Trains in Italy - Use of Trenitalia

Sure, no problem if your credit card is accepted. Historically Trenitalia has not liked or accept US credit card. But current reports suggests that this has change. The verified VISA seems to work better. Call the credit card issuer and advise them of the pending charge from Trenitalia. You print your ticket and show it to the conductor when asked. German rail requires you to present the credit card that you used to purchase the ticket. Don't know if that is true for TGrenitalia but think it would be a good idea to bring that credit card. Remember you are buying a ticket for a specific train at a specific time and if you miss the train the ticket may be no good.

Frank has answered much of your question; let me add a little more. You can buy higher speed train tickets online about 120 days in advance through the Trenitalia website. You might read this guide: Booking on the Trenitalia Website for some additional assistance. You'll get a confirmation email with a PNR number which serves as your "ticket." You can use this on the train, or use the PNR to print out a ticket at a kiosk in the larger train stations. You can also wait till you get here and book through the kiosks: Buying a Train Ticket at a Kiosk. Currently USA credit cards are working for most folks on the Trenitalia website. You CAN buy Regionale (local or slower) trains also online BUT only 7 days in advance. Then you have to print out a PDF file and use it as your ticket. Since these train NEVER sell out (open seating) there's probably no reason to buy them online. Good Luck!

Hi George. I booked 2 trips (Venice to FLorence and then FLorence to Rome) on the Trenitalia web site yesterday, from home, using my Amex card. It was simple and quick. You print out a voucher which must be shown to the train personnel on board along with ID. Good luck.