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Should I buy a Eurail Pass when traveling to Italy?

A child is between the ages of 4 and 11 years.

Many trains in Italy and beyond offer a discounted fare between 30% & 50% off the Adult fare for Children.

The child offer is now extended to children ages 4 to 14 years when traveling on high-speed Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca, Frecciargento, InterCity, InterCityNotte, EuroCity, and Thello trains. Your child will be assigned his/her own seat and children must be accompanied by an Adult when traveling on this offer.

Regional trains will still offer discounted fares for children ages 4 to 11 years.

Infants & Children 3 & under travel for free and will share a seat with the adult companion.

This option is for customers that have already purchased a Eurail Pass or InterRail Pass and wish to reserve seats or sleeping berths. Learn more about rail passes.

Most high-speed and long-distance trains require seat reservations. The fare rules for each train indicate whether seat reservations are necessary.

Note: An ItaliaPass does not entitle customers to use of passholder fares.  Roundtrip tickets are not available using a Eurail Pass or InterRail Pass.

By clicking the "I ACCEPT" button below you acknowledge that passholder fares may only be used in combination with a valid Eurail Pass or Interrail Pass.

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Traveling by train is the best way to get to know Italy. Because of the country’s relatively small size, you can easily travel between any two Italian cities in a day, while enjoying some spectacular scenery.

The Eurail Italy Pass concept allows you unlimited travel in a 24-hour period, regardless of distance covered or number of trains taken. It’s a great way to save money while enjoying unparalleled flexibility planning your vacation.

What does the Eurail Italy Pass offer?

Eurail Italy Passes are only valid on the Trenitalia network. This rail line covers 10,000 miles, including 600 miles of high-speed train tracks that connect cities and towns in Italy and throughout Europe. The Eurail Italy pass includes:

• Unlimited rail travel in Italy for 3, 4, 5 or 8 days, within a one-month period
• Discounted fares for passengers under 26 years of age (see youth), when traveling in second class ; in some cases, young children travel for free if their parent has purchased a Eurail Italy Pass
• Special passholder fares for reservations on high-speed trains
• Other bonuses, such as free or reduced transportation on some private railroads, national or international ferry crossings and buses, as well as discounts on hotel, automobile rentals, museums, and other attractions

> See which countries of residence are eligible for Eurail passes

Why should I buy an Eurail Pass when traveling around Italy?

A Eurail Italy Pass will allow you to travel between Italy’s great cities at your leisure. For example, if you’re planning a three-week stay in Italy, you can purchase a month-long Eurail Italy Pass with five days of travel. This will allow you to touch down in Rome , visit up to four other cities, and ride back to Rome in time for your flight home. All for the price of one pass!

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Explore Italy with Trenitalia Pass

Discover the Trenitalia Pass, the travel experience specifically dedicated to foreign citizens residing outside Italy, allowing them to visit Italy, starting from €139 .  

Choose the ideal Pass for your needs between  Easy and  Comfort options; select the number of journeys ranging from 3 , 4 , 7 or 10 , and the passenger categories: Adult , Senior  or Youth . You can travel on Frecce, Frecce + Freccialink, Intercity, Intercity Night and Eurocity Italy-Switzerland trains (on domestic routes within Italy).   

To use the Pass, you must book your first journey within 11 months of the date of purchase. Depending on the type of Pass you buy, you can make 3 journeys in 7 days, 4 journeys in 7 days, 7 journeys in 15 days or 10 journeys in 30 days. Days are consecutive from the first booking.

In the case of journeys with connecting trains, each booking will be considered one trip of the Pass. 

The Pass is dedicated to foreign citizens residing outside Italy. It can be purchased in e -ticket form on this web site, at Italian ticket offices, Italian and foreign travel agencies and tour operators.

Pass types:

• Easy: valid for travelling on Frecce (Standard level/2nd Class), Frecce+ Freccialink, Intercity (2nd Class), Intercity Night (2nd class seats and couchette services) trains and for Eurocity Italy-Switzerland on domestic routes within Italy (2nd Class);
• Comfort: valid for travelling on Frecce (Standard, Premium and Business levels/1st/2nd Class), Frecce+ Freccialink, Intercity (1st/2nd Class), Intercity Night (seats and T2/double or T3 WL services and couchettes) trains and for Eurocity Italy-Switzerland on domestic routes within Italy (1st/2nd Class).  

