Unlocking the Secrets of Italy Train Travel
Italy, with its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant culture, is a haven for travelers. One of the most efficient and enjoyable ways to explore this beautiful country is by train. The Italian rail network is extensive and well-maintained, connecting major cities, charming towns, and breathtaking countryside.
The Italian train network is one of the best ways to travel to and around Italy. Travellers can admire the beautiful scenery of the country as they pass through cities, mountains, countryside, lakes or by the sea.
A few of the noteworthy routes with scenic views are the Bernina Express which goes from Italy to Switzerland crossing the Alps, the Trenino Verde, which travels across the island of Sardinia, and the Cinque Terre Express, which passes by all five towns of the Cinque Terre.
Most of the major cities in Italy have routes that directly connect (such as Turin, Milan, Florence, and Rome)..
Trains in Italy also offer routes that connect to neighbouring countries like Switzerland, France, and Germany. The Italian train network offers a variety of train types and train companies that visitors may choose from while planning their trip to Italy.
The main trains in Italy are Trenitalia and Italo. These companies service high-speed trains, international trains, and regional trains.
With Omio, travellers can compare which train better fit their needs, for example depending on price and travel time, as well as see whether the train is high-speed or regional.
Understanding the Italian Rail System
Italy’s rail system is known for its efficiency and speed. Operated primarily by Trenitalia (the national railway company) and Italo Treno (a private high-speed rail service), the network offers a variety of travel options that cater to the diverse needs of passengers.
Types of Trains
- High-Speed Trains: These trains, such as Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa and Italo, connect major cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice rapidly. They boast modern amenities and sleek designs that make travel comfortable and fast.
- Intercity Trains: Slower than high-speed trains, intercity trains connect smaller towns and cities. They are an excellent option for travelers who wish to explore less-visited regions.
- Regional Trains: These trains serve local routes and connect smaller towns, making them ideal for travelers looking to visit vineyards, coastal towns, and hidden gems in the Italian countryside.
Ticket Types
Understanding the different types of tickets available is crucial in planning your journey.
- Single Tickets: These allow travel from one station to another on a specific date. They must be validated before boarding.
- Return Tickets: Perfect for round trips, these tickets are cost-effective for travelers planning to return to their starting point.
- Rail Passes: For those intending to explore multiple cities, consider options like the Eurail or Interrail pass, allowing unlimited travel on several days within a specific timeframe.
Top Destinations to Visit with Italy Rail
The most popular train routes in Italy are those between its most prominent cities, in terms of both size/domestic activity and world-famous tourist attractions.
Italo and Trenitalia trains operate on these routes, which are Rome to Milan, Naples to Rome and Venice to Florence.
The main train stations between which you’ll travel on these routes are Rome Termini, Milan Centrale, Naples Centrale, Venice Santa Lucia and Florence Santa Maria Novello.
These are all large, modern stations with full accessibility facilities, shops and places to eat and drink.
Rome to Milan
Trains from Rome to Milan vary in travel time, depending on the operator and type of train. It’s one of the high-speed train routes in Italy, and when you travel on these trains, it will take roughly 3 hours to 3hr 40min.
The slower trains take roughly 8-10 hours to make the journey. Italo and Trenitalia both operate this route, with the first trains usually leaving very early in the morning and the last ones at just after midnight.
You’ll either depart from Rome Termini Station or Rome Tiburtina Station, heading mostly for Milan Centrale Station, with some trains arriving at Milan Porta Garibaldi Station.
Trains leave roughly every 5-10 minutes during peak times in the morning, during lunchtime and in the evening rush hour. Outside of that, you can expect one every half hour or so. The vast majority are direct trips, with a few each day stopping in Grosseto for a change.
Naples to Rome
You can use our platform to book train tickets on another very popular Italian train route, from Naples to Rome. You’ll usually leave from Naples Centrale Station, with a couple of trains a day leaving from Napoli Campi Flegrei Station in the morning.
You’ll arrive either at Rome Termini Station or Rome Tiburtina Station, both of which are busy transit hubs.
