Italy By Bus Or Train

Trenitalia (☎89 20 21; www.trenitalia.com) is the main provider of railway transportation throughout Italy. Trenitalia is owned by Ferrovie dello Stato (FS), which is owned by the Italian government. Other (somewhat less reliable) companies include Ferrovia Nord, which runs several lines originating in Milan and expanding into the north, and Ferrovie Sud-Est (FSE), which runs mainly in Puglia. Local rail in some parts of Italy shuts down on Sunday, leaving buses as the principle weekend transportation option.

Several types of trains ride the Italian rails. The locale (sometimes called a regionale ) stops at every station along a particular line, often taking twice as long. The diretto makes fewer stops than the locale, while the espresso only stops at major stations. The air-conditioned, more expensive, InterCity (IC), or rapido, train travels only to the largest cities; a few routes may require reservations. Tickets for the fast, comfortable, and pricey Eurostar trains (1st- and 2nd-class trains) require reservations. Eurail passes are valid without a supplement on all trains except the Eurostar. All InterRail holders must also purchase supplements (€2-20) for trains like Eurostar and InterCity. Train tickets may be purchased from bigletterie and automated ticket machines, which have instructions in English. There are often discounts for those under 26 or those traveling in a group of six or more.

Easy Come, Easily Missed. Trenitalia stations are poorly labeled. Ask the conductor which is your stop to avoid missing it entirely.

Trains are not always safe. For long trips make sure you are on the correct car, as trains sometimes split at crossroads. For more specific travel safety concerns see Personal Safety . Towns listed in parentheses on European schedules require a train switch at the town listed immediately before the parentheses. Note that unless stated otherwise, Let’s Go lists one-way fares.