Passenger categories:

• Adult  (passengers aged between 28 and 60 years old on the date of purchase of the Pass);
• Senior  (passengers aged 60 or over on the date of purchase of the Pass);
• Youth  (passengers aged between 12 and 28 years old on the date of purchase of the Pass).

A maximum of 2 children (children aged between 4 and 12 on the date of purchase) can be added to each Adult Trenitalia Pass free of charge.

If the holder of an Adult Trenitalia Pass wishes to travel with more than two children aged between 4 and 12 , it is necessary to buy a Youth Pass for the third and subsequent children.

Children under 4 are allowed to travel free of charge provided they do not occupy their own seat. In case the child under 4 needs to occupy a seat, an Adult travelling with the child must be in possess of Child Pass. 

Booking changes (date/time, connection, train) can be made according to terms and conditions as of the "Base" fare and within the Pass validity frame.

If, after purchase, the passenger no longer needs to use his Pass, it is possible to claim a refund of 80% of the original purchase price by providing a refund request before booking the first journey .

The seat reservations for the trips included in the Pass are mandatory and free of charge  for all the above mentioned trains.

To use the Pass, you must book your first journey within 11 months of the date of purchase. From the date of your first booked journey, you have the number of days indicated by the type of Pass purchased to make the journeys available.

Journey bookings can be requested on this website, at Italian ticket offices, foreign and Italian travel agencies and tour operators Trenitalia call centre, self service ticket kiosks, FRECCIA Club and  FRECCIA Desk at Italian train stations.

The Pass is personal , non-transferable and nominative .

The Pass must be exhibited on A4 format or on a mobile device to Trenitalia personnel at the station or on board , along with a valid foreign identity document and the reservation for the train where the customer is travelling.

Journey bookings made with the Trenitalia Pass must be carried out within the period of validity. Trips cannot start  before midnight on the first day of validity of the Pass and must be completed by midnight on the last day of validity.

Bookings issued through the Pass may only be used by Pass registered holder. Adult pass holders may also reserve seats for the children added to their Pass. 

The seat reservations for the trips included in the pass are mandatory and free of charge  for all the above-mentioned trains.

• Senior: (passengers over 60 years old on the date of purchase of the Pass).
• Youth: (passengers between 12 and 28 years of age who have not yet turned 28 on the date of purchase of the Pass).
• Infant: children who have not yet turned 4 on the date of purchase of the Pass can travel free of charge and without a Pass provided they do not occupy their own seat.
• Child: (children between 4 and 12 on the date of purchase of the Pass): a maximum of 2 children travel free of charge provided they are accompanied by a paying adult. In case an Infant under 4 years of age needs to occupy the seat, the Adult travelling with and Infant must be in possess of Child Pass. 

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Conditions of this Pass

Only non-European residents can travel with a Eurail Pass. If you’re a European resident you can travel with an  Interrail Pass .

Most high-speed and night trains require a reservation at an additional cost.  Learn more about seat reservations

1st class Passes are valid in both 1st and 2nd class coaches. 2nd class Passes are only valid in 2nd class coaches.

You need to activate your Eurail Pass within 11 months of the issue date. You can do this online using our free activation service at checkout, or once you've received your Pass at a European train station.

All standard Eurail Passes are refundable or exchangeable if they are returned unused.  Read our booking terms  and our refund & exchange policy .

• Depending on the promo conditions, promotional Eurail Passes may be non-refundable and non-exchangeable. To check if a purchased promotional pass is refundable or exchangeable, please refer to the payment confirmation. Read more
• To travel with a discounted Youth Pass, you must be aged from 12 up to and including 27 on the date you choose to start your trip.
• To travel with a discounted Senior Pass, you must be aged 60 or older on the date you choose to start your trip. 
• Children under 4 travel for free and do not need an Eurail Pass. You may be asked to sit a child under 4 on your lap during busy times.

Children aged 4 to 11 travel for free with a Child Pass. A child must be accompanied at all times by at least one person with an Adult Pass. This doesn’t have to be a family member and can be anyone over 18.

• Children must be 11 or younger on the date you choose to start your trip. 
• Up to 2 children can travel with 1 adult. For example, when 2 adults are travelling, they can take 4 children with them. If more than 2 children are travelling with 1 adult, a separate Youth Pass must be purchased for each additional child.

Children under 12 travel in the same travel class as the accompanying adult.

Travellers aged 12 to 27 can travel with a Youth Pass.

Global Pass

Want to see more of Europe than just 1 country? A Global Pass can take you to  over 30,000 destinations  across Europe. It's flexible, so you can decide on the day where you want to go. Or plan out your trip completely, it's all up to you!

