10 Tips to Riding the TrenItalia: How to Buy Train Ticket in Italy

Motorino Man's email inbox is filling up with questions about how to ride the train in Italy and how to buy train tickets when in Italy.

Motorino Man's Top 10 Tips to ride Italy's rails from the big three like Rome, Florence, and Venice to tips for buying tickets in small stations in towns outside Italy's big three that may not be manned at all times by ticket sellers.

Click to see the video how to buy a train ticket in Italy for important tips and tricks to navigating the train ticket vending machine so you may buy a train ticket without hassle when traveling Italy. Motorino Man suggests buying tickets in Italy as itineraries change and trains do get cancelled.

Motorino Man's Top 10 Tips to Ride Italy's Rails
10. Save money by buying bread and prosciutto before arriving at station for food on train. If you don't bring food the dining car is a very nice place to have a snack on the train.

9. Arrive 30 minutes before departure for stress-free travel.

8. Trains are used by Italian commuters at rush hour so try to plan your train travel off rush-hour and do plan accordingly. Ticket prices will be less expensive off rush hour too.

7. In Italy's big three Rome, Florence, Venice and all Italy's big-city stations like Naples, Milan, Bari, Genoa etc. if standing on line or at vending machine to buy ticket beware of pick pockets and other thieves and do always keep an eye on your baggage by keeping it eyesight next to you.
6. Gather belongings before destination so exiting train is smooth and efficient - especially important when exiting train before end of line because train only stops long enough for exiting and entering passengers. Every time you stand up on train in Italy glance back to see what you left behind.

5. Carry change to buy ticket at vending machine in small stations where there is no attendant.

4. Carry-on bags: Keep your bag under your seat or between your legs. If you are going to place it in the overhead compartment, try to place it ahead of your seat location, so you can see whoever reaches into the compartment.

3. If catching the train outside major cities like Italy's big three Rome, Florence, and Venice be sure to check that the train you get on is the train you want. Many trains travel same track.

2. ALWAYS validate Italy train ticket by stamping it in CONVALIDA yellow box in the station or along the train track platform.

1. Keep an eye on things at all times in Italian train stations and on Italy's trains. YOU carry your luggage onto the bus, train, truck, or taxi with you. Don’t allow a porter or stranger to take your bag for you. You might not ever see it again.

And finally, when you buy a ticket for the Italian train, be sure you actually receive a ticket.

Buon Viaggio!

Now that you know how to ride the Italy train check out these great Italy train travel vacations. Or click to see a full listing of cruises around Italy including cruises from Rome and cruises from Venice.

For more about riding Italy's rails visit WebVisionItaly's How to Ride the train in Italy video.