All of these stations have comprehensive services for passengers with limited mobility, making use of the Sala Blu national support programme. There are baby-change facilities, shops, cafes and fast food outlets available, too.
This isn’t a very long journey, and you can expect the Trenitalia or Italo high-speed trains to take roughly 1hr 15min to get you to Rome. Other trains can take up to 3 hours.
They leave throughout the day, from around sunrise till just before midnight, with well over 60 trains available at intervals ranging from 2 minutes during peak times, to about 20 minutes at other times.
Venice to Florence
The Venice to Florence route takes about 2hr 15min on high-speed Italo or Trenitalia trains, and between 3hr 30min and 4 hours on the slower trains.
You’ll depart from either Venice Santa Lucia or Venice Mestre, heading for Florence Santa Maria Novella or Florence Rifredi.
Most of these routes are direct, but a few involve either a single stop at Bologna Centrale Station or a stop there followed by another at Prato Centrale Station. They leave roughly 30 minutes to an hour apart during off-peak times, and about 15 minutes apart during peak times.
There are around 40 trains to choose from each day, with the majority operated by Trenitalia’s various sub-services and Italo making up the rest. The first one leaves in the early morning, and the last train departs in the early evening. Both operators offer First- and Second-class ticket types.
1.Rome to Florence
2.Milan to Rome
3.Rome to Venice
4.Milan to Venice
5.Rome to Naples
6.Rome to Milan
7.Naples to Rome
8.Naples to Bari
9.Milan to Florence
10.Florence to Rome
11.Venice to Rome
12.Venice to Florence
13.Milan to Como
14.Rome to Sorrento
15.Bologna to Florence
16.Florence to Venice
17.Pisa to Florence
18.Milan to Turin
19.Venice to Milan
20.Milan to Naples
Book Italy Train Tickets Online
Omio makes it easy to travel around Italy by train. You can see daily live train timetables weeks in advance and book train tickets right there and then. If you prefer mobile tickets, you can use the Omio app for instant delivery to your mobile device.
When booking train tickets in Italy with Omio, you can plan your trips efficiently and smoothly, thanks to our journey planner.
To book a trip, select where you want to travel to in Italy (you can do this for the rest of Europe, the US or Canada, too) as well as the dates for your trip.
Then just press search and you’ll see clear and up-to-date information on which options are available, including different train types.
Once you’ve decided the best route for your journey, you can then add on any personal discount cards and choose to pay in different currencies. Once booked, you will have access to your tickets for your journey directly on your phone—no printer needed!
Where to Purchase
- Online: The easiest way to purchase tickets is through official websites like Trenitalia or Italo, where you can buy e-tickets that can be scanned directly on your mobile device.
- Mobile Apps: Both Trenitalia and Italo offer user-friendly applications enabling easy ticket purchases, route planning, and real-time updates.
- Train Stations: Tickets can also be bought at train stations via ticket machines or service counters. However, expect longer lines, especially during peak travel seasons.
Tips for Booking
- Book Early: For high-speed trains, booking tickets early can lead to significant savings, especially if you opt for promotional fares that are available for advance purchases.
- Choose Off-Peak Travel: Train fares can vary significantly based on demand. Traveling during off-peak hours may result in cheaper rates.
- Consider First vs. Second Class: First-class tickets offer more space and amenities, while second-class trains are perfectly comfortable and budget-friendly.
Navigating the Stations
Italian train stations are generally user-friendly and well-signposted, but here are some tips to facilitate your experience:
- Use the Display Boards: Arrival and departure boards list the train number, destination, and platform information. Pay attention to any changes as platforms may shift.
- Plan Arrival Time: Aim to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train departs, especially if you need to buy tickets or figure out where to go.
- Keep an Eye on Your Belongings: While Italian train stations are generally safe, it’s prudent to keep your luggage close and be aware of your surroundings.
