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Tourist Survival Guide
TRAINS |
| Buying a ticket: Well, easier said than done... When travelling by train
over longer distances, you'll see the EuroStar
(ES)logo next to departure times on your schedule. This is not one of the seemingly endless abbreviations for European Community, nor does it stand for EuroCity (the same type of train with the same tariffs). Purchase of ES or IC tickets cost a bit more, but it is a more comfortable ride. Be sure to confirm that the tickets you have are valid for the train you have chosen to take. Things nobody will tell you... Figuring out the railway system calls for thinking ahead and asking questions. No one is going to tell you about extra charges on alternative trains if you don't ask, just as no one will tell you to STAMP YOUR TICKET BEFORE BOARDING. Watch your fellow travellers to spot the franking meter. Boarding an IC or ES train without having paid the supplement results in some pretty steep fines. Reservations... It is not only possible to reserve places on Italian trains, it is also advisable. In summer months particularly, the trains are so crowded that without reservations, you may end up standing in an aisle for hours all the way to your destination. You can reserve seats for your departure on arrival, or if you are staying several days, your hotel can do this for you. Smoking and non-smoking cars are available, although many passengers seem to think the no-smoking signs do not refer to corridors. What you need to know on board the train... The prime objectives for passengers on Italian trains (in addition to simply reaching your destination, which could prove problematic or take a lot longer than you thought) are essentially two: to avoid fines by respecting all rules and regulations -even if no one tells you what they are... Even the slightest deviation could prove fatal satisfying thirst and hunger which may prove easier and more pleasant than you think, depending on the hour and type of train you are on. Baggage Deposits... If you plan to stop off in any given city before continuing your trip, you can check your luggage at the station baggage deposit for around 3-5 Euros per 12 hour period, per bag. The first 12 hours are paid in advance. You’ll be given a claim token with a number on it which you should write down somewhere in case the token is lost. Personal experience has shown that you can retrieve your luggage fairly easily by describing it and the contents to the station police, provided you have the number. Check baggage-claim hours: Unfortunately this is not 24-hour service and hours vary from station to station. If you come for bags after closing time, you'll be spending the night far from your PJ's, toothbrush and everything else. |
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