Question 1

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).

Question 2

When is the best time to travel to Italy?

Accepted Answer

What's best in this case varies significantly depending on several factors - including your itinerary, budget, and travel style. Here are some things to consider when determining what's ideal for your trip.WeatherItalian summers can be extremely hot, while winters are typically cold and wet. The heat can start as early as late April in some places, so don't count on spring being mild. November is almost universally the wettest month.If your travel dreams include beaches, hiking, or other outdoor recreation that relies on sun, the summer months are likely your best bet for ideal weather - keeping in mind that strenuous activities should be done early in the day before the heat gets too bad.If your travel dreams include skiing and hot spiced wine, the winter months are your best bet.If you don't mind the potential for rain, spring can be an excellent option.BudgetSummer is Italy's high season, when prices are usually at their highest, but the high season these days begins as early as April and runs through early October.On the other hand, in areas where snow sports are big business, the winter months are the high season.For most itineraries, the late fall through late winter are generally the most budget-friendly (excluding major holidays such as Christmas and Carnevale).CrowdsThere are few times in Italy's most popular cities that are truly crowd-free. High seasons draw huge crowds, from summer travelers to people visiting for brief holidays.It can be a good idea to consult a calendar of Italian holidays while planning your trip so you know if your travels overlap with any big local celebrations (which can cause not only larger-than-expected crowds but also extremely full trains).

Question 3

How can I find out what the train schedules are in Italy?

Accepted Answer

Thanks to our partnership with Trenitalia, ItaliaRail has direct, real-time connectivity to Trenitalia's schedule and reservation system, allowing us to give you the best fares and most up-to-date availability. Many of our most popular routes have trains leaving every half hour, but some destinations have less frequent service. Use our search tool to browse train schedules and find the trains that suit your itinerary best.The main hall of every train station in Italy contains a departure and arrival board. In addition to the track numbers, these boards also display each train's final destination along with the stops made en route.In each train station, pocket timetables are available free of charge. These mini-timetables typically list departures and arrivals between two specific points or regions. Look for them near the rail information centers.An additional source for detailed schedules is the Rail Information Center itself. Utilizing computerized reservation systems means staff can make short work of finding a schedule or routing you to your city of choice. Best of all, the service is free.Thanks to the internet, printed rail schedules are no longer common.

Travel distance	115 miles
Fastest time	2h 57m
Daily trains	7
Ticket from	17

Palermo Catania

Train from Palermo to Catania

Train from Palermo to Catania

Amenities on the trains between Palermo and Catania

Palermo Palermo to CataniaTrain from Palermo to Catania Catania

Train from Palermo to Catania

Train from Palermo to Catania

Amenities on the trains between Palermo and Catania

Palermo Catania