cost of train travel in italy

The Man in Seat 61

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Ride the trains in Italy from €9.90

There's no better way to see the cities of Italy than by train, trains link almost every town & city of any size, centre to centre.  Driving & parking in Italian cities is not recommended.  The high-speed trains are now faster, more convenient & more relaxing than flying (between 2008 & 2018, the airlines' share of the Milan-Rome market dropped from 50% to just 14%!).

Rome to Florence takes just 1h32 at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) & costs from €19.90, Rome to Venice 3h45 from €29.90, Rome to Naples 1h12 from €19.90, Rome to Milan 2h55 from €29.90.

No check-in, no need for transfers to/from out-of-town airports, no baggage fees or weight limits.  There are even trains to Sicily !

  Buy tickets online

How to reach specific places

Station guides

City maps showing stations

International trains to & from Italy

Other useful information

Useful country information

How to check train schedules & fares.

Check train times & fares within Italy using any of the websites shown here .

Some major cities have more than one main station, see which station to use in which city .  If you're not sure, most websites allow you to select the plain city name, or any station .

Maps of the Italian rail network

How to buy tickets, do you need to buy in advance.

Regional trains, no

For example, Pisa to Florence, Florence to Lucca or Siena, Milan to Como or Tirano, Venice to Trieste.

There's no need to buy in advance and no cost advantage in doing so as the price is fixed, buying online or in an app just saves time at the ticket office.  There are no assigned seats, you sit where you like.  In most cases tickets are sold in unlimited numbers so the train can't sell out, although regional trains on a few routes now have limited numbers.  More about regional (R) & regional express (RV) trains and how they are ticketed .

Long-distance trains, yes

For example, Venice to Florence or Rome, Rome to Naples or Turin, Milan to Venice.

All seats on Frecciarossa , Frecciargento , Frecciabianca & InterCity trains are reserved, so they can in theory sell out.  However, as there are so many trains each with hundreds of seats there are almost always places available on most trains even just before departure. So you can buy at the station on the day if you want. The issue is price.  Trenitalia ditched the old fare-per-kilometre approach to pricing in 2009 and adopted airline-style dynamic pricing for advance-purchase fares whilst increasing the fully-flexible Base price.  So on the day of travel you'd pay the Base fare, Rome-Florence €55, Rome-Venice €99, but if you book in advance you can buy a cheap Economy or Super-Economy fare from as little as €19.90 Rome-Florence or €29.90 Rome-Venice, assuming you're OK with limited or no refunds or changes to travel plans.  It's your call!

When does booking open?

Booking opens up to 4 months ahead, but this varies

It can shrink to as little as 30 days for dates immediately after Europe-wide timetable changes on the 2nd Saturday in June and the second Saturday in December.

If some trains are shown, but others are missing...

Trenitalia loads trains in blocks, usually high-speed trains first and regional, InterCity & sleeper trains later.  I've seen high-speed trains loaded, but not regional trains.  I've seen regional trains loaded, but not high-speed trains.  Intercity trains to Sicily and ICN sleeper trains usually get loaded last, after other trains.  The Milan-Sicily night train usually gets loaded last of all!

So if you don't see all the trains you expect to see, don't assume that the missing trains have all been mysteriously cancelled, assume they haven't been loaded yet.  Wait!

Types of fare

This is the fully-flexible fare for Trenitalia's high-speed Frecce & intercity trains, it's what you'd pay at the station on the day.  Refundable, only valid on the train booked but can be changed before departure or at the station up to an hour after departure.  The Base fare was originally one fixed price for a given journey, but since 2017 the Base fare for Frecciarossa & Frecciargento trains can vary slightly by day of the week or the popularity of each particular train.

Economy & Super-Economy

These are cheaper advance-purchase fares for Trenitalia's high-speed Frecce & intercity trains, only valid on the train booked, limited refunds & changes, limited availability, these are the fares you want for cheap travel if you are certain what time train you want.  The price varies like air fares, cheaper in advance and on less popular dates, more expensive close to departure and on busy days or times of day.

Speciale Frecce

An ultra-cheap advance purchase fare for Trenitalia's high-speed Frecce & intercity trains, must be bought at least 14 days ahead.  No refunds, no changes, use it or lose it.  But it's cheap!

A small group fare for 3-5 people.  Limited availability, price varies.  No refunds, no changes, use it or lose it.

Senior & FrecciaYoung

These can only be bought if you have Trenitalia's Cartafreccia railcard which you probably haven't, so ignore these.  When you select them it immediately asks for your Cartafreccia card number, so you can't buy them by mistake!

This is the normal fare for regional trains.  It's fixed-price, you can buy a ticket at that price even on the day.  As of 2023, online regional tickets are only good for the specific train you've selected, but you can change the date or time of departure free of charge up to 23:59 on the day before departure, and you can change the time of departure until 23:59 on the day of travel.  Ordinaria tickets are available in unlimited numbers on most regional trains, although there are now some regional trains where the ticket numbers sold are limited, see more about how regional (R) & regional express (RV) trains are ticketed .

Option 1, buy at Italiarail.com

You can buy Trenitalia tickets at www.italiarail.com in €, £, $, Ca$ or Au$ - to book in US$ click here .

ItaliaRail are a well-established US-based agency who link directly to Trenitalia's ticketing system.  They don't sell tickets for Italo .

Italiarail books the same trains as Trenitalia's own website, but in plain English with no quirky translations.  You can use familiar English place-names such as Venice or Florence.

Italiarail shows a whole day's trains in the search results and can book up to 20 people at a time.  Trenitalia's own website only shows a couple of hours-worth of trains at a time and can only book up to 5 people at a time.

For en extra €2 you can choose your seats from a seat map on Trenitalia high-speed & intercity trains, making sure you all sit together.

Italiarail can be cheaper than Trenitalia for 2 or more people travelling together as it is capable of combining (for example) the last remaining €19.90 ticket with a ticket at the next price level up, say €29.90.  Trenitalia.com cannot mix & match price levels within the same booking, so will offer 2 x €29.90 even if there is one €19.90 fare left.  For family groups the cost saving can be significant.

High-speed & intercity trains are ticketless, you simply print your booking reference or show it on your phone.  For regional trains you print your own ticket, show them in an app or in some cases collect it from the self-service machines at a Trenitalia station.

Tip:   Italiarail charge a €3.50 booking fee, but they'll refund this if you email them at [email protected] quoting your booking reference.

Option 2, buy at Thetrainline.com

Thetrainline also connects to Trenitalia's system to sell tickets in plain English at the same prices as Trenitalia, in €, £, $, Ca$ or Au$, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee.

For an extra €2, you can choose your seats from a seat map on Trenitalia high-speed & intercity trains.

Thetrainline.com has two key advantages:

First, it sells tickets for Italo as well as Trenitalia, so you can compare times & prices for both operators.

Second, it also links to the French, Spanish, Swiss, German, Austrian & Benelux national ticketing systems so you can book train tickets across much of western Europe together all in one place.

High-speed & intercity trains are ticketless, you simply print your booking reference or show it on your phone.  For regional trains you print your own ticket, can show them in an app or in some cases collect them from the self-service machines at a Trenitalia station.  Who are Thetrainline.com?

Option 3, buy at Raileurope.com

You can also buy Trenitalia & Italo tickets at www.raileurope.com , also in plain English with prices in €, £ or $, small booking fee.  It also connects to the French, German, Austrian, Spanish, British ticketing systems (but not the Swiss) so can sell train tickets for much of western Europe all in one place.  Again, high-speed & intercity trains are ticketless so you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone, for regional trains you usually print your own ticket or collect tickets from the self-service machines at any main Trenitalia station.  Who are Raileurope.com?

Option 4, buy at Trenitalia.com

You can of course buy Italian train tickets direct from Italian Railways at www.trenitalia.com , English button at the top, only in €, no booking fee.  It's pretty easy to use but you'll need to use Italian-language place names and it has a few quirky translations & processes especially when booking sleepers or international trains so see the step-by-step guide below .

High-speed & intercity trains are ticketless, you print your booking reference or show it on your phone, other tickets can be printed or collected at any main Italian station from the self-service machines .  It also offers seat selection for €2 on high-speed & intercity trains.

For 2 or more people travelling together, you may find ItaliaRail cheaper, see option 1 above.  Obviously, they don't sell tickets for their competitor Italo , or for other European trains outside Italy.

Buying tickets at the station

It's easy to buy tickets at the station on the day of travel, even if you don't speak Italian.  Simply go to one of the Fast ticket machines installed at all main stations, these have a touch screen with an English language facility, see an illustrated guide to using the ticket machines .

The machines will sell both regional and long-distance tickets, including seat reservations for long-distance trains, for any date you like within the next 90 days.  They take Visa and MasterCard credit cards, but your card needs to have a PIN code.

Trains seldom sell out, finding tickets even on the day of travel isn't a problem unless you hit a major holiday period.  If one train is full, the next will have seats.  Just remember that high-speed & Intercity trains are cheaper booked in advance, just like flights.  If you buy on the day, you will have to pay the 'Base' fare , in other words the top tier flexible price.

How to buy international tickets

The easy way

The easiest option is to use either www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com as they can book most international journeys to/from Italy.

Both sites connect to the Trenitalia, SNCF (French), SBB (Swiss), ÖBB (Austrian) and DB (German) ticketing systems so they can book most routes to/from Italy including any Italian domestic connecting trains.

They're very easy to use, you can book in €, £ or $, international credit cards are no problem.  There's a small booking fee.

Thetrainline.com allows you to select seats from a seat map on Trenitalia's high-speed & Intercity trains, and on French TGVs in 1st class.

For more specific information on international trains from Italy to other European cities and how to book them, click on your starting city:

Rome   Naples   Florence   Venice   Milan

The advanced way

Alternatively, you can book with the relevant operator, usually with no booking fee, but you need to know which operator runs which route.  You'll often need to book any connecting trains separately, as most operators can't book each other's trains.

To/from Switzerland

The direct EuroCity trains between Milan and Brig, Lausanne, Geneva, Lugano, Luzern, Bern, Basel & Zurich can be booked at either www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com .  Italiarail will refund their small booking fee if you email them at [email protected] after booking.

Both sites can book from anywhere in Italy to any Swiss station that is directly served by the EuroCity trains from Milan.  But they can't book onward tickets within Switzerland such as Brig to Zermatt, Arth-Goldau to Luzern or Spiez to Interlaken, so buy those separately from Swiss Railways at www.sbb.ch .

To/from Paris

The Frecciarossa trains between Milan/Turin & Lyon/Paris can be booked at either www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com .  Both sites can book from anywhere in Italy to Lyon or Paris.  However, they can't book onward French trains to other French cities (or to London or Brussels) so you'll need to book those separately at www.sncf-connect.com .

The French TGV trains between Milan, Turin & Paris can be booked at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com with no booking fee.  It allows you to choose a seat from a seat map in 1st class, too.  However, it cannot book connecting Trenitalia trains within Italy, so you'll need to book those separately at either www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com .

To Nice, Cannes, Monaco or Marseille

First book from anywhere in Italy to Ventimiglia (on the French border where Trenitalia's trains terminate) at either www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com .  Trenitalia can't sell an onward French ticket, so buy your onward ticket from Ventimiglia to any French destination at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com .  There's more about the Italy-Nice route on the Italy to Nice page .

To Innsbruck, Munich & Germany by daytime trains

The EuroCity trains between Bologna/Venice/Verona and Innsbruck or Munich can be booked at the German Railways website int.bahn.de with no booking fee, this can book tickets from the EuroCity train's starting stations to anywhere in Germany, but it cannot book connecting Trenitalia trains within Italy (at least not in their main system with through fares), so book those separately at either www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com .

To Vienna by daytime trains

The railjet trains between Venice and Vienna can be booked at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at with no booking fee, this can book tickets from Venice to anywhere in Austria, but it cannot book connecting Trenitalia trains within Italy, so book those separately at either www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com .

To Munich & Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train

The Nightjet sleeper trains between Rome, Florence, Genoa, Milan, Venice and Munich or Vienna can be booked at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at , but this can't book connecting trains within Italy, so book those separately at either www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com .

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Railpasses for Italy

Interrail & eurail passes.

Global & one-country passes

You can buy an Interrail pass (if you live in Europe, including the UK) or a Eurail pass (if you live outside Europe) giving unlimited travel on all Trenitalia trains all over Italy.  An Interrail/Eurail global pass covers most of Europe including Italy, a cheaper one-country pass only covers Italy.

Interrail & Eurail passes cover all Trenitalia trains, high-speed, intercity, Intercity Notte and regional.  They don't cover Italo trains , or some small railways such as the Circumvesuviana Railway Naples-Sorrento.

Reservation fees

Interrail & Eurail passholders must reserve seats to travel on Frecciarossa , Frecciargento & Frecciabianca trains, this costs €13 in addition to the cost of the pass.  The reservation fee for Intercity trains is €3.  For Intercity Notte sleeper trains , see the reservation fees here .

You can make passholder reservations online as explained in the Italy section of the Interrail & Eurail reservations page .  You can also make them at stations, but at  the staffed counters only, not the self-service machines.  Passholder reservations cannot be made at Trenitalia.com.

Pass or point-to-point tickets?

The cost of reservation fees must be factored into the cost of a pass when comparing with point-to-point tickets.  All the point-to-point prices that you see online include any necessary reservation.

You must then realise that there are two types of point-to-point fare:  Cheap advance-purchase fares and the more expensive fully-flexible Base fare.

If all your dates and journeys are set in stone a month or two ahead, it's usually cheaper to buy advance-purchase Super-Economy or Economy fares.  For example Venice to Florence starts at €19.90, Venice to Rome starts at €29.90, seat reservation included.  A typical Interrail or Eurail pass might work out as €55 per day + €13 reservation fee = €68.

But advance-purchase fares vary like air fares, rising as departure date approaches, higher for busy or popular days or dates.  So you'll only know for sure if you go online and see what the point-to-point prices are for your specific journeys on your specific dates of travel.

Then remember that these cheap advance-purchase fares commit you to a specific train with limited or no changes to travel plans or refunds.  A pass gives you the flexibility to go wherever and whenever you like, you should really compare the pass with the fully-flexible Base fare you'd pay at the station on the day.

Even so, if you only plan to make relatively short hops such as Venice-Florence one day, Florence-Rome next day, Rome-Naples the next, the Base fare is often still cheaper than the per-day cost of a pass.  You basically need to be doing longer trips such as Venice-Rome or Milan-Naples every day, or multiple trips per day such as Rome to Florence and back again, to make a pass pay.  However, passes get cheaper if you are under 28 and children get free passes, so it's still worth doing the maths.  Youth passes can indeed make financial sense for a typical tour of Italy.

More about Interrail passes, with prices .  More about Eurail passes, with prices .  More about what these passes cover .

The Trenitalia Pass

Trenitalia also sell their own railpass called the Trenitalia Pass.  It can be bought by anyone resident outside Italy.

How is it different from a Eurail or Interrail pass?

Unlike Interrail & Eurail, it only covers Trenitalia high-speed, Intercity & Intercity Notte sleeper trains.  It doesn't cover regional trains. 

Unlike Interrail & Eurail it doesn't give you unlimited travel, you buy a specific number of journeys (3, 4, 7 or 10 trips) to be made within a set period of days, where a journey = one ride on one train.  If you went Rome to Florence in the morning and back in the evening, that's 2 trips on a Trenitalia Pass, but would be covered by just one day on an Interrail or Eurail pass.

But on the plus side, unlike Interrail & Eurail there are no extra fees to pay for reservations, it's all included.

Is a Trenitalia Pass cheaper than a Eurail or Interrail pass?

A Trenitalia Pass for a given number of trips is significantly cheaper than a global Interrail or Eurail pass covering the same number of days.

A Trenitalia pass is about the same price as a one-country Interrail or Eurail pass for Italy covering the same number of days, but as you don't need to pay €10 for every reservation, the Trenitalia pass works out cheaper.

That assumes you plan to use only one train per day.  A 4-journey Trenitalia Pass gives 4 individual train rides, a 4-day Interrail/Eurail gives unlimited rides, as many as you can cram in over 4 days .   If you're going to use multiple trains per day, an Interrail/Eurail pass is a better deal.

Is a Trenitalia Pass cheaper than point to point tickets?

A Trenitalia Pass saves money over the fully-flexible Base fare even for a series of short hops such as Rome-Florence, Florence-Venice, Venice-Milan, especially if you are under 28 so qualify for the youth pass.  But if you can book a few months in advance and don't need any flexibility, a no-refunds no-changes advance-purchase Super-Economy fare can still be cheaper than a Trenitalia Pass, check prices before buying a pass.

Trenitalia passes come in 4 sizes:

3 journeys within 7 consecutive days;

4 journeys within 7 consecutive days;

7 journeys within 15 consecutive days;

10 journeys within 30 consecutive days.

Trenitalia passes come in 2 classes:

Easy - good for 2nd class, standard class on Frecciarossa , seats or couchettes on Intercity Notte trains .

Comfort - good for 1st class, business class on Frecciarossa , seats, couchettes or double or triple sleepers on Intercity Notte trains trains.

Executive for executive class has been discontinued.

Trenitalia passes come in 3 passenger types:

Adult - up to 2 children under 12 can be added to an adult pass for free (but infants under 4 go free anyway, of course)

Youth - anyone under 28 on day of purchase.

Senior - anyone over 60 on day of purchase.

For more details and all the small print, see www.trenitalia.com and look for Trenitalia Pass .

How to buy a Trenitalia pass

You don't need to specify dates when buying a Trenitalia pass, you can book your first train for travel on any date up to 11 months afterwards.

Go to the www.trenitalia.com home page and switch it to English top right. 

Click Advanced search below the journey planner.  Click Carnet .  Then look for & click Trenitalia pass .

After buying the pass, you're emailed your pass number.  The pass is entirely electronic.

Tip:   I recommend registering for an account at Trenitalia.com before buying a pass.  Log into your account before buying.

How to book trains with a Trenitalia Pass

Seat reservations are needed on each train, but they are free and can be made online at Trenitalia.com or at stations.

Go to the www.trenitalia.com home page and switch it to English top right.

Click Advanced search below the journey planner.  Click Carnet .  Then look for & click Trenitalia pass.  Then change Purchase to Book .

Enter you pass number, first & last name of the passholder, hit Confirm and book a train with your pass.

The pass validity period starts ticking from the date of the first train you book.  So don't book your second train first then try to book another train for the previous day, that won't work.  You must book your trains in the order you'll take them!

Reservations have the same change conditions as a Base fare.  So you can cancel or change a reservation any time up to 60 minutes after the departure of the train.  If you don't do that, 60 minutes after departure that journey is considered 'used up' even if you missed the train.

When travelling, the pass can be shown on your phone or printed out.

Feedback from buying & booking trains using a Trenitalia pass would be appreciated, as without buying a pass I cannot test the process myself.

Italia In Tour , for regional trains

Italia In Tour passes are available for 3 or 5 consecutive days unlimited travel on Trenitalia regional trains all over Italy .

Good for any Trenitalia regional, regional express & metropolitan train.  But not valid (1) between La Spezia & Levanto through Cinque Terre, (2) within the territory of Lombardy, (3), the provinces of Bolzano and from Trento to Bassano del Grappa.  It can't be used on other operators' trains such as Trenord, so not valid between Milan & Tirano, for example.

It'd be ideal for a series of day trips from Florence to Siena, Luca, Pisa on successive days.  Or you could use it to work your way right across Italy on regional trains.  With this pass you can just hop on and off Trenitalia regional trains, as you like.

At the time I write this, it costs €29 for 3 days and €49 for 5 days, check latest prices online.

To see prices and buy a pass, see www.trenitalia.com/en/offers/italia-in-tour.html (please let me know if that link stops working).

Tours of Italy by train

Railbookers are a train travel specialist who can put together a tour of Italy for you as a package, including rail travel, hotels & transfers.  On their website you'll find a range of suggested tours which can be varied or customised to your own requirements.  And as you're booking a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens to one part of the itinerary such as a strike or delay.  They have offices in the UK, USA & Australia.

Tailor Made Rail can arrange tours of Italy by train based on your own requirements, they welcome complex itineraries.  As it's a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens on one part of the trip, for example, a national strike.  They're TTA-protected - like ATOL, but not only for agencies that sell air travel.

Call their dedicated seat61 phone line 020 3778 1461 and quote seat 61 when booking.  From outside the UK call +44 20 3778 1461 .  Lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday.  Their website is www.tailormaderail.com/destinations/italy .

Expert individual trip planning & advice

DiscoverByRail.com offers expert help in planning trains in Italy & around Europe, with suggestions for routes, trains, hotels to your own specification.  They charge a small fee, around £35 per trip.

What are Italian trains like ?

Frecciarossa:  see the frecciarossa guide.

Trenitalia's top high-speed trains are the Frecciarossas (red arrows) , mostly operated either by the original 300 km/h (186 mph) Frecciarossa 500 trains or the latest Frecciarossa 1000 trains introduced in 2015.  Some are operated by 250 km/h (155 mph) Frecciarossa 700 & Frecciarossa 600 trains.

Frecciarossas have 3 or 4 classes of accommodation, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seas & free WiFi, s ee the Frecciarossa page for more information .

Tickets for all Trenitalia's long-distance trains include a seat reservation and are only valid on the specific date & train you've booked.

Principal Frecciarossa routes:   Turin-Milan-Bologna-Florence-Rome-Naples-Salerno ( Frecciarossa 1000 & 500 );  Venice-Florence-Rome-Naples ( Frecciarossa 1000 & 500 );  Turin-Milan-Verona-Venice (usually Frecciarossa 700 );  Milan-Ancona-Bari-Brindisi-Lecce ( Frecciarossa 500 ).  See seat maps .

Frecciargento :  See the Frecciargento guide

Next down the pecking order are Trenitalia's 250km/h (155mph) Frecciargento (silver arrow) tilting trains, although these are now rare as most are being rebranded as Frecciarossa.  Frecciargento services are operated by pendolino tilting trains, air-conditioned with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  The trains reach 250 km/h on the high-speed lines and use their tilt to cut journey times through curves when running on classic lines.

Principal remaining Frecciargento routes:   Rome-Bari, plus the odd Genoa-La Spezia-Pisa-Rome trains.  See seat maps .

Frecciabianca

One step down from Frecciarossa and Frecciargento are the Frecciabianca (white arrow) services, now getting very rare. The remaining Frecciabianca services on the Rome-Pisa-La Spezia-Genoa route are operated by older ETR460 tilting trains bumped off Frecciargento service.  They have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats & free WiFi.  Tickets include a seat reservation and are only valid on the specific date & train you've booked.

Principal remaining Frecciabianca route:   Milan-Genoa-La Spezia-Pisa-Rome.

Intercity trains :  See the IC guide

Next in the pecking order are the Intercity trains, fast trains hauled by locomotives at up to 160 km/h (100 mph), sometimes 200 km/h (125 mph).  Most Intercity cars are open-plan with a centre aisle, a few are classic side-corridor-and-compartment cars with 6-seat compartments, though you don't always get both sorts in both classes on a given train.  Some Intercity trains have a cafe counter, some just vending machines selling drinks and snacks.  You're free to bring your own food & drink, even a bottle of wine if you like.  See the Trenitalia Intercity page for more information .

Principal Intercity routes:   Rome-Naples-Sicily;  Rome-Livorno-Pisa-Cinque Terre-La Spezia-Genoa-Milan;  Milan-Genoa-Savona-Ventimiglia (for Nice).

Intercity Notte sleeper trains:   See the ICN guide

Comfortable Intercity Notte (ICN) overnight trains link Milan, Bologna, Rome, Naples with Messina, Palermo, Catania & Siracuse on Sicily, see the Trains to Sicily page .

Intercity Notte overnight trains also link Trieste/Venice with Rome, Turin/Milan with Naples, and Turin/Milan with Bari, Brindisi & Lecce, see the Intercity Notte page .

