ITALY TRAIN TRAVEL FOR 1ST TIMERS | How to Take Trains in Italy (Step by Step!)

[@hugolafhugolaf]

Before going to Italy the first time in 2017, we watched a bunch of vids, including the classics (Rick Steves, Wolter's World, etc...) and honestly, traveling by train turned out to be way easier than we thought. Your vid is very complete and it now THE reference as to what and what not to do. Italian trains are second to none. I'm a car guy and generally hate public transit, and when we rented a car (because we had no choice - Dolomites and Sicily), we missed using the train. It's that efficient. Imagine that... italians being a model of efficiency!

[@acmejia]

Best video ever on the Italian train system! I’ve watched several but this is by far the most detailed. Thank you!

[@HappytoWander]

Hey everyone! I hope you enjoy this week's video - a detailed guide to train travel in Italy. Let me know if you have any more questions and be sure to check out the written version here for more tips: happytowander.com/how-to-take-trains-in-italy/

[@GunBlue490]

Thank you for this most informative and complete course of instruction! You are the best! We'll be watching this again before our October trip to Italy.

[@bryanonthecoast572]

I'm currently in Italy, traveling only by train. This was SO helpful. Trenitalia's options finally make sense. Thank you so much for the detailed guide.

[@N.g._]

This is the most perfect guide that could be for Italian trains!

[@rileysophia837]

I am so relieved and revived by this video!!! Thank you for breaking it down so clearly. Before watching this video, my neurodivergent brain was afraid I would not be able to handle train tickets/stations etc. Now I feel confident (and even more excited!) to take the train while I travel Tuscany in April. Appreciate your mad skills!

[@_-bd-_]

What a thorough, great video on the trains there.. thank you

[@HappytoWander]

you're welcome! thanks for watching :)

[@icetrinity]

I watched a few videos about travelling on trains within Italy and this is the absolute best video made! So comprehensive that I don't need to look any further! Thank you for your effort, it's much appreciated. ❤😊

[@pme9912]

Perfect timing - heading to Italy next week!

[@HappytoWander]

Awesome - I hope this video comes in handy!! Safe travels

[@virtuabutch]

what a thorough and informative video, thank you!

[@mhtammi]

Great video was in Italy in May and booked first class on Frecciarossa from Florence to Venice. I had a seat on a row with only one seat on each side of the aisle. My husband was across 😅 aisle and we both had windows and they were huge. It was a scenic trip. And we even had a small meal. Also we were able to use the seniors discount. The local trains were not quite as comfortable and the cars were very busy. Also, there were so many travellers who had large rolling luggage which made it more difficult to get in and out of your seat. I travel with a backpack so I was fine but so many people were struggling. Also the trains didn’t run in time but there was a strike planned for the following day so that may have had something to do with it. Apparently train strikes occur a few times in the year so make sure you avoid that😔

[@siasharma8486]

@Happy to Wander - me planning for Italy trip and your this video helped me a lot, straight to the point and demo is excellent. Keep up the good work.

[@herome5388]

Just wow, won’t need any other help after watching that video, great job and thank you so much for your effort ❤

[@cherylguthrie9226]

Great video - so informative & helpful. Thank you so much! I hope I get to use it sooner rather than later 💕💕

[@HappytoWander]

thanks so much for watching!! I hope you get to Italy soon

[@Susanneshares]

Another fantastic and informative video. Thank you for sharing.

[@HappytoWander]

you're welcome! thanks so much for watching :)

[@brettallenthomas]

Super helpful... going this Saturday, and it all seemed a bit confusing.. this really helped clear things up...

[@dzormeir1325]

So thorough! Thanks for all the great details.

[@nomadiccarro]

I love your channel. Such great information that is detailed.and insightful.

[@alexandrapham1892]

The best videos, very informative. We're planning to travel to Italy next year, thanks

[@louisedasilva6046]

Thank you so much for all the useful information. 😊

[@HappytoWander]

You're very welcome! thanks for watching :)

[@johnbeckmeyer1696]

Amazingly thorough! I'm bookmarking this one!

[@MyrnaCruz-r4e]

AWESOME VIDEO!! What a help you were!

[@wildearthfarm4632]

Fantastic job with a very complicated subject! I'm booked on the overnight train from Rome to Palermo...very exciting! This was a great help. Thanks for sharing!

[@cindymarasligiller2115]

This is a great comprehensive video! Thank you. Last October we were able to purchase a ticket onboard a regional train from the controller going from Milano Centrale to Varenna (Lake Como). We were planning on taking a later train, however the earlier train to Varenna happened to be on the adjacent track. It only cost a few extra euros.

[@suzannebell51]

Very helpful advice - thanks!

[@HappytoWander]

you're very welcome! thanks for watching and commenting :)

[@rachellegonzales8118]

Very Helpful Guide. Thanks Cristina❤

[@charouteinlondon1523]

I have been travelling in italy a lot and the best train ticket is the 3 days or 5 days regional train. You can hop on and off as much as you like as long as its regional ♥️👌 and its the cheapest 🎉

[@Ghumakkadbuzurg]

Excellent video. Keep it up! God bless.