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Trains in Europe

Europe’s extensive rail network connects all of Europe’s top destinations from world-famous capitals to charming off-the-beaten-track towns. Choose the type of train that best fits your plans, and travel where you want by day or night.

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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 Omio 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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Eurail Italy Pass

Find out why the best way to see italy is by train., pass details.

• Unlimited train travel throughout the country
• Choose the flexible number of Rail travel days that best fits your schedule: options include 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 days in a one month period
• Children FREE! Up to 2 children ages 0-11 can travel free with each adult
• Promotions offering discounts or free days on Eurail passes may be offered throughout the year*

Added Bonuses:

• Special travel discounts per country including ferry tickets, museums, buses, hotels and train lounges

*Summary of Top Conditions

• Eurail Passes are not valid for travel by European residents
• Passes must be activated before first use at the train station ticket office and within 11 months of Issue Date
• Most high-speed and night trains require a seat reservation fee
• Standard Eurail Passes are refundable, minus a 15% cancellation fee
• Pass fulfilment are processed within 1-2 business days

Italy is the heartland of the ancient Roman Empire, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and the seat of the Catholic church, a repository of some of the greatest cultural treasures of human history…

Trenitalia is the primary train operator in Italy. It’s owned by Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS) , a government-owned holding company and was created in the year 2000.

Regional Trains in Italy …

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• Trains in Italy

Our guide to traveling around Italy by rail, Italy train tickets, and more

Book travel across Europe

• Rail travel in Europe

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

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

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

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

What's in this guide?

• How to book

Italy train passes

Italy train map, train companies in italy.

• High-speed vs regional

Italy train classes

Bikes on trains in italy.

• Loyalty cards and offers
• Popular routes
• Our favorite destinations

Frequently Asked Questions

• Helpful Italian phrases
• Itineraries by train

Italy train tickets

There are three types of train tickets in Italy – the cheapest, the semi-flexible and the most flexible one. We’ve broken down the different ticket types for you below.

Buying Italian train tickets in advance

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

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

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

Buying Italian train tickets on the day

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

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

Buying flexible train tickets in Italy

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

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

Whatever type of ticket you want, you can buy them with Trainline - check out our guide to buying train tickets for Italy for more details.

How to book Italy train tickets online

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

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

Finding cheap train tickets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just a glance at our Italy train map will show you how easy it is to get around by rail. You could wake up in Milan and enjoy a traditional pastry for breakfast, and, before you know it, be in Rome in time for lunch and some sightseeing. No planes needed! Hungry for more planning info? Check out ou r European packing list and our top 3 tips for planning your first trip around Europe .

High-speed - Red routes

Cross-border - Blue routes

Regional - Green routes

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

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

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

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

Train travel in Italy involves traveling on one of the most extensive and sophisticated high-speed networks in the world. For journeys within Italy, there are three main train operating companies – Trenitalia, Italo and Trenord. For cross-border trips into France, you’ll find yourself on TGV trains. This section will give you an overview of each company, including which routes they operate on and the train types they use.

• Main train operator in Italy 
• High-speed and regional trains
• Airport transfers

Trenitalia is the main operator of rail services in Italy, formed by the Italian government and entirely state-owned. The types of trains that Trenitalia run can be split broadly into two categories – high-speed trains and regional trains. High-speed trains – known as ‘Le Frecce’ services in Italy – connect the country’s major cities at speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph), alleviating the need to drive or fly across the country for intercity travel. Regional services are slower and make more stops at regional stations.

Trenitalia tickets

There are four different types of Trenitalia tickets – Super Economy, Economy, Base and Ordinaria. While the Super Economy, Economy and Base tickets are available to travel in all classes on both high-speed and Intercity trains, the Ordinaria fare is only valid on regional trains. Find out more about Trenitalia trains .

• High-speed trains only 
• Run exclusively on Milan to Salerno and Turin to Venice routes

Italo is the name given to the trains run by the private train operating company NTV. Starting service in 2012, Italo trains were designed to compete with Trenitalia in the high-speed rail market. As such, Italo runs exclusively on high-speed routes from Milan to Salerno and from Turin to Venice. They compete with Trenitalia’s flagship high-speed trains for speed and comfort. When you book your tickets, we’ll show you Italo and Trenitalia trains to help you decide.

