Train travel is generally considered safe compared to other modes of transportation, such as flying, driving, and taking a train. However, it is important to take extra precautions when riding and to be aware of the potential risks of catching the virus. Trains are generally safer than planes due to many stations having open-air platforms where travelers board. As the coronavirus pandemic continues, experts emphasize that the safest way to travel is via your own two feet, preferably using them for a solitary walk around the world.
Train companies like Amtrak have taken immediate action by combining mandatory masks, social-distancing rules and signage, carry-out-only dining, and improved air filtration. While trains and buses may have good airflow and air filtering, it is crucial to check before traveling to know what to expect. When a vehicle is crowded, wear a face mask when a vehicle is crowded.
Although accidents on mainline railways have been at an all-time low, derailment incidents have increased by 5 years on year. However, trains still have a near 100 death rate compared to airlines. Transportation experts maintain that railroads are perfectly safe, while news outlets emphasize the need for change. Customers should avoid travel if currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or if tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 10 years.
In 2020, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics recorded 40,867 total deaths from travel. Statistically speaking, rail travel is still one of the safest modes of transport, and providing you take all the usual common-sense precautions, traveling in a train can be a safe and enjoyable experience.
📹 Italian Trains: The Don’ts of Train Travel in Italy
Train travel is something that any traveler to Italy will need to take advantage of to enjoy the country of pizza, pasta, and incredible …
Are trains a safe way to travel?
Trains are a safer mode of transportation due to their numerous safety features, well-maintained tracks, and less vulnerability to bad weather. Although train accidents are often reported, they are not as common as they seem. Buses, including charter and school buses, are designed differently than cars, making them more balanced and stable. They are four times safer than train travel and 50 times safer than private vehicle travel. Both train and bus travel offer various safety benefits, making them a more reliable choice for travelers.
Is Amtrak safer than flying?
Airplane safety compared to rail is a contentious issue, with trains being almost six times safer. However, both modes of transportation are extremely safe compared to buses and cars. The average odds of being killed in a car accident over a lifetime are 1 in 98, while for air travel, it is 1 in 7, 178. Contrary to popular belief, flying is one of the safest ways to travel, with safety reaching an all-time high due to the increase in terrorist attacks over the past decade. It is essential to ensure your plane is checked multiple times before boarding.
Which mode of travel is safest?
Air travel is considered the safest mode of transportation due to its strict safety standards, which apply across all ticket classes. International air travel follows global standards set by organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ensuring uniform safety practices worldwide. Standardized procedures minimize human error, providing a safer and more predictable aviation environment. Flights are meticulously planned to navigate adverse weather conditions, further ensuring passenger safety.
Is it safe to ride Amtrak now?
Amtrak has made significant investments to enhance its technology, fleet, stations, and processes to ensure seamless and safe travel. The company has improved its app, allowing customers to book, check train status, and receive real-time information before boarding. The company has also focused on making the travel experience touch-free, including contactless boarding, ticket scanning, and the installation of new kiosks.
Amtrak’s safety efforts, backed by the guidance of its medical director and a partnership with George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, aim to boost customer confidence during the pandemic. Although masks are no longer required for Amtrak passengers and employees, they remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19.
Why is there no security on Amtrak?
Amtrak operates its own police force, which is vested with the authority to enforce the law. This is in contrast to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is responsible for the security of airports and does not have the same level of authority as a police force.
Is it safe to travel on Amtrak alone?
Amtrak, a major US rail company, is generally safe for travel alone due to security patrols. However, it is crucial to remain vigilant and keep an eye on personal belongings. The U. S. Federal Railroad Administration oversees train travel in the country, ensuring high safety standards and promoting systemwide innovations to improve the experience and efficiency of train travel. Amtrak must adhere to these regulations to operate and maintain its reputation as a reliable and efficient public transportation option. It is essential to remain vigilant and keep an eye on personal belongings while traveling with Amtrak.
Is it safe on trains?
Public transport should be a safe and comfortable experience, with safety systems such as lighting, security cameras, emergency help points, and security guards in place to ensure your safety. To avoid waiting alone, walk with other commuters or consider catching a taxi if you cannot reach your destination safely on foot. Be alert and confident, plan your route, keep your belongings secure, and be assertive when another passenger makes you feel uncomfortable or harassed.
Park close to transport points, take a well-used route back to your vehicle, and travel near the driver or guard. Carry a mobile phone or phonecard with you in case of an emergency and keep it secure close to your body.
