Episode #264: Italy by Train – Travel tips for booking to boarding and more

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Summary

In this episode, we’re sharing top tips for taking the train in Italy. Learn the ins and outs of booking tickets, navigating stations, and handling luggage for a hassle-free journey between iconic cities. We’ll also break down Italy’s train companies, service types, and classes – plus how to handle the infamous rail strikes. Get inspired and travel with confidence!

What you’ll learn in this episode

• Italy has an extensive train network – we delve into the country’s efficient train system, from fast-speed intercity trains to slower regional lines. Learn which routes are best suited for your itinerary and how to make the most of them
• When booking your journey – services like Omio or Trainline can simplify your booking process. There are advantages to booking flexible tickets and comparing different train services
• At the station and onboard tips: follow our guidelines on navigating train stations, finding your platform, and getting settled on your train. Katy shares crucial info on luggage management and class/seating choices
• When dealing with strikes, stay informed about potential disruptions. The planned strike schedule is available on Italy’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport website and alerts will be included in our soon to be released app. There are alternative options such as Flixbus services and it is important to stay flexible with your travel plans. Read more in our Italy train strike guide
• Why trains in Italy are a great way to get around – you can enjoy the scenic routes, comfy seats, and stress-free travel, as well as time savings
• You can find more in-depth info in our guide on How to use the trains in Italy

Timeline Overview

• 04:23 Trains beat planes when traveling around Italy and Europe
• 08:52 The convenience of booking apps
• 13:46 Italy train travel tips
• 15:18 Navigating Italian train stations
• 19:07 Biggest train travel tip is to opt for medium luggage
• 24:35 Managing Italy’s train strikes

Italian places, foods and concepts mentioned

Places

• Bologna – city in the Emilia-Romagna region famous for their food, with one of the more challenging train station layouts
• Bolzano – city in South Tyrol, which is a comfortable 5 hour train ride from Rome
• Venice Mestre – train station on the mainland of Venice
• Venice Santa Lucia – the main train station for Venice, on the lagoon

Food / Drink

• tagliere – charcuterie platter
• Mercato Centrale – indoor food court/market available in Rome, Florence, Milan and Turin where you can find a plethora of tasty treats and meals

Words / Concepts

• Intrepid Italian Course – claim your free Italian travel phrase guide
• come stai? – how are you? in Italian
• Italy Travel Planning Community – free Facebook group all about planning trips to Italy
• Trenitalia – Italian owned company
• Italo – private train company
• Omio / Trainline – websites and apps useful for checking schedules, prices and booking train tickets
• partenze – means ‘departures’ – so the boards will display this at the top
• binario – the train platform/track that a train departs from
• carrozza – carriage
• Flixbus – the company has a huge network of bus routes in Italy between the major cities as well as smaller cities

Related content on Untold Italy

Podcasts

• Ep 215 – Discover regional Italy without a car
• Ep 210 – Travel Smart to Italy – Your Guide to New Regulations and Important Dates
• Ep 159 – Popular tourist scams in Italy and how to avoid them
• Ep 150 – What to wear in Italy,
• Ep 116 – Extend your Italy trip budget with these travel hacks
• Ep 081 – Packing for Italy
• Ep 053 – Planning the perfect Italy itinerary
• Ep 040 – Top 5 Small Cities to visit in Italy
• Ep 011 – Getting around Italy by train, car, bus, plane and more

Articles

• How to travel by train in Italy
• Train strikes in Italy
• Transportation in Italy
• Best travel apps for Italy
• How to pack for Italy
• Best luggage for Italy travel
• Italy Trip Planning Guide
• Traveler’s guide to driving in Italy
• Travel Insurance for Italy: Why You Need It, Travel Tips & FAQs
• How much does a trip to Italy cost?
• A Collection of Italy Travel Tips for Every Traveler
• 20 Most Beautiful Italian Cities and Towns
• Best cities to visit in Italy
• Hidden gems in Italy – from North to South
• 50 incredibly beautiful small towns in Italy to visit

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