Italo tickets

Italo offers three ticket fares – Low Cost, Economy and Flex. With these tickets you can travel in all classes ( Smart , Prima and Club Executive) at any date and time. Ticket prices may vary based on the class, travel date and number of seats available. Learn more about Italo trains .

Regional trains

• Run in Lombardy and between Lombardy and Switzerland

Established by Trenitalia and Ferrovie Nord Milano (FNM), Trenord run suburban and regional trains in Lombardy – including the Malpensa Express connecting Milan to Milan Malpensa Airport – and from Lombardy to Ticino, the Italian-speaking region in Switzerland. From Milan, you can easily reach the other towns in the region, as well as Chiasso, Bellinzona, Mendrisio and Lugano in Switzerland.

Trenord tickets

As with all regional trains in Italy, Trenord also offer the Ordinaria fare, which has a fixed price based on the distance between origin and destination, and on the class. In the area of Milan and Monza Brianza (or STIBM area), the price is based on the number of zones you’re traveling to, a bit like the London underground system works. Learn more about Trenord trains .

• High-speed and night trains
• Operate between Italy, Germany, and Austria

ÖBB is Austria's state-owned railway company and operates different services between Austria and Italy and Germany and Italy, including the high-speed Railjet and Intercity-Express, and the Nightjet sleeper service. Popular ÖBB routes include  Vienna to Milan  and  Munich to Milan .

ÖBB tickets

ÖBB offers four ticket fares: Standard-Ticket, Komfort-Ticket, Sparschiene Komfort-Ticket and Einfach-Raus-Ticket. The Standard-Ticket is the most flexible ticket type – you're free to take any train within your two-day window of travel. The Komfort-Ticket and the Sparschiene Komfort-Ticket are only available to travel on night trains, while the Einfach-Raus-Ticket is a group ticket for groups of 2-5 people traveling on regional trains.

Learn more about  ÖBB trains .

High-speed trains

• Connect Paris to Milan and Turin

Operated by the French national rail operator SNCF, the high-speed TGV train connects Paris to Milan and Turin three times a day, taking you from city center to city center through the scenic French Alps. This is an excellent and relaxing way to reach Italy from Paris, without having to worry about airport transfers or parking.

TGV tickets

There are 4 different types of TGV tickets: Prem’s, Seconde (Second Class), Première (First Class) and Business Première. While Prem’s tickets are the cheapest ones and are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, the other ticket types are refundable and exchangeable. Find out more about TGV trains .

• International routes between France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Poland and Italy
• Connects major European cities

A slower form of international train travel than some of the others we’ve mentioned, Eurocity runs from Switzerland, Germany and Austria to Italy. Popular Eurocity routes include Zurich to Milan (3h 44m), Geneva to Milan (4h 56m), Munich to Verona (5h 25m) and Innsbruck to Bolzano (1h 58m).

Eurocity tickets

Eurocity tickets are usually available to buy up to six months before the departure date. If you want to snap up the cheapest fares, make sure you buy your ticket in advance as they tend to sell out quickly. Seat reservations are not always compulsory on Eurocity trains, but we recommend you book a seat when traveling on busier and more popular routes. Learn more about Eurocity trains .

Types of Italian trains

As mentioned earlier, there are three main train companies in Italy (Trenitalia, Trenord and Italo), which cover all domestic routes, and three rail operators (ÖBB, TGV and Eurocity), which operate on cross-border routes between France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Italy. While Trenitalia provides high-speed, Intercity and regional services all over the country, including airport transfers like the Leonardo Express and Malpensa Express , Italo mainly offers high-speed services from Milan to Salerno and from Turin to Venice. Keen to learn more about trains in Italy? Keep reading for more details about the different Italian train types, and the main routes they cover.

Frecciarossa

Trenitalia's Frecciarossa and Frecciarossa 1000 trains are some of the fastest trains in Italy and can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph) and 400 km/h (248 mph) respectively.

Frecciarossa trains run along 4 routes in Italy:

• Turin - Milan - Reggio Emilia - Bologna - Florence - Rome - Naples - Salerno
• Milan - Reggio Emilia - Bologna - Rimini - Ancona - Pescara - Foggia - Bari - Lecce
• Venice - Padua - Florence - Rome - Naples - Salerno
• Milan - Brescia - Verona - Vincenza - Padua - Venice

The private Italian train company offers high-speed trains running at 360 km/h (223 mph) .

