I've located the specific train for our September travel date from Florence to Naples. Went through the online process on Italo's website but had trouble paying for the tickets. The first time I tried, my request was rejected. Not sure why, as I know the credit card (Visa) is good. The website said the transaction couldn't be completed and gave me a phone number in Italy to call. I then tried using a different credit card (a different Visa) and this time the response was that the card was simply declined. Any idea why I'm having a difficult time booking these tickets? The website is actually pretty easy to use except for payment difficulties. Thanks for any insight you may have.
Posted by
NY
120 posts
You may have to call your credit card to let them know you are trying to purchase tickets in Italy. It happened to me to. It is getting flagged for fraud since you are purchasing in Euros.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
First, call your credit cards. Tell them you are trying to use an Italian website. See if your prior attempts were blocked by the card company (in which case they can unblock it), or if they never got through to the card company.
If they did not get through, try a different browser.
As a last resort, you can try booking a Trenitalia train instead of an Italo train. Or, you can use Trainline https://www.trainline.eu/, which works with both Italo and Trenitalia, and is supposed to work better with US cards.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Starting a couple of years ago, I encountered the exact same problem with Italo and have never been able to identify the reason. It was not a problem with my credit card company, which said the attempted transactions weren't even appearing on their records. You can always buy your tickets at any Italo ticket kiosk once you're in Italy, and I've found discounted fares still available close to my travel date.
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3302 posts
Some vendors require an extra security measure called “Verified by Visa.” That might be causing your problem. Call your cc issuer at the toll free number on back of your card and tell them you need to enroll in the “Verified” program.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32396 posts
barbara,
I'd suggest registering on the Trainline.eu website as suggested above (including credit card information) and buy your tickets there. They sell tickets for both Italo and Trenitalia (and other European networks) at the same prices as the rail networks. They have excellent customer service, so if you have trouble with the purchase, they'll get it sorted quickly. They also have a smartphone app. Also as mentioned above, you may have to complete the Verified by Visa process.
Posted by
Paris
10389 posts
I recommend Trainline.eu. They seem to have fewer problems taking American credit cards, they don't charge any extra, and their interface is easy to understand.