Trains in Italy

Train travel in Italy – train tickets, top routes and destinations

The aim of this guide is to give anyone considering travelling by train in Italy a solid understanding of rail travel in the country. We’ve covered the basics, including the types of Italian train tickets available and how to book them online with us, so that anyone who reads this page from beginning to end can travel by train in Italy with confidence.

This information is intended for anyone and everyone – not just rail geeks! Planning a holiday with the family? Check out our Top Destinations section. Student on an Erasmus year? Learn what discounts are available with railcards and loyalty cards. Business traveller? See what Business Class looks like in our Train Classes section. While the best way to learn is by experiencing Italian trains for yourself, reading this guide from beginning to end is a pretty good place to start.

Here's a quick summary of what’s below – simply click on one of the topics you’re most interested in to jump straight to the relevant section. Plan your journey ahead and book your Italy train tickets with us.

Buying Italian train tickets in advance

You can buy your train tickets in advance if you’re travelling on an Intercity or high-speed train in Italy (e.g. Frecciarossa, Italo, Frecciargento) for routes like Rome to Florence, Milan to Rome or Milan to Venice and want to save money. In general, the earlier you book, the more you’ll save – the cheapest ticket fares tend to sell out much faster than the more expensive ones, plus these trains require seat reservation, so make sure you book in advance before all seats are filled up.

You can book in advance one of the tickets below, depending on the train you’ll be boarding:

• Super Economy – it’s the cheapest fare to travel on all Trenitalia trains except for the regional ones and can’t be exchanged nor refunded
• Economy (Trenitalia) – still quite cheap and is valid to travel on all Frecce and Intercity trains. You can modify your booking only once
• Low Cost – this is the cheapest option to travel on all Italo trains. It allows you to change your travel date or time but at the cost of half of your ticket price plus the difference of the new ticket
• Economy (Italo) – still a cheap option, but it allows you to change or cancel your ticket at a lower price than the Low Cost fare.

Buying Italian train tickets on the day

You can buy tickets on the day for the regional trains operated by Trenitalia. The ticket price is fixed so there’s no price advantage when you book them in advance. The ticket fare is called Ordinaria and its price is based on the distance between the departure and arrival points and the class you travel on, when available.

For example, a one-way ticket to travel on the Leonardo express – the regional train which connects Roma Termini to Rome Fiumicino Airport – always costs €14. For this reason, you don’t need to book your Ordinaria ticket too far in advance, unless you want peace of mind.

Buying flexible train tickets in Italy

If you’re not 100% sure about your travel date and time and don’t mind spending a little more, you can buy one of the following train tickets:

• Base – this Trenitalia ticket allows you to delay your day of departure for one or more days – perfect if you're enjoying the city you're in and you decide last-minute to extend your stay. Indeed, you can change this ticket as much as you want to travel on Le Frecce and Intercity trains
• Flex – it’s Italo’s most flexible and expensive ticket fare, you can make changes to your booking as many times as you want at no extra cost.

 

Have a look at our step-by-step guide to how to book Italian train tickets online with us, it’s super simple!

1. Enter your departure and arrival stations of choice into either our App (see screenshots) or Journey Planner at the top of the page. If you don't know the station name, you can also search by city
2. Enter the date you’d like to depart (and return if you're buying a return ticket), along with any relevant Railcards/Loyalty cards you have and number of passengers
3. If you're looking for tickets on our website, hit Search times and prices if you're on our app hit Find times and prices to start your search
4. Choose a train time and Class option from our search results. Once you’re happy with your choice, continue to choose your seat preference
5. On web, enter an email to send your ticket confirmation to, along with the full name of each passenger you’re booking tickets for (the name must match their IDs)
6. Continue to the checkout and book your tickets!

Finding cheap train tickets

Want to know how to save money when buying your train tickets? Read our guide to cheap train tickets in Italy, including when the best time to buy is and other savings tips.

