Traveling around Italy by train is, for many, the best way to see the country’s history, culture, and gorgeous scenery. Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, the rail network is fast, comfy, and often very scenic, linking big cities and small towns alike. Skip driving on unfamiliar roads, hunting for parking in old city centers, or waiting at airport security. Trains drop you right in the center of your destination, making them a smooth and enjoyable way to explore il bel paese.
Italy train travel guide for first-time visitors
Why choose trains for travel in Italy?
Trains make travel in Italy simple. The network reaches almost everywhere, so you can move easily between Rome, Florence, Venice, and beyond. Stations are in city centers, so you save time on transfers. You don’t need to show up hours early, check bags, or go through long security lines. Trains are also a greener way to travel across the country.
There’s also charm in watching Italy roll by your window: vineyards, coastlines, and mountains. The ride becomes part of the trip. With modern coaches and comfy seats (even in second class), it’s a relaxing way to cover distance and arrive ready to explore.
When is train travel the best option in Italy?
Trains work best when you plan to visit several cities or towns. High-speed services shine on routes like Rome-Florence, Rome-Milan, and Rome-Naples. Rome to Florence takes just over 90 minutes; Rome to Naples is a little more than an hour. That means more time sightseeing and less time in transit.
Trains also suit travelers who don’t want to drive. Stations sit near major sights or connect easily to local transport. Regional trains, while slower, are great for smaller towns and villages and often cost less, giving you an easy way to find hidden spots off the high-speed lines.
Types of trains in Italy
High-speed trains
High-speed trains are the fastest option, run by Trenitalia and Italo. They link major cities at up to 300 km/h (186 mph). Trenitalia’s Frecce trains include Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca, with Frecciarossa 1000 at the top end. Italo runs AGV and EVO trains on similar routes.
These trains connect Turin, Milan, Venice, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Naples, and more. Expect roomy seats, air conditioning, outlets, free Wi-Fi, and usually a cafe bar or at-seat service in higher classes. Scenery can pass quickly at speed, but comfort and time savings are hard to beat.
Intercity trains
Intercity (IC) trains sit between high-speed and regional services. They connect mid-sized cities to bigger hubs and make more stops than high-speed trains but fewer than regional ones. They’re often cheaper than high-speed tickets and a solid choice for routes not served by the Frecce or Italo.
IC trains have comfortable seating and sometimes vending machines. Intercity Notte (night) trains link north and south, including Sicily and Puglia, with options like seats, couchettes, and private sleepers.
Regional trains
Regional trains (Treno Regionale) link small towns and rural areas. They are slower, stop more often, and usually cost less. They’re ideal for short hops and places like the Cinque Terre from Florence or Sorrento from Naples.
Carriages are basic but comfortable. If you buy a paper regional ticket at the station, you must stamp it in the validation machines near the platforms before boarding. Online regional tickets usually include a quick “check-in” step instead.
Night trains
Night trains (Intercity Notte) are handy for long trips. You travel while you sleep, save on a hotel night, and arrive ready to go. Routes include the north to the far south, reaching cities like Syracuse and Lecce.
Choose from seats, shared couchettes, or private sleepers for one to three people. A couchette or sleeper is the most comfortable and secure option, with a door lock and a flat bed.
Scenic and tourist trains
Some routes are an experience on their own, built around great views at a slower pace. They highlight coastlines, mountains, and countryside.
Highlights include the Cinque Terre Express along the Ligurian coast and the Bernina Express from Tirano into Switzerland, famous for the Brusio Viaduct and glacier views. Other pretty routes: the Vigezzina line in Piedmont, Sardinia’s “Trenino Verde,” and the Ferrovia Circumetnea around Mount Etna.
Italian train companies and their services
Trenitalia
Trenitalia is the state operator and runs most trains in Italy across all regions. It offers high-speed Frecce (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca) with classes from Standard to Executive. Higher classes include extras like snacks, drinks, and at-seat meals.
Trenitalia also runs Intercity and regional services, plus Intercity Notte overnight routes. You can book on Trenitalia’s website or app. If payment or language is tricky, try Omio or Trainline for easier booking and international cards.
Italo
Italo is a private high-speed operator competing with Trenitalia on major city routes such as Turin, Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Naples, and Salerno. Its trains are fast, modern, and comfortable, with multiple classes and Wi-Fi, outlets, and catering.
Competition between Italo and Trenitalia often means good prices, especially when you book early. If direct booking is difficult, use third-party sites to compare both operators in one place.
Other regional train operators
Some private and local lines serve airports, tourist routes, or specific regions. These include the Circumvesuviana (Naples-Pompeii-Sorrento) and the Malpensa Express (Milan Malpensa Airport to Milano Centrale).