When traveling by bus, stand back from the curb, especially if you have been drinking alcohol. At night, wait at the bus stop in a well-lit area and be alert to your surroundings. If you feel unsafe, consider catching a taxi or moving to the closest populated area. When on board, consider sitting near the bus driver, especially if the bus is relatively empty or at night. By following these simple precautions, you can ensure a safe and comfortable journey on public transport.
How do you stay safe on Amtrak?
To ensure safety during a train journey, use authorized Amtrak Red Cap service, use seat backs and handrails, and watch your step when boarding and leaving the train. Wear shoes with rubber soles and never attempt to board or exit a moving train. If you see suspicious items, persons, behavior, or activity, report it to station or onboard personnel or Amtrak Police Department by texting 27311 (APD11), calling 1-800-331-0008, or 911, and save these numbers in your contacts.
How to stay safe on a train?
Train travel in Great Britain is considered one of the safest modes of transport, but it is important to be aware of potential hazards. To prevent accidents, avoid getting carried away while consuming alcohol, block doors or aisles, keep luggage in designated areas, and pay attention to announcements. If standing, hold onto a pole or similar during start and stop times. It is also crucial to stay away from the edge of the platform and always stand behind the yellow lines.
What is the riskiest mode of transportation?
The National Safety Council (NSC) has compared four modes of transportation in its 2017 study, revealing that light-duty vehicles are the most dangerous. The NSC found that airlines, buses, and trains have lower fatality rates than light-duty vehicles, as the risk is expressed as passenger deaths per passenger mile of travel. The study also noted that drivers of light-duty vehicles are treated as passengers, while crew and operators of planes, trains, and buses are not. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident involving light-duty vehicles, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney.
What is the riskiest form of travel?
The death rate per 100 million passenger miles for passenger vehicles decreased by 5. 3 in 2022, following two consecutive yearly increases. However, passenger vehicles remain the most dangerous motorized transportation option. Over the last decade, the death rate per 100 million passenger miles was over 50 times higher than buses, 17 times higher than trains, and 1, 000 times higher than scheduled airlines.
Passenger miles are the most commonly used basis for comparing the safety of various modes of travel. This includes passenger cars, light trucks, vans, and SUVs, regardless of wheelbase, including taxi passengers.
📹 How to travel by train in Italy in 2024 🇮🇹🚅
How to travel in Italy via train. And what not to do. I take you through using the Frecciarossa high-speed train and how to buy …
An addition I’d like to make when it comes to checking your platform: Big train stations will have platforms numbered for example 1 to 15, BUT in addition they can have platforms 1 OVEST, 2 OVEST etc. or 1 EST, 2 EST etc., which means 1 WEST or 1 EAST and these are completely separate platforms to platform 1. This is something I personally fell for once, but never again 🙂
PRO tip on Regional/REG Trains (local trains, the slow ones) you can buy the tiket on the train BUT you have to pay 5€ more and it’s better if you actively find the tiket inspector inside the train and don’t wait for him, otherwise he thinks you are trying to not paying it. it is useful in emergency situations.
Great article & spot on with the information. One extra bit though is when travelling from Rome Termini be aware that there are more platforms than the those on the main concourse. We assumed that “platform 2 est” was showing the departure time was ‘estimated’ as … but it was actually “platform 2 east”. There are more platforms on the east side of the station with the same numbering starting from 1 to 5 (I think). We nearly missed our train departure but for a local who noticed that we looked anxious as our train was due to depart & it was not on platform 2. He then told us about the other platforms. And yes we did catch the train as I can whistle very loudly and the conductor held the train for us as it was moving out, very considerate.
Ciao! I rode my first European train in 1974, traveling from Salzburg where I was studying, to various destinations. It was easy back then and even easier today. In Italy, the trains run from city centers, with stops in between, to city centers. Check the frequency from your departure to your destination online, arrive at least 20 minutes before, go to a vending machine, select your preferred language, buy a ticket, for local travel validate it in a tiny box that stamps the time etc on it, and go to the platform and get on or wait till it arrives. Trains move fast. It may depart in a couple minutes. It will be comfortable safe traveling. Renting a car is silly if staying in Italy unless you cannot walk or plan on staying at a resort not in the city. I have been all over the world, Europe and Italy. Traveling by train and day excursions are comfortable and fun.
A couple (American Tourists) had their bag snatched on a train I was on from Roma Termini – Florance main. They noticed about half way through the trip when the dad went to grab something out of his bag he put in an overhead. They deduced that pickpockets were on the train acting like passengers, they took his bags basically right after they put them in overhead storage acting like they were putting their bags up there too, then they got off the train. Stay safe out there people. Italy does not care enough about tourists to actually dole out harsh penalties for pickpockets and street scammers.
