Select a destination and find the train station nearest you. Book a reservation for your intended train journey. Almost all rail services in Italy require that a seat reservation be purchased along with or before the ticket; this is also true if you hold a rail pass.
Select your train. There are many types of trains in Italy, and the one you end up taking is dependent on your route and your chosen travel speed. The fastest trains in Italy are known as Alta Velocita, which run on their own lines and are therefore not available for every destination. The second-fastest option is known as the Eurostar and services Italy's bigger cities. InterCity trains also connect the bigger cities in Italy, though they are a bit slower than the previous options. Lastly, the InterRegional trains go between big cities and towns.
Select your passenger class. Though the seats in first class have a bit more room than those in second class, the difference is often negligible. However, the passengers in first class are served a complementary beverage at the beginning of their journey.
Book your ticket, including a return if necessary. You can either do this at the train station or in advance online. Additionally, tourists who do not speak Italian may also find that booking online or at the train station using an automated ticket dispenser to be more convenient as both methods have an English-language option.
Arrive at the train station about 30 minutes before your train is due to depart, especially if you are traveling in the middle of a national holiday. This gives you time to locate your departure platform without time pressures.
Validate your ticket by placing it into a validating machine -- a yellow wall-mounted box with a ticket slot. This will stamp your ticket with the date so you cannot reuse it. After the validation process, you may embark on your journey.
