Below is the typical "flight board" or "departure board" that you'll see in Italian Train Stations. This one was in Venice. It's interactive; follow the instructions to learn what each component of the board represents.
Italian Trains - More Information
Italy by Train - Buying Tickets
Tickets are usually bought in the station. You can check routes on Trenitalia. Trenitalia also has a good explanation of all their National Trains.
If you're looking for Italy Rail Passes or, a better value, France 'n Italy Pass
or to purchase train tickets in advance, Click here for Rail Europe.
If you must have tickets firmly in hand and wish you had a full service provider, we recommend Select Italy Train Ticket Service.