Trenitalia Rail Web Site Changing...

Randy, if you get an email confirmation of your reservation, you can just show your smartphone to the train conductor.

Randy - thanks for the update - are you certain that after choosing 'self service' that the ticket can be picked up at the station? I'm going to be booking a lot of tickets for our trip in May and I've just never done it. Thanks!

This summer will be our first trip to Italy. That's why I've been becoming familiar with Trenitalia over the last few months. So far the only ticket I've purchased was a night train from Verona to Paris in July (because that particular service is available to purchase 120 days ahead). I chose the eticket option and printed out the ticket from home already - though I have read that all you really need is the code number. I'm still learning, too. But I know there have been several people over the last few months who have been here asking questions about Trenitalia, so I thought this news/information would be good to have ASAP. This is especially true if you were counting on getting one of those "mini" fares.

Is it possible to purchase the tickets on the Website with a US credit card? Can you print them at home or do you have to pick them up in Italy? Thanks.
Maureen

Randy, I noticed the changes on the Trenitia website a few weeks ago, but the site reverted to the older style after a day or so. I noticed last night that the new site was back in operation, so it's possible the change may be permanent this time. Trenitalia also have an App for the iPhone called Pronto Treno but unfortunately it only appears to be available on the Italian iTunes store. It has both English and Italian functionality. Hopefully it will be more widely available in future. Cheers!

They will slowly start uploading the trips for after June 9th as the date gets closer. They usually load the fastest trains first and work their way down to the slower trains. You can start checking for these new fares and schedules in mid May. Donna

Maureen; Yes, you can use your US Visa or Mastercard to purchase tickets on their web site. I registered with them a while ago - complete with a username and password - just to streamline the process a bit. But that isn't required (but it's simple and harmless - unless you want to avoid promotional emails). Donna; I would not suggest that people wait until May unless they are looking for dates in August. Until a month ago, they were operating on a 90-day (or 92-day?) window for ticket purchases. Then the window suddenly went to June 9th and has been stuck there for a few weeks while they set their summer schedule. That schedule appears to be at least partially set now. I would expect the 90-day window to re-open shortly. So if you want a ticket for late-June, you should be checking every day starting right now. That is, if you would prefer to pay the 9Euro mini fare vs a 80Euro standard fare. Zoe; Thanks for confirming re: the eticket and code number. That's a slick system. Unfortunately, I don't have a smart phone (or a dumb phone), but I do have an iPod Touch, which is sort of the same thing.

Thanks for it so far, My wife and I are trying to book a night train from Venice to vienna, and there is no info for them in june yet..
Sigh

Just purchased 9E mini fare for Rome to Venice in July! Not sure why it worked - but the email verification is in hand :)

Yes, many summer fares are now available for purchase. It appears they are also running much farther than 90 days in the future as many July fares are posted. Hurry and you, too can fast train half way across Italy for 9 euro!