[@wenslyoscario9503]

Great video with a lot of information 🫶🏽

[@1ginarossi]

That was SOOO helpful! Thank you very much.

[@LP-ho9ty]

This is a superb work!

[@BobAndrade-x3y]

Watching from Agoura hills Calif planning to go Rome and Milan by train

[@joeylam1502]

"Get snacks" confirms this is a thorough guide

[@morenitaD_real]

Hello! Do I need to validate a ticket that has an specific date, time and seat number for Italo or Trenitalia? My family is traveling to Italia in a few weeks. 😊 Thanks!!!

[@alexconde8514]

Fantastic video thanks!

[@janellimarie]

Great info! Thank you!

[@eprohoda]

What'up. Happy, you created epic travel~ see you soon. =)

[@Misbehave11]

Do you have link for that form to fill out for the saving program please ❤

[@joshuarey10]

I always appreciate content like this. Very informative and useful for our trip to Italy. Thank you!! Question - In the video, you mentioned several times about tickets for regional trains need to be validated at the station. How about tickets for high speed trains (Trenitalia and Italo) when purchased online? Do we still need to validate tickets for high speed train when purchased online?

[@scottbainbridge43]

My ticket says that they are already validated so check your ticket details

[@1walter2808]

Specific question... What page did you get the non Italian cartafreccia sign up information? You weren't joking when you said it was hard to find. Great and informative clip, thank you!

[@nicolettastrada5976]

Trenord e Ferrovie del sud est are simply regional depending from the regione you are in

[@HappytoWander]

Yes you’re totally right! The distinction I meant to make though was that they have their own websites and sometimes are treated a bit differently to other Trenitalia trains since they weren’t always part of Trenitalia. I learned this the hard way when I couldn’t find the platform for my Ferrovie del Sud Est train in Bari and found out all those trains leave from their own special platform at the end of the station haha. That’s why I wanted to warn people just in case! :)

[@treeofwisdomoracle7863]

Thank you❤

[@kimr4402]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@Eddieszisland]

Beautiful

[@aquamarine256]

Hi, I find your video very informative, and I would like to get your opinion, I am planning to buy tickets for 14 days hop in and hop out of different cities in Italy, 4 adults, I am looking to purchase a Trenitalia Rapid train, what do you recommend for foreign tourist to purchase online and ahead of time? Our first time in 🇮🇹. Thanks

[@vincentnnyc]

we are deciding to buy the eurail tickets. which trains in italy can we use with the eurail ticket?

[@Raquel3521]

What is the best app to buy bullet train tickets? Is it better to buy directly? What train is best to do Venezia to Roma & Roma to Napoli? Do you validate your online ticket on your phone?

[@vendakansya6382]

hello may I ask, so I bought my italian train ticket from omio, so how do I validate it? should I print the ticket from home? or ?

[@HappytoWander]

You can validate it within the Omio app! Here is an excerpt from their FAQ (help.omio.com/hc/en-us/articles/360019305933-Trenitalia): "All Trenitalia tickets can be displayed on a mobile device for inspection and, therefore, do not need to be printed. If you are travelling on a regional train (Regionale), you need to check in before travelling. Check-in is available from the moment of purchase until the train's scheduled departure time. You can complete the check-in process via Your Bookings or in the Omio app. Simply click the button ‘Start check-in and view ticket(s)’ either in the confirmation email or via the app. Clicking this button will take you to a new screen detailing your journey information. Please scroll to the bottom of this page and click the button ‘Check-in’. You will then need to click ‘Next’, and you will see the message ‘Check-in complete. Have a pleasant journey!’. You’re now checked in!" Hope that helps :)

[@vendakansya6382]

@@HappytoWander thank you so much 👍🏻🙏🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@windsongdesigns6655]

Hi, great video. I'm going to Italy in March for 6 weeks. I will be taking the train everywhere so your video will help me immensely. Did you happen to visit Sicily at all? If so, any suggestions for places to visit or ways to travel?

[@PattiRobertson-to5re]

Awesome

[@marfranc726]

11:17-19 where exactly is that place? Maybe somewhere in the Dolomites? I would like to know the precise location, please. It looks beautiful

[@marfranc726]

Is there a discount for kids? We bought train tickets in Switzerland and our kids traveled free with each paying adult (1 kid per adult)

[@ZemdegsD]

Thanks. Very well explained. How early can you book fast/regional trains online please?

[@Catavlogs_Site]

Hello, We absolutely love your vlogs , would you mind if I added your channel to catavlogs?

[@MrMark2212mark]

when travelling by 2 trains so u have to switch at a station, do u need to check in before going on both trains or just the first? when its bought on the trenitalia app?

[@FHdez-qp2pq]

Hi, very good video. Question: I finished buying train tickets online for my wife and I, but only got 1 QR code for both. Is this normal? Or will I be getting actual tickets after the check in? Thank you.