Whilst it is indeed correct to say that in larger cities in Italy there is a main station is often not guaranteed that trains will even serve a main station. For instance in Florence there are some trains that serve either Rifredi or Campo di Marte Stations, whilst in Milan there are other cases of long distance trains bypassing Milan Centrale or terminating at Porta Garibaldi
I was stationed in Italy for three years, just south of Rome, Gaeta. If you’re in Roma Termini watch out for the gypsies! Seven or eight of them come around you and next thing you know your wallet or purse is gone. 😮. Also, never get a hotel near the train station in Rome, that’s a very dumpy part of town. There are two subway lines in Rome one station stops at the train station to get around further out. When I was there, the local non-IC trains tended to have no air conditioning, smelly and slow.
We visited Italy and went through the Termini station. Indeed need to be watchful for your platform. We were trying to figure things out an a smaller man came up, asked to see our ticket and walked us to the gate. We were worried it was some kind of scam but couldnt figure out how, thanked him, tipped him 5 Euro. Love the train to Venice!!!
I took an Italo train from Naples to Rome Termini earlier this month and was surprised how busy it was on a Monday afternoon. I think all seats were taken, at least in my coach and I noticed how few seats were available throughout the train when I booked. And it was cheap as well, a lot cheaper than expected and what I would pay on the UK rail network.
I travelled by Train from Venezia to Bologna and was not fun, but tiring, we had 3 suitcases and disembarked from a cruise ship. At the train terminal there was no cart or porter! we asked people at customer service and they were not helpful! They had a very small elevator we could hardly fit in with our suit cases, and we lined up and waited 25 minutes to get our turn. It was like a joke! Finding a cab is another issue, and you have to wait pretty long!
I’m italian, been traveling by train all my life, I don’t really know how I got here lol. I was just very curious to see a foreigner’s perspective on our transport system and I have to say that I was very fascinated for some reason and I ended up perusal the whole article lol. Hope you liked our country!
I always book my tickets online ahead of time….it’s about a 3month look ahead for purchasing the tickets. Love and use train travel all the time. Also, sometimes the train you take may not be listed when you look at the board….don’t worry, the trains originating city may be listed, just watch the info scroll and it will turn up….have fun….ridden that train many times…
Excellent article! Makes me want to go back to Italy even more. The trains are awesome! For local route tickets, don’t forget to validate them using the yellow machines. This is typically done already when you pre-purchase online. In the past, I’ve also gotten a four-hour window in which to use the ticket. So if you need extra time, you may be able to take the next one
One thing that I’d like to add from experience. The first time I tried to buy a train ticket from a self-serve kiosk, I used my credit card and was asked to provide my PIN number. Never needing a PIN number in the U.S., I had no idea what my PIN was, or even if I had one. I will typically take a number and wait for a window at the biglietteria. Buying on the app, for me, is a little scary due to the specific time for the train purchased. If there is an issue with arriving to the train station on time, your ticket will be null and void.
Just a reminder..when you arrive by Leonardo Express, at the Fiumicino Airport station, you MUST show your ticket. I have have seen many tourists discard their tickets on the train, thinking they will no longer need it..then they are stopped trying to enter the airport. Keep your ticket. You need it to enter into the airport!
Thank you on this article since I’m planning going to Naples 😀 Ps. It’s common thing to serve beverages and coffee in better trains, even in Serbia (at least in train that goes up to 200km/h. And it’s cheap ticket is like 4€). If you have time come to Belgrade (you have cheap wizz air flights from 15€, from Rome to Belgrade).
Just got back from Europe specifically Italy. Thanks to your website. I was able to survive the train ride…ha ha ha. Would be easier next time I go back there. Roma Termini is soooo busy and huge, but was able to find the platform # easily. Other train stations are easy to navigate! Trenitalia app is easy. I also tried to use the Biglettia machine with ease on some stations too. So, quite an experience for someone who’s not familiar with European train system because we usually don’t use train in the USA. Your article helped me. I watched it a few times before I embark on my trip. It’s a great help and saver!
soooo stressful … and imagine having you tell us everything so helpful … imagine not having that in the days without youtube or friends to talk to … single travellers just stress overload… I’d die from anxiety.. was thinking of taking the train from Rome to Piedmont/Turin if there is even a thing I am just researching .. and this is likely a giant no for me… people think I am brave in my travels… this is my limit …lol too many ops to miss or take the wrong train… would be fun/love the high speed but too complicated / stressful… standing room? oh no….. yeah exec or business Only if I was to go..