Regionale & Regionale Veloce (R, RV)

Regional trains come in many different shapes & sizes, they operate all over Italy including Florence-Pisa, Florence-Siena, Florence-Lucca, Venice-Trieste, Rome-Civitavecchia.  On regional trains there are no assigned seats, you sit where you like.  Luggage goes on the racks or simply on the floor.  There's no catering, so bring your own food & drink.  Many are 2nd class only.

There's little point in booking regional trains in advance as there's just one cheap fixed Ordinaria fare that can be bought on the day at that price.  Buy a ticket from the ticket office or self-service machines or buy online or in the Trenitalia app.  Interrail or Eurail passholders can just hop on, nothing more to do or pay.

How tickets for regional trains work, from August 2023 onwards:

For tickets bought online, the old system of having to stamp your ticket in a validator is gone and so is the system of tickets being good for a 4-hour time slot.  From 5 August 2023, tickets for regional trains bought online or in an app are only good for train you have selected, but this can be changed free of charge as follows:

You can change the date and/or departure time free of charge using the Trenitalia app or website, as many times as you like, up to 23:59 on the day before departure. Tickets are also 80% refundable up to that time.

On the day of travel, you can change the departure time as many times as you like, free of charge, until 23:59 or the last train, whichever is sooner.

Before boarding the train you must 'check in' online using the app or the website link provided.  You can check in at any time on the day of travel, as long as it is before you board the train.  Checking-in validates the ticket for use on that train, your ticket is then considered used, it becomes non-refundable and no further changes can be made.

Remember you'll need internet access on your phone to check in.  If you can't rely on that, either check in before you leave your hotel using the hotel's WiFi (remembering that no changes or refunds can be made after you have checked in), or buy at the station instead, at least 5 minutes before departure.

Online regional tickets bought from a retailer such as www.thetrainline.com or www.italiarail.com also work in this way, you'll get a link to check in and make changes to the date & time.  You show the QR code on your phone or can print the confirmation email with the codes on.

Can regional trains sell out?

Tickets are usually available in unlimited numbers so regional trains can't sell out, for example Milan-Tirano, Florence-Siena or Florence-Pisa.  However, Trenitalia now have some regional routes such as Venice-Trieste where the number of tickets sold for each train is limited so they can in theory sell out and occasionally do - even though specific seats aren't assigned.  This devious practice started during the pandemic and has continued.  To check, find the train on www.trenitalia.com and click the 'i' symbol for details.  If it says non-prenotabile , you're fine, tickets are unlimited and can't sell out.  If it says prenotabile ticket numbers are limited, so bear that in mind.

A regional train of the sort that runs from Florence to Pisa, Livorno & Siena.

Italo high-speed trains:   See the Italo guide

Private operator NTV (Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori) started operating its Italo high-speed trains on the Milan-Bologna-Florence-Rome-Naples route in 2012, and now competes with Trenitalia on the Turin-Milan-Verona-Venice and Venice-Florence-Rome-Naples routes as well.  Competition between Trenitalia and Italo has driven up quality, increased capacity and driven down fares.  It's well worth considering Italo for a journey between the main Italian cities.

See the Seat61 Italo information page for more information, an illustrated guide and the Italo video guide .

An Italo AGV train at Rome Termini .

Travel tips

1st or 2nd class?

2nd class (or standard class on Frecciarossas ) is absolutely fine.  It's very comfortable and there's plenty of luggage space, there's no need to pay for 1st class (or business class on Frecciarossas ) if you are on a budget.  There are very few peasants & chickens in 2nd class on European trains these days...

On the other hand, 1st (or business) class is nicer, with wider, plusher seats and a quieter environment with more laptops tapping and fewer noisy kids.  And with long-distance trains dynamically priced, it often costs only a little more to go 1st class if you book ahead. 

1st class seats are generally arranged 2+1 across the car width rather than 2+2, so you get solo seats (ideal for single travellers) and face-to-face tables for two on one side of the aisle, ideal for couples as you then face each other and both get a window seat that is also an aisle seat, the best of both worlds. 

On Frecciarossa trains you also get a complimentary glass of prosecco and a small snack box in business class.

Luggage arrangements:   See the luggage section .

Ticket validation

Language problems

First-time visitors often think this will be a problem, but it hardly ever is.  At stations, finding your platform & train using the various departure screens is no different from finding your gate & plane at an airport.  Signs are often in English as well as Italian, or pictograms are used.  On high-speed trains, announcements are usually repeated in English.

At ticket offices clerks have a pretty shrewd idea you want a train ticket not a packet of washing powder, in fact clerks in popular tourist cities will be used to dealing with Brits, Americans & Australians and will usually know the relevant words in English about one-ways & round trips, first or second class.  The ticket machines at every main station have a touch-screen with an English language facility.

The one thing that does help is knowing Italian place names:  Rome = Roma, Florence = Firenze, Venice = Venezia, Naples = Napoli, Milan = Milano, Turin = Torino, Genoa = Genova.

Food & drink on trains in Italy

Most high-speed trains have a cafe-bar, although most Intercity trains (and Italo trains) only have vending machines.  Feel free to bring your own food and drink with you, even a bottle of wine if you like, no rules against that on the rails!

You can take a bike with you on suburban, Regional & InterRegional trains if you buy a bike ticket costing about €4.  You can also pay to reserve a bike space on most Intercity trains .  However, on high-speed trains such as Frecciarossas you need to put your bike in a zip-up bike bag, front wheel & pedals removed and handlebars turned, see the bikes by train page .

Dogs & pets

Go to www.trenitalia.com and search under Services for Transport of pets .  You can take pets on many trains, but the rules vary slightly by type of train.  Very small dogs, cats & other pets in containers no bigger than 70cm x 30cm x 50cm are carried free on almost all trains & classes.  Larger dogs on a lead & muzzled are allowed on almost all trains but must have a ticket bought for them at 50% of the adult 2nd class fare (whatever class the owner is using) and they are not permitted in Executive or Premium classes on Frecciarossa trains, or in catering cars.  You can take a dog in sleepers or couchettes only if your party occupies the whole compartment.  Guide dogs are always free.

First class lounges at Italian stations

Executive class passengers & holders of Trenitalia's frequent traveller card can use the FrecciaClub lounges at stations in major cities.

Club class passengers on Italo , can use the Club Italo lounge at major city stations.  Prima class passengers can also use the lounge if they pay a €12 add-on when booking - though this may not be offered at busy times or with the cheapest tickets.

A train planner app for your phone

Railplanner is a free offline train timetable app that you can download onto your phone to check train times, station departures & train calling points on the move without the need to be on WiFi or to use mobile data .  It's blisteringly quick and covers not just Italy but most of Europe.  It highlights the reservation-required high-speed & InterCity trains in red and the no-reservation-required regional trains in green.  It's created with Eurail & Interrail passholders in mind, but is useful for anyone. Download for iPhone or Android at www.eurail.com/en/plan-your-trip/rail-planner-app - please let me know if the link stops working.

Are the trains running on time?

You can check real-time arrivals and departures at any Trenitalia station or the running of any train by train number at www.viaggiatreno.it .  Most regional trains run more or less on time, and so do most high-speed long-distance trains, with perhaps a 10 or 20 minute delay here and there.  However, make allowances for a typical 30 to 90 minute delay when catching the overnight sleeper trains to/from Sicily, for example.

Choosing your seat

Trenitalia.com , Italiarail.com & Thetrainline.com allow you to choose your seats from a seat map on Frecciarossa , Frecciargento , Frecciabianca and Intercity trains within Italy.

It's pretty self-explanatory, but as I'm often asked, yes, the grey bars are tables, and no, you can't tell which way seats face.  Indeed, most Naples-Rome-Venice and Naples-Rome-Milan trains change direction at both Rome Termini and Florence SMN station , both of which are dead-end terminus stations.

For a couple in 1st class I recommend a face-to-face table for two.

Luggage on trains in Italy

Luggage is no real problem on Italian trains, and it makes no real difference whether you go 1st or 2nd class, there's always room for bags.  You don't check your bags in and there is no baggage car.  You simply take whatever you like into the train with you, and stick your bags on the racks above your head or on the big luggage racks at the end of each car or between the seat backs.  On regional trains, it just goes on the floor next to you if there aren't any racks.

There are no baggage fees or weight limits to worry about, for most practical purposes if you can carry it you can bring it.  It's so simple, it hardly needs explaining, yet overseas visitors chase their tails worrying about it.  Don't over-think it, but don't travel with more than you really need.  Anything up to backpack-sized fits on the racks above your head, larger items such as bulky suitcases go on the racks at the end of the car, in the seating area, or between the seat backs.

Security is not a major problem, your bags full of clothing are no more likely to be stolen than airline checked baggage.  There's no need to chain your bag to the rack, any more than you'd chain you bags to the luggage bin on a plane.  Although I like to use a rack which I can see from my seat and I always keep cameras, passports and so on in my daypack at my seat.  But I thought that was obvious?

Porters are pretty much a thing of the past along with butlers, valets and ladies' maids.  However, Milan Centrale , Milan Porta Garibaldi , Venice Santa Lucia , Rome Termini , Florence SMN , Turin Porta Nuova are all termini with level access to and between all trains.  You can just pull your bag on its wheels from street or taxi rank across the station concourse right up to the train door, lift it two steps up into the train, and wheel it to a convenient rack or space between the seats next to your seat.  If you're elderly or pregnant, another passenger will almost always help you get your bags the two short steps into the train.

Luggage storage at stations

All main Italian stations including Turin Porta Nuova , Milan Centrale , Verona Porta Nuova , Venice Santa Lucia , Florence SMN , Rome Stazione Termini & Naples Centrale have left-luggage facilities, either lockers or a staffed facility.  Information on left-luggage prices & opening times .

Which station in which city?

Roma Termini is the main station in Rome, in the city centre walking distance from all the sights, see the Roma Termini station guide .

Roma Ostiense and Roma Tiburtina are on the outskirts of the city, you'll need a local train or taxi (around €15) into the city centre.  The Vatican has its own suburban station, Roma San Pietro, but it’s easy to reach St Peter’s from the Stazione Termini by bus or taxi.

Venezia Santa Lucia is the main station in Venice, in the city of Venice itself on the banks of the Grand Canal, 15-25 minutes walk from the Rialto Bridge & St Mark's Square.  See the Venice Santa Lucia station guide .

Venezia Mestre is on the mainland in an industrial area outside Venice itself, always book to Venice Santa Lucia unless you have a hotel in Mestre.

Firenze Santa Maria Novella is the main station in Florence, often abbreviated to SMN, in the city centre easy walking distance from all the sights.  See the Florence SMN station guide .  A few trains use Campo Marte or Rifredi stations outside the city centre, linked to SMN by frequent local trains.

Milano Centrale is the main station in Milan, a magnificent terminus in the city centre, served by most mainline & international trains.  It's a major Milan attraction in its own right, see if you can spot Mussolini .  See the Milan Centrale station guide .

Milan Porta Garibaldi is rather less magnificent, but still central, used by the French Railways TGVs to Paris and by some Trenitalia trains.  It's a 25 minute walk, 5 minute metro ride or 8 minute taxi ride from Centrale.

Some Malpensa airport trains arrive at Milan Cadorna, a small local terminus also located in the city centre, other Malpensa airport trains run to Milan Porta Garibaldi and Milan Centrale .  Milan Lambrate is much less central, and Milan Rogoredo is 5 km from the city centre.

Torino Porta Nuova is the main station, a large and historic terminus, see the Turin stations guide .

However, trains to & from Paris use Turin's other main station, Turin Porta Susa , and most trains to or from Rome, Milan or Venice call at Porta Susa before or after Porta Nuova .  Both stations are in Turin's city centre, walking distance from all the sights.

In Siena, the station is at the foot of the hill and used to be a steep trek up to the old town.  However, there's now a series of modern escalators and moving walkways that ferry you almost painlessly to the top of the hill, from where it's just a minute or two's walk to the Porta Camollia at the entrance to the old town.  From the Porta Camollia it's a pleasant 15 minute stroll to the famous Piazza del Campo.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Map of Pisa showing tower & railway stations .  Many people do Pisa as a day trip from Florence, using the frequent local trains.  Pisa Centrale is 2km from the Tower, a 30 minute walk, but if you take a train to Pisa S. Rossore station it's only a 5-10 minute walk to the Tower.  Some trains from Florence go direct to Pisa S. Rossore, 1 stop beyond Pisa Centrale, others require a change at Pisa Centrale.  Check train times using www.trenitalia.com or www.italiarail.com .

How to travel to Sicily

The train is a wonderful way to reach Sicily, an experience in itself.

There are two daytime InterCity trains from Rome & Naples to Palermo, Catania, Siracuse and time-effective overnight sleeper trains from Milan, Rome & Naples direct to Palermo, Catania & Siracuse.  See the timetable & information on the Trains to Sicily page .

If you use the daytime trains, bring a picnic and bottle of wine (as there's no catering car) and enjoy the ride, much of it along the Italian coast just a stone's throw from the sea towards the toe of Italy. 

All these trains are shunted onto a ferry at Villa san Giovanni for the short crossing of the Straits of Messina to Sicily.  It's the last remaining place in Europe where passenger trains go onto a ferry, a unique experience, watch the video .   Once the train is secured in the ship's hold, steps are placed next to the train doors, and you can either remain on board the train or get off and walk upstairs to the deck to take some sea air, returning to the train as the ferry docks on the other side.  Highly recommended!  You can book all of these trains to Sicily as shown here .

Or use an overnight ferry from Naples :  You can sail from Naples to Palermo by comfortable overnight ferry, with a  or shared cabin with en suite shower & toilet, and there are restaurants and bars for an enjoyable evening on board.  Ferries typically sail every day at around 20:00 and arrive around 06:30 in both directions.  See www.tirrenia.it & www.snav.it for times, dates, fares & online booking.

How to reach Herculaneum, Pompeii & Sorrento

Naples to Herculaneum, Pompeii & Sorrento by Circumvesuviana train

The railway from Naples to Herculaneum, Pompeii & Sorrento isn't run by Trenitalia, it's the privately-run Circumvesuviana Railway, www.eavsrl.it .  That's why you can't find trains to Sorrento on trenitalia.com or italiarail.com.  Map of Naples showing stations .

Simply buy a mainline ticket from Venice, Florence, Rome or wherever to Naples Centrale at www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com .  On arrival at Naples Centrale, follow the signs to Circumvesuviana , these will take you downstairs to the Circumvesuviana station.

The Circumvesuviana station has its own ticket office, either buy a ticket to Ercolano, Pompeii Scavi or Sorrento there or use the ticket gate that allows you to touch in with a contactless bank card.  Go through the automatic ticket gates onto the platform and hop on the next train.

Trains run to Herculaneum (Ercolano), Pompeii and Sorrento every 30 minutes throughout the day, no reservation is necessary or possible.  Outside the weekday rush hours the trains are not crowded, there are plenty of seats and it's very easy to use.  Luggage goes on the racks or just on the floor, no problem.  This handy video shows you what to expect .

Naples to Pompeii costs around €3.20 one-way, journey around 40 minutes. 

Naples to Sorrento costs around €4.50 one-way, journey 55-65 minutes.

Naples to Sorrento by ferry

You can also travel from Naples Beverello ferry terminal to Sorrento by fast ferry with around 5 departures a day, journey time 45 minutes, fare around €13, bags €2.10, see www.alilauro.it .  You can buy online or just buy at the ferry terminal on the day.

To the top of Vesuvius

To visit the summit of Vesuvius, two morning buses run from Naples or a more regular bus service runs from Pompeii, both run by EAVBUS, see www.eavbus.it (Italian only) or (more usefully) www.unicocampania.it , click English top right and look for 'Vesuvio Fares' under 'Tourist Info'.

Day trip to Pompeii?   It's easy to arrange a trip to Pompeii yourself by train, see the guide here .

How to reach Capri

Buy a mainline ticket from Venice, Florence, Rome or wherever to Naples Centrale at www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com . 

The island of Capri is just off Sorrento.  You have two options:  You can take a direct ferry from Naples to Capri, journey time around 45 minutes, fare €20.10, or you can take the Circumvesuviana Railway to Sorrento (55-65 minutes) then a shorter ferry crossing to Capri (around 25 minutes, fare €18.10).

If you choose the ferry from Naples, take a taxi (5-10 minutes) or walk (about 25 minutes) from Naples Centrale to Naples Beverello ferry quay.  Fast ferries taking just 45 minutes link Naples Berevello with Capri every hour or two between 07:00 & 18:00, see either www.snav.it or Omio.com for times & fares.  The ferry fare is about €20.10 plus a euro or two per item of large luggage.  You don't need to pre-book the ferry, just turn up, buy a ticket and hop on.  Map of Naples showing station & ferry terminals .

If you choose to take the local Circumvesuviana Railway to Sorrento, there are many ferries to Capri, no pre-booking necessary.  Just be aware that it's a longish steep walk from Sorrento Circumvesuviana station down the hill to the ferry terminal.

Ferries from both Naples & Sorrento arrive at Capri's busy Marina Grande, there's a funicular railway up the steep hillside to Capri town itself. Bring plenty of money to Capri, even a small beer costs over €7!

How to reach Ischia

Ferries link Naples with Porto Ischia, see either www.caremar.it (sailings every hour or two, crossing time 45 minutes fast ferry or 90 mins conventional ferry) or www.alilauro.it .

How to reach Amalfi, Positano, Praiano

Option 1, by bus from Salerno

There's no railway to these towns on the famous Amalfi Coast, but buses run from Salerno to Amalfi.  So buy a train ticket for one of the many high-speed trains from Milan, Florence and Rome direct to Salerno, then hop on a bus to Amalfi.  This Salerno bus option is the quickest way to Amalfi.

Buses link Salerno & Amalfi every hour or better between 06:00 & 22:30 on Mondays-Saturdays, slightly less frequently on Sundays, journey time 1h15, fare around €2.20 one-way, you buy a ticket at the tobacconists shop inside Salerno station.  The buses are operated by SITA, to check bus times see www.sitasudtrasporti.it (in Italian only, click 'Orari' then 'Campania').  To check fares, you'll need to use public transport site www.unicocampania.it , click English top right then 'Fares & Tickets'.

Option 2, by ferry from Salerno

Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Salerno to Amalfi or Positano.  See www.coopsantandrea.com for a timetable of small coastal ferries from Salerno (Concordia dock, 800m from Salerno railway station) to Amalfi and Positano.  At the time of writing, they had departures from Salerno at 08:40, 09:40, 10:40, 11:40, 14:10 and 15:30, journey time to Amalfi just 35 minutes, but check their website for current timings.  This is a good option in summer when the narrow coast road is clogged with traffic.

Option 3, by bus from Sorrento

You can also buy a train ticket to Naples, hop on the Circumvesuviana Railway to Sorrento as shown above then take a bus to Positano, Praiano & Amalfi.  For buses linking Sorrento with Positano, Praiano & Amalfi, see www.sitasudtrasporti.it (in Italian only, click 'Orari' then 'Campania').  Sorrento-Amalfi takes 1 hour 40 minutes, buses run hourly or at certain times half-hourly 06:30 to 22:00, and the fare is around €2.90.  The journey along the coast road is dramatic, the bus hugging the cliff and it rear end swinging out precariously at every hairpin bend!

Option 4, a private transfer from Naples to Praiano, Positano or Amalfi hotels

If cost is no object, a private car transfer from Naples Centrale railway station to Positano or Praiano costs around €95 one-way for up to 3 people, or around €110 to Amalfi.  Try www.amalfishuttle.com or www.positanoshuttle.com (same people - click 'transfer' at the top).  I have not had any reports about them yet, so feedback would be appreciated.  They will also do transfers from Sorrento Circumvesuviana station, which reduces the cost.

How to reach Elba

Travel by train to Piombino Marittima.  Moby Lines ( www.mobylines.com ) sail every hour or so from Piombino to Portoferraio on Elba, crossing time 1 hour, foot passengers €7 one-way.

How to reach Lake Como

Como San Giovanni is the mainline station for Como, it's on the Zurich-Milan main line and linked to Milan Centrale by frequent regional train.  Check times as above .

Lecco, Varenna & Bellanoare on the eastern side of Lake Como, there is a station at Lecco & Varenna-Esino (for the ferry to Bellagio) and Bellano on the Trenord local line linking Milan Centrale with Tirano (near the Swiss border, for the fabulous narrow-gauge Bernina route to Chur & Zurich).  Check times as above

How to reach Lake Garda

There are two main stations for Lake Garda, Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione or Peschiera del Garda , both on the Milan-Verona-Venice main line.  As well as regional trains, some Milan-Verona-Venice Frecciarossas call at Peschiera or Desenzano.

Alternatively, take a train to Verona Porta Nuova .  Buses run frequently times an hour from outside the station to the eastern shores of Lake Garda including Lazise, Bardonlino & Garda, see the bus company website www.atv.verona.it .

How to reach San Marino

San Marino has no rail station, but can easily be reached by bus from Rimini.  Buses leave from outside Rimini railway station every hour or so between 08:10 and 19:25 in winter, between 06:45 and 20:30 in summer, less frequently on winter Sundays, journey time 50 minutes, fare around €5.00 one-way.  You can check bus times and fares at the bus company website, www.bonellibus.it .

How to reach Sardinia

Ferries to Sardinia

Ferries sail from Civitavecchia, Livorno, Naples & Palermo to various ports on Sardinia including Olbia & Golfo Aranci in the north and Cagliariin the south.  Operators include Tirrenia, Grimaldi Lines, Corsica-Sardinia Ferries, use Direct Ferries to check and book all ferry routes & operators .

The shortest ferry crossing is Civitavecchia (just north of Rome) to Olbia where the daily daytime ferry takes 5h30, and an overnight ferry with cabins takes 7h.  A daily ferry with cabins links Naples with Caligari overnight.

Trains on Sardinia

Regional trains run by a division of Trenitalia link the major centres and ports:  Golfo Aranci, Olbia, Sassari, Porto Torres, Oristano, Cagliari.  You can check train times at www.trenitalia.com although as trains are classed as regional you may as well just buy tickets at the station on the day.

In addition to the main Trenitalia routes, tourist services called the Little Green Trains run on two or three very rural routes, see www.treninoverde.com (in Italian only, use Google Chrome translation feature).  These trains are run by transport authority ARST, a company formed by merging the urban transport authority with Sardinian Railways.

Airport train connections

Milan malpensa airport.

There are regional trains from Milan Malpensa airport to Milan Centrale every 30 minutes, journey time 52 minutes, fare around €12, no reservation necessary or possible, just buy a ticket at the station and hop on the next train.

Change at Milan Centrale for high-speed Frecciarossa & Frecciabianca trains to Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples or anywhere else in Italy.  You can check times & fares at www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com .  Reservation is required for Italian long-distance & high-speed trains, make sure you read the tips below.

Rome Fiumicino airport

Leonardo Express trains run from Rome Fiumicino airport to Rome Termini in the city centre every 30 minutes, journey time 32 minutes, fare around €14, no reservation necessary or possible, just buy a ticket at the station and hop on the next train.

Change at Rome Termini for high-speed Frecciarossa & Frecciargento trains to Venice, Florence, Naples or anywhere else in Italy - indeed, there's even a very occasional direct high-speed train from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Florence & Venice.   You can check times & fares at www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com - Reservation is required for Italian long-distance & high-speed trains, make sure you read the tips below.

Pisa airport

A people-mover (driverless train) shuttles passengers from Pisa airport to Pisa Centrale in the city centre in just 8 minutes.  Change at Pisa Centrale for hourly regional trains to Florence, and regular regional, Intercity or Frecciabianca trains to Rome, La Spezia and Monterosso in Cinque Terre.  You can check times & fares at www.trenitalia.com selecting Pisa fermata Aeroporto for Pisa airport station - but read the tips below.

Bologna airport

A people mover links Bologna Centrale with Bologna airport, for more info see the Bologna Centrale station guide .

