Travelling by train in Italy
Trains are a great way of travelling around. Italy Italy has an extensive, reliable and reasonably priced rail network with a very good website: www.trenitalia.com. Tickets can be bought directly at the stations or at most local travel agents. Boooking a seat is highly recommended, particularly for longer trips (a garanteed seat is automatic with the upmarket Eurostar).
Always get to the stations early and double-check your platform as these can change on short notice. Getting luggage up into the carriage and into the narrow overracks can be a real challenge so travel as light as you can and get there early to get some space.
Most importantly, stamp your ticket before getting on the train. If you don't validate your ticket you will liable to a hefty fine. Tickets are regularly checked and ignorance of the rules is no excuse. All stations have yellow validating machines, although not all platforms (another reason for getting there with plenty of time).
