🚆 What to Know Before Taking the Train in Italy

My best advice for stress-free travel—because the last thing you want is a fine on your Italian vacation

There’s something really romantic about train travel in Italy. You’re gliding through the countryside, watching vineyards and villages blur past your window, on your way to another dreamy destination.

But if it’s your first time navigating Italy’s rail system… it can also be a little confusing.

I’ve taken the train all over Italy—coastal towns, hilltop cities, cross-country trips—and after dozens of rides (and a few rookie mistakes), I’ve figured out what actually helps.

So here’s everything you need to know about using the trains in Italy, especially if you’re planning to visit multiple cities.

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📱 First: Download the Right App

You can buy train tickets at the station, but I highly recommend downloading one of these apps instead:

• Trenitalia App – This is the official app for Italy’s main train company. You can buy tickets, view schedules, and check platform info in real-time. Just make sure you select the correct date and time—once booked, most tickets are time-specific and can’t be changed last minute.

• Trainline App – This is a third-party app I use often because it’s easy to navigate in English, shows prices from multiple operators, and lets you save your ticket directly in the app.

Both apps work great—just choose whichever feels more intuitive to you.