[@FHdez-qp2pq]

@darioa.5381 Thank you.

[@AndyGlavac]

A most excellent video Planning Italy train trip for April 2025 Any advice starting in Rome ending in Treste and going to the Adriatic coast

[@FashionBeauty13]

Hello! Do you have to pay for the CartaFreccia Program? Does the Carnet ticket packs have also a Youth discount as well as the CartaFreccia discount? Thank you😊

[@pamelakay6403]

Very helpful video. Thank you! I have one question. You mentioned entering the total amount of people you are buying tickets for into the app search. So if I buy four tickets on the Trenitalia app- when I go to check in on the app for that train trip- do I have to check in four times or just once?(since I purchased four passenger tickets in one purchase)

[@ChristinaAlfredo]

is it allowed to smoke in italian train station?

[@markwong7922]

Nice video. Best one have seen so far. Question did not see mentioned. If handicapped in wheel chair or have mobile scooter they have space to park on train? Do they have ramp readily available to use or need someone from train company to assist? Thx

[@nursejen1111]

How far in advance should I book high speed train business class? Leaving for Italy sept 28th

[@HappytoWander]

If you're hoping to get the best possible deal, I would say to book as soon as you know your travel plans! For high speed trains, usually tickets are released months in advance and the cheapest fare types are limited in number, so depending on your travel date/route, it's possible the cheapest tickets will sell out even months before you go. Luckily, end of September won't be as busy as the peak summer season, so if you need more time to decide, then I think you should be okay for now. I just had a quick look at Rome to Florence for end of September and there's still Super Economy tickets left for Business :) Assuming you're booking a popular route, odds are the tickets will not sell out completely on every single train, so if you need more time to decide, you'll always have options... they might just not be as cheap as you could have gotten them if you booked earlier! Hope that helps, and safe travels

[@nursejen1111]

@@HappytoWander thank you! Landing in milan then lake como for 3 nights then train to florence 3 nights then train to Rome for last 3 nights. I will let my travel agent know.

[@julieloucks8623]

Great video. Thank you so much. I'm hoping to go in September 2025. Visiting 5 places. Im not sure if i should book the high speed train from home in Canada 🇨🇦 before we go or just buy the tickets when we get there.

[@denise3587]

The high speed trains for sure you should book ahead

[@danielsantoso5866]

Great video as always Christina. I want to book using Trainline as I cant download the Trenitalia app from Australia. But I’ve heard reviews that people encounter issues using Trainline such as receiving incorrect tickets, issues making changes or refunding where travel delays require changes. Do you have any previous problems using Trainline?

[@jmcqueen7355]

I've been trying for ages to simply see the train routes - with individual stops - for destinations out of Rome through Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany. I'm looking for places to stay along a train route and so far, have to put each destination in individually. Do you have any ideas?

[@kazzuo32]

I downloaded the app of trenitalia and buy some tickets through the app? Is this ok? For freciia rosa, do I have to validate those electronic tickets or is only the regional?

[@samuelecallegari6117]

Validation for E-tickets is not required anymore

[@N.g._]

One question, for a trennatalia ticket bought from omio, how do i chcek in?

[@loris7964]

wow how you made it sooooo hard

[@elkieingels]

what about trainpal app?

[@arpinekhrlopyan-xi5ti]

Can you please clarify if Milan to Lake Como train journey is regional or not? Do I need to purchase way ahead of time? Also, is it suggested to purchase Lake Como ferry tickets ahead of time. I will travel in a month.

[@Divan26]

It is regional so you don't have to book ahead as the seats are not assigned and the prices fixed. The train will probably be operated by Trenord which is under Trenitalia. As for the ferry I don't know.

[@Maptrips]

Train or cruise??

[@DeanRamser]

Buongiorno! Thank you for the video. We loved taking the train from Lviv to Krakow to Warsaw to Gdansk during our time there. We are retired American educators now considering moving to Italy with the ERV. We hope to visit Italy in the spring. Grazie! Dean & Cindy

[@MikaBettanin]

"Buongiorno"

[@rudolphvalentinoconnection8298]

So nervous, going alone...what to do if I have use the WC and how I can drag it to the bathroom with me?

[@WBf2002]

You have to be pretty dim to have problems with Italian train travel

[@Nada-qe7mj]

Question: First, I admire the detailed clear description you provided. Excellent job. Second: I am a senior and it will be my first time travelling to Italy in October along with my husband who has a mobility issue and walks very slowly using the walker. Our agent here in Canada booked us first class train tickets to commute between Rome, Florence and Venice. I am terrified that I might miss our trains by the time I understand all the signage in stations and drag my husband to our carriage. I heard also that train platforms might suddenly change in Italy which scares me as my husband cannot speed up. What advice do you give me other than arriving to station an hour before departure? thanks

[@IvanFR15]

Great video, thanks!

[@Misbehave11]

Do you have link for that form to fill out for the saving program please ❤

[@maureenmaccabe2661]

Thank you for all the information!