 

What’s the difference between an Interrail Pass and a Eurail Pass?

There are two types of rail pass you can use to travel around Italy: the Interrail Pass, which is only available for European citizens, and the Eurail Pass, which is for everyone else. Both passes allow unlimited travel within one country (One Country Pass) or multiple countries (Global Pass).

For more information, check out our dedicated pages to the Interrail Pass and the Eurail Pass.

Which train can I take with an Interrail or Eurail Pass?

You can travel with an Interrail or Eurail on Trenitalia, Trenord, and Leonardo express (only if you have a First Class Pass). You can also get discounted fares on different ferries, including Grimaldi Lines, Superfast Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, and Minoan Lines.

Remember that you need to book your seat at an additional cost if you’re travelling on a high-speed or night train.

Should I buy an Interrail/Eurail Pass or individual train tickets in Italy?

Trains in Italy are cheap compared with other countries in Europe. Therefore, a Eurail or Interrail Pass might be worth only if you plan to visit several cities and are going to travel on many more expensive high-speed trains. You may also save money if you’re under 27 as these rail passes offer discounts of up to 25% on unlimited train travel in both First and Second Class.

High-speed - Red routes

Cross-border - Blue routes

Regional - Green routes

The Italian train network is so extensive and modern that it connects all the major cities, so you can easily travel to and around the country. The main trains in Italy are operated by Trenitalia, Italo and Trenord, which provide high-speed and regional trains.

Choose any route in the map above and follow the links to see ticket prices and journey times, you’ll also be able to see which routes have high-speed trains (they're in red).

Staying in France, Switzerland or Germany and want to continue your train journey in Italy? We've got you covered. Our map also shows you the most popular routes between Italy and the neighbouring countries (they're in blue).

High-speed to maximise your time sightseeing or regional trains to maximise your savings? The choice is yours.

Frecciarossa Standard

Travel in Frecciarossa Standard Class and enjoy the perks of the Italian high-speed train at a competitive price. Enjoy eco-leather reclining seats and free WiFi during your journey.

Best for

• Budget travellers
• Families

Find out more about Frecciarossa Standard.

Frecciarossa Premium

Save money while enjoying more comfortable and wider reclining seats than the Standard ones. Make your train journey even more pleasant with the welcome service offering complimentary drinks and snacks.

Best for

• Budget travellers
• Extra comfort 

Find out more about Frecciarossa Premium.

Frecciarossa Business

If you need to work on the go, Frecciarossa Business is the right choice for you! Enjoy greater privacy thanks to the glass divider that separates each row – or if you wish to work undisturbed while travelling, pick the quiet carriage or Area del Silenzio.

Best for

• Business travellers 
• Quiet travellers
• Extra privacy

Find out more about Frecciarossa Business.

Frecciarossa Executive

Make your train journey even more unique in Frecciarossa Executive. With only two wide leather seats per row separated far apart, reclining backrests and adjustable footrests, you’ll feel like you’re travelling in your own little world of comfort!

Best for 

• Extra comfort 
• Business travellers (onboard meeting room) 

Find out more about Frecciarossa Executive (First Class).

Italo Smart (Standard Class)

Save money without missing out on the great service on board Italo Smart. Enjoy leather seats in rows of 2+2 with tables and plenty of legroom. There’s even a cinema carriage playing current movies, spicing those long trips up!

Best for

• Budget travellers  
• Families 

Italo Prima (First Class)

Enjoy wider and more comfortable leather armchairs in Italo Prima. All seats come with power sockets, a table, reading lights and a glove compartment in each carriage. You can also select the single-seat option if you feel like you need more privacy.

Best for 

• Extra comfort 

 

Disassembled bikes

As in most European countries, you can take your bike on any Italian train if it can be disassembled, put in a case and stored in the luggage storage area and its dimensions are not more than 80 x 110 x 45 cm. If your bike can be disassembled, you can bring it along with you free of charge because it's treated as any other piece of luggage.

