Italian Steps - Taking the train - Cultural notes

Fact File

• Trains in Italy are relatively inexpensive, and take you to all corners of the country quite efficiently. The national network is run by the Ferrovie dello Stato, or Trenitalia. The company was set up in 1905, and today operates 7,500 trains per day with tracks spanning over 16,000km linking every region in Italy.



• Most train stations in Italy have machines, biglietterie automatiche or postani self-service, where you can look up schedules and buy tickets either in cash or with a credit card. When planning your trip, it's advisable to try to buy your tickets in advance, as queues at these machines are common. You can reserve seats, at an extra cost of 3 euros.



• There are several different types of trains listed on timetables. Eurocity, or EC trains, are international express trains with very few stops. Intercity, or IC trains, stop only at major stations. The Rapido are long-distance express trains, whereas Express trains stop at all the main stations. The Diretto trains are much slower, while the Locale is a slow train that stops at every station on the itinerary. When in Rome look out for the Leonardo Express - this takes you from Rome Termini Station to the airport every half hour.



• You must convalidare il biglietto, validate or stamp your ticket, before you board the train. You can do this at one of the yellow validation machines at the platform entrance. If these machines aren't working, write the date and time on the ticket as if you had punched it in the machine. Failure to do so could mean an on-the-spot fine of 5 euros.



• The ticketing system has recently been updated so that for short trips of 200 km or less, you have six hours to complete your journey from the time of the validation stamp. For trips of more than 200 km, you have 24 hours to complete your trip, so you're free to stop off en route.



• If your train is more than 30 minutes late on arrival you may be entitled to a discount off your next train ticket. Be prepared to argue your case with the station staff at the information office.



• There are many discounted tickets available for young people, families and senior citizens, such as the Carta Verde, Green Card, for the under-26, and the Carta Argenta, Silver Card, which entitles over-60s to a 15% discount. Younger travellers travelling within Italy can also buy Italy Rail Cards, which permit unlimited travel throughout the entire Italian rail system for anything up to a month at a time. Look out for other offers and excursions on treni regionali and treni interregionali, regional trains, like Veneto's Treno Blu. Tickets entitle travellers to discounts in local attractions.



• Despite the efficiency of the train system you should still watch out for delays, i ritardi, and strikes, gli scioperi. These can be frequent, and generally take place at the weekend, from Saturday evening until Sunday evening. When a strike is scheduled, details should be announced on the Trenitalia website.