Tips for buying plane-to-train tickets

The regional trains from Malpensa into Milan, from Fiumicino into Rome or from Pisa to Florence are no problem - you can turn up, buy a ticket at the station & hop on the next train.  No reservation is possible and no pre-booking necessary.  They cannot sell out.

But if you intend to catch an onward high-speed train from Milan or Rome to (let's say) Florence, Naples or Venice, remember that Italian high-speed trains require reservation and tickets are only valid on the specific train you book .

Cheap advance-purchase economy or super-economy tickets become worthless if your flight is late and you miss your train.  Even a flexible 'base' ticket becomes worthless one hour after departure if you can't get to a Trenitalia ticket counter to change the reservation to a later train.

So when arriving by air at Malpensa or Fiumicino and going to Florence, Naples, Venice and the like, you must choose one of two strategies:

Option 1, prioritise your budget:  The money-saving option is to buy a cheap Super-Economy fare and commit to a specific train in advance at www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com , but allowing a hefty 3-4 hours between flight arrival and train, to allow for any flight delays or long lines at immigration.

Option 2, prioritise your time:  The time-saving option is to just buy a ticket at the base price when you get to the airport station.  Then you can buy a ticket for the first train leaving after you have landed, collected your bags and are ready to go.  I know this goes against the grain for overseas visitors desperate to reserve every Starbucks cappuccino 6 months ahead, but unless it's Christmas Eve or the like, you'll always find places available even right before departure as there are so many seats on so many trains, this shouldn't be a concern.  You can check what the base fare is by running an enquiry on www.italiarail.com , clicking on a train then clicking the button marked '+ show flexible fares'.  The flexible fare is what you pay at the station on the day.

A compromise option?    You may find it cheaper to book cheap advance-purchase tickets on two trains - the train you should easily make if your flight is on time and a back-up train an hour or two later - than to pay the base fare for one train as in the time-saving option above.  Or book one train that you should normally easily be able to make, then just accept that if the plane is significantly late, you'll have to buy another ticket at the base fare.

How to use Trenitalia.com

The Italian Railways website www.trenitalia.com is well worth getting to know.  It can sell:

Domestic Italian train tickets for any train journey within Italy, including couchettes & sleepers on overnight trains, at cheap prices with no booking fee.

International train tickets for most direct international trains starting in Italy heading for Paris, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Slovenia, including couchettes & sleepers on overnight trains, again with cheap tickets if you pre-book.  Remember that ticket collection for trains to Austria & Germany is only possible at stations in Italy!

Or use Italiarail.com instead.   You may find www.italiarail.com easier to use than trenitalia.com for sleeper trains, international trains and passholder reservations.  ItaliaRail is a US-based agency who connects directly to the Trenitalia ticketing system to sell the same trains at the same prices as Trenitalia, but in plain English using English-language place names.  They charge a booking fee of around €3.50, but this will be refunded if you send them an email at [email protected] after you book.

How to use www.trenitalia.com

Base is the fully-flexible fare, it's what you'd pay at the station on the day.  Refundable, only valid on the train booked but can be changed before departure, or at the station up to an hour after departure.  The base fare was originally one fixed-price for a given journey, but as from late 2017 the base fare for Frecciarossa & Frecciargento trains can vary slightly by day of the week or the popularity of each particular train.

Economy & Super-Economy are Trenitalia's cheap advance-purchase fares, only valid on the train booked, limited refunds & changes, limited availability, these are the fares you want for cheap travel, if you are certain what time train you want.

Cartafreccia Special fares can only be bought if you have a Cartafreccia card, which you probably haven't.

Ordinaria is the regular fare for regional trains.  It's fixed-price, you can buy at that price even on the day.  In principle this fare is good for any train, but you now need to select a specific departure and check in online for it before boarding, see more about how regional tickets now work .

Posto Doppio - Compart. Intero = books a whole private 2-bed sleeper for 2 people.  If there's 2 of you, this is what you select for both passengers.

Posto Doppio - Uomo = reserves a bed or beds in a shared 2-bed sleepers, male-only compartments.

Posto Doppio - Donna = reserves a bed or beds in a shared 2-bed sleepers, ladies-only compartments.

Posto Singolo = single-bed sleeper, books one private compartment for one person.

Cuccette C4 Comfort-Promiscuo = bunk in shared 4-berth Comfort couchettes, normal mixed sex compartment.

Cuccette C4 Comfort - Donna = bunk in shared 4-berth Comfort couchettes, in special ladies-only compartment.

Cuccette C4 Comfort-Compart. Intero = whole 4-berth Comfort couchette compartment (must have 4 passengers selected).

Compartimento 3 Letti - Uomo = bed in shared 3-bed sleeper, male-only compartment.

Compartimento 3 Letti - Donna = bed in shared 3-bed sleeper, ladies-only compartment.

Compartimento 3 Letti - Intero = 3-bed sleeper, whole compartment (need to have pre-selected 3 passengers).

To book 2 people together in a 2-bed sleeper you'd select Posto Doppio - Compart. Intero for both passengers.

On some international routes they use slightly different sleeper terminology:

Cabina A3 = 3-berth.  Cabina A2 = 2-berth.  Gran classe = deluxe with shower & toilet.

But again, Uomo means male, donna means female, intera means you want to book a whole compartment.

Other problems?   If you get stuck, you can contact Trenitalia's web team at [email protected]  to unfreeze frozen accounts and so forth.  They can handle emails in English.  Or you can call Trenitalia telesales on +11 39 06 6847 5475.

How to use Trenitalia ticket machines

It's easy to buy tickets at the station using the self-service ticket machines at all main Italian stations, as long as you have a credit card with a PIN (4-digit personal identification number).  They have an English language facility, and it's faster and easier than using the ticket office.  The machines are pretty self-explanatory, but to give you confidence and so you know what to expect, here's how to use them.

Incidentally, you'll sometimes find annoying types who hang around offering to 'help' foreigners, just be healthily suspicious of them and refuse all help, you don't need it as the machines are self-explanatory and you certainly don't need anyone near your wallet or pockets while you are distracted.  Italian stations are perfectly safe (I've spent literally hours hanging round them out of professional interest, without any problem whatsoever), but it pays to be streetwise!

To buy a ticket

Children under 4 go free with no ticket needed, children under 12 can use a child rate ticket on regional trains, children under 14 can use a child ticket on Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca, InterCity & InterCity Notte mainline trains.

Paying for a guidebook may seem an unnecessary expense, but it's only a fraction of what you spend on the whole trip.  If you have a decent guidebook, you see so much more and know so much more about what you're looking at.  I think the Lonely Planets or Rough Guides are the best ones out there for the independent traveller.

Click the images to buy at Amazon.co.uk

Or buy in the usa from amazon.com.

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

European Rail Timetable & maps

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south.  Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted.  See an extract from the map .  Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

Recommended hotels

Here are my suggested hotels in key Italian cities, conveniently located for arrival by train and all with good or great reviews.  You are unlikely to be disappointed by any hotel scoring over 8.0 out of 10 on Booking.com .

There are lots of hotels near Milan Centrale , used by the Frecciarossa to/from Paris, the EuroCity trains to/from Switzerland and the majority of Italian domestic trains.

Affordable hotels & guesthouses with good or great reviews just outside the station include the Hotel Bristol , Hotel Bernina , 43 Station Hotel , B&B Hotel Milano Central Station , Guesthouse Teodora .

M ore upmarket hotels include HD8 Hotel , Glam Hotel , Made to Measure Business , Starhotel Echo or Starhotel Anderson .

At the top end, the 5-star Excelsior Hotel Gallia is just across the road, you won't go wrong with that if your budget will stretch!

Near Milan Porta Garibaldi (used by the TGV to/from Paris), the AC Milano Hotel (a Marriott Lifestyle Hotel) is just 350m from the station and gets good reviews.  Also try the Holiday Inn Porta Garibaldi , which offers family rooms.

Hotels near Verona Porta Nuova station with good or great reviews include the Corte Merighi Rooms & Breakfast , Novo Hotel Rossi , Guesthouse Verona or (a little closer to the centre, but with fab reviews) the Relais Empire .

Location, location, location!   Some people try to save money by staying on the mainland at Mestre , hotels in Mestre being naturally cheaper.  It's an option, but don't do it if you don't have to.  You want to be a resident in Venice, not a serial day-tripper, so try to find an affordable place in the historic city of Venice itself.

Venice Santa Lucia station is walking distance from everywhere in central Venice including the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco, so a hotel near the station which you can easily walk to with your bags makes a lot of sense.

Relatively inexpensive places with good reviews near Venice Santa Lucia include Albergo Marin , Hotel Marte , La Loggia della Luna , Albergo ai Tolentini .

An excellent upmarket choice just 5 minutes walk from Venice Santa Lucia is the small and intimate Hotel Canal Grande - I've stayed there myself.  Also try the Abazzia De Luxe .

For the least expensive places in central Venice check www.hostelworld.com .  Use the map view to see places in Venice itself.

Of course, if you have the financial backing for a water taxi, then fine, stay near San Marco or wherever you like.  My son nagged me continually until I caved in and splurged €70 on a water taxi from Santa Lucia station to St Marks.  I have to say that it was the best thing I have ever done in Venice, and that includes a gondola ride!

If you do decide to stay in Mestre to save money and travel in & out of Venice by train every day, try the Hotel Cris which has great reviews 200m from Venezia Mestre station , and the Best Western Plus Hotel Bologna .

In Florence

For something fancy, try the Hotel Santa Maria Novella with a 9/10 review score and rooftop terrace overlooking the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella.  It's a mere 5-minute 400m walk from Florence Santa Maria Novella station .

For something more affordable but also an easy walk from the station, try the Hotel Art Atelier .

Other hotels nearby with good reviews include C-hotels Club , 7Florence B&B , Hotel Lombardia .

There are many hotels near Rome Termini .  However, an affordable top choice with a 9/10 review rating is the Hotel Diocleziano , a 5-minute 400m walk from Roma Termini's main entrance, set in a 19th century building next to the Terme di Diocleziano ancient Roman baths.

An upmarket option near the station is Hotel Le Petit , an 8-minute 700m walk from the station, also with great reviews.

Other hotels near the station with good or great reviews include The Hive Hotel , Dream Station , The Republic Hotel .

There are lots of hotels near Naples Centrale .

The Starhotel Terminus is just across the road from the station, gets great reviews and has a roof terrace with views over the Bay of Naples.

The Hotel Potenza is only a little further into the Piazza Garibaldi, cheaper, also with good reviews.

The Unahotel Napoli is highly recommended, on Piazza Mancini overlooking Piazza Garibaldi, on the far side facing the station.

Also consider the Pit Stop Napoli Centrale .

Booking.com for hotels

I generally use Booking.com for hotels for 3 reasons:

(1) It keeps all my hotel bookings together in one place;

(2) I've come to trust Booking.com 's review scores;

(3) Booking.com usually offers a clearly-marked Free cancellation option.

Free cancellation means you can secure hotels risk-free even before trains open for booking, and if necessary change those bookings if your plans evolve.

If I'm only staying a night or two, I look for a hotel near the station to make arrival & departure easy.  You can enter the station name (e.g. Berlin Hbf ) as search location.  If staying longer, I look for a hotel close to the sights, entering the name of a city attraction as the search location, then using map view.

AirBnB:  Airbnb.com

www.airbnb.com began in 2008 when two designers who had space to share hosted three travellers looking for a place to stay.  AirBnB is a platform which connects hosts with guests, so you can now book a room in people's homes, or an apartment, flat or house which people want to rent out.  It can be nicer than a hostel, cheaper than many hotels.

Backpacker hostels:  Hostelworld.com

www.hostelworld.com offers online booking of dorm beds or cheap private rooms in backpacker hostels most European cities at rock-bottom prices.  It's one way to cut costs significantly compared to using a hotel every night.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here .  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or Buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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Italy train guide — how to travel italy by train.

How to travel Italy by train — tips for buying Italian train tickets and advice for navigating Italy by rail.

Transportation

Italy is a joy to travel by train—the views of the countryside are amazing, the rail system is efficient, and booking tickets is easier than ever. Furthermore, Italy has a highly-developed high-speed rail network that quickly connects all major cities and slower local trains connect most of the small towns. It’s simply the best way to travel around Italy. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about Italy trains—from buying tickets to traveling between its great cities.

How To Buy Train Tickets in Italy

Buying Italian train tickets is generally easy—in most cases, you can purchase tickets online and have them sent electronically to your phone/app.

Let’s first take a look at where and how early to buy tickets…

Travel Tip: Most train tickets in Italy are now electronic so having reliable high-speed data for your phone is super helpful. Here are a few articles I’ve written to help you get cheap mobile data in Italy:  Guide To Mobile Data Plans and Smartphone Phones in Europe ,  How To Buy A SIM Card and Mobile Data Plans in Europe , and Guide To Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in Italy

Where To Buy Italy Train Tickets

Buying Italian train tickets online is fairly simple and straightforward these days—but there can sometimes be a few quirks.

Note: Trenitalia is the official Italian Railways website. The site is known to have weird translation issues and some people have problems with getting their payments processed. Personally, I’d avoid using this if you’re not Italian. The options below are much more user-friendly for non-Italians.

Omio is a search engine that lets you compare and book trains (and buses and flights) anywhere in Europe. It lets you easily book tickets with your credit card at essentially the same prices as the Trenitalia website. Additionally, Omio searches routes for multiple rail services across Europe so it’s great for international trips (since it can easily combine rail journeys of multiple countries).

TrainLine is a website that searches multiple rail services across Europe so it’s great for international trips (since it can easily combine rail journeys of multiple countries). It’s also good for single-country travel. Plus, it’s designed for English-speaking travelers so it’s super user-friendly.

ItaliaRail.com

ItaliaRail is a worldwide distributor of Italian train tickets so their site is also simple to use for English speakers. You can use a credit card to pay in most currencies so anyone in the world use to able to buy tickets through the site. As an added bonus, the tickets are electronic so they can be sent straight to your phone (or can be printed at home if you prefer).

Italotreno.it

Italotreno is a private rail company that runs modern high-speed trains between most major cities—these trains only run between major cities. Be sure to check them out as there are some deals to be found. Luckily, when you search with Omio you’ll also get Italotreno trains in the results so I prefer searching there since you can compare all the rail companies.

At The Station

Of course, you can buy any Italian train ticket from any train station—either from a ticket window or an automated machine. You can purchase tickets in advance from train stations as well.

How To Collect Your Train Tickets

Tickets purchased online can be collected in a few different ways. Sometimes you’re given multiple methods and sometimes you’re only given one option:

• Electronic Tickets: Tickets are sent to your phone or sometimes an App. Simply show your phone to the conductor on the train when he checks the tickets.
• Print-At-Home Tickets: Print them and show them to the conductor on the train when he checks the tickets. You can often simply save the PDF to your phone/tablet and the conductor can scan it from there.
• Pick Up At the Station: Use your credit card or a booking number to print your tickets at the train station.
• Reference Number (PNR): You’re sent a booking reference number (PRN) and you show it to the conductor on the train when he checks tickets.

Do I Need To Buy Italian Train Tickets In Advance?

Long-Distance/High-Speed Trains: Yes – book early. Booking ahead online will get you the cheapest tickets and prices will continue to rise as the departure date approaches. For example, I just did a search for a day-of ticket for Rome-Milan and it was €95 but tickets bought two months in advance are €32—that’s a pretty big difference.

• High-Speed Trains: Frecciarossa (180mph), Frecciargento (160 mph), Frecciabianca (155mph), Italo (180 mph), InterCity (125mph).

Note: Trains between major cities will almost always be high-speed trains (Rome-Milan, Rome-Venice, Rome-Florence, Venice-Milan, etc). Also, most train tickets are available for purchase between three to six months in advance.

Regional Trains: Price-wise, there is no need to book early. Regional trains are priced by distance traveled so there is no discount for booking early. Simply show up at the station and buy your tickets at the window or automated kiosk.

Of course, you can still buy regional train tickets online so they’re ready to go on your phone and you can skip any lines at the ticket machines.

• Slow Trains: InterRegionale (IR), Regionale (R), and Diretto (D)

High-Speed Vs. InterCity/Regional Trains: High-speed trains are faster (obviously) and nicer/more comfortable than InterCity/Regional trains. They’re also more expensive but we usually think the time savings are worth the cost. But if you’re on a budget then there is no shame in taking a cheaper train.

International Train Tickets

International train tickets (i.e. tickets between Italy and another country) can sometimes cause a few issues. Let’s take a look at a few:

• Otherwise, you can book two separate journeys (one for Country A and another for Country B) but that’s kind of a hassle.
• Buy Ticket From Departure Country’s Site: Always purchase your tickets from the country in which your train departs. This is because you can often only pick up your ticket from a station in the country where the trip originates. For example, for a journey from Nice, France to Milan, Italy you’ll want to buy your ticket from the French rail network but if you’re going from Milan to Nice then you’ll want to buy the ticket from an Italian site. NOTE: This isn’t an issue when you book through a third-party booking website.

How To Use Your Italy Train Tickets

On most high-speed trains in Italy, your ticket is only good for the time on the ticket. You’ll also be given an assigned seat. You don’t need a validate your ticket because your seat is reserved (but they might check your ID). NOTE: Your ticket will show the car and seat number so make sure you’re in the right car (the trains are clearly marked).

On regional trains , you might have a physical ticket. Make sure to validate (i.e. stamp) your ticket in the validation boxes on the platform before you get on the train. They’re sometimes hard to see so watch what the locals are doing. If you forget to validate, seek out the conductor immediately and have him stamp it — if you wait until he comes around you might be given a fine.

Regional trains won’t have seat reservations so just sit anywhere.

Once you’re on the train the conductor will eventually walk through the aisles to check tickets.

How To Make Rail Pass Reservations

Most high-speed trains require you to make a reservation when using a Eurail pass — the reservation costs around €10/seat. You must make the reservation before you get on the train. There are a few ways to make reservations:

• Online: ItaliaRail.com lets you book your reservation online through their platform. Simply look for a button that says something like “I Have A Railpass” and follow the prompts.
• At The Train Station: You can simply go to the train station and book your reservation from the customer service desk or self-service kiosks. You can book it weeks in advance or you can do it the day you depart. We suggest using the kiosks because the ticket window can take forever.

More Tips For Riding Italian Trains

• Check The Departures Board: You’ll find your train platform via the departure board at the train station. Don’t worry if you don’t see your train because they often only display trains departing within the next 10-20 minutes.
• Cheap Tickets Are Non-Refundable: One downside to cheap tickets is that they’re non-refundable and they can’t be changed.
• Pack A Picnic: You’re allowed to bring your own food and alcohol on trains. It’s great for those long train rides.
• Luggage: There aren’t any weight limits on luggage and you can bring as much as you want (well, as much as you can carry). Simply bring it on and store it above your head, behind your seat, or in the luggage racks in each car.
• Get To The Train Station Early: Train stations are usually fairly easy to navigate but they can be a little confusing—especially larger stations. There isn’t any security that you have to go through but it doesn’t hurt to arrive about 20 minutes early.
• Know Train Station Names: Most large cities have multiple train stations so this often creates confusion. Double-check to make sure you have the right station — especially when booking your ticket.
• Learn Italian City Names: Italian cities will often be called by their Italian name — for example, Roma (Rome), Firenze (Florence), Napoli (Naples), Milano (Milan), etc.
• First Class vs Second Class Tickets: First Class tickets normally cost 1.5x the second class rate. Second Class is perfectly comfortable but First Class seats are a bit bigger. There isn’t much more of a difference.
• Use A Credit Card With Chip: Automated ticket kiosks require a card with a chip so make sure you know your PIN code.
• Get High-Speed Mobile Data: Train tickets are electronic so you’ll want data on your phone. Check out my guide to the best prepaid eSIM plans for Italy to get a cheap data plan.

Learn More About Traveling In Italy

Here are a few articles I’ve written about traveling around Italy:

• Rome Travel Guide: Tips For Visiting Rome
• Florence Travel Guide: Tips For Visiting Florence
• Venice Travel Guide: Tips For Visiting Venice
• Recent Posts
• The Best Travel Backpacks | In-Depth Buyer’s Guide & Backpack Reviews - April 28, 2024
• Best Prepaid UK eSIM | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 21, 2024
• How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe — Tips for Outsmarting the Thieves - April 19, 2024

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Thanks For Reading! — James

Questions? Learn more about our Strict Advertising Policy and How To Support Us .

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The ultimate guide to train travel in Italy 

Master the Italian rails, book tickets with ease, and embark on thrilling adventures with this guide about train travel in Italy

• 1 This guide to train travel in Italy will help you navigate the Italian railway system and feel comfortable booking train tickets for your next sightseeing adventure.
• 2 Train types in Italy
• 3 Which train company shall I choose?
• 4 Shall I purchase train tickets in advance?
• 5 Is it better to buy train tickets at the station or online?
• 6 Getting the names of the Italian train stations right
• 7 What shall I do when I am at the train station?
• 8 The importance of validating your train tickets
• 9 What do I do if someone takes my seat on the train?
• 10 Where do I find the conductor in case I need help?
• 11 What if I miss my train?
• 12 How do I change the name on a train ticket?
• 13 Do train stations in Italy have luggage storage facilities?
• 14 How to avoid scams at train stations in Italy
• 15 What to do when there’s a train strike in Italy
• 16.1 Pssst… Pin this article for future reference and get in touch if you have any questions about train travel in Itay!

This guide to train travel in Italy will help you navigate the Italian railway system and feel comfortable booking train tickets for your next sightseeing adventure.

Train travel is a great way to see Italy’s incredibly diverse landscape, which ranges from plains and rolling hills covered in vineyards to stunning coastlines and mountains.

It’s fairly easy to travel across Italy by train, but I know it can seem a little overwhelming at first with all the different options and train types.

And since many of you have a lot of questions about train bookings in Italy, I thought I’d put together a guide that hopefully will help. So, let’s start…

Train types in Italy

First thing first, there are three main types of trains in Italy:

High-speed trains are the fastest trains that allow you to travel to Italy’s major cities quickly and comfortably. Their services include assigned seats, ample luggage storage, and wifi, and you can book tickets in advance online. Italo trains and the Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca trains provided by Trenitalia fall into this category.

Intercity trains connect major cities on long distances, they’re cheaper but a bit slower. They usually have air conditioning and you get an assigned seat in 1st or 2nd class.

Regional trains are what you need if you’re planning to explore smaller towns and villages. In comparison to fast trains, they’re cheap (and their prices tend to be fixed), but they’re also much slower since they have many stops. Because the seats are first-come, first-served, you’re not guaranteed one, especially during peak travel times. Also, there’s rarely air conditioning or first class. They are identified by RV (Regionale Veloce, a bit faster) and R (Regionale, the slowest). 

Which train company shall I choose?

There are two train companies operating in Italy: Trenitalia  and Italo .

The main difference between the two is that Italo only offers fast trains connecting major cities (like Milan, Rome, Venice, Turin, Florence, Naples), while Trenitalia offers high-speed, intercity, and regional trains. So, if you need to get to small towns and villages, you’ll need to use Trenitalia.

When it comes to high-speed trains, both Italo and Trenitalia offer free wifi and power outlets, as well as a seating option for four people facing each other, which is great for family trips or groups of friends.

Trenitalia’s high-speed fleet consists of Frecciarossa (the fastest train), Frecciargento , and Frecciabianca trains. Tickets come in four different classes – Standard , Premium , Business,   Executive (more info here ). There are also three main types of fares: Super Economy (no changes, nor refunds allowed), Economy (you can change it by paying the price difference, no refunds), and Base (you can change it by paying the price difference; partial refund allowed). 

Italo offers four different service levels: Smart (the cheapest), Comfort , Prima , and Club Executive (further info here ). You can choose between Low Cost (no changes nor refunds allowed), Economy (changes and refunds allowed for a fee), and Flex (changes are free, while refunds come with a fee).

Italo is my go-to when visiting big cities because it tends to be cheaper and on time. In general, I guess the choice will mostly depend on where you’re going and the time schedule available. Standard class is good and comfortable with both train companies, and I usually choose the cheapest ticket with some flexibility (for example, the Standard Base with Trenitalia). 

