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Southern Italy

Just returned from a 10 day to Italy. Half was spent in Cava de'tirreni and the surrounding area. We visited Vietri del Mare, Sorrento, Pompeii and Paestum. My advice is not to count on local tabachi stores for train tickets. The train station is best and to buy round trip tickets to where you're going. Make sure you check the schedules on the wall of each station for the last train going back. The folks in Paestum said they didn't have tickets and were casual about not having them. Luckily the ticket machine in the station began working and we were able to get back to our hotel. Most of our tickets were never punched or taken but always get one in case the conductor decides to check you.

Nevertheless, the region is beautiful, people were gracious and helpful and the food and wine is fantastic.

Posted by
16618 posts

Most of our tickets were never punched or taken

Just for clarification, tickets on trains or carriage levels which do not require seat reservations are not "punched" or taken by agents. You are responsible for validating (time-stamping) those tickets yourself before before boarding. It's that time-stamp that they'll check to make sure you're not re-using a ticket.

Tabacchi and newsstands usually sell local transport tickets only (buses/metro) and almost always have signs to that effect if they carry them. Travel agencies are usually a better option for TRAIN tickets if unable or unwilling to use machines or ticket windows at the stations. For instance, if the town is on a Trenitalia line, local agencies will have the FS logo in the window.

Posted by
4415 posts

But for where tonigemini was traveling, most of that doesn't apply...unfortunately. And good luck finding any staff in some of those train stations :-( You're on your own to try and figure out what to do and when and where to do it LOL! And yes, the locals are quite unconcerned......as usual ;-) Welcome to Italy!

It sounds like you had a great trip!

Posted by
11613 posts

Kathy is correct about tickets. If you can't get a train ticket because the machine is broken, or there is no one to buy a ticket from, you can board the train and find the conductor and purchase the ticket from him/her. There is always a way to solve a problem, and local people are happy to help. Welcome to Italy.

Posted by
16618 posts

If you can't get a train ticket because the machine is broken, or there is no one to buy a ticket from, you can board the train and find the conductor and purchase the ticket from him/her

LOL, Zoe. I'm sure that has been done a few times in Varenna!?