Some words of advice (especially with regional trains), don’t wear headphones or earbuds. Listen for the announcements of each stop. I went to Lucca and I saw no visible signs at Lucca when I arrived in Lucca. You can miss your stop if you’re not listening to the announcements. Some stations lack adequate signs. Lucca is the worst train station I’ve been to in Italy. They need better signs all over the station.
For Americans: The vending machines have English Language in Italy. You have to press the flag of UK/GB, the Union Jack. Most of you don’t know it looks so just google it on the web/wiki! And yes, it is true most of you stand there and don’t how what to press to start, because it is not the good old red-white-and-blue flag….
@gregorbrown Thanks for the super helpful article! We’re planning to visit Rome, do a motorcycle tour, then take the train to Lucca. This means changing trains in Florence and possibly handling a larger 25″ rolling bag (on top of a smaller 20″ rolling bag apiece). The larger bag would need to go in a bin at the end of a car – do you recommend riding business class or executive so it is more secure? (Don’t want to have our motorcycle gear stolen : ) Also, what size bags fit under or above the seats – is it similar to international carry on size on planes? Thanks!
Thank you for the help. Very well done article! What do you know about the Omni app. It is for all modes of public transport and all types of trains. Have you used it? We will be in Italy in June for a wedding and vacation. We are a little nervous. Just my daughter and I. We see so much about pick pockets.
We are going to travel from Civitavecchia to Venice by train in October. Our first trip to Italy and first train ride! Your article answered many of our questions and it was reassuring seeing you literally walk us through the process! We are unsure whether the train from Civitavecchia to Rome is high speed but Rome to Venice is definitely. We will book in advance for business class most likely but are worried about changing trains in Rome and maybe missing our connection. Are there workers by the gates we can ask for assistance?
Hi, thanks for this helpful article. I have a question on cancellation and refund of tickets booked on the Trenitalia site. If we are unable to travel, how can we cancel the ticket. I can’t find an option on their site even after i am logged in. Also, is there any percentage that gets refunded even for a non-refundable ticket that is cancelled up to 2 weeks in advance? Or even an option to change the date for travelling or getting vouchers for that amount? Look forward to a response on this please. Thanks!
Hi there. We are travelling to Rome in September 2024. We want to make day trip to Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre and Venice over the span of our stay. Can you advise us on how to go about buying tickets. It is best to buy a return ticket to Florence and then do a quick local trip to Pisa? Does Italy offer a type of train ticket that we can use to travel to all our destinations? We are coming from South Africa and we don’t have public transport systems like this 😊
Thank you for the great advices! I have a doubt regarding the seats assignment, I saw on the site that we can choose the seats while doing long distances travels, or not. Does anyone know when we prefer not to choose seats, if they are automatically and randomly assigned or if we can just sit anywhere within the train?
We traveled from Rome to Florence in May 2024 and booked the tickets in advance. Also we took a “welcome pack” what a joke. We waited almost the whole train ride for someone to bring them to us. We were almost at Fieree and hadn’t gotten it. We went to the food cart to ask and they were really rude there. “We are short of staff, go and wait at your place, they will come. It was about 20 minutes before we arrived in Florence and it was really miserable. Water, cookies and a small bag of potato chips. I could have bought them myself cheaper. Don’t take any welcome packages. The train continued from Florence To Venice, maybe then we would have received the “package” in time. The restaurant wagon is really insignificant, you didn’t see anything for sale. In Finland, you can say that the food cart is really a Restaurant cart.
Hey, that’s a good article! Thanks to the author of the website for this fascinating article! It is interesting to see how people live in other countries! It is very important to know foreign languages on such trips. I would like to recommend to all travelers a practical guide to learning foreign languages by Yuriy Ivantsiv “Polyglot Notes. Practical tips for learning foreign languages”. This book contains a lot of useful tips on how to learn a foreign language for tourists, students, entrepreneurs and anyone who needs a foreign language in life. There are a lot of good tips on how to solve problems with the language from beginner to advanced level of language learning. It turns out that the traveler only needs to know a few dialogues and you can easily travel around the world! You don’t have to spend a lot of time to fully learn a foreign language, you just need to learn what you can use when you travel. I wish everyone exciting travels!
The most annoying, stupid ridiculous thing I find are the tannoy announcements like : train 36486 for Milan…. / train 29813.for Venice .. .. etc etc – – who came up with this nonsense, totally irrelevant – In my old days announcements were as such : treno for milano arriving at such platform… – – what use can be to a traveller being told a set of numbers, who cares ? Typical Italian cannot semplifying things – – trains are not planes – –