Hi. I'm going to Italy in about a month and have heard
horror stories about Italian trains being really unreliable.
Is it true that they frequently stop running for no
apparent reason? I'm trying to plan out my trip and don't
know how worried I should be about getting from place to
place. I've heard that they're great when they're running,
but... Should I try to figure out buses instead? Yuck.
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YOu're probably worried about nothing - I didn't have any
problems with the trains in Italy when I was there.
Stick with trains in Italy...they can be bad especially in
the south but they're not THAT bad, only ever missed a
connection once and had to wait two hours for the next train
via an alternate route...not too much stress though as there
are trains acoming and going from everywhere... The Express
trains are especially good. Most trains are heavily booked
in summer, especially 2nd class, if you get a pass for 1st
class nonsmoking you can very likely get a cabin to yourself
the majority of the time. If you're sleeping please sleep
with the window open a little! as gassing does occur, not
always though, but just be wary. Be especially careful
around Roma and Bologna termini at night.
ITALY IS A GOOD EUROPEAN COUNTRY, IF YOU ARE FRON AMERICA
OR CANADA OR AUSTRALIA OR JUST FROM FOR EXAMPLE INGLAND
YOU WILL JUST FILL AT HOME..
IF YOU ARE A TRAVELLER (BUT I DO NOT THINK SO..) YOU WILL
FILL TO MUCH AT HOME..
Actually, the trains in Italy have improved quite a bit in
recent years. No, they are not as smooth or efficient as
German trains, but they are rather reliable most of the
time. For the most part they are safe. Just use a dash of
common sense, be aware, and then do not worry about it.
Strikes can occur and can be a problem anywhere in Europe
Just keep up local news and be aware of any potential
problems. A matter a fact, a strike of some sort is likely
this summer. You just have to roll with the punches when on
the road. For more train info. see
www.footloosetravel.com
We used trains extensively in Italy and also some long
distance buses. We had no problems with the departures,
luggage, no problems at all. The staff at various hotels
were extremely helpful in calling for departure info.
The trains are fine, just sometimes a little crowded. The
price is right, too. I am not sure how you got your
impression.
I travelled trough Italy last summer; the trains were no
problem at all. I also heard about some horrifying story's;
people jammed in between dogs, luggage and funky smelling
Italians for houres, etc. But all I have to say about the
Italian railways is; It's not that bad! Buses ar much worse!
Have fun wile your there!
Hey Kelly,
Just got back from Italy Thursday so I'll give you an up to
date report. Going from town to town in Italy, I used the
trains the whole time.
Yes, they can run late, but for the most part they are
alright. As mentioned above, they are not quite as
efficient as the German trains but they will get you where
you need to go. I've had trains run late on me several
times before and I have missed connections because of that
but it's not usually a big deal.
Trains will also sometimes stop for no apparent reason on
the track but they get going again within a few minutes.
There's nothing to be worried about.
Stick with the trains, you don't want to be spending hours
on a bus on windy Italian roads, trust me. Above all, try
to keep an open schedule and enjoy yourself. Ciao!