Saturday, June 23, 2012

Helpful Hints for Train Travel in Italy 2012

~.~.~.~Guide for train travel ~.~.~.~


Wear a watch, which shows the correct time.

Have a small notepad and pen handy.

I like to carry a small bag, containing everything I need for the trip: tickets, water, maps, reading material, snack, several small kleenex packets, individual hand-wipes.

While traveling, don't get distracted rummaging through your purse or luggage.

Carry your passport, money, credit cards in a hidden waist money belt.

When purchasing tickets, write down town arrival time and departure times.  If purchasing at an automated machine, take a picture of the screen with your cell phone.


Know how much time you have between connections. The arriving train may be late. The departing train will never be late.

The name of the train will most likely not correspond to your destination city.

Arrive at the station 30 minutes early, when starting a trip.

Learn by watching other travelers.

Watch for pick pockets.

Find the correct binario number by checking the Partenza listing. In your notebook, write down the cities which precede your stop.
Check the video display panels at the binario to be sure there has not been a last minute change of tracks.

Check tickets and stamp the correct one if you are carrying several. You only need to stamp the ticket at the station of departure. If you are transferring, the second and/or third tickets need to be stamped at the station of their departure. If you do not get the validation stamp, tell the conductor as soon as you can. You may be fined if you wait until he comes to you. Ignorance of the Italian language is not a good excuse for a missing validation.

Store your tickets in an accessible place. The conductor will come to check tickets.

This ticket is for car 11, reserved window seat 96 on May 28, from Firenze S.M.N.
to Bologna Centrale


Locate the binario and start walking. Some trains load at the end of the binario. That is there may be one train waiting behind another.

Binario ovest (west) or est (east) are usually side platforms.

Before boarding a train, always verify its destination with the conductor or a passenger by saying: "Per NAME OF CITY?" (Per Milano?)

If you have a ticket with a reserved seat, on the platform look for the carrazza/carriage indicators. If you are stressed for time, just get on at any door and walk through the interior aisles. Carriage numbers are indicated on the doors.

For regional trains, most inside doors say 2, which indicates second class. All trains in Italy are now non-smoking. You'll see smokers jumping off the train at the stops, for a quick cigarette.

Board the train and note whether doors are functioning near your carriage's exit. You may need to leave the train, using a door in an adjoining car.

Know how to open the outside door, should you need to open the door to exit the train. There are several types of door releases. Some are red manual handles while more modern doors are button operated. On the newer trains, the doors open automatically at each stop.

Know where you are and where you are going. Take a regional map. Watch out the window and note were you are at each stop. Even the smallest train stations have the standard signage.

Be alert as if you were driving this route for the first time. Be attentive. Be organized. If you feel sleepy and you're traveling alone, set an alarm on your cell phone.

If you miss your connection, check the Partenza paper schedule. They're located on every binario. The capostazione (station master) is normally out walking or standing on the binario. Ask for help if in doubt.

Make sure you know the exact name of your stop, especially if you're traveling to a larger city, which may have several stops. Firenze Compo di Marte is not Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN). It's common for the city name to precede a neighborhood name. When in doubt, ask someone before you leave the train.

If you transfer from a train to a bus, check on the front of the bus to make sure it is going to your destination. Ask the driver.

La prossima = the next stop


Subito = right away without delay


Carrozza = carriage/car


Binario = platform


Biglietto/Biglietti = ticket/tickets


Partenza/Partenze = leaving


Arrivo/Arrivi = arrival/arrivals


Posto/Posti = seat/seats


E' occupata? = Is this occupied?


Finestrino = window


Data = date


Ora = hour (military time)


Servizio = class (1 or 2)

Never forget to validate the train ticket at one of the bright yellow boxes. These boxes are not always on central binarios.  They are in the station and in the tunnels between platforms.  These yellow boxes are being replaced by another style validation machine. The new ones are grey, with the Tenitalia striped colors of green and red.

Carry 5-20 Euro in change in an accessible pocket.  This change can be used to tip gypsies who may offer to carry your bag up and down the stairs.

Machines sell bottled water at most stations for 1 Euro coin.

Carry a snack, although most trains have snack cars. Prices are reasonable.

Be polite and nice.



No comments:

Post a Comment