Is it better to book rail tickets in Italy before we go?

[jericap Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close jericap]

Train tickets in Italy are inexpensive, relatively speaking. And the stations are easy to navigate even if you don't speak English. There are generally a series of windows to buy tickets. Make sure you are lined up at one which displays a Union Jack (English Flag), and the person will speak English.

Before you leave the US, look up the train schedules, and figure out/print out the most likely schedules for the trains you want, including the train number. Its easy to figure out. Then, when you get to the train station to buy your ticket (a day or so ahead), have written down the city you want to go to, the train number, and the departure time.

........Remember, no matter if your plans work or not, it will always be An Adventure!

Enjoy!

Also check out this site to find out about the transit strikes. It lets you know in advance what system is affected and when the strike is going to happen and this way you could plan your trip

Have fun!

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

Also check out this site to find out about the transit strikes. It lets you know in advance what system is affected and when the strike is going to happen and this way you could plan your trip

Have fun!

Thanks for that link! Wouldn't you know, we wanted to take a train on Jul 19.

[taffy19 Gold Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close taffy19]

Wow! Thanks for all the great info!

Fern, thanks for that invaluable lesson!

What would I do without you guys here in TS4ms....I'd hate to think....oh, the humanity!

I am really embarrassed that it is so bad when you take a train ride in Europe. I was born in Europe but people there seem to be prepared for this and take that stuff with them. I know, because my family supplied it to me when I took a train ride to Germany.

Also, be very prepared for pickpocketers. It used to be very common and they warn you constantly in every language, at least that's how it was the last time I took a train in Holland. It never happened to me but it happened to my sister, who lives there.

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

Also, be very prepared for pickpocketers. It used to be very common and they warn you constantly in every language, at least that's how it was the last time I took a train in Holland. It never happened to me but it happened to my sister, who lives there.

Yes, my friend's wallet was stolen when she got on a train in Italy....it caused her great distress. The biggest risk is from pickpockets in these areas, for sure.

[taffy19 Gold Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close taffy19]

Wear a little pouch on your chest, right in front of you.

[Laurie Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Laurie]

I am really embarrassed that it is so bad when you take a train ride in Europe. I was born in Europe but people there seem to be prepared for this and take that stuff with them. I know, because my family supplied it to me when I took a train ride to Germany. .

It's not just Europe, the Amtrak train we rode from NC to NYC and back last month was exactly the same way

[JoAnn Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close JoAnn]

I add my thanks for all these tips...we'll be taking the train from Vienna to Munich the end of August. Now, off to find out what I need to know about that trip!!!