Italy by Rail: Everything You Need to Know for Stress-Free Travel.

Today my adventures take me from the heart of Venice and the neighborhood of San Polo to the lush countryside of Umbria. There are many ways to travel throughout Italy, but for this journey I chose the train. This year marks my third trip to Italy, but today will be my first trip via train.

If you’re considering train travel in Italy on your next adventure, I hope you’ll find this helpful.

How Easy Is It To Travel by Train In Italy?

As with most things, the intimidation is worse than the experience itself. I was apprehensive about taking the train, but found it quite easy once I arrived at the station. The day prior to my planned departure I visited the website www.italiarail.com to book my trip. Leaving Venice and heading to Umbria I chose my destination: Chiusi-Chianciano Terme. This will likely be your destination as well if you’re heading from any of the major cities to the heart of Tuscany near Montepulciano.

Of course the day began with a cappuccino and cornetto prior to zipping up my suitcase. Knowing I needed to check out of my apartment in Venice at 10:00, I gave myself at least an hour and a half to drag by bags through the Venetian streets. When selecting my train ticket I took into account the number of times I would have to change trains and the duration of the trip. Today I chose a single stop in Firenze (Florence) that will take me 4 hours and 33 minutes. Today prices ranged from $67 for 2nd class all the way to VIP at $163.

Fortunate for the apprehensive traveler is that most attendants at the station and on the train will speak English. You will also likely encounter English speakers who will also be traveling throughout Europe and I find they are often eager to help.

How Do I Find Which Train I Need At An Italian Train Station?

When you arrive, be aware that it’s very likely that seating will be limited. Don’t expect a situation like an airport where there is ample seating, it’s simply not available. Also unlike travel by plane, you don’t need to be there an hour in advance. Arriving 30 minutes prior to your departure will give you ample time. You also won’t be checking luggage, it will be traveling next to you.

Once you arrive, there will be a large digital sign above you listing the train, route number which will correspond with your ticket, your destination, departure time and finally your platform. Don’t panic if you arrive and it’s 20 minutes before your departure and the platform hasn’t been listed yet. Be patient and it will appear. The platform number (this is important) will always be located to the farthest right on the display.

A great tip is to have your ticket easily accessible. Not only will you need your train number, but you’ll need to know which car you’re in. This can be easily located in your documents. Once you find your car, you’ll lift your luggage up into the train and find the storage to put your large roller. For your smaller pieces often those will be placed above your head.

What’s First Class Like On An Italian Train

Our adventure had us traveling in Quiet Business Class- for a price of $91.00. In Business Class we enjoyed extra large and reclining leather seats, ample room to work and spread out with a table between us. Being a Quiet car, there are signs that indicate speaking loudly, phone calls, ringtones and music is all permitted. As I write this the only sounds are the melodic thumping of the tracks and the shifting of the train.

Be sure to have your ticket ready at all times for the attendant. In 1st Class once we were settled and the train was on its way we had a steward approach us with a welcome bottle of water and a small snack pack. Inside today’s snack box was a salami brioche and L’Altro Forno (hard cookies). They also were serving juice, coke and wine, because it’s an Italian train and of course they should serve wine.

Will Strikes Hinder My Train Travel.

A true adventurer knows to expect the unexpected. In this case, train delays and even strikes can sometimes occur in Italy. Before booking check wesbites like slowtrav.com prior to booking your train travel to ensure strike schedules and to avoid disruptions. Although inconvenient, you can set yourself up for success by planning ahead. Luckily the powers that be have grace on us weary travelers and give an idea of when they decide they need to strike.

Overall, I highly recommend train travel throughout Italy. It’s a pleasurable experience and you have the luxury of observing the transitioning landscape as you make your way to your next adventure. With speeds up to 248 miles per hour, it’s a quick way to get from one beautiful destination to another. While I’m also a fan of renting a car when in Italy (more on that later), I very much enjoy the relaxation found in the gentle rocking of the rail.

I hope these few tips ease some anxiety and get you excited for your next European adventure.