Italian Trains

Discounted tickers on either Italo or Trenitalia (the major train companies operating in Italy) are time-and-date specific. You can't change them on the most discounted fares, regardless of seat availability in other trains. Less discounted fares will allow some changes before departure provided you pay some fees for the privilege.

Karen, It would help to have some details on the rail journeys that you'll be making in Italy, as the specifics will vary somewhat. You can save money by pre-purchase of tickets on the premium trains such as the Freccia fast trains, which have compulsory reservations. However, as Andre mentioned those are specific to a particular train and departure time, and if you miss that train, the tickets are worthless and you'll have to buy more at full price. DON'T be caught without valid reservations on a train where these are compulsory, as you'll be fined on the spot and it's NOT cheap! I believe tickets can be exchanged a specified time before departure, but there will be a fee so the savings might not be as great. When travelling on Regionale trains (which don't require reservations), tickets MUST BE VALIDATED prior to boarding the train on the day of travel, or again you'll face hefty fines which will be collected on the spot. The same is true of Bus tickets, etc. I normally just buy tickets when in Europe, usually from the automated Kiosks as it's so easy and that provides some flexibility according to current conditions. Tickets will include reservations if they're required. With reservations, you'll be assigned a car no. and a seat no. You might also find it very helpful to have a look at the excellent www.roninrome.com website, as there's LOTS of great information there on travelling by train in Italy. You could also have a look at seat61.com as there's a wealth of information on that site. Many rail trips in Europe require "changes", so you'll have to do a bit of research on that topic also. If you could provide more details on your rail trips, it would be easier to offer more specific information. Happy travels!

Check out www.seat61.com for all you'll need to know about trains in Italy and across Europe. We prefer to book in advance on trips around Italy (Roma to Venezia, Venezia to Firenze, Firenze to Roma) and we also book 1st class at 120 days prior to travel to get the ultra cheap prices. Go to Trenitalia.com. We've found that it goes much smoother if you register on that website. Often those that don't have problems with scheduling and paying. You must use the Italian spelling of the towns you wish to visit. You can always just purchase train tickets on the day of travel or get a ticket that allows some flexibility. Trains across Europe are delightful, easy to understand, inexpensive, and a perfect way to travel. You'll have a great time but remember, there is no one to help you with heavy luggage so travel light if possible.

Quick summary for you. All trains, except Regionale trains, require a seat reservation and it is included with the price of the ticket. Regionale trains are more like a bus - hits nearly every station, just buy a ticket, validate (time stamp), and get on any Regionale train going in the right directions. Tickets are never discounted. On all other trains three level of tickets. Super economy is very cheap but no change, no refund - period. Economy tickets are no refund but exchangeable for a credit towards a different ticket. And, of course, base fare tickets are refundable and exchangeable. Except for Regionale trains, you absolutely must have a ticket that specifies a seat, coach number, and train number. If you don't the penalty is severe. Train rarely sell out so the only advantage to purchase earlier is the discounts available. Unless you can get a deal, don't think 1st class has any real advantage of 2nd class.