Shall I purchase train tickets in advance?

I get asked this a lot, and my answer is always yes! Why wait if you’ve got it all planned out? Booking train tickets in advance is a wise move especially if you are traveling to popular places or during peak season.

Also, when you buy your train tickets in advance, you don’t just save time during your trip, you’ll also get some great deals. You can always opt for flex fares if you need to change plans for whatever reason.

To clarify, only high-speed trains to big cities should be booked in advance (like Milan to Rome, Venice to Florence, etc.). Regional trains, on the other hand, usually have fixed prices, so buying them ahead isn’t necessary or advantageous. In fact, buying regional train tickets in advance can be a problem since they are usually non-refundable and non-changeable.

Is it better to buy train tickets at the station or online?

Personally, I buy all my train tickets online, either on the websites or through the official apps, because it’s just so easy and convenient.  

Both the Trenitalia and Italo sites have a section in English; the option to change the language is at the top of the homepage, on the right-hand side. Just remember to type the city name in Italian (eg Venezia, not Venice).

Tickets purchased online don’t need to be validated or printed. You just have to show your phone to the conductor when you’re asked to do so.

Tip: don’t register when buying your train tickets online. Registering is only for Italians and you don’t need an account to buy a ticket. So don’t try to enter your details, you might end up stuck on that registration page forever!  

Alternatively, you can get tickets right at the train station. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter or using the touch screen kiosks, where you’ll generally find uniformed staff helping you out .

Getting the names of the Italian train stations right

Like airports, Italian train stations have names. Additionally, major cities like Rome, Milan, or Venice have multiple train stations, so you need to know which one you need when you book your train tickets.

These are the names of the main stations in big Italian cities:

• Rome: Roma Termini
• Venice: Venezia Santa Lucia
• Milan: Milano Centrale
• Florence: Firenze Santa Maria Novella
• Turin: Torino Porta Nuova
• Naples: Napoli Centrale
• Cinque Terre: use La Spezia Centrale , it’s the main transportation hub in the area

What shall I do when I am at the train station?

Upon arriving at the train station, look for the big electronic board with all the Partenze (Departures).

For each train that’s leaving, you’ll see the train number, the final destination, and the binario (the platform number). Say you’re traveling between Milan and Florence on Italo train 9947: the board will say “Napoli” next to the train number since that’s its final destination.

Also, the platform number usually appears only a few minutes before departure time, so if you get there early and don’t see it on the board, don’t panic.

In big stations like Roma Termini and Milano Centrale, you’ll have to go through airport-style security gates to get to the platforms – there are no scanners, just controllers who check your tickets.

The importance of validating your train tickets 

When you travel on a regional train, make sure you validate your paper ticket before boarding. There are small machines (usually green or yellow) on the way to the platforms where you can put the ticket so it’s stamped with the date and time. You’ll get fined if you don’t validate your ticket!

You don’t need to validate regional tickets that you’ve bought online and printed at home, nor intercity or high-speed tickets as these are valid only for that specific date and train.

What do I do if someone takes my seat on the train? 

First of all, remember that your seats are allocated on high-speed and intercity trains only while on regional trains, seating is first-come, first-served. However, it does happen sometimes that someone else is already sitting in your reserved seat, but most of the time you just show your ticket to prove that it’s your seat and they’ll apologize right away and leave.

In the unfortunate event that they refuse to move, talk to the conductor. Don’t forget that sometimes there’s a language barrier, and what seems rude may just be a result of not understanding each other .

Where do I find the conductor in case I need help?

The conductor is usually on the platform when you get on the train. Once the train starts moving, you can either wait for the conductor to come check your tickets or go to the first coach.

What if I miss my train?

This depends on what train it is and what ticket you have.

Regional trains give you a 4-hour window from validation. If it’s a high-speed train, you’ll have to buy a new ticket unless you booked a flexible fare that lets you change it (it’s more expensive, but it’s totally worth it for peace of mind!).

How do I change the name on a train ticket?

It’s not necessary to add the names of everyone on your train ticket, just the person booking it. And even if you are asked to add every passengers’ name, from my experience the conductor never checks them.

Do train stations in Italy have luggage storage facilities?

Yep, all major train stations in Italy have luggage storage facilities. Here are the main ones:

• Rome: KiPoint Roma Termini
• Milan: KiPoint Milano Centrale
• Venice: KiPoint Venezia Santa Lucia
• Florence: KiPoint Firenze Santa Maria Novella
• Naples: KiPoint Napoli Centrale
• Turin: KiPoint Torino Porta Nuova
• La Spezia: Left Luggage La Spezia Centrale

How to avoid scams at train stations in Italy

You’ve got to be cautious walking through a train station in Italy, just like you would anywhere else. Let’s face it, a foreigner carrying luggage and looking a little disoriented is a prime target for a scam, right? Play it cool, look confident, and learn some basic Italian – it will help a lot!

Fake taxi drivers are one of the most common scams. You’ll see people approaching you as soon as you exit the station and asking if you need a taxi. I suggest you stay away from them and get in the official taxi line, even if it’s long… it’ll save you lots of headaches! Also, be sure your taxi is metered, don’t ask for a forfeit price.

You’ll also often see the soon-to-be-helpful person that will lead you to the right platform or help you at the ticket machine. These people are only after your money . Once again, stay away from them and never show your tickets to anyone (you only have to show your ticket to access the platform and to the conductor on the train). If you’re being approached by suspicious people, just say “No thanks” or “Basta!”.

Don’t let scammers discourage you from taking trains in Italy – this could happen anywhere. And remember, there are people out there who are genuinely trying to help.

What to do when there’s a train strike in Italy 

No matter how much you plan ahead for your train travel in Italy, you might run into a sciopero dei trasporti (transportation strike). But luckily, strike plans aren’t a secret and they’re often announced well in advance. There’s even a website that lists all upcoming transport strikes . It’s in Italian only, but it’s not so hard to read – just filter for Trasporto Ferroviario under the Settore column.

Also, a sciopero can last from a few hours to all day and can involve the whole local transport system. However, minimum service is usually guaranteed during peak hours (6 am – 9 am and 6 pm – 9 pm).

Where do I put my suitcases when traveling on Italian trains?

First of all, there’s no luggage fee and no weight limit, and you can take your own suitcases on the train.

On regional trains, you can put your suitcases on the racks above your seat or just on the floor next to you.

On high-speed trains, you can put carry-ons and medium-sized suitcases on the shelf above your seat, but anything larger should go on the luggage racks at the end of each coach. You may also find a spot between two sets of seats.

I’ve never had a problem with my suitcases on trains, but if you’re worried, try seating close to the entrance of the train coach or buy a wire lock to secure your bag to the rack. Honestly, though, there’s no need for that.

I hope this guide will help you navigate the Italian train network and buy tickets with confidence. Now, why don’t you take a look at these day trips from Venice by train and start planning some sightseeing adventures?

Pssst… Pin this article for future reference and get in touch if you have any questions about train travel in Itay!

Ciao for now,

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32 thoughts on “the ultimate guide to train travel in italy ”.

Very good summary of train travel in Italy, Valentina. Good tips especially the explanation regarding the types of tickets. When I visited Italy I was surprised at how inexpensive train travel was compared to my own country.

Thanks so much Hazel, glad you find this useful!

I’m surprised to see an Italian recommend train travel in Italy. I’ve done several train journeys in Italy over the years and I always found them relatively reliable and convenient. However several of my Italian colleagues look at me in utter disbelief if I dare suggest taking a train in Italy to them. In their opinion this is the worst thing one could ever do (as I said, I never had a bad experience with trains in Italy). Very comprehensive guide, thanks a lot for sharing all those details. Especially when you don’t speak the language it can sometimes get a little confusing and overwhelming (well again, nothing compared to trying to find your train in france though) 😉

I love travelling by train in Italy! Ok, trains are not perfect everywhere, especially in the south train connections are not great, but still, I would recommend it to anyone 🙂

Oh yes, trains are the best way to travel in Italy, I do agree 🙂

Thank you Ann! 😀

I love riding the trains in Italy! I forgot which one I rode in Rome when I was there 2 years ago. In any case, I want to try Trenitalia and Italo again. It looks like very comfortable. It’s very easy to buy tickets too. Very efficient!

Both train companies are very good, although I tend to use more Italo lately 🙂

Excellent review of the train system in Italy. While reading your article, it strongly reminded me of the train system in Japan. There are local, express, and the Shinkansen (cross-country). Additionally, the tip about validating your ticket I found especially useful. I’ll definitely keep this post in mind during my upcoming trip!

Thank you Emily, glad you found it useful! 😀

I still remember my first train travel in Italy 13 years ago when I was a young college study-abroad student of course we had no idea about validation because nothing like that exists in the US so we took a couple train trips before we realized we had to validate our tickets and got caught out and given a ticket for it! Definitely all US or Australian visitors should be alerted to this when entering country!

It’s one of those things that you would never think of, right? And instead it’s key if you want to avoid being fined ;-D

During my first trip to Europe, the train system was very confusing to me. I definitely could’ve used this article back then! I thought the most helpful part of this article is that you translated the stations into what the locals know them as. That was the most confusing part for me. I can’t tell you how long I was looking for Prague when it was really Praha in Czech, ha! It’s also great to know that seats are the first-come-first-serve basis. A lot of travelers do not know that and it causes a lot of commotion on trains. Great tips!

The names of train stations can be really confusing even for an Italian sometimes, because one city can have multiple train stations and you need to know the name of the central one if you don’t want to end up in the middle of nowhere 😛

It can be a bit confusing getting trains in a foreign country so this is super useful when travelling to Italy. I did get a train there once to Malcesine, pleasant experience. Great advice about buying tickets online and where to do this. Validating your ticket is something most people wouldn’t know about either. Helpful article!

Thank you Vanessa!!

I have had the opportunity to travel in Italy and use trains which I think are absolutely fabulous way to travel. I used it to travel to the Capital Rome from Amalfi and must admit the service and facilities were spot on. The intercity are affordable and if booked in ad ave can get you some great bargains. This is a very informative post to help choose the right trains and an overview to people who are looking to use the train in Italy. Thanks.

Thank YOU Amar!

This is an excellent guide to train travel in Italy. I’ve only ever taken TrenItalia, and quite enjoyed it! I’ve not heard of Italo, so will look out for it the next time we’re back. Great tips on getting them online too, it makes it much easier.

Yep, try Italo, I love it!

Thanks for sharing a very informative guide on Italian trains with all information about how to purchase tickets and different types of train. During my 1 week tour to Italy, I took Trenitalia for commuting and it was very comfortable and on time. I too agree that stations of Italy are named in Italian and therefore for non-Italians, it is very confusing and therefore to know some stations in advance would be preferred.

This is such a useful post! I recently travelled from Verona to Trento by a train. And it would have been very useful if I read your post before.

I hope you managed to see something of Verona before boarding the train 😉

Thank you Yukti!!

I recently used the train to visit both Lake Garda and Venice whilst staying in .Verona and found it an excellent service, far better and cheaper than UK trains. I definitely want to see more of Italy using the train. How is the train service in Sicily?

In the south of Italy train connections (and public transport more in general) can be less frequent and with with fewer lines/connections. That’s why I tend to suggest to rent a car instead.

This is a really informative blog on trains in Italy. I think buying tickets online is a better idea than getting them in stations. Thanks for the tip for not trying to register online as only Italian citizens can do it. I would rather buy them online without getting bothered about registration.

It’s really easy to buy all the tickets online and saves you sooo much time!

Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed! Very helpful information particularly the remaining phase 🙂 I care for such information a lot. I was seeking this particular information for a very lengthy time. Thanks and good luck.

So glad you find this useful and thank so much for your kind words 😀

Hi If I book an Italobus connection from Rome to Sorrento can I go from Sorrento to Pompeii the next day with Italo? Thanks Joanne

Hey Joanne, thanks for stopping by! You can use the Circumvesuviana line (line 1) to travel between Sorrento and Pomepii, it takes about 30 minutes, check out this site: https://www.eavsrl.it/web/sites/default/files/ORARI%20NAPOLI%20SORRENTO%2BC.EXP_Orario%20in%20vigore_0.pdf

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Train Travel in Italy: all you need to know + how to plan the perfect journey

What’s in this article

Italy’s well-known for its rich history, striking architecture, stunning landscapes, and mouth-watering cuisine. 

Train travel is a convenient and enjoyable way to explore Italy’s magnificent cities and charming towns.

Italy boasts an extensive rail network that seamlessly connects major cities and picturesque countryside, offering a cosy and hassle-free journey.

The affordable tickets and trains’ speed and efficiency make travel much more accessible. When travelling between large cities, the trains have a perfect drop-off spot, avoiding the stress of parking and traffic jams.

Note that not all regions offer the same level of service and accessibility, prioritizing available options suitable for exploration.

This blog post discusses the differences between regional and high-speed trains and gives tips and tricks to ensure an unforgettable and smooth Italian train journey.

Begin your adventurous journey through the charming landscapes and vibrant cities of Italy.

In a previous article, I delved into the topic of renting a car in Italy and the joys of embarking on a memorable road trip in this captivating country.

Planning Your Train Travel in Italy

Research your route.

When preparing for your Italian train adventure, it’s important to plan ahead and research the various train routes available.

Fortunately, getting around Italy is a breeze, especially with the help of several handy apps that I personally love using when I’m planning my trips.

First, there’s the Moovit App , which is perfect for planning all kinds of trips. It focuses on public transportation and covers everything from subways and trains to ferries and buses.

It’s my go-to app that I really find useful for getting around.

Another app that I trust is Google Maps .

It’s always with me when I’m navigating public transport in Europe.

To use it, simply enter your destination and select the train icon when checking out the directions.

Apart from these apps, Trenitalia and Italo websites are also fantastic resources for finding train schedules and planning your journey.

Names of the major Italian train stations

In most larger Italian cities, you’ll find multiple train stations, with one typically serving as the “main” station. 

Here’s a friendly list of the main train stations in some popular Italian cities:

• Turin : Torino Porta Nuova 
• Venice : Venezia Santa Lucia
• Verona : Verona Porta Nuova
• Milan : Milano Centrale 
• La Spezia: La Spezia Centrale ( Cinque Terre )
• Florence: Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Firenze S.M.N.)
• Bologna: Bologna Centrale 
• Rome : Roma Termini
• Naples : Napoli Centrale
• Salerno : Stazione di Salerno Irno
• Palermo : Palermo Centrale
• Bari : Bari Centrale

Pro tip : To find the main train station in a city, search for “city name” plus “centrale” or “stazione”. For example, Milano Centrale or Stazione Milano.

Italy’s main train routes

Italy has several main train routes that connect the major cities and regions of the country. 

Some of the most popular and important train routes include:

• Milano – Roma : This route connects two of Italy’s most important cities, Milan and Rome. Both high-speed Frecciarossa (Trenitalia) and Italo trains operate on this route, and the journey takes about 3 hours.
• Firenze – Roma : This route connects the beautiful city of Florence with the capital, Rome. Both high-speed Frecciarossa and Italo trains operate on this route, and the journey takes about an hour.
• Firenze – Venezia: This route connects the city of Florence with the floating city of Venice; the journey takes about 2 hours.
• Milano – Venezia : This route connects the fashion capital of Milan with the romantic city of Venice. The journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Roma – Napoli : This route connects the capital Rome with the coastal city of Naples. Both high-speed Frecciarossa and Italo trains operate on this route, and the journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Roma – Venezia: This route connects Rome to Venice, and the journey takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• Milano – Torino : This route connects the two major cities of Milan and Turin. The journey takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
• Roma – Bari : This route connects Rome with the southern city of Bari. The journey takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes.
• Firenze – Napoli : This route connects the beautiful city of Florence with the coastal city of Naples. The journey takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

These are just a few examples of the fastest main train routes in Italy, but there are many other options available depending on your destination.

Once you’ve chosen your ideal route, remember that booking your train tickets in advance is highly recommended.

This will save you both time and money, as reserving ahead of time can lead to significant savings. 

But before you buy train tickets to Italy online, there are a few things to keep in mind.

What are the different types of trains in Italy?

Italy’s rail network features a variety of train types, from the high-speed trains like Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca, and Italo, to the convenient Intercity trains, and regional trains including Regionale, Interregionale, and Suburbano.

Trenitalia, the government-owned company, plays a pivotal role in operating the majority of trains in Italy, ensuring reliability and efficiency throughout the network. Now, let’s have a closer look at the different types of trains in Italy, their unique features and advantages.

Italy’s High-speed Trains: Trenitalia or Italo?

High-speed trains in Italy are designed for long-distance travel and connect major cities like Venice, Milan, Turin, Florence, Rome, and Naples, at impressive speeds. 

These trains can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph), significantly reducing travel time between destinations.

High-speed trains offer a more comfortable travel experience with spacious seating, air conditioning, and power outlets for charging electronic devices.

Some of them also provide Wi-Fi and a dining car.

Here are the prominent high-speed train services in Italy :

• Frecce – Frecciargento, Frecciarossa, and Frecciabianca (Red, Silver, and White Arrows) are Trenitalia’s high-speed trains, with Frecciarossa being the fastest. Frecciarossa travels at up to 300 km/h (185 mph) and connects major cities daily. Frecciargento trains run on both high-speed and conventional lines, reaching speeds of up to 250 km/h (155 mph). Frecciabianca trains operate on traditional lines outside the high-speed network, achieving 250 km/h (155 mph) while ensuring comfort and quality services.
• Italo is a privately-owned high-speed train service that specialises in high-speed (alta velocità) intercity trains. Their service is comparable to Trenitalia’s, but they boast the newest and best trains, comfortable seats, ample space even in second class, and frequent great deals. Here you’ll find some of the latest deals !

Regional Trains in Italy

Italy’s regional trains are operated by Trenitalia and are more budget-friendly due to their slower pace and additional stops.

They are ideal for travelling short distances between smaller towns, making them perfect for uncovering Italy’s hidden gems. 

Regional trains are more basic in terms of comfort and amenities. 

They usually have fewer services on board and may not have air conditioning or power outlets.

Here are the two primary types of regional trains:

• Regionale (R) – Regional trains connect towns and cities within a specific region. They travel at slower speeds and have frequent stops. They’re perfect for visiting quaint towns and villages. 
• Regionale Veloce (RV) – These faster regional trains offer an accelerated service compared to regular regional trains. While they stop at fewer stations, they are an excellent option for covering slightly longer distances within a specific region.

InterCity Trains

InterCity trains bridge the gap between high-speed and regional trains, reaching 200 km/h (125 mph). 

They serve medium-sized cities and smaller destinations and are the lowest level among train categories requiring reservations. 

Here are the key features of InterCity trains:

• InterCity (IC) – These trains connect major cities across Italy, offering a balance between speed and affordability. They are equipped with comfortable seating, air conditioning, and onboard amenities, ensuring a pleasant journey. You’ll also find Eurocity (EC) high-speed trains that cross borders, such as those from France to Italy.
• InterCity Notte – InterCity Notte trains are night trains connecting major cities across Italy and Europe (Euronight ) and are operated by Trenitalia. They are a convenient option to cover long distances while enjoying a restful sleep onboard. They offer sleeper cabins and couchettes, making them a popular choice for overnight travel between cities.

Other Specialised Trains in Italy

Italy also boasts a few specialised train services that cater to unique travel experiences:

• Leonardo Express – Operating between Rome’s Termini Station and Fiumicino Airport, the Leonardo Express is an efficient airport transfer train. It provides a quick and reliable connection, allowing travellers to easily reach the heart of Rome or catch a flight.
• Bernina Express – Crossing the breathtaking landscapes of the Italian and Swiss Alps, the Bernina Express is a panoramic train journey that takes you through UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It offers unrivalled views of snow-capped mountains, sparkling lakes, and charming alpine villages.
• Campania Express is a brand new train service that conveniently connects the vibrant cities of Naples and Sorrento. Operating along the same route as the Circumvesuviana commuter train tracks, this service offers a higher level of comfort and convenience with its limited stops and enhanced amenities. With allocated seating and refreshing air conditioning, the Campania Express aims to provide a more pleasant travel experience, catering specifically to tourists. While it may not be luxurious, it proves to be a fantastic option, especially if you’re travelling with bulky luggage or children.
• Malpensa Express is a dedicated shuttle that seamlessly links Milan-Malpensa Airport to the bustling Milan Central Station. To ensure a hassle-free journey, tickets for the Malpensa Express can be conveniently purchased in advance through their user-friendly website or obtained on the day of departure at the station itself.
• In addition to these services, Italy boasts several other remarkable train options. Trenord (Lombardy regional trains), the Circumetnea (taking you around the majestic Mt. Etna), and the Circumvesuviana (connecting Naples to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Sorrento).

Train Travel in Italy Tickets: First and Second Class  

There isn’t a significant gap between travelling in first and second class on trains in Italy. 

Most visitors find second class perfectly satisfactory. 

However, first-class ticket holders can enjoy a few extra perks, such as additional space, more legroom, a light snack, and a newspaper.

Here are some more details about the different ticket classes available in Italy:

Trenitalia – Frecciarossa High-Speed Services :

– Second Class / Standard: This class offers WiFi, air conditioning, power outlets, tables, food, and bar service, as well as an entertainment portal.

– First Class / Premium : In addition to the amenities provided in Standard, Passengers in Premium class enjoy spacious leather seats, newspapers, and a welcome drink.

– Business Class : Similar to First Class, Business Class offers extra leg and elbow room, as well as table service.

• Executive Class : Executive Class provides the same benefits as First Class but also includes 10-seat coaches, access to the station’s club lounge, gourmet meals, and even access to a 6-seat meeting room.

Trenitalia – Other Frecce and InterCity trains :

• You’ll find both first and second-class options available. Occasionally, there are also Business, Premium, or Standard classes, although they may not be as luxurious as the Frecciarossa trains. However, rest assured that these trains still offer a comfortable journey, complete with amenities like air conditioning and individual power sockets. While the first class does provide a bit more space, the overall difference between the two classes is not significant.

Trenitalia – Regional and Regional Veloce trains :

• Second class is the standard choice, with occasional trains offering first class as well. First-class tickets may come at a slightly higher price, but they offer a quieter and more peaceful environment for your journey.

Italo Trains:

• Second Class / Smart Ambience : In Smart Ambience, passengers can expect WiFi, air conditioning, power sockets, comfortable leather seats, and a snack area.
• First Class / Ambience Prima: similar to Smart but with additional space and wider seats, fast track services, individual power sockets, in-seat catering, and newspapers.
• Club Ambience : Club Ambience class goes a step further, providing all the perks of Prima, along with dedicated catering services, personal screens, and access to Club lounges in major stations.

Keep in mind that the services and amenities offered in first and second class can vary depending on the train and the route, so it is always best to check the specific train’s website or ask the train company for more information.

Italy train travel: Should you buy train tickets in advance?

It is generally a good idea to buy train tickets in advance, as they can be cheaper than buying them on the day of travel.

Additionally, booking in advance ensures that you secure a seat, as trains can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel times.

As expected, high-speed train tickets are generally more expensive than regional train tickets. 

However, if you book in advance, you can find discounted fares for high-speed trains, making them a more affordable option for long-distance travel.

Tickets usually become available 3-4 months before the travel date, and the earlier you book, the better the deals you can find. 

Keep in mind that discounted tickets are limited and may sell out quickly. 

There’s no need to worry about booking regional train tickets in advance, as their prices are based on the distance you’ll be travelling, which means there aren’t any early booking discounts. 

Just head to the station when you’re ready to travel and grab your tickets from the ticket window or an automated kiosk.

But hey, if you prefer a more convenient option, you can always purchase your regional rail tickets online. 

This way, they’ll be ready on your phone, and you can skip the lines at the ticket machines. 

One crucial tip to remember before boarding a regional train, is to make sure to validate your ticket at the validation machines located on the departure platform. Failure to do so may result in a fine.

