PLEASE READ IMPORTANT TRAIN INFO & SAFETY TIPS
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The rule of thumb is if your ticket includes a seat reservation, you do not need to validate it. The validation will stamp the date and time on your ticket, this prevents people from riding for free or riding multiple times on one ticket. If you are asked for your ticket on board and you have not validated it, you can be fined heavily. They do not care if you’re a tourist and don't know.
How to find your train platform: When you look at the departures board you are only looking for the DEPARTURE TIME and the TRAIN NUMBER. DO NOT look at the destination. The train may have 9 stops and only the final destination is listed. Remember, the platform number will not appear until about 20 minutes before departure.
Look for: Train Number and Departure Time to find platform number
There can be a lot of stairs in train stations, especially in smaller train stations. Make sure you can carry your luggage up and down the stairs, onto the train, lift up to put above the seat, etc. Yes, there are some elevators and even escalators, but stairs may be your only option at some stations, and you want to be able to manage your own luggage.
Make sure you can carry your luggage up and down platform stairs
BOARDING THE TRAIN
As soon as the platform number pops up on the display, you want to start heading quickly to the platform.
Your ticket will have the train car (coach) and seat number on it. Try to enter on the correct coach. If you’re running late, enter the train on any coach and then make your way to your reserved coach. Double-check your coach so you don’t end up sitting in someone else's seat.
You have a short time to board so be ready to hop on. If the doors aren’t open, you can press the button on the side to open the doors (from the inside or the outside)
There are luggage storage racks at the end of each coach, above your seat and on the floor in between some seats. Most carry-on bags will fit on the shelf above the seat. For safety reasons, do not leave your backpack on the luggage racks.
There may be NO luggage storage on regional trains. This is another reason to travel with a carryon bag.
You won’t have to show your ticket until you’re on the train and it’s moving. I recommend taking a screenshot of documents uploaded this itinerary in case you don’t have service/Wi-Fi on the train.
You can find a cafe cart on most long-distance trains
GETTING OFF THE TRAIN
You have minutes to get off of a train, so you want to be at the door when the train stops. As the train starts slowing down you may notice people start getting up and getting their stuff together. Follow their lead. If you wait until the train stops you may not have time to get off and you’ll be fighting the people trying to get on. Trust me on this one. Especially if you’re traveling in the summertime.
Always keep track of your stuff. Boarding and disembarking is primetime for thieves.
Monitors on board will show route and upcoming stops
GOOD TO KNOW
Download the train apps (Trenitalia and Italo) before your trip so that you can access tickets, routes and receive notifications about your trains.
Safety: Just like riding public transportation anywhere else, thieves and pickpockets operate on trains in Italy. Make sure you keep your purse and backpack with you, never leave your phone on the table in front of you and if your suitcase can fit on the shelf above your seat, that will be the safest place for it. Be extra cautious as you are boarding and getting off, try not to have your phone in your hand during this time.
Don’t let anyone help you with your luggage. There are no official porters at train stations. They pose as porters, then demand money.
It’s possible that you get to your seat, and someone is sitting in it (this happened to us). Be polite and firm and ask them to move.
Train strikes (scioperi) are always announced in advance - check your train websites for more information before your trip so you can have a Plan B in advance. If you have a reserved-seat ticket, they are usually accepted on other similar trains running that day (without a seat assignment of course).
Carry euros to use the bathrooms. There are bathrooms in all train stations, but most (especially in smaller stations) are pay bathrooms and some have attendants that make sure and keep it clean.
Happy Travels!