Regionalzug trains in Italy

Heather,

Normally "supplements" don't apply on the Regional trains (hopefully one of the Rail gurus here can confirm that).

If you're travelling with a Rail Pass, you don't need to "buy a ticket", as the Rail Pass covers that. When travelling with a Rail Pass and a reservation is needed for a particular train, I normally go to the agent and mention that I'm travelling with a Rail Pass. I'm not sure if that can be done at a ticket machine?

You might find it very helpful to read the "Rail Skills" section in Europe Through The Back Door. You could also download the free PDF Rail Guide from this website (click the "Railpasses" tab at the top).

Note that a Rail Pass has to be validated before using it for the first time. This is done by presenting the Pass and your Passport to the agent at the first station you use.

Cheers!

Even with a validated railpass, you have to enter the date for every day you use the pass, before you board the train. Be careful how you fill in the date, day/month/year, and becareful about the number, our sevens look like a one to the Europeans.

No seat reservations are possible on regional trains. All seats are 2nd class and it's open seating for everyone. If all the seats are taken, you stand. After you've validated your pass for the first time, on subsequent rides write in the date as Lee described and simply show your pass to the conductor on the train. For trains that require seat reservations you will need to either buy the reservation at an automatic ticket machine or at a ticket window.

In Rome my friend had to go to the counter to present his pass to get the train reservation from Rome to Venice. From Venice station to Milan he could input the rail pass number into the kiosk at the station.