Italian trains: Frecciabianca

• Q. What language is spoken at the train station and on the train?

  A. Typically at the train station and on board the train the local language is spoken. Announcements at the station and on board the train will be made in the local language of the departure station.

• Q. I bought the Rail Protection Plan™. Can I exchange my train ticket, even though the ticket is non exchangeable?

  A. One of the greatest benefits of the Rail Protection Plan™ is that it provides you with the total flexibility to change your train ticket or rail pass – regardless of its refund/exchange policy- no questions asked. With the Rail Protection Plan™ you’re also protected in the event of a railroad strike, or the loss or theft of paper tickets or rail passes.

• Q. How do I use a Rail Europe Gift Card?

  A. Simply use the Gift Card code that was provided by Rail Europe on your certificate. Enter this code on the delivery page during checkout. Note: the full dollar value of the Gift Card doesn’t need to be used all at once; you will be sent a new Gift Card code for any remaining balance.

• Q. If I bought my rail pass from another company, can I still book my seat reservations through Rail Europe?

  A. Yes. You can book your reservation with Rail Europe regardless of where you purchased your rail pass.

• Q. Can I get the address and phone number for the train station?

  A. We offer specific train station information and maps with approximate locations of many of the most popular train stations in Europe.

  In general, you’ll find that stations are centrally located and conveniently reached via public transportation and most airport-to-city links.

• Q. Can I give or resell my train ticket to someone else? Or can I travel with someone else’s ticket?

  A. It depends if the train ticket has your name printed on it or not. In general, most tickets that include a reservation are name-specific and should only be used by the traveller whose name is printed.

  Open tickets, on the other hand, are not name-specific. Different travellers can use them as long as the new traveller is eligible for the fare issued.

• Q. What do I need to show to the conductor when traveling by train with a rail pass?

  A. While traveling with a rail pass, you will need to show the conductor your pass. Be sure your pass is activated prior to boarding the train. For trains that require reservations, be sure to have your valid reservations ready to show the conductor, as well. Lastly, it is not uncommon for a conductor to request to see your passport, best to keep it handy.

• Q. Should I buy my seat reservations prior to arriving in Europe, or can I just get them at the station locally?

  A. We recommend that you purchase your reservations as soon as possible, once you’ve determined which train journeys you’d like to take and what dates you’ll need them.

  In most cases, rail carriers set aside a limited number of seats for stand-alone reservations. Once those seats have sold out, only regular full-fare tickets can be bought for the train. Because of the limited reservation-only inventory, these seats do in fact sell out, especially during peak travel seasons such as the holidays or summer. The cost difference between a stand-alone reservation and a full-priced ticket can amount to a hundred dollars or more. There’s nothing more frustrating than being unable to use your rail pass and having to buy a full priced ticket at significant cost. Therefore, we highly encourage you to lock down your reservation and make the most of your travel budget as soon as possible.

  Also keep in mind that reservations can be purchased online from Rail Europe’s website and iPhone App. Many rail carriers do not sell stand-alone reservations through their website and in most cases, you will have to go in person to the rail station to buy your reservation when in Europe.

• Q. My group lives large. Can we book an exclusive carriage or charter an entire train?

  A. Whether your group is looking to book an exclusive carriage on a scheduled train for their sole use, or wishing to charter an entire train, we can arrange it. Simply fill out a Group Quote form and one of our dedicated group consultants will respond with a quote to fit your groups’ needs.

• Q. What is a Diabolo fee?

  A. The Diabolo fee is a supplement for utilizing the trains in and out of the Brussels Airport Station in Belgium. This nominal fee can be paid at the station or on board the train.

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