Full-size bikes

If your bike can’t be disassembled, you can take it with you only on regional trains that have a bike icon listed on their timetable. You’ll need to buy a ticket for your bike.

On international trains

You can travel with your bike on board some Eurocity trains connecting Venice and Milan to Geneva, Basel to Milan and Zurich to Milan, as well as some day trains from Germany and Austria to Italy. You’ll need to book a space for your bike before your departure.

You’re not allowed to take your bike on night trains from Germany and Austria to Italy.

Budget travellers

• A/R in giornata with Trenitalia: Get a 30-50% discount off your day return ticket if you travel on Intercity and Le Frecce trains (except for the Executive class)
• A/R in giornata with Italo: Get a 50% discount off your day return ticket when travelling with Italo trains
• A/R Milano - Roma with Italo: Get a 50% discount off your day return ticket when travelling from Milan to Rome
• Italo Più: with this loyalty card, you can accumulate points and buy discounted tickets to travel on Italo trains, as well as get free access to Italo Club Lounge.

Youth

• Offerta Young with Trenitalia: If you’re under 30 and have Trenitalia's CARTAFRECCIA loyalty card, you'll get up to 50% off your Base ticket
• Carta Verde with Trenitalia: You can use this discount card if you’re aged between 12 and 25 years old. It costs €40 per year and it allows you to get a 10% discount on the Base fare to travel on all national trains, including couchette and bed-cabin, as well as Frecciarossa Business, Premium and Standard Classes.

Families

• Bimbi Gratis with Trenitalia: Children under the age of 15 travel for free and the rest of the family (up to 5 people) travel with a Base ticket in 1st and 2nd class on all trains (except for Frecciarossa Executive and night trains)
• Italo Famiglia: Children up to 14 years old travel for free in Smart class and the rest of the family (2 to 4 people) travel with a Flex ticket
• Bambini Gratis with Italo: Children under the age of 3 travel for free with a family of up to 4 people if a seat is not assigned to them.

Seniors

• Italo Senior: Get a 40% discount when you buy the Flex fare in Prima Class if you’re over 60
• Offerta Senior with Trenitalia: With this offer, you can get up to 50% off the Base fare if you’re over 60
• Carta Argento with Trenitalia: You can use this discount card if you’re over 60. It costs €30 per year and it allows you to get a 15% discount on the Base fare to travel on all national trains, including couchette and bed-cabin, as well as Frecciarossa Business, Premium and Standard Classes.

Travellers with disabilities

• Carta Blu with Trenitalia: You can buy one Base ticket for both the person with the disability and their caretaker to travel on all Intercity and Frecce trains. Travellers with disabilities will need to show a photo of evidence of eligibility to get this discount card.

 

Rome

The capital of the country, and historically one of the most important cities in Europe, Rome has it all.

Visit the Colosseum to savour the history of the city that formed the bedrock of the Roman Empire. Head to the Vatican at noon on Sunday to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis while he’s giving the Angelus Prayer. And if you need a bit of luck, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain and make a wish.

You can easily reach the capital by train from any Italian city thanks to the many high-speed and regional services provided by Trenitalia and Italo daily. If you’re flying to Fiumicino Airport, you can take the Leonardo express – Trenitalia’s fast-regional train – and be in central Rome in about half an hour.

Trains to Rome

Main train stations

• Roma Termini station
• Roma Tiburtina station
• Roma Ostiense station

Airport transfers 

• Trains to and from Fiumicino Airport 
• Trains to and from Ciampino Airport

Venice

Famous for its canals and Gothic architecture, Venice is perfect for a city break. Known the world over, taking a ride along the canals of Venice and passing under beautifully crafted bridges is the best way to take in the history and culture of the city.

To experience the vibrancy of the city, visit St Mark’s Square with its stunning Renaissance buildings, cafes and restaurants on all four sides.  Whether it's the crab dish moleche or shrimp dish scampi alla veneziana, there's plenty of local food and drinks for you to enjoy.