Italo trains operate 4 lines in Italy:

• Turin - Milan - Reggio Emilia - Bologna - Rimini - Pesaro - Ancona
• Venice - Padua - Bologna - Florence - Rome - Naples - Salerno
• Verona - Bologna - Florence - Rome - Naples

Frecciargento

Frecciargento are the second-fastest type of the 'Frecce' trains , reaching top speeds of 250 km/h (160 mph) . 

Frecciargento trains run along 3 routes in Italy:

• Rome - Florence - Bologna - Padua - Venice - Trieste
• Rome - Caserta - Benevento - Foggia - Barletta - Bari - Brindisi - Lecce
• Naples - Rome - Florence - Bologna - Verona - Rovereto - Trento - Bolzano

Frecciabianca

Frecciabianca are the third-fastest type of the 'Frecce trains' and can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h (120 mph) .

Frecciabianca trains serve 3 routes in Italy:

• Milan - Bologna - Rimini - Ancona - Pescara - Foggia - Bari - Lecce
• Venice - Padua - Bologna
• Rome - Naples - Salerno - Lamezia Terme - Reggio Calabria

Operated by Trenitalia, Intercity trains connect more than 230 Italian cities that are not covered by high-speed trains , reaching speeds of up to 100 - 125 mph (160 - 200 km/h). Trenitalia’s Intercity trains serve the following routes:

• Turin - Milan - Genoa - Ventimiglia - Rome - Naples - Salerno
• Rome - Calabria - Sicily
• Milan/Bologna - Bari - Lecce - Taranto

Malpensa Express

The Malpensa Express is an airport transfer operated by Trenitalia which connects Milan city centre to Malpensa Airport .

Malpensa Express trains run along 2 routes in Italy:

• Milano Centrale Station - Malpensa Airport
• Milano Nord Cadorna - Malpensa Airport

Leonardo Express

The Leonardo Express is an airport transfer operated by Trenitalia which travels between Fiumicino Airport and Rome city  center .

Leonardo Express trains cover the following route:

• Roma Termini - Fiumicino Airport

Cinque Terre Express

The Cinque Terre Express is a fast regional train operated by Trenitalia and connects the coastal towns of Cinque Terre .

Cinque Terre Express trains serve the following route:

• La Spezia - Riomaggiore - Manarola - Corniglia - Vernazza - Monterosso - Levanto

High speed vs regional trains – what's the difference?

Italy's rail network is made up of both high-speed lines and regional services. But what's the difference between the two? Learn more about each below.

In broad terms, high-speed trains are for fast, city-to-city travel. Run by Trenitalia and Italo, high-speed trains run on special rail lines designed to facilitate speeds of up to 400 km/h. The main high-speed line runs north to south from Milan to Salerno, connecting major cities such as Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome and Naples.

The high-speed rail fleet in Italy consists of Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa (“Red Arrow”), Frecciargento (“Silver Arrow”) and Frecciabianca (“White Arrow”) trains, each capable of traveling at 400 and 300 km/h, 250 km/h and 200 km/h respectively. Italo’s fleet includes its AGV and EVO trains, both capable of up to 360 km/h.

High-speed trains are more expensive than regional trains. There are usually three or four classes on high-speed trains, modern interiors, vending machines (occasionally a restaurant carriage) and WiFi. Tickets for high-speed services include a carriage number and seat reservation, meaning you will have to catch the exact train which you have booked. You can’t simply turn up and jump on the first train that arrives.

Regional trains are much slower, stopping much more frequently and serving smaller stations in towns and villages. They are run exclusively by Trenitalia. In the Lombardy region, regional trains are run by Trenord, a subsidiary of Trenitalia.

Tickets are cheaper for regional trains, but the onboard facilities are more basic. There is normally only one class and seat reservations are not mandatory, passengers sit where they want. The price of regional train tickets is fixed, so it will cost the same on the day as it will in advance. Your ticket can also be used for any train within a four-hour window. Whilst the quality of trains can vary quite wildly on regional trains, they are by far the cheapest rail option in Italy.

Air-conditioning is not always guaranteed on older regional trains. In hot weather, make sure you bring a bottle of water with you.

We’ve given you lots of information on Italian trains so far, but what are they actually like? What’s onboard? We can’t show you every train, but below you’ll get a flavor of the interiors of the main trains in Italy, including Trenitalia’s and Italo’s high-speed trains. For more information on Trenitalia classes, check out our page on Trenitalia First Class vs Second Class .

Frecciarossa Standard

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

• Budget travelers

Find out more about Frecciarossa Standard .

