Long-distance trains, yesHowever, as there are so many trains each with hundreds of seats there are almost always places available on most trains even just before departure. So you can buy at the station on the day if you want. The issue is price.
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You can buy your train tickets roughly 2 months ahead of when you'll need them, and can even book them the day before your train trip. Once you're in Italy, you can buy tickets just before you get on a train.
We highly recommend that you book out as far in advance as possible, especially for popular and high-speed routes between major cities, such as Rome to Milan, Bologna to Milan, Naples to Rome, or Florence to Rome.
Onboard. In most circumstances, you must purchase a ticket before you board a train. On most Amtrak trains, only the full, undiscounted, unrestricted fare will be available for purchase onboard the train. This is regardless of reservations made or fares previously quoted by ticket agents, Amtrak.com or elsewhere.
Arrive at the train station with at least 20 minutes before departure. You don't need to worry about long security lines but you will need enough time to check the electronic boards which display the train numbers and their corresponding track number (or bin./binario in Italian).
If you miss your train, simply approach the ticket counter, or Biglietteria, present your original ticket, and ask about your options. The representative will be able to advise you based on your individual ticket.
EuroCity, InterCity, and international trains: Reservations are required, and cost about $10 if you have a rail pass. Regional trains: Most trains that aren't on the main lines, such as connections to Assisi, as well as most Florence–Pisa–Cinque Terre service, don't require (or even offer) reservations.
Yes, but it does depend on how last minute you plan to travel. If you're buying very last minute, your best option is to order a mobile Pass, which you'll instantly receive in your inbox after purchase. If you don't plan on using trains that require seat reservations, you only need to order a few days before your trip.
Some trains require seat reservations, and on other trains it's optional. If you're riding a train on which reservations are only recommended or completely optional and you don't have a reservation, you can sit in any available seat in the appropriate class you have booked.
You can find the schedules of all Italian train tickets on ItaliaRail, Omio & Trainline — just plug in your route. These websites will give you the prices and times so you can quickly compare your options.
Higher fares usually apply when purchasing tickets onboard the train. To secure the best available fare, passengers should purchase tickets prior to boarding the train.
Travel during peak travel periods will usually see you paying more as there is more demand for tickets. For that reason, the best days to buy tickets are generally in the middle of the week between Tuesday and Thursday, the former considered the best of all by several sources.
If the conductor comes to check your ticket and it's not validated, you may have to pay a fine. You will also be charged a fee if you buy your ticket on the train from the conductor so try to do it at the station. Validate your regional train ticket by stamping it in this machine.
Paperless train tickets In Italy are very common. Instead of a paper ticket, you'll simply get a code to show the ticket inspector. No printer required! You can present paperless train tickets on a smartphone or other mobile device, or you can simply write the reference down.