High-speed train tickets purchased online or at the ticket counter are automatically validated and do not require this step.

Let’s recap the main train types in Italy and whether they require advance booking or not:

• Long-distance or high-speed trains: These trains, such as the Frecciarossa and Italo , are very popular and can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel season. It’s a good idea to book your tickets as far in advance as possible to secure a seat. Online booking typically offers the best prices, and fares tend to increase as the departure date approaches. High-speed trains connect major cities like Naples, Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice, and tickets for most of these routes can be purchased three to four months in advance.
• Regional and Intercity Trains: There’s no need to book regional trains in advance. These trains are priced based on the distance travelled, so there are no early booking discounts. Simply arrive at the station and purchase your tickets at the ticket window or automated kiosk. However, it’s still a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak travel season, or if you prefer to have them readily available on your phone, saving you from waiting in line at the ticket machines.
• Night trains: These trains, such as the InterCity Notte and the Euronight, are convenient for overnight travel, but it’s a good idea to book in advance, as sleeping compartments and couchettes can fill up quickly.

In general, booking your tickets at least a few weeks in advance is recommended to ensure you have a seat and that the fare is reasonable. 

If you are travelling during peak season, such as the summer or Christmas holidays, it’s even more important to book as early as possible.

When it comes to choosing between intercity or regional trains and high-speed trains, it’s worth noting that high-speed trains are faster and more comfortable. 

While they may be more expensive, the time savings they offer often make up for the additional cost. 

However, if you’re on a tight budget, there’s no shame in opting for a cheaper train option.

W here to buy Italy train tickets?

There are several ways to buy train tickets in Italy:

• Online : You can purchase train tickets online on the Trenitalia website and the Italo website . This is the most convenient and quickest way to buy train tickets.
• Train stations : You can also purchase train tickets at train stations. This is a good option if you prefer to buy in person or if you need assistance with your purchase.
• Self-service ticket machines : Most train stations have self-service ticket machines, which can be used to buy train tickets.
• Third-party booking platforms like Trainline or Omio are fantastic search engines that offer a convenient way to compare and book train tickets throughout Europe. These platforms make it incredibly easy to purchase tickets using your credit card, and you can secure them at the same price as the official Trenitalia website. Another noteworthy aspect is that these platforms are designed specifically for English-speaking travellers, ensuring a user-friendly experience.

Keep in mind that when purchasing a train ticket, you’ll need to provide the departure and arrival stations, the date and time of travel, and the class of service (e.g., first class or second class).

Are rail passes a good value for Italy?

Well, it’s worth considering before making a decision, especially if your travel plans are primarily focused on exploring Italy.

In Italy, the majority of train passengers tend to take short rides within the popular Milan-Venice-Florence-Rome circuit. These journeys typically cost less than €50 for a second-class ticket. In such cases, buying point-to-point train tickets turns out to be more cost-effective than purchasing a rail pass, which often exceeds €50 per day. It’s also important to note that most high-speed trains in Italy require you to make a paid seat reservation when using a Eurail pass; the reservation costs around €10 per seat.

You must make the reservation before you get on the train, limiting the convenience of a rail pass for frequent hopping on and off.

That being said, it’s important to consider that longer-term rail passes offer reduced per-day fees. So if you’re planning to embark on extensive train travel throughout Italy or even beyond as part of a larger European trip, a rail pass could be a more sensible choice.

Do I need to print my tickets?

In Italy, you have a few options for how to present your train tickets:

• Print your ticket : You can print your train ticket at home or save the PDF to your phone or tablet and have the conductor scan it from there. This is a good option if you prefer to have a physical copy of your ticket.
• Use the Trenitalia or Italo app : You can download the Trenitalia or Italo app on your smartphone and use it to purchase and show your train tickets. Make sure to have your phone fully charged and the app open with the ticket displayed when boarding the train.
• Use the Electronic Ticket : Some train tickets can be sent to your email, and you can show them on your phone or tablet. Make sure that you can access the email or have a printout of the ticket when boarding the train.
• Pickup from the Station : Print your tickets at the train station using your credit card or a booking number.

It’s worth noting that some train stations or trains may not have the capability to check electronic tickets, so it’s a good idea to have a backup option, such as a printout or a screenshot of the ticket on your phone.

In general, it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific train’s website or ask the train company for more information on how to present your ticket before your trip.

Tips for a Smooth Train Travel in Italy

Boarding a train in Italy is relatively straightforward, but here are some tips to make the process go smoothly:

• Pack Light: Train stations in Italy often have stairs and limited elevator access. To make your journey more comfortable, pack light and use luggage with wheels for easy maneuverability.
• Arrive at the station early : It is a good idea to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train departs. This will give you ample time to locate your platform, validate your ticket (if necessary), and find your seat.
• Buy your ticket : If you haven’t pre-booked a ticket, you can easily purchase one either from a ticket machine or in person at the station.
• Check the departure platform number : Make sure you know the departure platform number (Partenze in Italian) of your train, as it will be displayed on the electronic boards in the station. Keep in mind that the display might only show the final destination. Therefore, it’s a good idea to verify the train number on your ticket to ensure you’re headed in the right direction (look at the example in the photos above).
• Validate your ticket: If you’re traveling on a regional train, don’t forget to validate your ticket at the validation machines located on the platform. Failure to do so may result in a hefty fine, so make sure you get it validated to avoid any trouble. High-speed train tickets purchased online or at the ticket counter are automatically validated and do not require this step.
• Show your ticket: It’s worth noting that Italian rail stations do not have security checks. Instead, there will be ticket inspections conducted onboard the train, so ensure you have a valid ticket ready for inspection.
• Check the coach number: Before the train arrives, check the location of your designated carriage, the number on the train, and the one on your ticket. Being in the right place ahead of time allows you to board promptly, as the train won’t wait for latecomers.
• Find your seat: Once you are on the train, locate your seat. Your seat number will be printed on your ticket. Keep your ticket with you, as you may be asked to show it again during the journey.
• Store your luggage: Once you have found your seat, store your luggage in the overhead compartments or the designated luggage areas at the end of each carriage. This way, you can keep your belongings safe and ensure a comfortable journey. Be mindful of the space and other passengers.
• Enjoy the ride: Sit back and enjoy the beautiful Italian countryside as you travel to your destination.
• Get off at the right stop: Make sure you know the name of the station you are getting off at and be ready to disembark when the train arrives. One important thing to remember is that trains only stop for a short period during a changeover. Be aware of the limited time and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth transition.

Beware of Train Station Scams in Italy

When it comes to train travel in Italy, you can generally expect a safe and convenient experience.

However, it’s important to be aware of potential scams and situations that may compromise your security.

Here are a few things to watch out for:

Ticketing Machine Scam

One common scam involves individuals posing as helpful assistants at ticketing machines.

These people may approach you while you’re purchasing your ticket and offer their assistance.

It’s important to note that unless they are wearing official Trenitalia or Italo Treno attire and carrying identification, they are not there to genuinely help you, at least not without expecting something in return.

They may be looking for a tip or, even worse, attempting to pickpocket you.

Stay cautious, and don’t fall for their tricks.

Baggage Handling “Helpers”

If you’re travelling with large and heavy suitcases, be prepared for individuals who claim to be helpful and offer assistance with your luggage.

However, it’s crucial to remember that these individuals are not official porters but rather people seeking tips or, in some cases, trying to steal your belongings.

Be especially cautious if someone approaches you too closely or offers excessive help.

While there are genuinely kind people out there, it’s essential to maintain awareness and keep your belongings secure at all times.

While these scams exist, it’s important to remember that they don’t overshadow the overall safety and convenience of train travel in Italy.

By staying vigilant, using common sense, and keeping your valuables close, you can greatly reduce the chances of falling victim to such scams.

Dealing with Train Strikes in Italy

Train strikes (sciopero dei treni in Italian) are not uncommon in Italy.

Keep an eye on local news and the Trenitalia website for any strike announcements.

If a strike occurs, your train may be delayed or cancelled.

In such cases, Trenitalia usually offers alternative transportation or a refund.

The impact of a strike can vary, ranging from major disruptions affecting multiple trains and journeys to minor inconveniences limited to specific routes.

However, rest assured that a basic level of essential services is typically maintained.

If you find yourself travelling during a train strike, it’s crucial to remain flexible and adaptable.

Stick to your original schedule and first check if your train is still operating as planned.

If it’s not, don’t panic.

Instead, seek out alternative options recommended by the service providers to help you reach your destination.

It’s important to note that predicting the exact impact of the strike on your specific train can be challenging without advance notice.

Therefore, the best approach is to stay informed and go with the flow as the situation unfolds.

Keep an open mind and consider the available alternatives that arise along the way.

While a train strike can be frustrating, it’s also an opportunity to embrace the unexpected and find creative solutions to continue your journey.

Be Prepared for Delays

Train delays can happen, especially on regional trains.

Keep an open mind and be prepared for potential delays.

Use this time to enjoy the scenery, chat with fellow travellers, or catch up on your reading.

Learn Basic Italian Phrases For Train Travel

Please note that this blog post is not an exact transcript of the podcast episode linked below. However, if you give it a listen, you’ll find the pronunciation of the Italian words, which are conveniently highlighted in bold.

While many Italians speak English, learning a few basic Italian phrases can enhance your train travel experience.

Simple phrases like “Buongiorno” (good morning), “Grazie” (thank you), and “Scusi” (excuse me) can go a long way in making your journey more enjoyable and immersive.

Here are some more Italian train travel vocabulary:

• Treno – train
• Stazione ferroviaria – Train station
• Ferrovia – railroad, railway 
• Biglietto – ticket
• Di sola andata – one way only
• Andata e ritorno – return trip
• Orario dei treni – Timetable
• Partenza – departure
• Arrivo – Arrival
• Binario – platform / track 
• Sottopassaggio – underpass 
• In ritardo – late
• In anticipo – early 
• Prenotazione – reservation
• Carrozza – carriage 
• Posto a sedere – Seat
• Prima classe – First class
• Seconda classe – Second class
• Bagaglio – luggage

And here are some common expressions you’ll need when asking for information:

• Dov’è la stazione ferroviaria / dei treni? – Where is the train station?
• A che ora parte il treno? – What time does the train leave?
• A che ora arriva il treno? – What time does the train arrive?
• Dove posso comprare i biglietti? – Where can I buy tickets? 
• Posso comprare il biglietto qui? – Can I buy a ticket here?
• Quanto costa il biglietto per (city name)? – How much does the ticket to (city) cost?
• Vorrei comprare un biglietto per (city name) – I would like to buy a ticket to …
• Un biglietto di sola andata per (city name), per favore. – A one way ticket to …,please.
• Un biglietto di andata e ritorno per (city name), per favore. – A return ticket for (city name), please.
• Da quale binario parte il treno per (city name)? – From which platform does the train for …leave?
• Dov’è il binario (platform number)? – Where is the platform (number)?
• È libero questo posto? – Is this seat taken?
• Mi può aiutare con il bagaglio, per favore? – Can you help me with my luggage, please?
• Qual’è la prossima fermata? – What is the next stop?
• È in ritardo il treno? – Is the train late?

Essential Tips for Train Stations and Train Safety in Italy

When navigating train stations in Italy, it’s crucial to prioritise your safety in the midst of the bustling crowds.

While train travel in Italy is generally safe, it’s essential to keep an eye on your luggage at all times.

Use luggage racks above your seat or at the end of the car for small bags, and keep valuable items with you.

Avoid carrying wallets in back pockets or using unattended pockets, such as those found on backpacks.

In the evening, train stations and local trains may attract individuals looking to cause trouble.

This situation can be particularly unpleasant and potentially hazardous, especially for solo female travellers.

Exercise extra caution after nightfall and adhere to basic safety precautions as you would in any major city.

In a nutshell

Train travel in Italy offers a unique and memorable way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

By planning your route, choosing the right train type, and following my tips for a smooth journey, you’ll have a pleasant and stress-free experience while traveling by train in Italy.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to leave a comment or DM me, I’ll be happy to help.

Ciao e Buon viaggio!

Disclaimer : This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I will earn a small commission if you use these links at absolutely no cost to you! This will help me be able to continue to run Italia Like A Local. Thank you so much for your support!

I'm a freelance travel writer and SEO copywriter, and I absolutely love what I do. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and traveling is the ultimate source of inspiration for me. In fact, I became particularly drawn to planning travel experiences in Italy back in 2015, and I've been hooked ever since!

I'm what you might call a "slow traveler" - someone who likes to take their time exploring new places and soaking up different cultures. And when I started writing about my travels a few years ago, I was blown away by the incredible opportunity it gave me to share my experiences with others and learn from them in turn. It's truly an amazing thing!

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The Ultimate Guide to Train Travel in Italy in 2024

Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Michela

We all know Italy’s landscapes are beautifully one-of-a-kind, making us all want to visit. And thanks to Italy’s extensive railway system, they are easy to reach! Traveling Italy by train is completely feasible, getting you from most small villages to its biggest cities. However, it can be confusing to understand how to use trains in Italy if you’ve never done it before. This guide to Italy train travel will be your pre-trip bible.

You should also check out my Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip to Italy , in which I cover a ton of the other topics you’re probably thinking about right now for your trip.

Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure !

Trains in Italy: An Overview

There are two main (and very similar) train lines in Italy.

Trenitalia is the biggest train company in Italy. It is state-owned and part of the national transportation system, so it usually offers the most itinerary options.

I prefer Trenitalia because I have used it many times and am familiar with the service. Being part of the national transportation system, you will be able to buy not just the Trenitalia branded trains on their website but also regional train tickets that are operated by the smaller regional companies.

The other main company is Italo , which instead is privately owned. Italo often does longer trips with high speed trains and has fewer destination options.

While these are the main national rails, there are also many smaller regional trains , like TreNord in Lombardy. Regional trains will often still be affiliated with Trenitalia because of the national rail system connection. So, even if you buy the ticket from Trenitalia, it could be for a regional train ride.

Buying Train Tickets in Italy

When booking a train in Italy, you have several options. You can buy the train ticket ahead of time online, either directly through the train company or through third-party transportation search engines, or at the train station. You can’t buy tickets on the train.

Buying tickets directly online

I prefer to buy tickets directly from the company either through their branded apps or website. You can buy both one way and roundtrip tickets online.

When searching for train times, you will input the earliest hour that you would like the train to leave for both a one-way or return trip. If you are flexible or not sure what time you will be traveling, I recommend setting the hour parameters as early and as late as possible to get an entire overview of the train schedule that day.

When you purchase a train ticket online, you will receive a confirmation email with your ticket . It is usually a pdf that has a barcode on it. If you have the app downloaded, you can also add the ticket there.

Important information, like your starting and final destination, train number, departure time and seat location, will be located all on the ticket.

Pro Tip : At least for Trenitalia, there have been recent changes to online tickets, where you have to “check in” before your ride. This button will be located in your email. Do this absolutely before your train leaves, otherwise you are not able to do it anymore.

There may be a barcode or QR code on the ticket that the train crew member must scan.

Pro Tip: Take a screenshot of the ticket in case your email doesn’t open on the train if you don’t have WiFi or data. Most trains have WiFi now but it’s best to take a picture ahead of time in case!

Buying tickets on third-party search engines

If I don’t book direct, then my go-to resource is Omio .

Using their website or app, you can search your desired route and it will aggregate times and costs of every transport option available, including train, bus, and plane.

It will also show you if any of the three transportation options are unavailable between your two destinations.

The biggest advantage to buying Italy train tickets on a third-party website is that they display all the possible options regardless of company , so you can potentially save more or find the best time for you if you are impartial about which company you go with.

Trainline is a very similar service dedicated to train and bus tickets.

Buying tickets at the Station

Part of what makes train travel so easy is that it is super flexible. You can buy train tickets at train stations even just minutes before they depart.

Self-service ticketing machines are the easiest way to buy tickets at the train station. They are usually divided by company, so you either have to shop around or already know which train line you would like to take.

There is also always a main ticket counter where you can buy them from a representative. It may not be open 24/7 though. Plus, this line is usually also for customer service, meaning there tend to be longer wait times.

What to Expect at Train Stations

If you haven’t traveled to Italy before, navigating a train station can be confusing. Knowing some Italian words and phrases will go a long way.

Important Words To Know for Train Travel in Italy

Treno/Treni – Train/Trains

Biglietto – Ticket

Binario – The platform on which the train arrives. In every train station, there is a timetable of the train schedule where you will discover what platform you board your train on. It is often abbreviated as “Bin.” on these timetables.

Timbrare il Biglietto – A unique thing to Italian train travel that basically means validating your ticket. I will explain more about this in the Using Your Ticket section below.

Arrivi – Arrivals

Partenze – Departures

Servizi – Toilets. Note, however, that in some train station bathrooms you may have to pay to use them. The cost usually ranges from 50 cents to €1.

Carrozza – Carriage. The carriages of the train are numbered, and if you are taking a large enough train you will be assigned a seat in a specific carriage, so it is important to get on the correct one.

Controllore – The person that comes to check your ticket on the train.

Every station has a screen with the schedule of trains arriving and departing. This is where you will look to find your train!

Pay careful attention here – lots of trains come and go from the same places, especially in major cities, so it’s likely there are several trains that say your destination. Double-check the train number on your ticket with the train number listed on the schedule.

Another thing to be careful about is that sometimes your destination isn’t listed on the schedule because the train is continuing on to its final destination and your town is a stop on the way . It can be confusing, like Italy train travel in general. Here, again, you simply have to check the train number that is listed on your ticket to make sure you are looking at the correct one.

Shopping & Cafes

At every major train station, such as Venice, Rome, Milan, etc., there are shops and multiple cafes to grab a snack. And yes, you can take food on the train!

If you’re traveling on a larger train, there is usually a dining cart if you would like to buy something.

What to Expect on the Train

So, you’ve bought a ticket and figured out how to navigate the station, but how should you prepare for the train itself? These are just a few of the details, but if you have specific questions, ask me in a comment!

Using & Validating Your Train Ticket (Important Info!)

On the train, a crew member usually comes around to check your tickets . If you have it electronically, you just show them on your phone. (Remember to check in before the train leaves if your email says to do so.)

Pro Tip : When you are out traveling all day, you may end up with a dead phone. Don’t run the risk of not being able to access your ticket and incurring a fine! I highly suggest bringing a portable charger so you’re not stuck in the mud. My favorite portable charger is the Anker Powercore and I never travel without it.

If you have a paper train ticket, then there’s an important thing you have to do: you must validate your ticket !

There are little green machines on the wall in train stations, in which you insert your paper ticket to validate.

This is super important because otherwise you will be issued a fine (and they will not care if you are a tourist or you can’t read Italian!)

The fine can cost 50 euros per person or more! Be sure to get some sort of receipt for paying the fine. And don’t make this costly mistake!

WiFi & Electronics

You can freely use your electronics on trains, and there is often an outlet and/or USB plug to charge your devices. On smaller regional trains, this is rare, so again I suggest a portable charger.

WiFi can be hit or miss. Again, almost all the larger or high-speed trains, like trains going from Venice to Rome or Florence to Naples, will offer it for free. But if you are taking a regional train, there most likely won’t be WiFi.

You could avoid that issue by getting a SIM card in Italy for the duration of your trip. You’ll have data roaming and pay less than you would your international phone plan.

Much of my Italy train travel has been day trips or weekend getaways, but there have been times where I’ve had to transfer cities with big, heavy luggage.

Luckily, you can bring luggage on trains in Italy . On larger trains there is a rack for heavier luggage, as well as racks above the seats and between them.

Regional trains typically don’t have racks that can hold check-in size luggage. They may just have a rack above the head that can fit a backpack or small carry-on. Consult the pros and cons of carry-on bags and checked luggage .

Pro Tip : Get there as early as you can if you have a lot of luggage. You want to be one of the first to get on the train when it arrives because the luggage racks can get full super quickly.

Budget Tips for Italy Train Travel

Trains are usually quite an inexpensive mode of travel since they are so widely available in Italy. So, just traveling Italy by train is itself a budget tip!

Be Flexible

Most of the time, getting a good deal on a train has to do with working around the available times. On my latest train adventure, the ticket was around 20 euros for certain times, and for others, it was almost triple that!

The other thing about being flexible is to book your ticket as far as you can in advance for the best price.

The beauty of Italy train travel is that trains are easy to take for a last-minute getaway. However, if you can plan ahead, you will save yourself more money.

Lastly, about flexibility, – which is a costly mistake I made – is to maybe hold off on booking your return ticket.

There have been times where I have bought a roundtrip ticket ahead of time but needed to leave my destination earlier or later in the moment. If you can resist the urge to pre-book sometimes, it will allow you to not waste money on a return trip in case your plans go awry.

Make sure to not make any of the other costly mistakes I’ve made traveling Europe !

Discount Passes & Special Offers

Trenitalia and Italo offer seasonal and special discounts and offers for certain age groups or destinations! These categories include young adults, offers for seniors, and off-season getaway packages.

If you are an expat in Italy , you may consider signing up for one of the loyalty programs for extra perks and benefits!

The SGTD Take

I hope this post helped you get to know more information about Italian train travel before you embark on your Italian adventure! Once you actually get to the station and go on your adventure, you’ll get the hang of how everything works.

And you’ll fall even more in love with Italy and train travel just like I did!

Are you planning to travel Italy by train? Where would you like to go? Leave a comment with your thoughts or your own tips!

Italy Trip Planning Resources

• Accommodation : For Italy, I mainly use Booking.com to search and book places to stay.
• Booking flights : I like to search for flights through Skyscanner , but I also book direct depending on the airline.
• Activities & experiences : For things to do that require a ticket, and for more unique trip activities, I use Musement .
• Road trip : For renting a car, I get the best prices by comparing companies with AutoEurope . I then use ViaMichelin to estimate road trip costs and Autostrade.it to find gas stations/have live updates on traffic.
• Transportation : Traveling by public transportation is a great way to see Italy. I use Trenitalia or Trainline to book tickets for trains and Flixbus for long-haul bus trips.
• Accessories : I always travel with this portable charger to stay connected and with a universal adapter to accommodate Italy’s plug types.
• Need help planning an itinerary? Fill out my form for a custom itinerary request !

Don’t forget to save these tips to your Pinterest!

Wishing you all Buon Viaggio now that you are experts on train travel in Italy !

Safe travels,

Michela is a travel writer and photographer living in northern Italy. She is passionate about helping people make the most of their travels by sharing advice gained from her personal experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations and time-saving quick itineraries. Browse her top articles or have her help you plan your itinerary to your dream destination!

Find me on: Web | Instagram

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This article is really exaustive on how to travel in Italy. Been there 2 times before but always had problems with train, now is a little more clear ^^

Great to hear that these tips were helpful! 🙂

Thanks for the Great Tips! I’ll be coming to Italy with my wife next month and I’m really enjoying your Page! 1 question, I’m coming with a. bit of heavy bags (2 large ones wt of 25) and 2 carry on bags, is still gonna fit in the train?

Hi Ali! Thanks so much for sticking around, glad you’re finding my resources helpful!

To answer your question, the options for storing luggage differ depending on the train you take. Newer trains and mostly those you take between cities (think Milan-Rome) usually have a storage area at the end of each car. Here, you can lay/stand up bigger luggage, as well as fit smaller luggage if the space isn’t already taken up. You can also slide smaller luggage under your seat, or if there is no space there, I was able to slide luggage in between the rows of seats (so if there are two seats facing one way and two seats facing the other right next to each other, there is usually a large enough gap to store a carry on.)

As for older/regional trains, the storage options tend to be more limited, either to overhead space or sliding your luggage under/in between seats. If you already know the train you’ll be on, you may be able to look up its layout to see exactly what options you have for storage!