Frecciarossa Premium

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

• Extra comfort 

Find out more about Frecciarossa Premium .

Frecciarossa Business

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

• Business travelers 
• Quiet travelers
• Extra privacy

Find out more about Frecciarossa Business .

Frecciarossa Executive

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

• Business travelers (onboard meeting room) 

Find out more about Frecciarossa Executive (First Class) .

Italo Smart (Standard Class)

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

• Budget travelers  

Italo Prima (First Class)

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

Disassembled bikes

As in most European countries, you can take your bike on any Italian train if it can be disassembled, put in a case and stored in the luggage storage area and its dimensions are not more than 80 x 110 x 45 cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 17.7 inches). If your bike can be disassembled, you can bring it along with you free of charge because it's treated as any other piece of luggage.

Full-size bikes

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

On international trains

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

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

Loyalty cards and offers for Italian trains

There are loads of ways to save money on train travel in Italy. Each Italian train company offers a variety of deals and discount cards for rail travel on their services. Whether you're traveling as a family, a group or on a budget, we've found the available discounts and loyalty cards for you.

Trenitalia return discounts

• Special A/R in giornata: Get up to 70% discount off your same day return ticket if you travel with Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca or Frecciargento on a Saturday.
• A/R Frecce in settimana: Get up to 50% off if you book a return ticket traveling from Monday to Friday of the same week with Frecciarossa or Frecciargento.
• A/R weekend: Get up to 40% off if you travel with Intercity trains on Saturday and return on Sunday.
• A/R in giornata: Get fixed prices when traveling with Le Frecce trains coming back on the same day. Fixed prices start from €34.50 in Second Class.
• CartaFRECCIA: Accumulate points and purchase discounted tickets to travel on Trenitalia trains, as well as get free access to lounges.

Italo return discounts

• A/R in giornata with Italo: Get a 50% discount off your day return ticket when traveling with Italo trains.
• A/R Milano - Roma with Italo: €49.90 for a day return ticket when traveling from Milan to Rome.
• A/R magic: Get up to 60% off return tickets from Monday to Thursday
• Italo Più: with this loyalty card, you can accumulate points and buy discounted tickets to travel on Italo trains, as well as get free access to Italo Club Lounge.
• Offerta Young with Trenitalia: If you’re under 30 and have Trenitalia's CARTA FRECCIA loyalty card, you'll get up to 70% off Frecciabianca and Intercity Day and Night trains (not including Excelsior class).
• FrecciaYOUNG with Trenitalia: If you're under 30, you can travel on Frecciarossa and Frecciargento trains for €19 or €29 depending on the route. Only valid on Standard / Second Class tickets.
• Carta Verde with Trenitalia: You can use this discount card if you’re aged between 12 and 25 years old. It costs €40 per year and it allows you to get a 10% discount on the Base fare to travel on all national trains, including couchette and bed-cabin, as well as Frecciarossa Business, Premium and Standard classes.
• Giovani with Italo: Under 30s can get up to 70% off in Smart class. 
• Bimbi Gratis with Trenitalia: On Intercity trains, children under the age of 15 travel for free and adults get 40% off the Base fare.
• Ragazzi with Trenitalia: Children under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets. Also, travelers aged between 4 and 4 get 30% or 50% off on all trains.
• Famiglia with Trenitalia: For groups from 2 to 5 people with at least one adult and one traveler aged less than 15. Valid on Intercity night trains only. Kids under 15 get 50% off (or 30% if they travel in cuccette comfort or deluxe carriage) and adults traveling with them get 20% off.
• Italo Famiglia: Children up to 14 years old travel for free in Smart class and the rest of the family (2 to 4 people) travel with a Flex ticket
• Bambini Gratis with Italo: Children under the age of 3 travel for free with a family of up to 4 people if a seat is not assigned to them. Adults get up to 50% off in Smart class. 
• Italo Senior: Get up to 60% discount when you buy the Flex fare in Prima Class if you’re over 60
• Offerta Senior with Trenitalia: With this offer, you can get up to 50% off the Base fare if you’re over 60 and travel on Frecce, Intercity Day and Night trains
• Carta Argento with Trenitalia: You can use this discount card if you’re over 60. It costs €30 per year or free if you're over 75. It gives you 10% off bed compartments on night trains and a 15% discount on the Base fare to travel on all national trains, including couchette and bed-cabin, as well as Frecciarossa Business, Premium and Standard Classes.

