J62,
really?? whoops.
I bought and used the Family fare last week for my family of three...no clue I needed residency?! whoops. was the info. on the trenitalia site? I seem to recall the family fare and didn't remember reading any restrictions at all on the site, nor when I purchased at the station...nor when the conductor saw the tickets...do you happpen to know if you need an official PdiS??(as I do have a house in Italy, but I do not have full-time residency status) Thanks so much for the info.! (Like I said, I had no clue!)

J62. you are so popular for sure! Not supersized so 2nd class is fine.
How do you know what each class stands for? Did I miss something on trenitalia.com that informs this?

Will Casadelcipresso have to make up difference with conductor or somewhere else? Guess I mean, can I, as USA citizan buy Familia fare also? I know it is for Italian citizans, but does site ask proof of it? Sounds like Casadelcipresso got it without proving anything. Bravo!

We were offered the discount when we purchased tickets at the stations. The info on Trenitalia says for groups of 3-5 traveling with a child, but nothing about nationality. The only child with us was my 18 year old daughter.
http://www.trenitalia.com/en/promozi...a_familia.html

I've learned something here, which is why I love Fodors forums.

When I tried to book Famiglia fare last year I was under the impression that I needed a Carteviaggio (sp) - and that required an Italian address.

Either I was wrong (likely) or the rules have changed (you never know, it's Italy after all).

I got the info about fare classes from the trenitalia website

http://www.trenitalia.com/en/orari_b...o_tariffe.html

ah - good to know I didn't miss anything :-) Was feeling guilty!

while I do speak Italian, I don't do it well...and there would be no cunfusing us for an Italian family!

There are certain fares that require ID cards...but I KNOW when you buy at machines they tell you that right on the screen before you purchase and even show a little picture of the card ;-) I didn't buy the family fare online - at the station - but I'd assume they tell you which discount card you need there too. (the Amica fare was cheaper...but sold out)