What is the best way to buy train tickets in Italy?

If you’re going on a trip around Italy, you’re likely thinking about transportation options. One of the most convenient and affordable ways to travel is definitely by train. The Italian rail network offers great variety and scenic routes, letting you see a lot for a small amount of money.

To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve created a guide covering the best way to buy train tickets in Italy. We’ve also included information on how to check train fares and timetables, as well as answers to some FAQs and step-by-step instructions for buying train tickets.

And if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to spend while you’re in Italy, including buying your train tickets online, check out the Wise international debit card. It lets you pay like a local with low fees*, while converting your pounds at the mid-market exchange rate.

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Trains in Italy¹

The Italian rail network is extensive and well-connected. The main train companies are Trenitalia, Italo, and Trenord. Besides these three, some popular international operators include ÖBB, TGV and Eurocity.

You can choose between multiple train classes when booking your ticket. For example, Standard, Premium, and Executive are some of the categories available. Trenitalia and Italo also have high-speed trains, which make train travel convenient and efficient.

If you’re looking for popular train routes in Italy, consider travelling from Rome to Naples or from Milan to Florence. Both take less than two hours and pass through some scenic parts of the country. Other famous cities and regions reachable by train include Venice, Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast.

What is the best way to buy train tickets in Italy?¹

If you want to save money and travel stress-free, the best option is to buy train tickets in advance. This way, you can book the cheapest option available or even upgrade to a higher ticket class for less. Therefore, the best way to buy train tickets in Italy is definitely online.

If you're not entirely sure about your exact travel dates, you can also buy flexible train tickets. For example, Trenitalia's Base ticket and Italo's Flex ticket allow you to make changes to your booking. While these tickets are more expensive, they can be worth the investment.

To avoid any language barrier issues, the best way to get train tickets in Italy is through the Trainline app. In just a few easy steps, you can book a seat and rest assured that your travel plans are set. You’ll also be able to search all available train companies and ticket classes in one place, allowing you to make an informed decision.

How to buy train tickets online using Trainline¹

Let’s go through all the steps of buying an Italian train ticket with Trainline:

Download the Trainline app

The easiest way to book train tickets and keep them handy is through the app. The Trainline app is available on both the App Store and Google Play. If you prefer, you can also book your tickets through their website using the Journey Planner at the top of the page.

Choose your destination

Start by deciding where you’ll be travelling and entering the departure and arrival stations. If you don’t know the exact station names, don’t worry – you can also search by city. This is also a great opportunity to explore and see if you can find cheaper tickets or discover new destinations.

Enter travel details

Continue by entering common travel details, such as the number of passengers and travel dates. If you don’t want to buy a return ticket just yet, you can simply select a departure date. Additionally, if you have any railcards or loyalty cards that could provide a discount, this is the time to enter that information.

Choose the best option

After tapping ‘Find times and prices’, you’ll see the search results based on the parameters you’ve entered. You can then select your preferred train time and ticket class before proceeding to choose your seat.

Provide personal information

If you're using the Trainline website, you’ll be asked to enter an email address where your ticket confirmation will be sent. If you're booking through the app, you'll only need to enter the names of all passengers. Make sure the passenger names match those on their IDs to avoid any issues.

Continue to checkout

After entering the necessary information, you’ll be redirected to checkout. Double-check the dates, prices, and passenger names, as this is the final step. Then, simply book your tickets and wait for your confirmation email!

How to check train fares in Italy

In case you’re already in Italy, you can walk to the nearest train station and ask the staff about the route you’re interested in. However, this is a good option only if you already know your travel dates and not if you just want to browse fares.

Alternatively, if you've decided which train operator you want to travel with, you can visit their website to check fares directly. Enter your route and travel dates to view the prices and keep in mind that the ticket class can significantly affect the final cost. While this is a valid option, it limits you to one train company.

A simpler and more convenient way to search for fares is through the Trainline app. You’ll be able to see multiple operators at once, without having to visit each website. Not only will you save time, but you might also discover a cheaper option for your trip.

How to check train times in Italy²

When you arrive at any train station in Italy, you'll see a departure and arrival board. If you need a more detailed schedule, such as one for the week or month, visit the information centre and ask if they have a mini timetable available.

A good alternative is to simply enter your travel dates into the Trainline app. You’ll be able to view the train schedule for each day, even in advance.

Step by step guide to buying train tickets on Trainline

Let’s go over the ticket purchase process once again:

• Download the Trainline app
• Enter the departure and arrival stations
• Type in the departure date and, if applicable, the return date
• Enter any relevant railcard or loyalty card information
• Specify the number of passengers
• Tap ‘Find times and prices’ and look through the available options
• Choose a time, class option and seat
• Enter passenger information
• Continue to checkout

FAQs about buying train tickets in Italy

Here are the answers to some common questions about train tickets in Italy:

Should I book train tickets in advance?

You don’t have to, but it’s a good way to save money and ensure you get a seat.

Can I get train tickets on my phone?

Yes, you can download the Trainline app and buy train tickets directly on your phone.

Should I buy a pass?¹

If you plan on visiting multiple cities and taking expensive trains, yes. The passes you can use for travelling around Italy are the Interrail Pass and the Eurail Pass.

Do I need to pay for a seat reservation on Italian trains?¹

Sometimes, such as when travelling on high-speed or night trains.

Do children pay for trains in Italy?¹

This depends on the train operator. Children up to a certain age usually travel for free or they get a reduced fare.

Travelling by train in Italy? Use Wise to save money on train fees

And there you have it – our guide to buying train tickets in Italy. We’ve included Trainline instructions and popular routes and provided answers to some common questions.

Now that you know what the best way to buy train tickets in Italy is, let’s talk about how you’ll buy them.

The Wise account could be a great option for a train trip to Italy, as it lets you spend in the local currency in 150+ countries. Whenever you pay, including for train tickets online, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate, without any margins or mark-ups. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee*, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

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Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 20-Nov-2024