Travelers with disabilities

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

Popular train routes in Italy

Are you looking for inspiration for your next train journey in Italy? Click on one of our most popular Italian train routes below and check train times and other useful information to plan your journey in advance.

Trenitalia summer train times

Hey, all ready for summer? 🌞 Yes, you read it right: we said summer! Trenitalia have released the summer timetables for their Frecce trains, so it's time to put your holiday plans in motion! It's the perfect time to book tickets and save. What are you waiting for? Choose your destination and set off on an unforgettable adventure in Italy! 

Here are some of the Trenitalia summer train times: tickets are already available for purchase on Trainline, for travel from June 9th, 2024 . 

Traveling around Italy by train

Traveling by train in Italy will take you on a journey of culture, history, architecture and endless scenery. The country has played an important role in European history for over a millennium and you can see that in every city you visit. With plenty of food and drinks on every corner, stunning cathedrals and works of art, Italy is a country that must be savored. Have a look at our recommended cities for what to see during your visit, and don't miss our guide on the best things to take with you on your train trip .

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

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

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

Trains to Rome

Main train stations

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

Airport transfers 

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

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

To experience the vibrancy of the city, visit St Mark’s Square with its stunning Renaissance buildings, cafes and restaurants on all four sides. Whether it's the crab dish   moleche   or shrimp dish   scampi alla veneziana , there's plenty of local food and drinks for you to enjoy. Just remember: if you're day-tripping here, there's a new tourist fee you'll have to pay in Venice .

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

Trains to Venice

• Venezia Santa Lucia station
• Venezia Mestre station

Cinque Terre

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

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

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

Trains to Cinque Terre

Main train stations  

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

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

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

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

Trains to Florence

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

How to get to the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and Sicily by train

If you plan to stay in Naples or Rome for a couple of days and are looking for a day trip, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and Sicily are the perfect destinations for you. Learn more about how to get there by train.

How to get to the Amalfi Coast by train

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

Buy train tickets to the Amalfi Coast

Main train station

• Vietri sul Mare-Amalfi

How to get to Pompeii by train

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

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

Buy train tickets to Pompeii

How to get to Sicily by train

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

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

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

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

• Palermo Centrale
• Catania Centrale
• Messina Centrale

The Italian phrases you should know

Know your buongiorno’s from your arrivederci’s ? Then you’re off to a good start! For your trip to Italy, we thought it might be a good idea to help you brush up a little further so that you never have to get into any difficulty while traveling. See some of the most common and useful-to-know phrases in Italian below!

Hello/Goodbye – Ciao ( Chow )

Good morning – Buongiorno ( Bwon-jawr-no )

Good evening – Buonasera ( Bwona-say-ra )

Thank you – Grazie ( Gra-zee-a )

Please – Per favore ( Pair fav-aw-ra )

Excuse me – Mi scusi ( Me scoo-see )

Useful phrases for traveling by train

Where is my train? – Dov'è il mio treno? ( Doh-vay eel me-oh treh-noh )

Where are the toilets? – Dove sono i bagni? ( Doh-vay soh-noh ee bahn-yee )

Where is the main train station? – Dov'è la stazione centrale? ( Doh-vay lah stah-zee-oh-neh chen-trah-lay )

Where is the baggage check area? – Dov'è il deposito bagagli? ( Doh-vay eel deh-pah-zee-toh bah-gahl-yee )

Do you speak English? – Parli inglese? ( Pahr-lee eng-lah-sah )

I don't speak Italian – Non parlo italiano ( Non pahr-loh ee-ta-lya-noh )

Wondering how much in advance you can buy Italian train tickets or how much luggage you can take aboard Italian trains? We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about train travel in Italy, so you can find the answer you're looking for easily.

Buying train tickets

Can i get train tickets on my phone.

Yes, you can. If you book with us we’ll give you the option of receiving your ticket as an eticket. We will email this to you on the address you provide. Just present the ticket’s barcode (in our app ) when asked. You’ll also have the option of printing the ticket at home or showing the six-letter reference code to the ticket inspector, which they can use to look up your ticket.

How can I validate train tickets in Italy?

If you book online with us, we’ll give you a ticket on your phone which you don’t have to worry about getting validated!

If you’re traveling on a regional train with a paper ticket, you must validate it using a validation machine. You’ll find these small green and yellow machines that look a bit like parking meters within the stations or on platforms. To validate your paper ticket, insert it into the slot and wait for the machine to stamp it. This will mark the date and validation code on the ticket. At that point, the ticket is valid for four hours – or put differently, you must get on a train within four hours of validating the ticket.

