Train tips in Italy?
 

We are going to be in italy for 2 weeks - first time. Airport to Rome to Florence to Venice to Milan to Airport. We may take a side trip to Cinque Terre. Training all the way.

Any general tips on training? Eurostar first class? second class? Reservations required? Ticket machines using credit card a good thing? General train ettiquette? Any seen EuroTrips, the comedy? Scusi!

any tips on the cinque terre line? I heard you can buy an all day pass?

thanks!

Eurostar is supposed to be better than InterCity but i actually prefer the InterCity trains. The Eurostar trains felt so sanitized and open, i rather preferred the cosy cabins of the InterCity. We went second-class and there was actually more leg space in the InterCity trains than the Eurostar.

If you want to ensure you get to sit, its better to reserve. I saw some people standing for hours on the train ride - it didn't look like fun!

Hi dana,

2 cl on the ES* is about as comfortable as 1 cl on an IC. The ES* trains are more reliable.

All seats on ES* trains are reserved. The price includes a reservation.

Reservations on IC are optional.

You can buy all of your train tickets at once at the train station at the FCO airport.

You can also buy them online from www.trenitalia.com/en.

General train ettiquette:

On ES*, large suitcases go in the luggage compartment near the door. Small suitcases go on the overhead racks above the seats.

Don't spend the ride discussing in a loud voice how awful Italy and the Italians are. Many of them speak English.

Don't put your feet on the seats.

Don't smoke.

Enjoy your trip.

is it safe to put your luggage by the door?

anyone else got good train tips?
the credit card machines a good way to go or the good'ol stand in line better?
we are going in 2 weeks...reservations needed for IC you think?

1. On EuroStar you can also put small pieces of luggage between the seats (the seat formations form an inverted V).

2. If your EuroStar train is late, and if an earlier Eurostar train is also late and if both trains are going in the same direction, you can get on the earlier late train if you pay an 8 euro supplement. Of course you are not guaranteed a seat. Also, I see more and more people sitting on baggage in the baggage area or standing between cars on EuroStar, so I have to assume that it is either the late train rule, or they are letting last-minute passengers on without reservations.

It is safe to put luggage by the door but I must admit when the train stops at a station, I always go stand by it or at least get it in my sight.

Paranoid, si.

I have not used the credit card kiosks. Talking to the guy at the ticket counter is part of the experience. Write down which trains you want in case you're Italian is not up to par.

how on time are italian trains?
On longer routes, sometimes, I have option to catch either fewer or more connections, even if it means taking a later train...I assume it is better to have fewer connections b/c if one of the train is delayed, I may miss my connecting train. Am I correct in this assumption?

I took IC trains, 2nd class, up from Abruzzo to Milan and back several times this summer, and every time had to walk two or three cars to find a working toilet - and I won't discuss in polite company the condition those few were in! 1st class probably would have been better, and EuroStar best of all. The IC trains are getting old and some carriages should really be retired...


best regards,
Deirdré Straughan

http://www.straughan.com

see my previous postings:

Three types of trains between Rome and Florence

Two types of trains between Rome and Venice (covers Florence to Venice as well)

Three types of trains between Milan and Venice

Eurostar Italia train: deadline to purchase tickets

Eurostar Italia: differences between first and second class

Eurostar Italia train configuration

Eurostar Italia trains: "bonus" voucher for late arrivals

I would highly recommend ES first-class, For a little more $, one travels in the best comfort available, and is even served a beverage.

Buon Viaggio,
BC