want to travel. Italians that work in a city and have family in others usually travel those days so it can get full.

Buon Viaggo!

Answer 7

Hi AdAstraPerAspera.

No worries.... Italy and the rest of Europe have some of the best train systems in the world and public transportation is excellent as well as cheap, so worry not.

My wife and I have been to Italy few times and although we did have a Europass each time, we never booked anything, nor did we ever check train times. We just showed up at the station and went. I think the most we ever waited was an hour or so.

The problem is when you get to really small towns. The trains are slow and infrequent, but this is not your issue since you are going to major centers.

Anyway, here are a few sites for you to check out;

http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html - Treni Italia is the website for the national rail system.

http://www.metroroma.it/MetroRoma/HTML/E... - Rome subway system. This will take you around Rome and to the Appian Way.

http://www.enjoyrome.com/tourist/citygui... - Public transportation in Rome. Very good site.

I also noted that you wanted to go to Florence on a day trip. While possible, my suggestion is do not bother. First, it is too far and you will spend more time travelling then actually enjoying yourself. Secondly, Florence is a treasure in itself that deserves at least 4-7 days on it's own. Do not waste your time in Rome to travel to Florence as you will miss out on what both cities have to offer. There is plenty to do in Rome for 10 days.

Another suggestions is walk instead of taking the public trasit. Take your time, explore the city on foot and check out all the corners.... You will be amazed as to what you can find in Rome that is not on tourist maps.

Rome is a pretty safe city, but watch out for gypsy kids. While harmless, they will take your wallet and money.

Whichever way you want to do it though, I hope you have a great time.

Take care and good luck!