How far in advance should I book my train tickets?
The general rule is to book 90 to 120 days in advance for high-speed trains to secure the best price. Regional trains are typically released 60 days in advance and have fixed prices, so there is less urgency to book those early.
Booking Windows by Train Type
| Train Type | Release Window | Price Model | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Speed (Frecciarossa/Italo) |
90 - 120 Days | Dynamic | Book ASAP. Prices increase significantly as departure nears. |
| Regional (Regionale) |
~60 Days | Fixed | Book anytime. Price does not change. Good for flexible days. |
| Intercity / Night | 90 - 120 Days | Dynamic | Book early to secure sleeping berths (Night) or cheaper seats. |
Why can't I find tickets for my dates?
If you are searching for dates 4+ months away and see no results, it is likely that the schedule has not been released yet. Additionally, be aware of the Seasonal Schedule Change.
The "Schedule Switch" (June & December)
Trenitalia updates their entire timetable twice a year: on the second Sunday of June and the second Sunday of December. Tickets for travel dates after these switch-over days are often not released until a few weeks prior to the change.
Can I book train tickets on the same day?
Yes, you can almost always buy tickets the day before or even minutes before departure at the station or online.
- Regional Trains: Safe to buy same-day (prices don't change).
- High-Speed Trains: You can buy same-day, but you will pay the "Base" (full) price, which can be 2-3x higher than advance booking.
- Risk: On major holidays or peak summer routes, high-speed trains may sell out completely.