Onboard Experience
Traveling by train in Italy can be a delightful experience. High-speed trains offer comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and food services. Regional trains may be simpler but still provide reasonable comfort. Here are a few things you can expect:
- Amenities: Many trains come equipped with power outlets, luggage storage, and clean restrooms.
- Dining Options: High-speed services often feature onboard dining carts offering snacks and meals; regional trains might have snack vending machines or café cars.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Italian countryside, picturesque villages, and stunning coastlines. A window seat is a must to fully absorb the beauty.
Key Considerations
- Language: While many Italians speak some English, learning basic Italian phrases can enhance your experience and interaction with locals.
- Luggage: There are no baggage check services on most trains, so be prepared to carry your luggage. Check each airline’s baggage allowance as it may vary.
- Safety: Train travel in Italy is generally safe, but as with travel anywhere, remain aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Popular International Routes by Train
Travelers that plan to visit Italy using the trains as their means of transportation will find that Omio provides a service that makes planning easy and efficient.
Being located in the proximity of other countries, Turin and Milan are two of the main cities for travelers wanting to arrive in, or depart from, with trains in Italy. The most popular routes these cities offer are the following:
Milan: some of the direct international routes from Milan go to Zurich (Frecciargento and Frecciabianca) and to Paris (TGV).
Turin: a couple of the direct international routes from Turin go to Paris (TGV), and go to Lyon (SNCF).
International train travel is also available to other Italian cities, such as Florence and even Naples, although a change of train (or several) will be required. Other train providers that offer c/companies/to and from Italian cities include SBB between Italy and Switzerland and ÖBB between and Austria.
Italy by train: Tipping culture
If travellers decide to visit Italy they should know the following information. Although tipping is not a custom in Italy, many cafes and restaurants will have a coperto fee on the receipt.
The coperto is not a scam for tourists, it is a normal fee that is always charged to locals and travellers alike. Many public restrooms require an entry fee (usually 50 cents or 1 euro), therefore travellers are advised to always carry a couple of extra coins in their pocket when travelling around the country.
Sustainable train travel in Italy
It’s far kinder to the environment if a large number of people take one train trip rather than travelling separately, and trains in Italy are continually being updated to use less energy and reduce carbon emissions.
Both Italo and Trenitalia have sustainability programmes, using more recycled materials and designing more energy-efficient engines.
Discover the night routes and night trains
Both Italo and Trenitalia operate night trains in Italy on selected routes; many of them are longer cross-country trips. The latter has a dedicated night train service, Intercity Notte.
They typically take a little longer than other trains, as they’re run on standard models. On the plus side, they don’t make any connections on the way, so you can completely relax or get your head down for some sleep.
The most popular overnight routes in Italy include those from Naples to Milan, from Rome to Syracuse and between Rome and Palermo, down south in Sicily.
On these trains, you can typically choose to book a night seat or a cabin that can accommodate up to three people. Some night trains also have sleeper coaches with more room for extra comfort.
Where can I buy my train ticket?
It’s simple – just buy your train tickets online through our platform. We make it easy to find the exact trip you want and book tickets immediately. It won’t take more than a few clicks, and you can safely pay with your credit card.
Do I need to print my train ticket?
That’s completely up to you. If you prefer physical tickets, you can book through us and print them out at a station ticket machine, with the card you used to buy them. Otherwise, download the Omio app and we’ll deliver an e-ticket to your mobile device, instantly.
Can I cancel my train ticket?
Yes, you can cancel any refundable ticket that you’ve bought through us. In your secure, private account section, you’ll find a record of all the train tickets you buy. You can simply select the one you wish to cancel right there.
Traveling by train in Italy opens doors to an immersive exploration of this magnificent country, melding comfort, convenience, and unparalleled scenic views. With the right planning and knowledge about obtaining tickets, navigating stations, and understanding train services, your Italian train adventure can be seamless and memorable.
Whether you seek to traverse vibrant cities or delve into Italy’s rural heart, the rail network is your gateway to unforgettable journeys. As you prepare for your trip, embrace the charm of Italy’s trains — an experience that embodies the essence of Italian travel.