I hope this was helpful and that you have a wonderful trip! 🙂

nice tips for a first-timer on Trenitalia

Glad you found them helpful 🙂

Hi Michela, Thank you so much for your tips. I find them very helpful. My husband & I with our 2 adult children will be traveling to Northern Italy (Com0 Italy) for a wedding in June 2023. This will be our first time in Europe in general. We are excited and have some ideas on places we would like to visit, such as Switzerland, Rome, Venice, Florence, etc.. however I am unsure how to coordinate our two week stay. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you in advance. 🙂

Hi Maribel, I would be happy to give you some insight and tips for planning your trip! Will reach out to you soon 🙂 And thank you so much for your comments, it means a lot!

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Train Travel In Italy – Top Tips to Travel By Train in Italy

Always more travelers opt for train travel in Italy and I think it really is one of the best ways to get around the country. Traveling by train in Italy is easy, affordable, and gets you to all the major cities and many smaller towns.

This guide aims to make train traveling in Italy smooth and easy. By the end of the article, you will be able to decide what trains is best for you, where to buy your train tickets in Italy and online, and what are the most popular Italian train routes.

Table of Contents

How to plan your train travel in Italy

Different trains in italy.

If you are planning to travel by train in Italy, the first difference you need to know is between trains. The Italian trains mainly fall into three categories: the high-speed bullet trains, the regional trains, and the InterCity.

High-speed trains in Italy

The high-speed trains are Trenitalia’s Freccia and Italo’s bullet trains. Trenitalia has Frecciarossa and Frecciabianca, which slightly differ in the onboard services.

When buying an Italian high-speed train ticket, you will have several price options depending on the fare and the class you choose. There are usually 1st and 2nd classes as well as business and premium classes.

Italian regional and local trains

The regional trains show either R or RV before the numeric code, with R standing for “regionale” (regional) and RV standing for “regionale veloce” (fast regional). These are the same type of train but when it’s RV, they don’t do every single stop, usually skipping the smaller, less busy stations/towns.

Italian InterCity trains

The InterCity (IC) train category falls between that of Trenitalia’s Frecciabianca and that of the regional trains. It’s the lowest among the reservation train categories. InterCity trains connect over 200 Italian cities and, unlike the regional trains, you can reserve 1st or 2nd class seats.

High-speed trains in Italy: Freccia and Italo compared

Many wonder whether they should book Trenitalia’s Freccia or Italo’s high-speed trains. Even though my preference goes to Frecciarossa, overall, they are very similar and they both run through the Alta Velocità (high-speed) railway.

Italo’s bullet trains are slightly cheaper but I find Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa more comfortable inside. Generally, if you need to take them for a short journey, you can opt for the cheaper alternative and you won’t experience much difference.

READ: Make sure you have everything sorted out with our extensive Italy travel guide

Choosing the right train

Choosing the right train in Italy comes down to a few factors: availability, costs, and speed.

High-speed trains are more expensive but get you to the destination faster because they run on a different railway and because they don’t make any stops. These are the best options if you need to get from one big city to another in a short time.

Regional trains are much slower and much cheaper. In these trains, you don’t need to book your spot in advance and you can sit wherever you find a place. They are the best solution if you need to go to a smaller town. They are very widespread and you might be surprised by how many small villages have a train station.

The Intercity trains are a good option if you want to spend less while making longer journeys without having to change trains. These are the trains you can find on night routes and you need to reserve your spot as you will have your own seat.

Where to buy train tickets in Italy

In Italy, you can buy train tickets in the newsagents and ticket offices present in the larger stations or from the vending machines available in every station, as the smaller ones.

Newsagents will usually have tickets for the regional trains while to book Freccia, Italo, or InterCity trains, you should go to the ticket offices or directly buy them yourself from the ticket machine.

How to book your Italy train tickets online

Another option is to purchase your Italian train tickets online. If you are planning your full Italy itinerary from home before departure, this is the best option to ensure that you have everything sorted out when you get here.

Booking your Italy train tickets online in advance is also necessary if you are traveling by Freccia or Italo because you need to reserve your seat and if you buy them last minute, you risk not finding space and having to buy for a much higher price because all the Economy tickets are sold out.

For example, if you buy your Rome to Milan Freccia ticket an hour before departure, you might have to pay more than 100€ per person, while if you book a week in advance, the price will already be down to less than 60€. The exact same trip booked a month earlier will cost less than 25€.

You can book your Italy train ticket online directly from Trenitalia and Italo websites or, if you wish to compare prices and schedules, from Omio , a very easy portal.

Book your ticket with Omio here.

Rail passes and offers

Trenitalia has some offers for different types of packages and passengers for both their high-speed Freccia trains and also the regional and InterCity ones. Here are the main offers:

• Freccia Family. Kids younger than 15 travel for free and adults with a 50% discount.
• Freccia Senior. Tickets for members over 60 start from 29€ for the 2nd-class seats, 34€ for the Premium seats, and 39€ in the Business class.
• InterCity Family. These offers include 50% off for kids younger than 15 and 20% off for the other family members for the night trains.

You can check out the official website for updates and more offers.

Managing your luggage on and off Italy trains

Italian trains are great if you traveling with luggage because there is space above your head or under your seat for smaller suitcases and in between seats for larger ones.

Freccia and Italo trains also have the space for more luggage at the beginning and the end of each coach. Some regional trains also have spaces devoted to larger suitcases and always some space above your head for smaller and medium-sized bags.

Most popular train routes in Italy

Here, you can find some of the most popular train routes in Italy among tourists and locals.

Popular high-speed train routes in Italy

• Milan to Venice. This is a very popular route because many international flights land in Milan and usually Milan is visited for a day before heading to more famous cities. The ride with the Freccia takes around 3 hours and a half and it’s very convenient because you are still in northern Italy before heading south.
• Milan to Florence. If you decide to skip Venice or to leave it as the last destination before flying back home, in around two hours with Frecciarossa, from Milan you can reach Florence .
• Florence to Bologna. This is a very short ride. It takes, in fact, only half an hour to reach Bologna from Florence by high-speed train . And obviously the same on the way back. Both are very popular routes as both cities are often included in classic Italy itineraries.
• Rome to Florence. The Rome-Florence-Venice itinerary is always one of the most popular in Italy and the Rome to Florence train is a very common one.
• Florence to Venice. The Florence to Venice train is the final leg of the classic Italy itinerary.
• Rome to Trento. This is the non-stop high-speed route you take from Rome to reach Trentino-Alto Adige and the Dolomites .
• Rome to Naples. This short train ride is the most common for those who want to reach Pompeii from Rome because first, you need to get to Napoli Centrale and then change trains.
• Bologna to Venice. If you are willing to make a stop between Florence and Venice, Bologna is one fascinating destination to explore. It takes an hour and a half with the bullet train or 2 hours and 10 minutes with the fast regional train (RV). The route is covered by both Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa and Italo.
• Rome to Bologna. If you are not taking the classic route, this train is handy for a short trip of one day in Bologna .

Popular regional train routes in Italy

• Florence to Siena. The Florence to Siena day trip is one of the most popular day trips from Florence and this is an easy and short train ride.
• Florence to Pisa. Similarly, also the Florence to Pisa day trip is a popular and easy one.
• Florence to Cinque Terre. The Italian Riviera is often included in a classic itinerary and taken as a stop before heading further north. The Florence to Cinque Terre train journey is not direct and involves at least one change.
• Naples to Pompeii. This is one of the most popular train routes because most travelers to Campania stop in Naples mainly to visit Pompeii and unless they are joining a private tour, they need to take the Circumvesuviana train to reach the ruins.

My best tips for smooth train travel in Italy

The train schedules come out around four to five months before and planning ahead is essential especially if you are booking a high-speed train. Whether it’s Italo’s or Trenitalia’s Freccia, you are required to reserve your seat. If you book ahead, you will find more room and more options, making it more convenient if you travel in a group.

Planning ahead your Italian train journey will also make you save quite some money.

READ: Our best tips to plan a perfect trip to Italy

Train travel in Italy with luggage is easy and requires little effort. There are dedicated spaces for suitcases on board most trains but there are also many travelers so I suggest you pack light to be able to keep your luggage always close to you.

Double-check your offer

There are many packages and offers when you buy Italian train tickets, but they all have conditions, especially the extra discounted ones. Regional trips are usually non-refundable and the tickets are not changeable but so are special offers even when booked on high-speed trains.

Get to the station early

Getting to the station early is recommended especially when your departure is from a big station like Roma Termini. In Termini, there are many platforms and some are quite far from the entrance and from the underground metro so you need to have the time to navigate to avoid missing your train.

Check the time between connections

When you book a journey that requires changing trains, try to keep your time between connections between 20 to 30 minutes. This applies especially when your connecting station is a large one but also in case your first train is not entirely on time.

Keep an eye on train strikes in Italy

Train strikes in Italy are actually a thing . They happen more often in winter and rarely in summer. To be updated, you can check this list of strikes in Italy. On the “filtra per settore” menu on the upper left, you can select either “ferroviario” or “generale” because when the strike is general, often the transport sector joins.

In case there is a railway strike, check out which railways are taking part in the protest because often it’s limited to local regional trains and Freccia trains are not involved. However, if the strike is general, most trains won’t be traveling.

Some time slots are guaranteed by law. These are peak hours in the morning and in the afternoon. Those trains, however, sell out quickly in the case of high-speed Freccia and Italo or get very crowded with commuters going to work or going back home in the case of regional trains where you don’t need to book your seat.

Per my experience, even in the guaranteed time slots, not all trains show up, making it even harder to catch or be able to enter one. If there is a large general strike, I suggest you make alternative plans such as hiring a private driver.

Should you or should you not travel by train in Italy?

Pros of train travel in italy, city to city.

Unlike the airports that are out of the city, traveling by train you will arrive very close to the city center and reaching your hotel or the local landmarks will take less time.

Traveling by train you can enjoy the view from the window and in Italy, usually, the view makes for a great part of the trip!

Frequent trains

Between regional, high-speed, InterCity, and local trains, there are a great number of options you can book making it quite easy to adapt to your schedule.

Cost-effective

Traveling by train in Italy is not expensive. Regional trains are very affordable and high-speed trains are much cheaper when booked a few weeks in advance.

Cons of train travel in Italy

Slower travel.

While slow travel might be the dream of many, some might need to get faster to a certain destination so in this case, flying would be your best option.

You might not meet large crowds on high-speed trains because all travelers need to have their seats booked, but regional trains can get very crowded, especially those used by commuters during rush hour.

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Taking the Train in Italy

How to Travel on Italian Trains

Train travel in Italy is a convenient, inexpensive way to see much of the country, especially its major cities and towns. The nationwide rail system was begun in the 1800s, and expanded greatly under the Fascist regime of Mussolini, who famously, "made the trains run on time." Bombardment during WWII devastated the rail lines but reconstruction occurred under the post-war Marshall Plan. The first high-speed trains debuted in the 1970s and today, Italy continues to, little-by-little, at least, modernize and expand its rail system.

Traveling by train is usually the best option for visiting large and medium-sized cities, where driving is nerve-wracking and parking is scarce and expensive. In major cities, the train station is usually in the city center or right on the perimeter. In medium and smaller cities, especially those at higher elevation (like Siena or Orvieto, for example), the station is at a lower elevation and is connected to the center via bus, funicular or a short walk or taxi ride.

It's worth noting that if you want to see the Italian countryside and tour its more remote hilltowns, trains are not the most ideal option, as many towns don't have nearby stations. And because train tracks often have embankments on both sides, you don't always have an idyllic countryside view out your window.  

Types of Trains in Italy

With exceptions as noted, all trains are part of the national rail line, Trenitalia .

Frecce fast trains Frecce are Italy's fast trains that run only between major cities. Seat reservations on Frecce trains are mandatory and usually included in the ticket price. Tickets for the Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca high-speed lines (Frecciarossa is the fastest) are available on the Trenitalia website – you'll notice right away when searching that the fast trains are significantly more expensive and, well, faster than other Trenitalia trains. Different travel classes are available, but even the basic Freccia service is clean and comfortable.

Intercity and Intercity Plus trains

Intercity trains are relatively fast trains that run the length of Italy, stopping at cities and larger towns. First and second class service is available. First class coaches offer slightly better seats and are generally less crowded. They very often have cleaner bathrooms as well. Seat reservations are compulsory on the Intercity Plus trains, and the fee is included in the ticket price. Seat reservations can be made for most Intercity trains, too.

Regionale (Regional Trains) These are the local trains, often running around work and school schedules. They are cheap and usually reliable, but seats can be hard to find on major routes. Many regional trains have only second class seats, but if available, consider buying a first class ticket. It's less likely to be full especially during commute times and doesn't cost much more. We have to be honest – Regionale trains, while cheap and frequent, can range from clean and comfortable (with air-conditioning in hot weather) to dirty and even smelly – with bathrooms that you may not want to set foot in. This is by no means always the case, but know that Regionale trains are a bit of a roll of the dice.

Italo , a private rail company, runs fast trains on routes between several major cities. In recent years, it has taken a bite out of Trenitalia's business, particularly where it competes with the Freccia trains. Italo has an extremely modern fleet of clean, comfortable trains, with service classes ranging from Smart (standard) to Club Executive (VIP class).

Some small private rail companies serve towns in one area such as Ente Autonomo Volturno that has routes from Naples to places like the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii or the  Ferrovie del Sud Est  that serves southern Puglia.

Finding your destination on the train schedules

Train schedules are displayed in train stations, for both departing ( partenze ) and arriving ( arrivi ). Most train stations have either a large board or small televisions listing trains that will arrive or depart soon and which track they use. Even if your train is listed on the screen, you may have to wait a while before you see the track listed and making your way to the correct platform.

Buying an Italian Train Ticket

There are a number of ways to buy a train ticket in Italy or before you go:

• Search schedules and buy train tickets online and see train schedules at  Trenitalia  or  Italo . This is our preferred method of buying tickets, which you can either print or save on your smartphone to show to the conductor. Both companies have convenient apps for Android or Apple devices, which allow you to search, purchase tickets and track your train's progress in real time. 
• Go to a ticket window at the station equipped with the time and destination of the train you want to take, the number of tickets you need, and ticket class ( primo or secondo ).
• Use a ticket machine if the station has them. These are pretty easy to use, and you can avoid long lines at the ticket window but you may need to pay in cash.

Note: Unless you're really doing things at the last minute, we strongly recommend buying your tickets online.

For travel on regional trains, note that a train ticket buys you transportation on a train, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll get a seat on that train. If you find that your train is crowded and you can't find a seat in second class, you may try to find a conductor and ask if your ticket can be upgraded to first class.

Train Travel FAQ: Should I Buy a Rail Pass for Train Travel in Italy?

Boarding your Train

Once you have a ticket, you can head out to your train. In Italian, the tracks are called binari (track numbers are listed under bin on the departure board). In smaller stations where the trains go through the station you'll have to go underground using the sottopassagio, or underpassage, to get to a track that isn't binario uno or track number one. In larger stations like Milano Centrale, where the trains pull into the station rather than passing through, you'll see the trains head-on, with signs on each track indicating the next expected train and its departure time.

If you have a printed regional train ticket or ticket for one of the small private lines (or any ticket without a specific train number, date, and time), just before you board your train, find the green and white machine (or in some cases the old-style yellow machines) and insert the end of your ticket. This prints the time and date of the first use of your ticket, and makes it valid for the journey. There are stiff fines for not validating your ticket. Validation applies to regional train tickets or any ticket that does not have a specific date, time, and seat number on it. 

Note that if you have an e-ticket or PDF, or a printed ticket with a QR code on it, there is no need to validate it – just show it to the conductor when he or she passes on the train.

If you don't have an assigned seat, just board one of the train cars for your class of travel. Usually, there are racks above the seats for luggage, or dedicated shelves near the ends of each coach for your larger baggage. On some trains, large pieces of luggage can fit between two rows of back-to-back seats. Note that you will not find porters in the station or waiting by the track to help you with your luggage, you will need to get your luggage onto the train yourself.

It's customary to greet fellow passengers when you sit down. A simple buongiorno will do nicely. If you want to know if a seat is vacant, simply say Occupato? or E libero?

At Your Destination

Train stations are bustling places, especially in large cities. Be careful about your baggage and wallet. Don't let anyone offer to help you with your luggage once you are off the train or offer you transportation. If you're looking for a taxi, head outside the station to the taxi stand or bus stops. In cities with subway systems (metro), there is usually a metro station inside the train station.

Train Travel FAQ:

• Can I Buy Train Tickets Online?
• How Do I Validate My Train Ticket?
• When Should I Buy My Train Tickets?

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How to Travel by Train in Italy: A Guide to Easy Rides

Buongiorno, train travel enthusiasts! This is Max, your conductor on the journey through Italy’s splendid landscapes! Are you wondering how to travel by train in Italy?

You’re on the right track! Let’s discover together how to traverse Italy’s beauty, all from the comfort of a train carriage.

Planning Your Itinerary

When planning a train itinerary through Italy, accurate scheduling and route selection are crucial for a seamless journey.

1. Major City Connections

Italy is home to some of Europe’s most iconic cities, including Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. When planning your travel to connect these hubs by rail, consider distance, regional attractions, and train frequencies.

• Rome to Florence: Approximately 1.5 hours on a high-speed train.
• Florence to Venice : Around 2 hours, perfect for a swift transition to the canals.
• Venice to Milan: It takes just under 2.5 hours to connect the city of Lagoon with the fashion capital .

2. Scenic Routes and Destinations

Creating an itinerary that enables leisure and exploration is essential for those planning to explore Italy’s rich history and culture.

• Cinque Terre : The Cinque Terre Express train runs from La Spezia to Levanto, linking all five coastal towns.
• Naples, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast : Accessible from Rome with regional trains.
• Sicily : Longer journey with an overnight train option from Rome or Naples, including ferry crossing.

3. Planning Day Trips

• Pompeii is a popular day trip . The local Circumvesuviana or Campania express service makes it reachable from Naples in less than an hour.
• Layovers : Consider other picturesque towns like Siena or Lucca for short layovers.

4. Recommended Train Itinerary Sequence:

• Start in Rome for its ancient allure.
• Proceed to Florence , the cradle of the Renaissance.
• Head north to Venice to experience its enchanting canals.
• Conclude in Milan , intertwining history with modern sophistication.

Faster high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo) are one of the most efficient ways to travel quickly between cities. Regional services offer a more scenic, albeit slower, journey. Let’s explore the train types in Italy.

Suggested Read : 35 Best Travel Guide Books for Italy to Read

Understanding Train Types in Italy

In Italy, trains are categorized based on their speed, the distances they cover, and their primary use. Grasping the differences between these train types is essential for travelers looking to navigate the Italian rail network efficiently.

1. High-Speed Trains (Trenitalia, Italo)

Operated by Trenitalia and Italo, high-speed trains can reach speeds over 300 km/h, significantly cutting travel time between Italian cities.

Trenitalia , the country’s main train operator, is a joint venture between the Italian government and a consortium of private investors. It manages the renowned “Frecce” trains.

• Frecciarossa , or ‘Red Arrow,’ is Trenitalia’s premier high-speed service. It connects major cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence with frequent daily services.
• Frecciargento , or ‘Silver Arrow,’ reaches locations that are not accessible by the Frecciarossa trains.
• Frecciabianca , or ‘White Arrow,’ covers long-distance routes at high speeds but not as rapidly as the Frecciarossa or the Frecciargento.

Italo is a private high-speed train service that offers a competitive option to Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa. Its focus is on passenger comfort and amenities.

2. Intercity Trains

Intercity trains bridge the gap between faster trains and regional services. They cover longer distances with fewer stops than regional trains.

3. Regional Trains

Regional trains connect local destinations within Italian regions. They make frequent stops and offer an economical way to travel short distances.

Purchasing Train Tickets

When traveling by train in Italy, you have various options for purchasing tickets, from online platforms to ticket machines at stations.

As tickets can become available 3 to 6 months before travel, booking your train in advance is often recommended to secure availability, especially for popular routes. 

Online Ticketing

Passengers looking for convenience can purchase Italian train tickets online. Websites like Trenitalia or Trainline offer a user-friendly interface where one can check schedules and buy tickets. After purchasing, you’ll typically receive an e-ticket, which can be printed or displayed on a smartphone.

Buying Tickets in Advance

Securing train tickets in advance is advisable, particularly for faster trains or long-distance travel, where reservations are mandatory. Purchasing in advance can also lead to better prices and guaranteed seating.

Ticket Machines at Stations

Italian train stations are equipped with ticket machines, which allow passengers to buy tickets quickly on the day of travel.

These machines, available in multiple languages, accept credit cards and cash. It’s essential to validate the ticket at the small machines on the platform before boarding.

Traveling Without Reservations

For regional trains, it’s possible to travel without a reservation. In this case, you can buy tickets at station ticket machines or counters shortly before departure. However, you should be aware that without a reservation, a seat is not guaranteed if the train is full.

Ticket Pricing and Fares

Fare structures in Italy are categorized by train type and class. Ticket costs vary depending on the speed of the train, the class of service, and the route distance.

Regional trains are the most economical option, often with fixed prices that do not fluctuate with demand.

Intercity and faster trains like the Frecciarossa or Italo offer variable pricing structures, similar to airlines, where fares increase as the departure time nears or during peak travel periods.

Once again, you can save money by booking advance tickets , as last-minute fares tend to be more expensive. The most affordable base fare train tickets in Italy, known as Super Economy tickets, are available for early purchase and do not permit any modifications or cancellations.

Discounts for Children and Youth

Children typically receive discounts, with some rail operators offering heavily discounted or even free travel for children under a certain age when accompanied by an adult. Specifically:

• Children under three years old travel free on Italo trains if seated on an adult’s lap. 
• Children aged 4 to 15 years (or up to 12 years on regional trains) benefit from a 50% fare reduction on Trenitalia.
• The Carta Verde (Green Card) is a special discount card designed for youths aged 12 to 26 . A yearly plan costs 40 euros.

Discounts for Seniors

Seniors may also be eligible for reduced fares, but these offers can vary between train operators.

They have the option to purchase Trenitalia’s Carta d’Argento (Silver Card) for €30 annually, which is available to individuals aged 60 to 75 and complimentary for those over 75. Additionally, Italo provides a 40% discount to senior passengers on select fares.

Travel Italy by Train: Using a Rail Pass

Rail passes like Eurail offer travelers an efficient and cost-effective way to explore Italy by train. Passholders can enjoy flexible travel and often receive discounts on local transportation. 

Purchasing a Rail Pass

To use a rail pass in Italy, one must purchase it before arriving, as they are not available for sale within the country. There are various types of Eurail passes to choose from:

• Italy Pass : Unlimited travel within Italy.
• Global Pass : Unlimited travel in 33 European countries.

Validity Periods

Eurail passes are valid for different lengths of time, ranging from days to months, and can be flexi-passes (a set number of travel days within a longer period) or continuous passes (unlimited travel within the validity period).

Train Reservations

While many Italian trains do not require reservations, high-speed and overnight trains often do. Passholders are advised to book these in advance, paying a reservation fee.

Benefits and Discounts

Eurail pass holders may receive:

• Access to ferries and buses.
• Reduced rates on private railways and local transit.
• Discounts on certain hotels and attractions.

Using the Pass

When using a Eurail pass, you must:

• Activate the pass at a train station in Italy.
• Write the date of travel on each travel day.
• Show the pass along with a passport when requested by train staff.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

• Check schedule changes : Train schedules can vary, especially on public holidays.
• Keep your pass safe : Lost or stolen rail passes are like losing cash and can be costly to replace.
• Understand pass limitations : The rail pass does not cover all trains and routes.

Finding and Navigating Train Stations

Locating a train station often involves looking for the well-marked sign “ Stazione ,” which makes it easy to identify.

Main train stations across the country are uniquely named, with the most common including Milano Centrale, Venezia Santa Lucia, Bologna Centrale, Firenze Santa Maria Novella, Torino Porta Nuova, Roma Termini, and Napoli Centrale. 

Once at the station, timetables are prominently displayed, providing travelers with up-to-date schedules for all departing and arriving trains.

An essential first step is to identify your departure platform (binario), which is listed alongside your train number and target location.

