I've read that children 4-12 travel free with two adults. Does any one know how to get this discount when buying on Trenitalia's site? It's not the Family fare - that seems to require a Viaggio card that's not available to foreigners.

Also, I've read stories about travelers being stopped by "officials" asking to see passports, tickets, receipts, counterfeit money - sometimes legitimate, sometimes a scam. What's the best way to know if someone is legitimate - before being hauled away or being fleeced?

Thanks in advance for your input.

"Train Questions" could be about any country in Europe. I'd re-post w/ a title something like "Family ticket options/discounts on Trenitalia?"

From the Trenitalia web site -

REDUCTIONS FOR THE CHILDREN
children younger than 4 travel free of charge in both first and second class but they do not have the right to a seat. Children still under 12 (considered as the day after the birthday), can occupy a seat, travelling for 50% off and 30% off in WL and CC. Not valid on the trenOK services

I'm not sure if this includes ES trains.

If you know your dates, times etc in advance and are sure you won't need to change, then the advance option is called "Amica".

We have used many trains in various parts of Italy and never been asked for anything by suspicious persons. The TrenItalia people are usually smartly dressed - I suppose the solution is to sit near other people (difficult when you might be booking online!).

Tip about using TrenItalia site and credit cards - our cc provider blocked my first transaction, considering it an "unusual transaction". Instead of phoning me immediately, they allowed me to try again on the site. After *three* failed attempts, Trenitalia blocks your credit card and it is near impossible to phone them to unblock.

Thus - phone your cc company in advance and warn them.

This site provides some information about train tickets, etc:

http://www.hidden-italy.com/trains/train01.html

Happy planning!

Hi aaa,

>What's the best way to know if someone is legitimate - before being hauled away or being fleeced?

If someone claims to be a police officer, ask to see "identificazione".

A badge is not sufficient.

If they won't come up with a photo ID, start yelling "polizia", or "fuoco" (fire).

Enjoy your visit.

I doubt if anyone is going to hassle you. And if they did, I fail to see how asking for photo ID is going to help you!
Just use common sense and on the very small chance that you feel in danger, try to enlist the help of a fellow passenger...

Excellent input. Thanks you. I've done some serious research on this trip but found a lot of contradictions on train fares and the prevalence of scams.

I entered the Amica fare on trenitalia.it for 2 adults and one kid - it totaled for 2 adults and didn't prompt for any kind of membership. Perfect. Now I'll call the CC company.

Anyway, thanks again for your help. When I return, I'll post a trip report: Italy with one kid and one weak dollar.

IMo the "best" way when stooped by a supposed "official" is to ask for ID. If they don't show it to you then start moving away from them. If they try to physically detain you then start calling for help.

Do these things actually happen? I suppose but sometimes the reports of same on here are vastly exaggerated IMO.

I suspect you are more likely to get pickpocketed in a crowded situation than anything else and that doesn't happen as often as you'd think it does.