eating on trains in Italy

We brought a snack/lunch with us for all four of our train rides through Italy. There was a German couple across from us doing the same thing...I think a lot of people do it, especially for the long rides. I know the dining car is kind of expensive. Milan had a great deli/market right in the train station, so we picked up a few sandwiches and drinks before we boarded the train.

I saw lots of people with their own food and drinks on the trains in Europe. I am also seeing more people doing the same on plane rides within the USA nowdays. People are buying food in the airport concession stands and bringing it on the flights. On our last flight they were even $5.00 for a large Chocolate Chip Cookie and no free pretzel snacks.

Yes. Most large train stations have sandwich areas in the train stations. A few even have McDonalds in or nearby the station. That being noted, we didn't really observe a lot of people doing this. Much like the airlines here. A few people will bring food onto the plane.

Whether you bring food depends on whether you are hungry!!

It's allowed. People do this, especially on longer trains. We didn't know this our first time, and the nice Italian couple sitting across from us even offered a bit of their picnic!

No problem! Bring your favorite picnic or snacks!

We ALWAYS bring something on board.

Possibly, that's why I am so fat?

Besides, the cheese and prosciutto you get from a deli will be much tastier and cheaper than what the dining car serves!

Last week, I took trains from Rome to Florence, Florence to Venice, and Venice to Milan...almost EVERYONE brought food and or drinks with them :-) we were the only non-Italians in any of the cars we were in if it makes you feel better about it. Many train stations also have grocery stores to stock up.

I understand that bringing food on board the trains is normal practice by all it seems, but can you also bring and drink your own wine?