Writetorich, as expressed by Alice11, this is an old thread. Now, many, many people are enjoying success using their credit cards on the Trenitalia website. Thus, buying tickets in advance is an option for all.

You might want to read this article, which walks you through purchasing a ticket online at the trenitalia website. That post also has a section devoted to booking through the *Le Frecce* section of the Trenitalia website - those are the fastest trains! Wen you book on the website, seat reservsations on these faster trains are included in your ticket cost. In the *Le Frecce* booking procedures, they have a unique seat selection process... which is just like booking on an airplane - you can select the exact seat(s) you want.

The "hot" discount now - and the one you can save up to 60% on - is the MINI ticket discount, started in January 2011. There are restricted, much like buying a discounted airline ticket, and the amount of available MINI tickets available are controlled by Trenitalia. Yo can get this discount up until midnight before the day you travel - if there are any MINI tickets left! Or you can wait until you're in Italy and also purchase MINI tickets through the many kiosks in the train stations. They are quite easy to use!

Earlier a question was asked about 1st versus 2nd class. The excellent article, written by GAC explains the differences between 1st and 2nd class. On many short routes, 2nd class is certainly comfortable.