Navigating Italian train stations requires attention to detail: signs indicate platform ( binario ) numbers, directions, and facilities.

Station staff is usually on hand to assist in case of confusion; they can be found wearing uniforms at information desks or throughout the station.

For those unfamiliar with Italian , announcements and station signs are often available in English, especially in main stations and tourist-heavy areas.

Suggested Read : 135 Basic Italian Phrases for Travel: PDF Cheat Sheet

Train Schedules and Frequency

When traveling by train in Italy, passengers find punctuality and frequency to be critical aspects of the experience. Italian trains typically adhere to a regular schedule designed to cater to frequent intercity connections and less frequent regional services.

Intercity and High-Speed Trains:

• As mentioned earlier, Frecce trains   primarily serve the major routes connecting main cities such as Turin , Milan, Venice, Bologna , Florence, Rome, Naples, and Bari. The table below represents their standard frequency.

Regional Trains:

• Regional trains , or treni regionali , typically run less frequently, especially in more rural or less populated areas. Schedules for these services may vary from one train every few hours to a more consistent hourly basis.

Train schedules are available online, at stations, and through various mobile apps. They are routinely updated to reflect changes due to maintenance works or seasonal adjustments. You are encouraged to check the Trenitalia or Italo  websites for the most accurate train schedules. 

Pre-Train Departure Procedures

Before boarding a train in Italy, you must follow several key steps to ensure a smooth journey. Validating tickets, locating the correct train and carriage, and handling luggage properly are all integral parts of the pre-departure process.

Ticket Validation

Ticket validation is a crucial step in the pre-departure process. Typically, you must use the validation machines located at the station before boarding.

This process confirms the date and time of travel, preventing ticket re-use. Unvalidated tickets can result in fines, so you should ensure to complete this step before heading to the platform.

Finding Your Train and Carriage

Once tickets are validated, proceed to find their train and carriage. The train number and departure information are displayed on electronic display boards throughout the station.

Train number and departure time are the key details needed to locate the correct platform. Upon arriving at the specified platform, carriage numbers are visibly displayed beside train doors or on electronic displays along the platform.

Onboard Train Amenities and Services

Luggage Accommodations: Passengers are responsible for loading and unloading their own luggage on trains and can expect decent luggage storage on trains in Italy.

Overhead luggage racks are accessible for small luggage, while designated spaces at the ends of carriages are designed for larger suitcases. 

Dining Options: Most long-distance and high-speed trains offer food and beverages. A dining car or a trolley service provides a variety of meals suitable for a range of tastes and preferences, including options for those with dietary restrictions.

Comfort and Accessibility: You will find modern comforts such as air conditioning and power outlets for charging electronic devices. Seats are designed to provide comfortable travel, with options for first or second class, each differing in space and services offered. 

The Truth About Train Travel Classes: What Really Matters

Deciding between first class and second class for your train ticket? The differences are minimal, primarily in dining options.

First Class (also called Executive Class) often includes food service, whereas Second Class might only have a vending machine (or nothing at all). 

Both classes on fast trains like Italo and Frecciarossa offer comfort, making an upgrade optional. For a quieter journey, consider a first-class silent car with restricted cell phone use, ensuring a serene trip to your Italian locale.

Accessibility and Traveling with Children

When taking a train trip through Italy with children, one can anticipate a safe and comfortable experience.

Italian transportation law mandates accessibility for all, ensuring that train stations and carriages cater to the needs of travelers with disabilities.

For Parents and Guardians:

• Documents: Children, including infants, require their own travel documents , such as passports.
• Expectations: Train travel can be lengthy; pack snacks, toys, and entertainment to keep young travelers content.

Travelers with Disabilities:

• Facilities: Most train stations offer wheelchair accessibility, including restrooms and ticket counters. Always verify in advance the level of accessibility available, as not all trains and stations may be equally equipped.
• Assistance: It is advisable to contact the train company ahead of time if specific assistance is required.

While Onboard:

• Seating: Look for priority seating, which is typically available for those with reduced mobility or those traveling with young children.
• Safety: Keep children supervised, especially when boarding or disembarking the train.

Traveling with Infants:

• Healthcare: If you have any health-related concerns, such as dehydration in infants or young children with diarrhea, seek immediate medical attention. Remember to maintain adequate hydration as a key element of travel health management.

Connecting Transports and Transfers

When traveling by train in Italy, passengers can enjoy seamless connections to various modes of transportation upon arrival at their destination station.

This section outlines the transition from trains to buses, station taxi services, and car rental options.

Taxi Services at Stations

Train stations, especially at major urban centers, are equipped with designated taxi areas . Taxis are a reliable option for direct transfers to a final destination, with clearly marked ranks and regulated fares. You should look for officially licensed, usually white taxis, and display a taxi sign.

From Train to Bus

At most Italian train stations, bus terminals are nearby or directly adjacent to the station. These buses serve local urban routes and suburban areas not covered by rail services. Timetables are typically synchronized with train arrivals, facilitating hassle-free transfers.

Car Rentals

For those requiring flexibility or planning to visit areas less accessible by public transport, car rental services are available at key train stations.

Rental desks are often located within or just outside the station. Renting a car in advance is advisable to ensure availability and potentially secure better rates.

Suggested Read : Traveling to Bologna and planning to rent a car? Read Renting a Car in Bologna: Your Essential Guide .

Overnight and Long-Distance Trains

Overnight and long-distance trains efficiently traverse the expansive Italian countryside and coastal regions, connecting cities like Rome, Venice, and Milan to lesser-known locations.

Overnight trains, such as Trenitalia’s Intercity Notte , provide sleeper cabins and couchettes, allowing you to rest and arrive refreshed at your destination. Comfort varies by train type and class, with options usually including:

• Sleeper cabins: Private compartments with beds.
• Couchettes: Shared compartments with bunk beds.

When you consider it, traveling overnight this way is not only a time-saver but often a cost-effective alternative to hotels. You awaken to new landscapes, having covered significant ground during the night.

Italo and Frecciarossa services present options for long-distance travel, shrinking the travel time between cities. Itineraries are straightforward, and stations are well-connected, making train travel a prime choice for those seeking efficiency.

Popular Train Routes

Italy’s train network offers an extensive range of routes connecting major cities and scenic destinations efficiently and comfortably. Below are some of the most recommended train routes in Italy:

Rome to Florence : This route connects Italy’s capital with the heart of Tuscany. A high-speed train ride lasts about 1.5 hours on the Frecciarossa or Italo , making a day trip feasible.

Rome to Milan : Traversing the length of Northern Italy, the journey from Rome to Milan takes approximately 3 hours via faster train—ideal for business travelers or tourists.

Rome to Naples : A beloved route for travelers seeking the allure of the Amalfi Coast and historical sites such as Pompeii, Rome to Naples only takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours on the fastest services.

Train Routes Table:

For an enriching travel experience, consider stops in smaller towns or detours along the way to fully appreciate regional diversity.

Certain local and regional train lines are favorites among international tourists, such as the journeys from Florence to Cinque Terre or Siena and the trips from Rome to Salerno or Sorrento along the Amalfi Coast.

Suggested Read : Craving a voyage along the Italian coast after your train adventure? Read 12 Top Cruise Ports in Italy: A Mediterranean Journey .

Tips for an Enjoyable Train Experience

It may seem like common sense, but it bears mentioning: for the best train travel experience , you should:

• Arrive early : Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure to find platforms and settle in without rushing.
• Pack light : Travel with minimal luggage for ease of movement within stations and onboard trains.
• Keep documents handy : Always have your passport and ticket accessible for inspections.

Understanding the rail system is key when planning to travel to Italy by train. Familiarize yourself with the different types of trains and select the one that best suits your travel needs and budget.

Traveling During Peak Seasons

Peak times typically include summer months, especially August, and key holidays such as Easter and Christmas.

Schedules : During these periods, train schedules are often more crowded, and ticket availability may be limited . It is crucial for travelers to book their tickets well in advance.

Holidays: As Italian holidays approach, train stations become hubs of activity. Locals and tourists alike tend to travel to their holiday destinations, which can significantly impact train capacity and punctuality. The increased demand during holidays may lead to higher ticket prices and longer transit times.

Staying Safe and Secure

When exploring Italy via rail,  safety should be a top priority . Remain vigilant, especially in crowded stations or on busy trains. Personal belongings should be kept secure at all times to prevent theft. Utilizing anti-theft bags or waist packs can be beneficial.

Here is a concise breakdown of safety measures:

• Personal Belongings : Keep these items out of sight and secure to avoid attracting attention.
• Awareness : Stay alert to your surroundings.
• Health Safety : Train travel during certain health events may require additional precautions, like wearing a mask if necessary. Don’t forget to sanitize or wash your hands frequently.
• Emergency Contacts : Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local police, your country’s embassy or consulate ( U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy ), and family members.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section answers common queries about train services, ticketing options, and travel tips to ensure a smooth journey.

What are the most recommended train services to use within Italy?

Italy’s primary train service provider, Trenitalia , offers extensive routes connecting major cities and regions. It is renowned for punctuality and efficient service. Another notable option is Italo, which is known for its faster trains and modern amenities.

What options are available for purchasing train tickets in Italy?

Train tickets for trips in Italy can be purchased online, through mobile apps, at ticket machines, or train station ticket counters. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, especially for long-distance travel, to secure the best fares.

Can travelers buy unlimited train passes for Italy, and what are the options?

Travelers can opt for the Eurail Italy Pass or the Interrail Italy Pass, which offers unlimited travel within Italy for a set number of days. These passes provide flexibility and can be cost-saving for tourists planning to visit multiple locations. I invite you to read this excellent article by Rick Steves about Italian rail passes. 

How far in advance should I purchase my train tickets? 

For smoother Italian train travel, booking your tickets 3 to 6 months ahead, particularly for busy routes, is advisable to ensure you get a seat.

What should one know about managing luggage during train travel in Italy?

Passengers are usually allowed to bring luggage on Italian trains without an extra fee. Storage areas are available at the ends of carriages or above seats. Still, passengers should monitor their belongings, as train stations and trains are public spaces.

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Fare Game: Tips for Buying Train Tickets in Italy

John Bensalhia is your ticket master for a beginner's guide to train travel in fares in Italy. Plus, the all-important question: how do Italian fare prices compare with other countries around the globe?

Tickets please!

Getting from A to B will always come at a price, whether it's buying a new car or motorbike, stocking up on fuel, or paying for a public transport ticket.

Train travel, it's fair to say, gets quite a mixed press around the world. Depending on what country you're in, shelling out for a train ticket can be a breeze or an absolute nightmare. As a chap with a fair bit of experience in Britain, train travel in good old Blighty tends to consist of paying eye-watering prices in long queues at kiosks manned by surly jobsworths – for services which are both, more often than not, delayed and more cramped than a value pack of sardines.

Italy, however, provides a good quality service. I'll be looking at how the ticket prices compare with other locations around the world a bit later on in this article, but in the meantime, let's get the lowdown on a couple of fare facts...

Modern World Wonders

Thanks to the wonders of the modern world, queuing is no longer the only way to get your hands on a ticket. Booking online is a simple deal – visit the Trenitalia website, for example but for the easiest way to book, Italiarail is our top choice for buying tickets online. It's an easy to use site, with all the information you could want for booking and finding the train that's right for you.

In some cases, you will need to allocate your own seat from a given plan, such as for high speed or long distance journeys.

If you've moved to Italy from another country or are here on holiday and wish to get about by train, be aware that you must type in the Italian names for the station you want – eg: Florence is Firenze S. M. Novella while Rome is Roma Termini . Holidaymakers will benefit from Trenitalia's booking agenda, which allows you to book a train up to six months in advance. An ideal initiative for those either planning day trips in advance or actually getting to their holiday destination by train.

In fact, train travel doesn't necessarily require a ticket these days. A new system has been introduced in which all you need is an individual booking reference code. When you get on the train, simply inform the member of staff the relevant code. Quick, easy and convenient.

Serve Yourself

The alternative is to use one of the computerised self service machines at the train station. Like the website, buying a ticket this way is very easy. Every one of the key Italian train stations has these machines, and also like the website, there's an English language option for those on holiday or new to living in Italy.

The machines provide tickets for local and long distance journeys, although again, you'll need to book your place in advance for the long distance trains. If you're in a hurry for a train on the day you're travelling, don't fret – you can buy your ticket right there and then. Machines accept cash and credit cards.

I've talked about the choice of buying in advance. In some cases, you'll need to book ahead in order to secure your place on the train. But the advantage of this is that you can save money this way. Booking an Economy or Super Economy fare can bring the price down for a precisely chosen route, which in some cases, can start from just shy of €10. You can get savings of up to 60% on a train journey, so it's well worth considering. The only downside is that once you commit to this train route, there's no refunds and alterations to the journey. So make sure that there isn't a last minute spanner in the works!

For those looking for a more free-falling train journey or a regular commute to work in the local region, then buying on the day is the sensible option. You're free to take whatever route you like, with more flexibility. Also the Italiapass offered by Italiarail offers a myriad of exciting perks: including access to a VIP lounge in Rome's Termini train station. 

Child Benefits

If you're travelling with a young family, then there's more good news. You can get savings and in some cases, free passes. Trenitalia's rules for child travel mean that all children under the age of four don't need a ticket.

With older children, this depends on the type of train that your youngsters travel on. Kids 12 and under can take the train while paying the standard children's rate on regional trains. However, add three more years for national trains, as those 15 years and under using InterCity, Frecciargento, Frecciarossa, and Frecciabianca get to pay children's rates.

Like this article? Don't miss "Tips and Suggestions for Train Travel in Italy for 2019" 

Country Comparisons

So now for the big question: How does Italy fare in comparison with other countries' public transport rates?

In order to get an idea of the bigger global picture, I paid a visit to the price comparison site, Expatistan, which analyses the prices for the cost of living for more than 200 countries. The results look at a number of aspects including food and drink, clothing and getting around (car and fuel costs). One of the latter is the monthly ticket for public transport (complete with train icon next to this sector!).

I sampled more than 20 countries to see how they compare with Italy. An Italian monthly ticket average is €36, which in general, is a reasonable rate. It's lower than a good number of other countries' prices, and in some cases, considerably so. Unsurprisingly, the UK has the highest asking price of €107 (which for many is arguably way too high for the quality of service provided). Other higher cost countries include Australia (€90), Sweden (€80), Germany and America (both €74) and France (€66). Italy is still better value than other middle of the road prices for locations such as the Bahamas and Belgium (both €50), Spain and Brazil(both €47).

However, there are some locations which are cheaper than Italy's rates. These include Poland (€25), Turkey (€28), Czech Republic (€21) and Algeria (€13). But overall, at €36, the Italy rates for monthly public transport are very fare, sorry, fair.

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Lists by Lukiih 🍀

Practical travel guides with less fluff

• 💰 My 2024 Italy Trip Cost: A Budget Breakdown

Italy, a country famous for Renaissance masterpieces and gelato, can be visited with a  budget of $75 to $150 a day.

My trip to Italy cost a total of $2,651 . In this post, I share:

• 💰 Expected travel costs
• 💡 Budgeting tips
• 💵 How much cash to bring
• ✈️ My trip’s costs by category
• 📍 My trip’s costs by destination
• ✌️ A trip to Italy cost for two people

Planning a trip? Here’s what to know about Italy .

• Is Italy Expensive?
• How Much Is a Trip?
• About My Trip
• Cost Breakdown
• Daily Budget: $131
• Flight: $564
• Accommodation: $868
• Transportation: $265
• Entertainment: $392
• Florence: $608
• Venice: $255
• Cinque Terre: $420
• Milan: $285
• Lake Como: $62
• Modena & Parma: $209
• Withdrawing Cash
• How Much Cash To Bring
• Cash-Only Places
• Tipping Etiquette

Italy Trip Planner

Lists By Lukiih is readers-supported. When you buy with my affiliate link, I may earn a small commission. Thanks!

Is Italy Expensive To Travel To?

Italy is a semi-affordable destination to visit in Europe. Travel costs, such as housing, food, and attractions, vary significantly between regions. While major cities can be pricey, Italy also offers fresh food for cheap, reasonable train ticket prices, and a wide range of accommodations for different budgets.

Compared to other popular European destinations, Italy is less budget-friendly than Portugal, Germany, and Spain, but it’s generally more affordable than the UK, Iceland, and Switzerland.

💰 Trip Daily Budget for Countries in Europe

For comparison, I visited these countries in Europe within a year of visiting Italy, and here’s how much I spent per day at each one:

See all my daily budget for each destination I’ve visited .

How Much Is a Trip to Italy?

This section covers estimated trip costs depending on your travel style. I share my actual travel expenses further below.

🎒 Budget Traveler – Italy Trip Cost

A budget traveler can expect to spend approximately $75 per day or $525 for one week of travel in Italy, excluding flights. Two budget travelers visiting Italy can expect to spend about $120 daily.

Here’s what a budget traveler’s cost breakdown can look like:

Traveling Italy on a Budget

To travel to Italy on a budget, here are some things you’ll need to do:

• 🏠 Accommodation – Forgo staying in a private room and instead stay at dorm-style hostels for about $35 per night in cities like Rome and Florence . Aim to find housing in less central areas.
• 🚆 Transportation – Take the budget bus, FlixBus, which can be $10 to $15 cheaper than public transportation. However, the bus takes much longer and is more inconvenient than Italy’s trains.
• 🍝 Food – Buy food at a grocery store and eat simple meals (like pizza), which will save you more than $100 a week compared to dining out for every meal in Italy.
• Buy the most basic ticket at attractions and be prepared to wait in long lines. For example, the Colosseum’s basic ticket requires waiting in the security line and doesn’t allow access to all parts of the amphitheater.
• Skip expensive attractions like riding a gondola in Venice (which starts at $87 for a 30-minute ride if you don’t split it with anyone else) or taking an all-day wine tour (which usually starts at $40 for a half-day tour).
• Take advantage of free walking tours in major cities to see top attractions from the outside.
• ☀️ Travel Season  – Travel to Italy during the low season, which coincides with the winter months (November to February). There will be fewer tourists, and accommodation prices can drop by more than 25% during this time, so you’ll get the best deals then.

💰 Mid-Range Budget Traveler – Italy Trip Cost

A mid-range budget traveler like myself can expect to spend approximately $150 per day or $1,050 for one week of travel in Italy, excluding flights. Two mid-range budget travelers visiting Italy can expect to spend about $270 per day.

I break down my trip expenses by travel category below.

About My Italy Trip

To give context to the expenses below, here’s what you need to know about my trip:

• Rome + Vatican City : 2 days
• Milan : 2 day
• Florence : 5 days
• Venice : 2 days
• Cinque Terre : 2 days
• Lake Como : 1 day
• Modena : 1 day
• Parma : 1 day
• ☀️ High season – I went to Italy in May, which is considered the start of the high season.

Italy’s peak season runs from May to September when the weather is pleasant.

• ✌️  Group travel – I traveled with one to two other friends at all times, so we were able to split some costs, such as housing. My travel reflects what a trip to Italy would look like for two people.
• 💰 Mid-range budget – I consider myself a mid-range budget traveler, and these expenses reflect that. I don’t aim to travel on a budget, but I’m thoughtful about how and where I spend.
• 🍀 Self-funded – My trips are self-funded, so I paid for everything listed below. None of my excursions or experiences are sponsored.
• 💵 US dollars – All costs listed in this post are per person and in US dollars, converted from Italy’s local currency, the euro.

The exchange rate was $1 USD = €0.92 at the time of writing.

Total Cost for an Italy Trip: $2,651

My two-week trip to Italy cost a total of $2,651, including flights. I traveled with at least one other person at all times, so my budget was slightly lower than if I had traveled solo.

See the highlights of my trip in this  Italy itinerary .

💰 Cost Breakdown for Italy

Here’s a quick overview of my expenses by travel category:

🗓️ Daily Budget in Italy: $131

My Italy trip cost $131 per day , excluding my round-trip flights from and to the United States.

A mid-range budget traveler can expect to spend $150 per day in Italy. This generally means staying at mid-range hotels for about $90 a night, eating at primarily $ to $$ restaurants, taking Italy’s convenient trains, and booking group tours for some of the top attractions.

✈️ Flight Cost to Italy: $564

My round-trip flight from the East Coast of the United States to Milan Malpensa Airport was $564 .

A direct, round-trip flight between the US and Italy that costs under $400 is considered cheap; international flights typically cost over $500.

🏠 Accommodation Costs in Italy: $868

My average cost of accommodation in Italy was $54 per day . I was able to split accommodations with one to two other people at all times.

Here are the accommodations I stayed at and how much I paid for each:

Budgeting Tips for Accommodations in Italy

Here are my budgeting tips and things to note regarding accommodations in Italy:

• Try to split accommodations with someone – Italy has expensive accommodations. Housing is where I saved the most by always traveling with another person.
• Low and high seasons have nontrivial price differences – A mid-range hotel room in tourist areas in Italy starts at around $70 per night, and you’ll likely have to pay closer to $100 per night during the high season.
• Stay in non-central areas – For cheaper accommodations in popular cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence, you’ll need to stay farther away from the city center. For example, staying in Venice’s less popular Cannaregio district will be significantly cheaper than staying in the San Polo or San Marco districts.
• Italy has no shortage of luxury hotels – Italy offers many high-end hotels with stunning views over the ocean, lake, or canal. Expect to pay more than $2,000 for a night at one of these luxury hotels.

🍝 Food Cost in Italy: $556

My average cost of food in Italy was $35 per day.

Food costs in Italy vary widely; you can eat on a budget or extravagantly. A mid-range budget traveler can expect to spend about  $40 per day  on food in Italy. This includes getting coffee, eating a snack, and eating at $ to $$ restaurants.

Cheapest Meals in Italy

Here are the most affordable meals I ate during my trip:

Most Expensive Meals in Italy

Here are the most expensive meals I ate during my trip:

Be warned that you can end up with expensive, mediocre pasta in tourist restaurants if you don’t do a bit of restaurant research and make reservations. A way to enjoy quality food in Italy is to go on highly-rated food tours , especially in big, overwhelming cities like Rome.

🚆 Transportation Cost in Italy: $265

My average cost of transportation in Italy was $17 per day. I averaged $19 per train ride while traveling between cities.

Here are the transportation methods I took and how much I paid for each:

Budgeting Tips for Trains in Italy

Here are my budgeting tips and things to note regarding trains in Italy:

• The best way to get around Italy is by train travel – Italy has a well-maintained train system primarily operated by Trenitalia that will conveniently get you to many places around the country.
• Train tickets are reasonably priced – An average ticket will cost between $10 and $40, depending on the distance traveled and whether you’re taking a high-speed train.
• High-speed trains serve major cities throughout Italy and run on their own train tracks. I took several of these trains and typically paid between $30 and $50.
• Regional trains are much slower but can reach almost any part of the country. A ticket on a regional train starts at $10.

🍷 Entertainment Cost in Italy: $392

My average cost for entertainment in Italy was $25 per day. This total includes a 5% to 10% tip at certain places.

Most of Italy’s major attractions charge a basic entrance fee of $20 to $30 . This cost significantly increases once you pay for a tour guide or skip-the-line tickets.

Here are all the activities and attractions I paid for and how much each cost:

One of the highlights of my trip was hiking around the stunning Cinque Terre .

Cost Breakdown by Destination in Italy

Below are my trip expense breakdowns for Rome, Florence, Venice, Cinque Terre, Milan, Lake Como, Modena, and Parma . Many of these major locations are often featured in first-timers’ travel itineraries.

🎨 Rome Trip’s Total Cost: $428

During my two-day trip to Rome, averaged  $214 in daily travel expenses.

I stayed at a mid-range budget hotel and split it with a friend. I also paid for a guided tour of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City and the Colosseum , which significantly increased my appreciation for both.

Rome is the most visited city in Italy. It’s home to some of the country’s most famous attractions, like the Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, and Vatican Museums, so expect to spend over $20 on entrance fees here. Other top attractions, like Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, are free.

