Trains, trains, trains!

Taking the train in Italy is both easy and economical.  It can also be a lot of fun.  You can sit back and enjoy the scenery instead of worrying about directions and traffic.  There is a great network of rails covering the entire country that can get you almost any place you want to go.

Taking the train can save you money on your overseas flight.  There are often good deals on flights into Rome.  From there you can take a train to any other major city.  I've flown into Rome and taken the train to Bologna.  I have also found a great deal on a flight into Vienna and taken the train to Venice.  It is a long train ride but the mountains all along the way are beautiful. 

My last trip we did not rent a car.  We rented an apartment in a city that is on the train line.  From there we were able to take day trips to other cities by train, often making it back to our apartment in time for dinner.

For Venice, consider staying in Treviso.  Treviso is a beautiful little town and is much less busy than Venice.   A train ride to Santa Lucia (the train station on Venice island) is only about 20 minutes.

In north eastern Italy, consider staying in Udine.  There are many interesting things to do in Friuli Venezia Giulia. From Udine you can take the train in many directions.

Tips

Travel light.  Remember you will be carrying or wheeling your suitcase with you on and off trains and up and down stairs at the stations.

Carry small change.  Many of the restrooms at train stations are free of charge, but some in major cities may charge a fee of a few euros.

Ticket kiosks are available at train stations for most train lines.  Look for the British flag and select English as your language.  Then just follow the steps as presented to purchase your ticket.  There will most likely be a warning to watch out for pick pockets.  This only makes sense.  Even when you travel at home you should be aware of your surroundings and the potential of crime.  My husband and I travel together.  One of us will buy the ticket at the train kiosk while the other stands nearby and keeps on eye on our surroundings.  We’ve never had a problem.

Small train lines.  Some smaller train lines may not be available through TrenItalia.  If you can’t find your train on the TrenItalia kiosk, just ask at the ticket counter.  Tickets for smaller train lines are often available at the tabacch (tobacco store).

Punch it.  Once you have your ticket, don’t forget to validate it before you get on the train.  Look for the small ticket validation machines posted on the platform and insert your ticket to have it stamped.  Take your ticket with you and keep it handy so you can show it when train personnel come around to check.

Links

TrenItalia  Check out their website and download their app on your phone.  Keep in mind that when traveling in some areas the data connection on your smartphone may be very slow or unavailable. 

Rome2Rio  You may find this website helpful when planning travel by train.  They also have a mobile app.

OBB  Want to travel to Italy by train from Austria?  Purchase your tickets here if you want to travel from Vienna or any other Austrian city to Italy.