Others include TRENORD in the north, Gargano Railways, and Bari-Matera trains. Rail passes usually don’t cover these lines, so buy separate tickets and follow each operator’s rules for tickets and validation.
Major train routes and destinations in Italy
Rome to Florence and Venice
This classic route is quick and easy by high-speed train. Rome Termini to Florence SMN takes a bit over 90 minutes. Trains run often with both Frecciarossa and Italo.
Florence to Venice takes about 2 hours with frequent departures. These routes are popular, so book ahead during busy times to get lower fares and your preferred seat. Arriving in the city center makes this route very convenient.
Milan to Naples
Milan to Naples is a long north-south trip covered well by high-speed trains in about 4-5 hours. Both Italo and Trenitalia run many daily services.
On a longer ride, onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets, and food options matter more. Booking early is a good idea for better prices.
Florence to Pisa and Cinque Terre
Regional trains are best for Florence day trips. Florence to Pisa Centrale takes about 60-90 minutes with frequent trains, perfect for seeing the Leaning Tower.
For the Cinque Terre, go Florence → La Spezia by regional train, then switch to the Cinque Terre Express to reach all five towns and Levanto. The coastal views are lovely. Remember to validate paper regional tickets before boarding.
Coastal and scenic routes
The Levante Riviera between La Spezia and Genoa offers sea views, bright towns, and tunnels cut through cliffs. It’s great for a slow day of sightseeing from the train window.
Farther south, the Circumvesuviana from Naples to Sorrento shows off Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples and connects to Pompeii and Herculaneum. These routes are slower but rich in local color and views. Buy regional or local tickets as needed; reservations are usually not required.
International connections
Italy links well with neighboring countries. Frecciarossa trains now run fast services between Milan/Turin and Paris. With smart connections, you can go Milan to London in a day.
Popular scenic links include the Brenner Pass (Munich-Venice) and the Euronight between Rome and Vienna with two-bed sleepers. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a luxury, vintage-style trip from Venice to major European cities at premium prices.
Most scenic train journeys in Italy
Bernina Express
The Bernina Express starts in Tirano and crosses into Switzerland on one of Europe’s most striking mountain railways. The red trains wind past the Brusio Viaduct, waterfalls, and glaciers.
The route is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. First class can include panoramic cars with larger windows or glass panels for wide views. It’s a bucket-list ride for lovers of mountain scenery.
Cinque Terre Express
Within Italy, the Cinque Terre Express is a must on the Ligurian coast. It links Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare, plus Levanto and La Spezia.
The tracks cling to the coast, with glimpses of the sea, vineyards, and colorful villages. Tickets are easy to buy locally. No reservations are needed, but it gets busy in peak season.
Other recommended routes
The Vigezzina-Centovalli line from Domodossola to Locarno delivers two hours of bridges, valleys, and gorges. It feels like a step back in time.
In Sicily, the narrow-gauge Ferrovia Circumetnea circles Mount Etna through lemon groves and old lava fields. Sardinia’s “Trenino Verde” crawls across wild interior landscapes. Near Naples, the Circumvesuviana gives views of Vesuvius and easy access to ancient sites. Each ride shows a different side of Italy and rewards a slower pace.
Getting around Italian train stations
Major train stations in Italy
Stations in Italy are busy hubs with shops, food, and services, often right in the city center. Big ones include Roma Termini, Firenze SMN, Milano Centrale, and Napoli Centrale. Roma Termini is like a small city. Milano Centrale is a grand multi-level gateway to the north.
These stations connect well to local transport. Venice Santa Lucia sits right on the Grand Canal. Large stations can feel crowded, so arrive 20-30 minutes early to find your platform and seat without rushing.
Signage, facilities, and accessibility
Signs are clear and often in Italian and English. Watch for “Partenze” (Departures) and “Arrivi” (Arrivals). Platform numbers (“binario”) appear close to departure time. Match the train number on your ticket to the board, as your stop may not be the final destination listed.
Most big stations have ticket counters, easy self-service machines, restrooms (sometimes with a small fee), cafes, and shops. Many offer Left Luggage storage. Accessibility has improved, with ramps and braille signage. “Sala Blu” offices in 15 major stations (Milan, Venice, Turin, Rome, Naples, and others) provide free assistance for wheelchair users, visually impaired travelers, and pregnant women.
Tips for transferring between trains
Build in extra time for connections, especially in big stations. Short delays of 10-20 minutes can happen, more often on regional lines. Plan at least a 20-minute buffer between trains to avoid stress.