🍦 Florence Trip’s Total Cost: $608

During my five-day trip to Florence, averaged  $122 in daily travel expenses.

I stayed at an Airbnb and a mid-range budget hotel in the center of Florence and split the cost with another person. I also booked a Tuscany wine-tasting tour , a small-group pasta-making class , and basic entrance tickets to the Uffizi Gallery and the Boboli Gardens.

Check out great things to do in Florence .

Florence is a very walkable city, so you likely won’t spend much on transportation. It’s known for day tours and trips outside the city, so you might spend a lot on entertainment when visiting.

🛶 Venice Trip’s Total Cost: $255

During my two-day trip to Venice, I averaged  $127 in daily travel expenses.

I stayed at an Airbnb where I shared the living space with the host and paid for a gondola ride. Venice is one of the most touristy places you’ll visit in Italy, so expect costs to be high.

See how to spend a day in Venice .

Venice’s iconic gondola rides start at €90 (roughly $98) for a 30-minute ride if you’re not splitting with others (the government regulates the price, so you won’t be able to negotiate). You need to pay in cash, so bring some euros with you.

⛰️ Cinque Terre Trip’s Total Cost: $420

During my two-day trip to Cinque Terre, I averaged $120 in daily travel expenses.

I visited Cinque Terre mainly to hike through the stunning villages , which doesn’t cost much. Having traveled to several tourist cities in Italy, I found the food to be the most expensive in Cinque Terre.

Cinque Terre is a budget-friendly version of Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. The average price of accommodation, restaurants, and attractions is slightly lower in Cinque Terre as Amalfi Coast is considered a luxury destination.

👗 Milan Trip’s Total Cost: $285

During my two-day trip to Milan, I averaged  $143 in daily travel expenses.

I stayed at a hostel-style Airbnb, paid to enter Milan’s Duomo, and did a few free activities, such as exploring the Navigli district.

In Milan, expect to spend a lot on accommodation and shopping if you’re interested in buying clothes from the world’s fashion capital.

🌷 Lake Como Trip’s Total Cost: $62

I did a day trip to Lake Como from Milan. Despite the rainy weather, it was a beautiful day trip easily accessible via Italy’s trains.

Read more on how to do a day trip to Lake Como .

When traveling to Lake Como, you’ll need to account for the roughly $5 one-way ferry rides between each town and the $14 round-trip train tickets to and from Milan.

🍝 Modena & Parma Trip’s Total Cost: $209

During my two-day trip to Modena and Parma, averaged  $105 in daily travel expenses.

I stayed in Modena and did a day trip to Parma. Parma is a small town known as the origin site for Parmigiano Reggiano, the upgraded and regulation version of Parmesan, and Prosciutto di Parma.

Modena and Parma are known to have some of the best restaurants in the world , so I traveled there primarily for the food and to experience a slightly less tourist area of Italy. This Parma travel guide compares Bologna, Modena, and Parma.

Do You Need Cash in Italy?

Like many European countries, Italy has a good credit card infrastructure. However, many places still rely on cash transactions, so make sure to  bring some cash.

Below are tips on bringing and using cash in Italy.

💶 1. Withdraw cash in euros.

Italy’s local currency is the euro (€), and the  US dollar is not widely accepted.

Avoid Euronet ATMs when withdrawing cash in Italy. Throughout Europe, Euronet ATMs consistently have high fees and use terrible exchange rates, so unless you’re in desperate need of cash, I would avoid them.

🏧 2. Carry about $15 to $20 worth of cash per day to Italy.

On a typical day, a mid-range budget traveler in Italy will need  at least $15 in cash  to cover food, transportation, and attractions. A daily cash expense breakdown can look like this:

• $5 at cafes
• $5 for tipping and small entrance fees
• $5 for miscellaneous spending

On my Italy trip, I spent a total of $118 (about $7 per day) in cash . Here’s a breakdown of how I used my cash:

*Some accommodations in certain cities, like Cinque Terre, have city tax fees that must be paid in cash.

I keep my cash in my crossbody bag , but if you want extra protection against pickpocketing , carry it in a hidden money belt instead.

💵 3. Certain places in Italy are cash-only.

While credit cards are commonly used in Italy, I still had to use cash several times   during my two-week trip. Here are some of the places that were cash-only in Italy:

• Cafes – Small cafes that mainly serve coffee and pastries are sometimes cash-only.
• Small attractions – Several of Italy’s small attractions with entrance fees that are less than $5 will typically only take cash.
• Gondola rides – You typically hand cash to gondoliers after going on a ride.
• Tours – Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s optional.
• Accommodation city taxes – Some Airbnbs in certain cities, like Cinque Terre, have city tax fees that must be paid in cash.

💰 4. Tipping is not expected in Italy.

Tipping is  often appreciated  in Italy, but it’s optional. Tips are generally only done for exceptional service.

• Bars and cafes – Many locals round up their total cost at bars and cafes, and that will suffice as a tip. Otherwise, tipping is not expected.
• Restaurants – Some people tip a small amount to cover the bread and oil, which are usually served as appetizers at restaurants. Still, a tip is generally not expected if a cover charge is already added to the bill.
• Tours – Tipping tour guides are more common in Italy, and a 5% to 10% tip is standard.

See other essential travel tips for Italy before visiting.

To make your travel planning easier , download the trip planner below and use it as a starting point. The planner has country-specific travel information, an itinerary, a packing list, and a map with key places pinned.

The trip planner is built on Notion, which I use for all my travel planning (I genuinely love this tool). If you don’t have Notion, creating an account is free .

Thoughts? Questions? Leave a comment below .

Italy Travel Guides

• 🇮🇹 Planning A Trip to Italy: 11 Practical Things To Know
• 🍝 7-10 Days in Northern Italy: 2 Efficient Itineraries
• 🎭 Venice Day Trip: 8 Great Things To Do + 1-Day Itinerary
• 👨‍🎨 3 Amazing Days in Florence: Itinerary With Hidden Gems
• 🧀 Parma, Italy Day Trip: 13 Great Things To Do + Itinerary
• 🌷 Lake Como Day Trip: Itinerary & Firsthand Tips
• 🛶 Best Gondola Rides in Venice: Tips & What To Know
• ⛰️ Hiking Cinque Terre Practical Guide & Firsthand Tips

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Trains Are Easy To Navigate, Be Careful Not To Lose Your Luggage, And More Things That Both Delighted And Surprised Me About Traveling To Italy

L ast month, my boyfriend and i traveled to italy for a wedding. luckily, i had already visited italy with my family during high school, so this was my second visit to the country., i was around 14 when my family and i traveled on our nine-day trip to rome, florence, and a few other cities. there is something to say about traveling at a younger age with your family and them handling all the planning and logistics of the trip..

I n the past, I would simply go with the flow and never really thought about how we ended up at our destination. During that family trip to Italy, we relied on a tour group to handle a lot of the planning. However, when it came time to plan my own trip to Italy, I felt overwhelmed. Despite this, we managed to plan the entire trip on our own.

We were invited to a friend's wedding in Florence in early September and knew we wanted to extend the trip to be able to travel elsewhere in Italy. Although I had ample time to plan, I procrastinated and planned just about everything pretty last minute for an out-of-the-country trip.

We decided that we wanted to explore a beach town in italy (something that had a different feel from a populated city like florence). the island of ischia — which is off the coast of naples, not far from amalfi coast — was recommended to me by a travel agent friend, so we decided on that., overall, our trip was amazing and i cannot wait to go back to italy — or another part of europe. the experience taught me a lot, and i would love to share some of my takeaways whether you're looking for inspiration for your next trip or just have a passion for travel., 1. english is spoken in some parts of italy more than others., although english is the second-most spoken language in italy, that doesn't mean you'll find all italian citizens speaking it fluently..

After attending a wedding in Florence, we headed to the underrated, beautiful island of Ischia. Although it's not as popular as nearby islands like Capri and Amalfi Coast, it's equally stunning. 

During our stay in Sant' Angelo, a quiet, small fisherman's village in Ischia, my boyfriend and I had to rely heavily on Google Translate to communicate. Living like a local was a wonderful experience, as we were not surrounded by American tourists all the time. However, there were instances where it was difficult to communicate certain things, especially my boyfriend's nut allergy when we were out at a restaurant. 

Most people assumed that we spoke Italian, so we had to quickly type out what we were trying to convey on the Google Translate app. It didn't really bother us, but it was one of the disadvantages of traveling to a non-touristy area of a country.

2. Do your research and familiarize yourself with the vibe of the city or village you want to visit before getting there.

It turns out that although ischia isn't a very big island (it's only 18 square miles ), each village offers something a little bit different. upon booking where on the island we would stay, i honestly didn't do a ton of research so it wasn't until we got to sant' angelo and settled in did we find out that it's a very quiet fisherman's village with stunning beaches — but not much nightlife..

Honestly, this was fine for us because it made for the perfect, most relaxing vacation.  Depending on the vibe you're looking for while on your vacation, I recommend doing extensive research first especially if it's in another county .

3. If you're in a city like Florence, it's worth carrying around a reusable water bottle to refill at drinking fountains.

It was particularly useful when walking around in the heat. additionally, in italy, you have to pay for water at restaurants, so waiters do not refill your glass as frequently as they do in america. as a result, i was always left thirsty after our meals., 4. if you purchase a ferry ticket online in italy, you must validate it before boarding., on that note, make sure to give yourself enough time to validate your ticket because the lines get long and those ferries seem to leave right on their scheduled time..

The port in Naples from where our ferry was departing had several other ferries going to popular destinations such as the Amalfi Coast and Capri. As a result, the lines of people waiting to validate their tickets before boarding their respective ferries were quite long.

5. Traveling by train is an easy and quite enjoyable experience.

After boarding the train, a conductor came by to validate our digital ticket (you can also print a hard copy if preferred). despite the crowds, the italian train stations were not as chaotic or confusing as i had anticipated., 6. utilize public transportation to save some money., 7. compare the prices of an airbnb versus a hotel., 8. wear (or bring) something that covers your shoulders and knees in churches., 9. if you're traveling in italy using multiple modes of transportation, add unique identifiers to your luggage to easily differentiate it., when my boyfriend got off the train in a hurry, he mistakenly grabbed a black hard-shell suitcase that looked similar to his black away bag. since he hadn't put anything to distinguish his bag, he ended up taking someone else's bag, and they took his..

To cut a long story short, to swap the luggage, it turned out to be quite the adventure, that we now call "luggage gate." The lesson we learned here is to always put something on your luggage that makes it stand out from similar-looking bags.

10. It's helpful to carry extra euros for situations where cash is needed.

To avoid paying hefty conversion fees at an international atm, i recommend you order euros from your local bank a few weeks before your trip. most banks don't have euros on hand, so you'll need to call or visit the bank and ask a teller to order them for you. the euros will be delivered to your home once they arrive. unfortunately, i didn't know this and had to pay conversion fees at the airport in rome., 11. a typical breakfast in italy is very different from an american breakfast., 12. small shops close during the day at lunch and will reopen later in the afternoon — or in our experience, not reopen at all., unfortunately, every time i went back to it to shop, it was either closed for a long lunch break or it was just completely closed, we asked our airbnb host (who also owned her own boutique in the village we were staying in) and she said for the most part, shop owners make up their own hours of operation. i was kicking myself for not knowing this sooner because i just assumed the boutique i wanted to shop in would of course be open the next day at the same time., 13. there's so much more to italian cuisine than just pizza and pasta., have you been to italy what regions did you love the most what tips would you give to others planning a trip share it all with me in the comments below.

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Money latest: Gameboys, Sindy dolls, designer shoes, 1950s furniture - the items in your attic that could be worth a small fortune

Gumtree's most popular items include rare stamps, Gameboys and Pokemon cards. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news below, plus leave a comment or submit a consumer dispute or money problem in the box.

Monday 29 April 2024 19:46, UK

• Three of UK's biggest lenders up mortgage rates
• Annual mortgage repayments have increased by up to 70% since 2021
• Higher food prices and shortages warning - as new Brexit checks begin this week
• People on disability benefits could receive vouchers rather than cash

Essential reads

• Gameboys, Sindy dolls, designer shoes, 1950s furniture: The items in your attic that could be worth a small fortune
• Money Problem : 'A company isn't abiding by written warranty for dodgy building work - what can I do?'  
• '£2,000 landed in my account' - The people who say they're manifesting riches
• The world of dark tourism - what is it, is it ethical and where can you go?

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Strikes at Heathrow Airport are taking place over the next few weeks, with the first one already under way.

Staff at the UK's biggest airport are set to walk out during the early bank holiday in May, with their union warning planes could be "delayed, disrupted and grounded".

Click here to find out when all the strikes are, what disruption is expected and which airlines are affected...

The average price paid for comprehensive motor insurance rose 1% in the first quarter of the year, according to industry data indicating an easing in the steep rises seen last year.

The latest tracker issued by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) showed a 1% increase on the previous three months to £635.

That was despite the average claim paid rising 8% to reach a record of £4,800, the body said.

The ABI said the disparity showed that its members were "absorbing" additional costs and not passing them on.

Nevertheless, the average policy was still 33%, or £157, higher between January and March compared to the same period last year.

Read the full story here ...

Getir , the grocery delivery app, has abandoned a European expansion that is set to result in the loss of around 1,500 jobs in the UK.

Sky News had previously revealed that the Turkey-based company, which means "to bring" in Turkish, had  successfully raised money from investors to fund its withdrawals  from the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.

It had already departed other countries including Italy and Spain.

The exits were prompted by growing losses linked to the company's rapid expansion.

Waitrose is launching an exclusive range of products with popular chef Yotam Ottolenghi today. 

The Israeli-British chef is famous for his Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired food, and has worked with the supermarket to release products including a pasta sauce, spice blend and shawarma marinade. 

It is the first time Ottolenghi has partnered with a supermarket in such a way. 

The full range will be available in Waitrose shops, Waitrose.com and Ottolenghi.co.uk from today, while a selection of products will be available from the supermarket on Deliveroo and Uber Eats. 

An introductory 20% off offer is being launched until 18 June. 

The range includes: 

• Ottolenghi Miso Pesto 165g (£4)
• Ottolenghi Kalamata Olive & Harissa Sauce  350g (£4.50)
• Ottolenghi Pomegranate, Rose & Preserved Lemon Harissa 170g (£5)
• Ottolenghi Green Harissa 170g (£5)
• Ottolenghi Aleppo & Other Chillies Blend (£3.95)
• Ottolenghi Sweet & Smokey Blend (£3.95)
• Ottolenghi Citrus & Spice Blend (£3.95)
• Ottolenghi Red Chilli Sauce (£4.50)
• Ottolenghi Shawarma Marinade (£4)

Ottolenghi said he had "always been super eager to get our flavours onto people's dinner plates nationwide, not just in London, without having to cook it from scratch every single time". 

He added: "I hate to admit it but the pasta sauce already features heavily in my home kitchen, when no one is looking."

The cost of bread, biscuits and beer could increase this year due to the impact of the unusually wet autumn and winter on UK harvests.

Research suggests that production of wheat, oats, barley and oilseed rape could drop by four million tonnes (17.5%) compared with 2023.

The wet weather has resulted in lower levels of planting, while flooding and storms over winter caused farmers more losses.

The predictions come just as the rate of price increases on many food items begins to slow as inflation falls.

The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) analysed forecasts from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHBD) and government yield data.

It found a "real risk" of beer, biscuits and bread becoming more expensive if the poor harvest increases costs for producers, according to its lead analyst Tom Lancaster.

Beer prices could be affected because the wet weather is still disrupting the planting of spring crops such as barley, the ECIU said.

And potatoes might also see a price hike in the coming months, with growers warning of a major shortage in the autumn due to persistent wet weather.

By Emily Mee , Money team

When I think about the toys of my childhood - my pink Barbie car, my Gameboy Micro, my collection of Pokemon cards - I can't tell you where they went. 

Maybe they were shipped off to a charity shop at some point... Or perhaps they're in the attic? 

While my hot pink Gameboy Micro is lost to the void of time (or a cardboard box somewhere in my mum's house), other versions of it are selling on eBay for £100 or more. 

And there are Pokemon cards selling for anything from a tenner to hundreds or even thousands of pounds. 

It's possible you also have items at home that are a collector's dream. 

Gumtree says its collectables category is already proving to be a "hotbed of activity" this year, with listings up 22% in 2024 so far. 

Its most popular items include rare stamps, coins, war memorabilia and Pokemon cards. 

Spring is often the most popular time for buying and selling collectibles, with demand spiking in March and April. 

We've enlisted the help of TV presenter and collectables expert Tracy Martin to give an idea of what could make you an easy buck. 

Old toys making a 'retro comeback'

Tracy explains that while trends change, vintage toys tend to stand the test of time. 

"Toys are always going to be popular because they tap into nostalgia, our childhood memories," she says, explaining that adults like to buy the toys they used to have. 

Perhaps you were into cars, and you've got some old diecast vehicles from Matchbox, Corgi or Dinky Toys. 

A quick look on toy auction site Vectis.co.uk shows a Corgi Toys "James Bond" Aston Martin estimated to sell for between £600 to £700 - while others are likely to fetch £50 to £60. 

Sindy dolls are also particularly sought after - particularly those from the 1960s - and Barbie dolls from the 1990s too. 

Pokemon cards have seen a "massive surge", Tracy says, with people paying "thousands and thousands of pounds" for good unopened sets. 

She's even seen examples of people paying £16,000 upwards. 

Another up-and-coming market is games consoles, such as Gameboys, vintage consoles and PlayStations, which are making a "retro comeback".

What else could earn you some cash?

Tracy says there's currently a surge in people wanting to buy "mid century" furniture, which is dated to roughly 1945 to 1965 and typically uses clean lines and has a timeless feel. 

Vintage Danish furniture is sought after, particularly tables and chairs with good designer names such as Wegner, Verner Panton and Arne Jacobsen.

Prices range from the low hundreds into the thousands.

People will also look out for vintage framed prints by artists such as Tretchikoff, J.H. Lynch and Shabner - these can range in price from £50 upwards to a few hundred pounds plus. 

Vintage clothes, handbags and shoes can fetch a good price - but you can also invest in modern pieces. 

Tracy suggests looking out for good classic designs with high-end designer names such as Gucci, Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton. 

Modern designers such as Irregular Choice, Vendula and Lulu Guinness are also collected. 

Collaborations with designers and celebrities can do well as they're often limited edition. 

For example, Tracy says the H&M x Paco Rabanne maxi silver sequin dress retailed at £279.99 last year but now sells for in excess of £600. 

When it comes to shoes, "the quirkier the design the better" - so look out for brands such as Irregular Choice and Joe Browns. 

Converse and Dr Martens collaborations also do well, depending on the design and condition, as well as Adidas and Nike limited edition trainers. 

What's the best way to sell?  

Tracy recommends to always research before selling your items, as they might perform better on different platforms and you can also get an idea of how much they sell for. 

For example, Vinted can be a good place to sell clothes and shoes, while other items might be better suited for sale on Gumtree, eBay or Etsy. 

Tracy's favourite way to sell is through auction - especially if there are specialist sales. 

Vectis is one of the biggest and most popular for toy selling. 

Interests in different periods and items can go up and down, but for the time being vintage pieces from the 1980s and 90s are popular. 

How much you'll be able to get from an item often takes into account its rarity, condition, whether it reflects a period in time, and if it's got a good name behind it. 

You never know - you might be sitting on a treasure trove. 

Annual mortgage repayments have increased by up to 70% since 2021, according to new data from Zoopla .

The biggest impact of rising interest rates has been in southern England where house prices are higher.

Across the South West, South East and East of England, the annual mortgage cost for an average home is £5,000 higher than previously. This rises to £7,500 in London.

But the universal uptick in mortgage costs has been less pronounced in other parts of the UK, with the North East seeing a £2,350 increase.

In a bid to tackle inflation, the Bank of England has raised the base rate from 0.1% in December 2021 to a 16-year high of 5.25% now.

The Zoopla research looked at the average home buyer taking out a 70% loan-to-value mortgage.

This week seems to be starting where last week left off - with three major lenders announcing further hikes in mortgage rates.

Amid uncertainty of the timing of interest rate cuts from the Bank of England  this year, swap rates (which dictate how much it costs lenders to lend) have been rising in recent weeks.

Financial markets currently see two rate cuts by the Bank of England this year.

We've reported on a string of rate bumps from the high street over the last 10 days, and this morning NatWest, Santander and Nationwide moved.

In its second hikes announcement in less than a week, NatWest laid out increases across its full range of residential and buy-to-let fixed deals of up to 0.22%.

Santander, meanwhile, announced increases for both fixed and tracker deals across their residential and buy-to-let products - up to 0.25%.

The same hikes are being imposed for a range of Nationwide deals.

All of these will kick in tomorrow.

Amit Patel, adviser at Trinity Finance, told Newspage it was "not a great start to the week". 

"This is not good news for borrowers," he said.

Where will the base rate go this year?

The majority of the bets, according to LSEG data, are on the first cut coming in August (previously this was June) and the second in December.

This would take Bank rate from the current level of 5.25% to 4.75%.

Disabled people could receive vouchers instead of monthly payments under proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The changes could see people being provided with either one-off grants for specific costs such as home adaptation, or being directed to "alternative means of support" rather than financial support.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride is set to announce plans today to overhaul the way disability benefits work.

In a Green Paper due to be published alongside Mr Stride's statement to the Commons, ministers will set out plans to reform Personal Independence Payments (PIP), the main disability benefit, through changes to eligibility criteria and assessments.

The plans also include proposals to "move away from a fixed cash benefit system", meaning people with some conditions, such as depression and anxiety, will no longer receive regular payments but rather get improved access to treatment if their condition does not involve extra costs.

Speaking to Sky News earlier, Mr Stride said: "I want us to have a grown-up, sensible conversation about a benefit called PIP that has not been reviewed in over a decade.

"And I want to ask the question, is it fit for purpose given the world that we're in today, in which mental health issues sadly present more of an issue than they did a decade ago."

By James Sillars , business reporter

A fresh high for the FTSE 100 to start the week.

The index of leading shares in London was 0.5% up at 8,179 in early dealing.

The gains were led by miners and financial stocks.

Dragging on the performance were some consumer-facing brands including JD Sports and Flutter Entertainment.

One other development of note to mention is that stubbornly high oil price.

A barrel of Brent crude is currently trading almost 1% down on the day.

But it remains at $88 a barrel.

The market has been pulled by various forces this month, with hopes of a rebound in demand in China among them.

The latest decline is said to reflect peace talks being held between Israel and Hamas.

A demand for smaller homes has driven growth in UK property prices early in 2024, according to research by Halifax.

Data from the bank's house price index suggests annual property price growth hit 1.9% in February this year - a significant rise from -4.1% just three months prior.

That equates to a rise in prices of £5,318 over the past year.

It follows interest rates stabilising, Halifax says, after a sharp rise over the past two years which squeezed mortgage affordability.

A key driver behind rising prices, Halifax says, has been first-time buyers, who made up 53% of all homes bought with a mortgage in 2023 - the highest proportion since 1995.

And it's smaller homes that have recorded the biggest increases in price growth in the early part of this year - with buyers adjusting their expectations to compensate for higher borrowing costs.

Flats and terraced houses made up 57% of all homes purchased by first-time buyers last year.

This varies by region - for example, in London, flats and terraced homes accounted for 90% of all first-time buyer purchases.

Challenges remain

However, Amanda Bryden, head of Halifax mortgages, said "it's important not to gloss over the challenges" facing the UK housing market, given the "impact of higher interest rates on mortgage affordability" and "continued lack of supply of new homes".

"But scratch beneath the surface and there is a more nuanced story, one which shows that demand for different property types in different parts of the country can vary hugely," she added.

"As interest rates have stabilised and buyers adjust to the new economic reality of owning a home, one way to compensate for higher borrowing costs is to target smaller properties.

"This is especially true among first-time buyers, who have proven to be resilient over recent years, and now account for the largest proportion of homes purchased with a mortgage in almost 30 years."

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