Topic: Italy Travel
Key Words: rail travel in italy, KWD: 1.11%
Ride the Rail – Travel in Italy
Compared to the other European tourist destinations, rail travel in Italy could be convenient, or tricky. Rail travel in Italy is cheap yet it could be difficult to rely with in going around because train travel in Italy could become an erratic hustle especially for new tourists. Since rail travel in Italy is inexpensive, expect that there are also a vast number of train travelers pushing elbows to buy tickets during rush hours. Hence, rail travel in Italy requires tremendous preparation.
First of, there are different types of rail travel in Italy available for locals and tourists alike. These train-types vary according to their ticket cost and speed. Usually, the faster rail service is also the more expensive ones. The Italian (ES) Eurostar or the Treni Eurostar Italia is the premier service rail travel in Italy, traveling swiftly across several Italian cities. The next best rail service is the Inter-city and its newer version, the Intercity Plus that travels smooth enough and stops at major cities.
Boarding the ES and Inter-city trains require mandatory seat-reservations. Second class and first class train coaches including added services are also available. First class (primo) coaches are fairly more comfortable than second class (secundo) ones and are also less occupied. The rail rider must also note that all fees are already included and compensated before hand as you bought your train tickets.
The Diretto and Interregionali train service operates on local regional territories at a low price. The Interregionali is faster than Diretto trains yet just as economical. Reservations to board and finding train-ride seats could be difficult especially during the month of August and during holiday seasons in Italy. The first class seats or prima classe though could still remain unpacked with commuters.
To buying tickets for rail travel in Italy, tourists must carefully refer to destination maps and train schedules. Train schedules are usually displayed in white and yellow/orange color. The yellow/orange colored posters display the departing trains’ route, stops, and the traveling time. The notes column must not be passed since it announces important changes in the rail travel service, such as schedule changes especially on weekends and holidays when generally fewer trains run between cities. In buying tickets, you might want to check the station you are arriving at for available trains to your next destination. You can buy tickets at ticket windows or ticket machines. You can also buy tickets from some travel agencies or check online ticket sites such as the Trenitalia. Remember that when you buy second class tickets, the second class seat may no longer be available once you board your train. You could than ask the conductor to have your ticket transferred to first class. After buying your ticket, you still need to validate your ticket in little yellow machines to print the time and date of the first use of your ticket, and validate it for the journey. You have to do this to avoid heavy fines. Also, always keep your tickets for inspection. When boarding, baggage compartments near your coach could be used. There are also racks above seats for your luggage. When you find a seat, remember to ask ‘Occupato?’ or ‘E libero?’, and don’t’ forget to greet your fellow passenger with ‘Buon giorno’.