Feeling the urge to drop everything and go sipping espresso in the heart of Rome, gliding on a gondola in Venice, or getting lost in Florence’s art? No wonder: Italy’s blend of history, beauty, and top-notch food is unmatched.
With your Eurail Pass, exploring this charming country is a breeze. No airport stress, just hop on trains whenever you feel like it. Plus, it’s kind to the planet.
Ready to dive into La dolce vita? Let’s see how your Eurail Pass is the ultimate key to an epic Italian adventure.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Luisa Whr. Image Location: Lake Como, Italy
What’s a Eurail Pass? And why you need it in Italy
The Eurail Pass is like a magic carpet, but for train travel. It whisks you across 33 European countries, Italy included, without the need to buy individual tickets. For Americans wanting to soak up Italy’s charm, it’s a no-brainer.
Choose between the Eurail Global Pass for continent-wide travels or the One Country Pass for a deep dive into Italy’s soul.
You can also opt for continuous or flexible travel. The Continuous Pass is your go-to for daily train adventures throughout its validity (great for those on a non-stop adventure), while the Flexi Pass lets you pick your travel days and rest days (ideal for those looking to soak in the city vibes for a few days between train trips).
Make every journey count: Every time you catch a train, make sure to log it in Eurail’s Travel Diary for a hassle-free check with the ticket inspector. Simple as that.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Peter Zelei Images. Image Location: Florence, Italy
Epic train journeys to embark on in Italy with your Eurail Pass
The “Lost in Time” Route: Venice to Florence
Jumping from Venice, where the best plan is no plan (because, let’s be real, those winding alleys laugh at plans), to Florence, is like swapping a gondola for a time machine.
A quick 2-hour train zips you into La Bella (The Beautiful), where the Renaissance hits you full force. Here, gelato isn’t just ice cream; it’s a cultural experience, and you’ll find yourself in passionate debates over the best flavor before you’ve even unpacked.
This trip is a wild ride through Italy’s heart, with each city tossing you from one beautiful moment to another and proving that sometimes, the best way to see Italy is to let Italy happen to you.
The “Gladiator Commute” Route: Rome to Pompeii
Start your journey in Rome, where scooters zip by ancient ruins like it’s no big deal, and pasta is so good that every meal is practically a religious ritual. Then, train it down to Pompeii, where you’ll step into a world frozen in time.
Just remember, if someone offers you a tour by a “real gladiator,” it’s probably just a guy named Tony in a costume. But hey, when in Rome—or Pompeii—roll with it, embrace the quirk, and snag that selfie with Tony the Gladiator. In the end, it’s these silly, awkward, and droll moments that you’ll remember forever.
The “From Catwalks to Kayaks” Ride: Milan to Lake Como
Leave behind Milan, where the fashion is so forward, you’ll feel like your jeans are from the Stone Age. In just 37 minutes, you’ll find yourself at Lake Como, contemplating whether George Clooney really does kayak to his villa.
(Spoiler: probably not, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying the glitzy lakeside vibes and pretending you’re in a Bond movie.)
The “Sunscreen Required” Escape: Naples to Amalfi Coast (via Salerno)
Grab your Eurail Pass and hit up Napoli Centrale, where you’ll catch a direct train to Salerno. This 40-minute ride is your sneak peek into Italy’s stunning landscapes, kind of like a movie trailer for the beauty that awaits.
Once in Salerno, you’re faced with a choice: a bus ride or a ferry to Amalfi? Opt for the bus, and you’re in for an hour of hairpin turns and cozy quarters that turn strangers into friends. Choose the ferry, and it’s a 35-minute cinematic journey, with sea breezes and jaw-dropping coastal views that’ll have your phone’s camera working overtime. By the time you hit Amalfi, you’ll be so awestruck by the vistas, you’ll barely remember your life before this adventure.
The “Alpine Gateway” Adventure: Verona to Bolzano
This tale begins to unfold in Verona, where it seems even the pigeons on the squares are caught up in some sort of Shakespearean drama. Once you’ve savored risotto all'amarone, stomped around under Juliet’s balcony, and feasted your eyes on the Roman amphitheater, it’s time to whip out your Eurail Pass and embark on your next act.
Then, you’re off to Bolzano, cutting through the Alps like you’re in a car commercial. Here, you’ll find a place where Italy meets Austria and everyone’s confused about whether to say “Ciao” or “Hallo.” It’s the kind of town where you can hike in the stunning Dolomites during the day and debate whether schnitzel is better than pizza by night. Spoiler: it’s a delightful draw.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Ratnakorn Piyasirisorost. Image Location: Venice, Italy
FAQs: traveling through Italy by train with a Eurail Pass
Can I use my Eurail Pass in Italy?
Absolutely! Your Eurail Pass is your golden ticket to explore Italy by train. It’s valid on most trains operated by Trenitalia, Italy’s main train operator, including the high-speed ones. Just hop on and off to visit your favorite Italian cities.
Does Eurail take me to Amalfi?
While the Eurail Pass can’t take you directly to Amalfi (as it’s a bit off the main train network), it’ll get you super close. You can travel to Salerno or Sorrento by train and then catch a bus or ferry for the final leg to Amalfi. It’s a scenic route you won’t forget!
What’s the best way to see Italy by train?
Well, using the Eurail Pass is certainly one of them. Trains connect you to all corners of Italy, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the historic streets of Rome and the canals of Venice. High-speed trains make city-hopping easy, and regional trains offer a closer look at the country’s charm.
Are there high-speed trains in Italy I can take with Eurail?
Yes, indeed! Italy’s high-speed trains, like the Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Italo, are included. These trains can whisk you between major cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice in just a few hours. Remember to reserve your seat on these fast trains, as it’s required with your pass.
How do I buy tickets for Italian trains with my Eurail Pass?
Your Eurail Pass is like a magic all-in-one ticket for most trains—no need to buy separate ones each time. But, for the super-fast or overnight trains, you gotta book a spot ahead of time and might pay a little extra. You can do this online, at the station, or on the Trainline app. Basically, your pass lets you hop on most trains just like that, using up one of your travel days. Easy peasy!
What are the most popular Eurail routes in Italy?
Eurail routes in Italy cover a vast network, including high-speed lines between major cities and scenic routes through the countryside. For example, you can zip from Rome to Florence in about 1h 19m on a high-speed train, perfect for a day trip to see the Renaissance art. Or, take a scenic route from Milan to Venice, passing by breathtaking landscapes and arriving ready to explore the canals. And don’t miss the chance to ride from Naples to Sorrento, with views of Mount Vesuvius and the coast that’ll make your Instagram friends jealous. All these adventures, and more, are doable with your Eurail Pass, with just a bit of planning for those high-speed trains.
Any tips for traveling through Italy by train?
Yes! Pack light, as some trains have limited luggage space. Always validate your Eurail Pass before boarding a train for the first time. Explore beyond the big cities to discover Italy’s charming small towns. And lastly, enjoy the journey—traveling by train in Italy is as much about the scenic rides as it is about the destinations.
Is seeing Italy by train really worth it?
Totally. Train travel in Italy is not just convenient but also an experience in itself.
Eurail in Italy
From the sun-kissed beaches in the south to the snowy Alps in the north, Italy’s diverse landscapes are best experienced by train. Plan a vineyard tour under the Tuscan sun, explore the ancient streets of Rome, or indulge in the culinary delights of Bologna. With your Eurail Pass and Trainline, every destination is just a train ride away. Happy travels, amico!
Need more Eurail info? Check out our comprehensive guide to all things Eurail.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Jordan Siemens