Use the Trenitalia app for live updates and predicted platforms (“binario previsto”), but always confirm on the station boards. High-speed tickets are tied to a specific train; missing one may require a new ticket, depending on your fare. Regional tickets are usually more flexible. Be ready to get off a few minutes before arrival, as stops are brief.
How to buy Italy train tickets
Online ticket booking platforms
Book directly on Trenitalia.com for state services and ItaloTreno.it for Italo. You can compare times and prices and grab early “Super Economy” deals (usually no changes or refunds).
Many travelers prefer Omio, Trainline, or ItaliaRail for easier English interfaces, smoother credit card payments, and mobile tickets. These sites show both Trenitalia and Italo options, plus some regional services, with real-time updates and deals.
Buying tickets at train stations
You can always buy at the station. Use staffed counters (during opening hours) or multilingual machines (“biglietto veloce”) that take cash or cards.
Same-day prices for high-speed routes can be higher, and trains may sell out at busy times. Lines at counters are possible. For regional tickets bought at stations, stamp paper tickets in the validation machine before boarding.
Ticket types and classes
High-speed trains use fare tiers with different rules and prices. Buying early can save a lot compared to full fare. Classes range from Standard/Smart up to Executive/Club, with more space and extras as you go up. Regional trains usually have one or two classes and simpler pricing.
| Fare type | Price | Changes | Refunds | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Economy | Lowest | No | No | Fixed plans booked early |
| Economy | Medium | Limited (fee may apply) | Limited | Some flexibility |
| Base | Highest | Yes | Yes | Flexible plans |
E-tickets and paper tickets
For high-speed and many Intercity trains, you’ll get an e-ticket with a PNR code and QR code. Show it on your phone; no stamping needed.
For regional trains, paper tickets from stations must be stamped before boarding. For regional e-tickets, complete the online “check-in” step on the day of travel to activate the ticket.
Ticket validation: when and how
As a simple rule: regional tickets need activation; high-speed tickets with assigned seats don’t. For paper regional tickets, use the small green or yellow machines near the platforms to print the date and time. Do this before you board.
For regional e-tickets, tap the check-in link in your email on the day of travel to activate. If you skip validation on regional tickets, conductors can issue a fine of around €50.
Rail passes in Italy: benefits and drawbacks
Should I buy a rail pass or point-to-point tickets?
For most trips limited to Italy’s main routes (Milan-Venice-Florence-Rome), point-to-point tickets usually cost less, especially if you book early. Many second-class fares on these routes are under $50.
A pass can be good value if you plan lots of long trips, want flexibility across many days, or are linking Italy to a wider European rail trip. The more you ride, the better a pass can work out.
Types of rail passes available
Common options include the Eurail Global Pass (33 countries including Italy) and the Italy Eurail Pass. Trenitalia also sells a Trenitalia Pass for non-residents. Interrail is the version for European residents.
Passes usually offer a set number of travel days within a month (e.g., 3, 4, 5, or 8 days) and pricing by age group and class. Check coverage and fees carefully before you buy.
What do Italian rail passes cover?
Eurail passes cover Trenitalia trains: regional, Intercity, and Frecce high-speed. You’ll often pay extra for seat reservations on faster services. Passes usually do not cover private lines like Italo, Circumvesuviana, or Malpensa Express; buy separate tickets for those.
The Trenitalia Pass includes seat reservations but has more limits and fewer covered trains than Eurail. Many travelers find Eurail simpler and broader in scope.
Seat reservations with passes
A pass lets you travel, but it doesn’t include a seat on trains that require one. In Italy, high-speed, Intercity, and night trains need reservations and a small extra fee (about $10-$13 per ride). These can add up on busy itineraries.
Regional trains don’t use reservations. For high-speed and Intercity, book your seat in advance-pass holder seats can sell out. Reserve online or at stations up to about 60 days ahead.
Onboard experience: what to expect on Italian trains
Seating and comfort levels
High-speed trains offer clean, modern cars. Even Standard/Smart seats have decent legroom, outlets, and tray tables. Premium, Business, and Executive/Club bring more space and quieter cars.
Intercity and regional trains are simpler but fine for most trips. Intercity often uses reservations; regional is first-come, first-served seating.
Luggage policies and storage
There are no strict baggage limits. If you can carry it, you can bring it. Travel light if you can: overhead racks are small, and shared luggage spaces can fill up.
A medium suitcase is easiest to handle. You’ll lift your own bags. Keep an eye on your belongings, use small locks if you like, and keep valuables in a day bag.
Food, drinks, and amenities
Frecciarossa trains usually have a bar/cafe (“Freccia Bistrò”) with coffee, drinks, snacks, and sandwiches. Higher classes may get food served at the seat. Italo offers similar options.
