Question 1

How far in advance should I book my train tickets?

Accepted Answer

Trenitalia's train schedules and fares are typically only released between 90-120 days in advance*, so it's not a good idea to solidify travel plans before that point—the timetable can change seasonally.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.Buying tickets soon after they're released gives you a better chance of securing seats during busy travel days, and may give you access to sales or ticket discounts that are only available for advance purchases.* The 90-120 day figure refers to high-speed trains. Regional train tickets are usually only available about 60 days in advance.

Question 2

What should I know about traveling in Italy by train with kids?

Accepted Answer

Bringing the kids along on a trip through Italy is both an exciting and rewarding adventure and, at times, challenging. We have covered some of the things that help make traveling with children by train in Europe easier in another article. Here, we want to make sure you know all about the various train ticket and rail pass options for your kids when you take the train around Italy. Train Tickets for Children in ItalyChildren under age four travel for free on Trenitalia trains in Italy. They do not get their own seat, however, when traveling for free. This can be a problem if it's a train that requires reservations and all the other seats are taken, leaving you with a child in your lap for the whole trip. Children ages 4-11 travel at a sometimes-discounted child fare on most trains in Italy (including Thello). Check the adult fare for the trip, as they are occasionally less expensive than the dedicated child fare. On high-speed Frecce, InterCity, and ICN trains, children ages 4-14 are eligible for the sometimes-discounted child fare. On Italo trains, children under age two travel for free, and children ages 2-16 are eligible for a child rate. Seat, couchette, and other reservations must be made even for a child traveling for free, and these still require reservation fees. Rail Passes for Children in ItalyThere are rail passes for children ages 4-11, which are free of charge with the purchase of an adult rail pass. Each adult pass can have up to two children added for free, though each child must have his or her own pass. Children under age four do not need a rail pass, but if you want to be sure of a seat you'll need to reserve one for the child as well as yourself.

Question 3

What is seating like on trains?

Accepted Answer

The configuration and type of seating you'll find when you get on a train in Europe can vary quite dramatically from one country (or one train) to the next. You may encounter an arrangement that differs from the examples below, but we hope that this information will help you find your seat more quickly.Seat NumberingTo find your seat number, first find the correct car number indicated on the outside of the car. Then make your way down the aisle until you see your seat number. Numbers are displayed above seats in a similar fashion to those on airplanes.On some train cars, many of the seats are facing each other, with a small table in between. Ticket vendors assume that, for instance, a couple traveling together will want to sit across from one another. The numbers for the seats are usually consecutive for adjacent seats, however, so when you look at the reservations for you and your partner's seats it may look like you're not sitting together. You are - you're just sitting across from each other. The numbering system for this reason can be a cause for confusion even before you get to the train platform - especially if you're traveling with another person or in a group.If you'd prefer adjacent seats, make that clear to the vendor at the ticket counter beforehand. Note that ItaliaRail cannot change seat assignments, as right now they come automatically from Trenitalia. You can attempt to change them at the station prior to getting on the train, assuming there are open seats to which you can be moved.The same potential confusion exists with sleeper compartment bunk numbers, too, so don't worry if the numbers for you and your partner appear to be in different compartments. When you book two seats or bunks at the same time, the assumption on the part of the ticket seller is always that you want to be together. Confirm or clarify if it makes you feel better, of course.Seat ReservationsSome 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.Note that in these trains there is often a spot for reservations to be posted at each seat, even if the seat is reserved for later in the trip. If your journey has you getting off the train before the reservation's starting point, then, you're welcome to take that seat.Compartments vs. Open Train CarsIn an open-saloon style car, seats are clearly numbered once you get on the train, usually overhead (similar to where the numbers are on an airplane). The aisle seat is often depicted with a person standing next to it, and the window seat with a rectangle representing the window.Some open-saloon cars also have bench-style seating as opposed to individual seats. In this case, they're typically not reserved, so you can sit wherever you like.In compartments, numbers are typically on a diagram outside the door of the compartment, and may also be inside at each seat (but don't count on it).

Travel distance	135 miles
Fastest time	2h 18m
Daily trains	18
Ticket from	20

Bologna Perugia

Train from Bologna to Perugia

Train from Bologna to Perugia

Amenities on the trains between Bologna and Perugia

Bologna Bologna to PerugiaTrain from Bologna to Perugia Perugia

Train from Bologna to Perugia

Train from Bologna to Perugia

Amenities on the trains between Bologna and Perugia

Bologna Perugia