You can easily get to Venice from the main Italian cities – Italo and Frecciarossa provide plenty of high-speed services to Venice every day.

Trains to Venice

Main train stations

• Venezia Santa Lucia station
• Venezia Mestre station

Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre consists of the towns of Manarola, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare, each of which is best reached by train.

Trenitalia provides a fast-regional service called Cinque Terre Express, which runs frequently between these colourful coastal towns.

During your visit, make sure you hike along the famous Via dell'Amore (‘Road of Love’), a hiking trail popular with climbers and trekkers all over the world – it seems almost carved into the hard rock of the Ligurian coast and winds along the rocky wall overlooking the sea.

Trains to Cinque Terre

Main train stations 

• Riomaggiore station
• Manarola station
• Corniglia station 
• Vernazza station
• Monterosso station 

Florence

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited cities in Italy due to its rich history, art and culture, Florence is a must-see when travelling to Italy.

Getting off at Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Florence’s main train station), you’ll find all the main landmarks within walking distance. Visit Florence Cathedral, which is famous for its iconic brick dome, the largest of its type still built today. Have a walk along Ponte Vecchio and grab a souvenir from one of the local shops. If you love art, don’t forget to go to Galleria dell’Accademia, which hosts the world-renowned sculpture of David by Michelangelo.

If you’re flying to Italy, the best option to get to Florence is to fly to Pisa Airport and take the train – you'll be in the city centre in about 90 minutes with one easy connection at Pisa Centrale.

Trains to Florence

Main train stations

• Firenze Santa Maria Novella station 
• Firenze Campo di Marte station

How to get to the Amalfi Coast by train

Planning to go to the Amalfi Coast and not sure how to get there? Vietri sul Mare is the only city on the Amalfi Coast that has a train station, so you can take a regional train from Naples or Salerno and then get to the rest of the coastal towns by bus – the service is operated by SITA SUD and takes you to Cetara, Maiori (Erchie), Maiori Centro, Minori, Atrani and Amalfi. A one-way ticket to any of these towns costs €2. If you want to get to Sorrento, you can take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples – the journey time is about an hour. From Sorrento you can also get a SITA SUD bus to Positano.

Buy train tickets to the Amalfi Coast

Main train station

• Vietri sul Mare-Amalfi

How to get to Pompeii by train

If you're travelling from Naples, you can either take the Circumvesuviana train to Pompei Scavi station or the Trenitalia train to Pompei station – the difference being that the Circumvesuviana train takes you right next to Pompeii's ruins and is an older train, while Trenitalia's regional train is a newer service and can be pretty empty even in the tourist season.

If you're travelling from Rome, instead, you can take Italo, Frecciarossa or Frecciabianca from Roma Termini, stop in Napoli Centrale and continue your journey towards Pompeii.

Buy train tickets to Pompeii

Main train station

• Pompeii

How to get to Sicily by train

The train is a unique and wonderful way to reach Sicily, an experience you wouldn’t want to miss. There are two types of Intercity trains that travel to Sicily:

• Intercity day trains, which connect Rome and Naples to Palermo, Catania, Syracuse
• Intercity night trains, which run from Milan, Rome and Naples to Palermo, Catania and Syracuse

All these trains are shunted onto a ferry at Villa San Giovanni that will cross the Straits of Messina in about half an hour. After the train is secured in the ship’s hold, steps are added next to the train doors – you can either remain on the train or get off and walk upstairs to the deck and take some fresh sea air.

Once you arrive in Messina, the train will take you all the way to Palermo, Sicily’s capital city, which means that you can travel direct by train from as far as Rome to Palermo – the journey can be quite long (about 11h), but the stunning views over the Italian coast are definitely worth it!

Main train stations

• Palermo Centrale
• Catania Centrale
• Messina Centrale