Italy Train FAQ
Can I trust TrainPal to buy Italian train tickets?
TrainPal, owned by the Ctrip Group and authorised by Trenitalia and NTV Italo, is a trusted platform for booking rail tickets in Italy.
The Ctrip Group, listed as CTRP on NASDAQ since 2003, is a global online travel agency with over 30,000 employees and 300 million members, making it a leading player in the industry.
The Ctrip Group has partnered with Trenitalia and NTV Italo to simplify the process of purchasing rail tickets in Italy. Trenitalia is the primary train provider, offering both high-speed and regional services.
Do I need to buy Italian train tickets in advance for cheaper?
Italy rail tickets generally do not sell out, but the cheapest fares on popular high-speed routes, like Rome to Venice, Milan to Rome, and Milan to Florence, can sell out quickly.
Ticket prices vary based on flexibility.
Super economy fares are the cheapest but cannot be refunded or changed and are usually the first to sell out.
Economy fares can be changed once before departure but cannot be refunded.
Base fares are the most flexible and expensive, allowing unlimited changes and refunds with a fee before departure.
To secure the lowest price on high-speed trains, it is recommended to book Italy train tickets in advance. If you are unsure about your travel time, the Base fare is recommended for a hassle-free journey.
Do I need to buy a high speed train?
When travelling in Italy, train travel offers a unique experience. TrenItalia and NTV Italo are well-known high-speed train operators that run through the heart of Italy. TrenItalia operates two major lines that connect most cities in Italy in the fastest and shortest way possible.
The trains themselves are an essential part of the experience and shouldn't be missed while exploring Italy, as they can reach top speeds of up to 300 km/h.
Trenitalia operates mainly two types of long-distance trains: the Frecce (arrows) and Intercity trains. Intercity trains also serve medium-sized and large cities, so they are slower and cheaper compared to the Frecce, which are superfast train
What are the differences between services Standard / Premium / Business / Executive on an Italian train?
In most high-speed trains in Italy, there are two classes: 2nd Class and 1st Class. 2nd Class is the most common choice, while 1st Class offers better services and more space.
On Frecciarossa, Trenitalia's flagship train, four service levels (or classes) are available:
Standard:
It's 2nd class, the cheapest option, with basic features like reclining seats, free wifi, and LED lighting.Premium:
Similar to 2nd class, but with more compartment space. It includes all 2nd class services, plus extra legroom, seat space, and welcome snacks.Business:
1st class or Business class, designed with additional train services. Seats have over a metre of space between them. The welcome service includes a morning newspaper, snacks, and drinks.Executive:
Premium 1st class, Executive class offers all 1st class services, with additional features similar to long-distance in-flight service: leather chairs with extended legroom, wide space between seats, and exclusive rail service.Should I print the ticket of Italy rail?
On all train routes in Italy, we offer e-tickets sent to your email. If you book Italy rail tickets through the TrainPal app, you can easily access them on your phone.
The e-ticket is in PDF format and doesn't require printing. Simply show the PDF to the train ticket inspector when boarding.
Delays, Strikes, and Train Cancellations
How can I know if my train has been canceled or delayed?
Refunds and Ticket Changes
How can I request ticket refunds?
How can I check if I can get a refund for my tickets?
The rules for my ticket say its refundable, but when I apply for a refund I'm told I can't get a refund. What can I do?
The following scenarios may result in this situation:
1. Some types of tickets have different refund policies at different time periods before departure. Please confirm whether refunds are allowed during the current time period.
2. Tickets that have been scanned/used cannot be refunded.
If none of the above scenarios apply, please contact customer support for assistance.
How can I check the progress of my refund?
How long will it take for my refund to arrive in my account?
How can I change my ticket?
How can I check if I can change my ticket?
The rules for my ticket say my ticket can be changed, but when I apply to make changes I'm told it can't be changed. What can I do?
The following scenarios may result in this situation:
1. Some types of tickets have different change policies at different time periods before departure. Please confirm whether changes are allowed during the current time period.
2. Tickets that have been scanned/used cannot be changed.
If none of the above scenarios apply, please contact customer support for assistance.
Will the price difference be refunded if I change my ticket?
Can departure or arrival stations be changed?
Can passenger names be changed?
Travelling With Children or Infants
Is age calculated acording to booking time or travel time?
Requesting Invoices
How can I get an invoice?
Can I request an invoice for a refunded booking?
Can I request an invoice for refund or change fees?
Trenitalia Train FAQs
Delays, Strikes, and Cancellations
How do I apply for delay compensation?
What are the rules and standards for delay compensation?
1. If the delay is between 30 and 59 minutes, Trenitalia will offer you a voucher worth 25% of the ticket price. This voucher is valid for 12 months.