Restaurant cars are rare now, and trolleys are less common. Many trains have vending machines. Grabbing a drink and snack at the station is often your best bet.
Wi-Fi, charging points, and toilets
Outlets are common across trains and usually work well. Wi-Fi is standard on high-speed trains, though the signal can drop in tunnels.
Toilets are available onboard and usually clean. Carry a bit of tissue and hand gel just in case. Some high-speed Business/Executive tickets include access to station lounges.
Accessibility for travelers with additional needs
High-speed trains have cars with two wheelchair spaces and room for a companion, plus large accessible toilets. Big stations add ramps and braille signage.
“Sala Blu” offices in major stations offer free help with boarding, getting around the station, and transfers. Contact them ahead of time to arrange support and a smoother trip.
Italy train travel tips and common questions
Are trains on time in Italy?
High-speed trains are usually punctual. Regional trains can run 10-20 minutes late now and then. Bigger delays happen less often.
Book direct trains when you can, and add a buffer if you have tight plans. Track your train in the Trenitalia app for live updates.
Do I need to reserve seats?
Yes for high-speed and Intercity. Your ticket includes a specific seat. Rail pass users still need to book and pay the reservation fee.
No for regional trains. Buy a ticket, board, and take any free seat. At busy times, seats can be scarce.
Luggage tips and limits
Pack light. Use overhead racks for small bags and the luggage areas at carriage ends for bigger ones. You must handle your own bags, and stops are short.
A medium suitcase is easiest. Keep valuables close and consider a small lock for peace of mind.
What to do during train strikes
Strikes (“scioperi”) do happen and are usually announced in advance. Some services still run, especially on main lines.
If a strike affects you: check Trenitalia or Italo sites (or your booking platform) for confirmed trains, look at buses or adjust plans if you can, and review refund rules. Official responses on refunds can take time, so act early when possible.
Refunds, exchanges, and ticket changes
Rules depend on your fare. Super Economy is cheapest but usually no changes or refunds. Economy allows limited changes, often with a fee. Base is flexible and costs more.
Most e-tickets allow changes within set limits and on the same route after your original time. If the new fare is higher, you pay the difference plus fees. Rail passes have separate policies; check the terms when you buy.
Traveling with children, pets, or bikes
Kids 3 and under usually ride free on your lap. On Trenitalia, ages 4-15 (or 4-12 on regional) often get about 50% off. Look for family deals like “Bimbi Gratis” with specific rules.
Small pets in carriers often ride free; larger dogs may need a ticket (about 50% of the fare), a muzzle, and a leash. Bikes: regional and some Intercity trains accept assembled bikes for a small fee in marked areas. On high-speed trains, bring a disassembled bike in a bag as luggage. Always check your operator’s rules.
Dealing with delays, cancellations, or missed connections
Keep informed with operator apps and station boards. If a delay risks a missed connection, see what alternatives exist. High-speed tickets are tied to specific trains; if you miss one, you may need a new ticket unless staff can help due to a proven delay.
If your train is canceled, go to a ticket desk or customer service for rebooking or refund options. With a rail pass, speak to staff if a delay caused you to miss a reserved train-they may endorse travel on the next service. Keep your tickets handy and ask for help if needed: “Aiuto, per favore?” works.
Planning your perfect Italy train itinerary
Sample multi-city itineraries
A classic first trip: 3-4 days in Rome, then a high-speed train to Florence (about 1.5 hours) for 3-4 days, with a day trip to Pisa or Siena by regional train, then a high-speed train to Venice (about 2 hours) for 2-3 days.
For a longer trip, add Milan (about 2 hours from Florence) for the north and Lake Como, or go south from Rome to Naples (about 1 hour) for pizza, Pompeii, and the Amalfi area by regional or local lines. Mix and match to fit your interests and time.
How to combine train travel with other transport options
Use local buses, trams, and metros to get around cities; major stations connect directly to these networks. From Roma Termini, the metro spreads across the city.
For places without train service (parts of the Amalfi Coast, rural areas, much of Sardinia), buses work well. For Sicily and Sardinia, flying can save time. Renting a car helps in rural zones or for small group trips, but learn the rules on ZTLs and parking. Many airports, like Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa, have direct train links for easy arrivals and departures.
Seasonal tips for train travel
Summer (especially mid-August), Christmas, and Easter are busy. Book high-speed and Intercity tickets early to get seats and better prices. Regional trains can also be crowded, so arrive early.
Weekday late mornings to early afternoons are usually quieter and sometimes cheaper. Spring and autumn often bring good weather and fewer crowds. Major European timetable changes happen on the second Saturdays of June and December; around those dates, booking windows may shorten to about 30 days. A bit of planning goes a long way toward a smooth trip.
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