What Is the Cheapest Way to Travel by Train in Italy?

Europe's train system is fast and efficient, and it provides a relaxing way to travel. All of the major cities and many smaller cities in Italy have rail service with modern cars featuring amenities such as dining cars and sinks, sheets, rugs and toilets in overnight sleepers. You can travel by train to Sicily, an island in the Mediterranean that offers hiking on Mount Etna and water sports such as scuba diving and snorkeling.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Map of Italy's train system Valid passport
Map of Italy's train system
Valid passport

Step 1

Decide where you want to go in Italy. Think about how long you'll be staying in each place, how much time you'll spend touring Italy by train and what country you'll be traveling from to get to Italy. The Italy Rail Map is an invaluable resource. It provides all of the train routes and stations near the places you want to visit.

Step 2

Choose a rail pass from Eurail.com if you'll be coming from another country or going to another country after you visit Italy. The pass offers discounted rates for four days of unlimited travel. Buy it before you go to Europe, and you can save 20 percent off the regular prices. The cheapest rates for travel within Italy are on Italy's official railway site, Trenitalia.com. You can buy tickets with some credit cards or your Paypal account.

Step 3

Buy your tickets at the train station of your choice in Italy. For some routes, if you buy your tickets 15 days ahead of your proposed traveling dates, you can get a 30 percent discount. If you buy your tickets 60 days ahead of time, the discount jumps to 60 percent.

Step 4

Authenticate your ticket at the train station's ticket office. Allow extra time in case there are crowds. After that, you'll be off on trains that go up to 175 mph.

Tips & Warnings

Carry your valid passport with you for train travel in Italy. The official train website of Italy, Trenitalia.com, does not take all credit cards, so have an additional one available in case yours is not accepted.

Carry your valid passport with you for train travel in Italy.

The official train website of Italy, Trenitalia.com, does not take all credit cards, so have an additional one available in case yours is not accepted.

Carry your cash, credit cards and passport in a fanny pack under your clothes to keep thieves at bay when traveling in Italy. Take the money or credit card out in a restroom before using it.

Resources

Article Written By Ellen Kendall

Ellen Kendall has 15 years of writing and editing experience. Her travel and insurance articles have appeared in national magazines. Her book contributions include biographies and multi-cultural and Holocaust lesson plans. She has previously served as a real estate broker and interior designer and taught ESL in Korea and at Duke.

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