2. For delays of more than 60 minutes, Trenitalia will apply Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 of October 23, 2007, which provides for:
- For delays of between 60 and 119 minutes: payment of 25% of the ticket price for the journey in question.
- For delays of 120 minutes or more: payment of 50% of the ticket price for the journey in question.
3. No compensation is payable if passengers are informed of a delay before purchasing their ticket.
4. For more details, please visit the official Trenitalia website: https://www.trenitalia.com/it/informazioni/indennizzo_per_ritardodeltreno.html
Luggage Allowance
How can I know my train ticket baggage allowance?
You can carry luggage or other easily transportable items (strollers, prams, folding high chairs, umbrellas, deck chairs, skis, musical instruments, etc.) free of charge, as long as they do not obstruct or harm other passengers, damage the vehicle, or interfere with the service activities of the staff, and are placed in the designated spaces. In accordance with the International Regulations concerning the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID) and current national laws and regulations, luggage must not contain odorous substances or dangerous or harmful substances, such as explosive, flammable substances or objects, controlled substances, or substances which may cause spontaneous or sudden inflammation, or which are toxic, infectious, radioactive, or corrosive.
For more details, please refer to the official Trenitalia website: https://www.trenitalia.com/it/informazioni/la_guida_del_viaggiatore/la_sicurezza_deltuoviaggio.html
Can I mail my luggage if I have a lot of luggage or my luggage is too large?
Travelling With Children or Infants
Do children get discounted tickets?
Children aged 0–4 can travel for free on all national trains in first and second class and all service levels (Executive/Business/Standard/Premium) and all regional trains, as long as they don't occupy a seat and are accompanied by an adult.
Children aged 4–12 get a 50% discount on the full fare on regional trains, subject to regional regulations.
Do infants need train tickets?
Do infants get their own seats?
Is there an accompaniment service?
Can a minor travel without the required ID documents?
Travelling With Pets or Bicycles
Can I travel with pets? How much does it cost? How do I buy tickets for my pets?
You can bring small pets such as small dogs and cats on board for free, and place them in a pet carrier no larger than 70 x 30 x 50 cm. Each passenger can only bring one pet carrier.
If you have a larger dog, you can bring it on board with a leash and muzzle, but you must purchase a special ticket, the price of which varies depending on the train. (Trip.com/TrainPal does not currently support pet ticket purchases. If needed, you can purchase them on the official Trenitalia website: https://www.trenitalia.com/it.html)
For more information, see the official Trenitalia website: https://www.trenitalia.com/it/informazioni/la_guida_del_viaggiatore/se_viaggi_con_iltuoanimale.html
What documents are required for travelling with pets?
Passenger Services
Can I buy a ticket after boarding?
How do I use the on-board Wi-Fi service?
Is there a dining car on the train?
CARTFRECCIA Members
Are there any deals for CARTFRECCIA members?
How can I earn CARTFRECCIA membership points?
Can I use points for cash discounts on tickets?
After I submit a booking can I link my membership to earn points?
X-GO Members
Are there any special deals for X-GO members?
How can I earn X-GO membership points?
Can I use points for cash discounts on tickets?
After I submit a booking can I link my membership to earn points?
Travel Assistance Requirements
Can I request travel assistance?
This assistance service is provided by RFI (Italian Railway Network) for "people with disabilities" or "people with reduced mobility" (PRM), including:
- People travelling in wheelchairs;
- People with physical problems or difficulty walking;
- Elderly people;
- Pregnant women;
- Blind or visually impaired people;
- People with cognitive disabilities.
If the passenger is unable to take care of themselves and requires assistance, a personal assistant at the station or a companion during the journey may be required.
For more information, please visit the official website: https://www.trenitalia.com/it/informazioni/assistenza_alle_personecondisabilitaomobilitaridotta.html
How can I request travel assistance?
You can request travel assistance in the following ways:
- Use the SalaBlu online service or the official Sala Blu+ app (Android and iOS).
- Go directly to one of the 16 RFI Blue Rooms, open daily from 06:45 to 21:30, including holidays.
- Request by phone:
- In Italy, call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60 from a landline.
- Call the domestic Italian number +39 02 32 32 32 at standard rates from a landline or mobile phone (you can also call this number from outside Italy).
For more information, visit the official Trenitalia website: https://www.trenitalia.com/it/informazioni/assistenza_alle_personecondisabilitaomobilitaridotta.html
Italo Train FAQs
Baggage Allowance
Is luggage free? How much luggage can I bring onboard?
Luggage transport is included in the ticket price. You must place your luggage in the provided storage areas (luggage racks in the vestibule and carriage, coat racks in the carriage, and under and between seats, and bus cargo holds). Luggage larger than 75 x 53 x 30 cm is not permitted in Smart class.
For more details, please visit the Italo website: https://www.italotreno.com/en/the-train