Purchasing train tickets on trenitalia website

Steve, if you are just using the Regionale trains there's no advantage to prebuying. On the nonregionale trains you can sometimes get the special "mini" fares with advance purchase and the savings can be considerable. Also on trains with seat reservations you run the risk of the less expensive seats being sold out and having to spring for first class or waiting for another train.

Maggie, thanks for the prompt reply, price is not quite as important as the hassle of pre buying, my only concern is ticket availability in any class. The German website DB Hahn seems easier, anyone have problems buying tickets from their website? Thanks again

While all European schedules are shown, you can only buy tickets on the bahn site for trains that begin or end in Germany. Regional train ticket never sell out because if all the seats (a rarity) are full, then you stand. Regional train tickets ABSOLUTELY MUST BE VALIDATE (time stamped) in a yellow box near the station or on the platform. Buy the regional tickets as you need them. I have never found a second class section sold out on any train in Italy forcing you into first class. If that happens wait till the next train. The exception could be the prime holidays like Christmas or Easter.

Thank you Frank

Buying tickets as you go is just fine. For the Regionale trains, they can't be sold out. Like buses, you can stand in the Regionales. For the InterCity and high-speed trains you will need seat reservations but these come with the purchase of the ticket. When you arrive at a city, just buy your tickets to the next destination before you leave the station. In the larger stations, you can use the ticket machines. They will prompt you in English and will accept your U.S. credit card.