Do children pay for trains in Italy?

Children on Italian trains tend to get a reduced fare, while young children and toddlers are usually allowed to travel for free. Again, the rules for children vary across train companies, train types and routes. On Trenitalia Le Frecce services, children up to the age of 4 travel for free (sat on the lap of a parent), children aged 4-14 pay 50% of an adult fare, and kids over 15 pay full fares. On regional trains the threshold for discounted fares is slightly lower – children 12 and above pay full price.

Trenitalia do offer some great deals on traveling with children, such as the Bimbi Gratis fare. This allows children under 15 in a group of 2-5 to travel for free. You’ll find more about that above. Check out our full guidance for child travel on Trenitalia.

On Italo, children aged 3 and under travel for free on a parent’s lap. There is also a child travel offer with Italo: if you opt for an Italo Family fare , children aged 14 and under can travel for free in the Smart Class (or Smart ‘Ambience’, as Italo call it). The group size can’t exceed 4. Otherwise under-14 child fares usually cost the same as the cheapest adult fares.

How much in advance can I buy train tickets?

All Italian train companies release their tickets a few months in advance:

• Thello tickets are available to purchase 4 months in advance
• All Trenitalia tickets are released 3 to 4 months in advance
• Italo train tickets are released 3 to 6 months in advance.

On the train

Do i need a seat reservation.

Seat reservations are required only on high-speed train services – although we recommend you also book your seat on Intercity trains (especially if you're traveling during public holidays).

How much luggage can I take on Italian trains?

Generally speaking, there's no luggage limit on Italian trains – you can take as much luggage as you can carry, and you'll be fine on most trains. There's plenty of storage space on Italian trains, both around the entrance of the carriage and under and above your seat. You'll usually find large luggage racks for suitcases near the doors as well as in the middle of the carriages. Hand luggage and coats can be stored on a smaller rack right above your seat or in the footwell.

Are there toilets on trains?

All Italian trains have toilets. On newer trains such as Le Frecce and Italo services, the toilets are similar to what you would find on an airplane, with running water, soap and hand towels. On regional trains, it can be a different story. They’re usually much more basic and won’t be as well looked after. If you’re travelling on the latter, pack some spare toilet paper and hand sanitizer, just in case!

Are dogs allowed on board?

In general, small dogs are allowed on board Italian trains, free of charge. On Trenitalia services they must be kept in a pet container no bigger than 70x30x50cm. The rules are slightly different on Italo services; dogs under 10kg travel for free (they must also be in a container). Larger dogs can travel with you on most trains but you will have to keep them muzzled and on a leash. You will have to buy a ticket for your pet, however; the price ranges from 30% to 50% of your fare depending on the carrier. Note that you can only buy tickets for pets in the station , not online.

The only trains on which dogs are not allowed to travel are Trenitalia regional trains between 07:00 and 09:00 on weekdays – presumably to maximize space on busy commuter services. Guide dogs are allowed on all trains for free in Italy. For all animals, make sure you have their documentation handy (i.e. their “pet passport”). If you can’t produce it when asked, you might be asked to leave the train.

Is there WiFi on trains in Italy?

Most high-speed trains provide free WiFi. Frecciarossa and Frecciargento trains have internet access, as do Italo trains. On the former, you’ll have to pay a €0.01 charge (the lowest possible fee – required for tracing purposes as per Italian law) to access the internet; on the latter, you will need to enter your ticket code which you’ll find on the e-ticket we send you.

For guidance on how to connect to Trenitalia’s Wifi, visit our dedicated information page.

Miscellaneous

Are trains in italy safe.

Yes. Trains are a very safe option for traveling around. As long as you follow common sense, such as not leaving your luggage unattended and keeping your valuables with you at your seat, you shouldn't run into any problems. Also, keep an eye on your luggage when navigating your way through busy train stations to avoid pickpockets as you would in any large city. Most big train stations are open 24/7 and are monitored by CCTV or onsite security. Should you have any concerns or problems, there's usually a police officer somewhere at the station and an information desk with English-speaking staff to help you out.

How fast is a high-speed train in Italy?

There are several high-speed trains in Italy, operated by Trenitalia and Italo. The fastest high-speed train – the Frecciarossa 1000 – can travel at speeds of up to 400 km/h (around 248 mph).

What is an Intercity train in Italy?

Intercity trains operate over medium to long distances in Italy, connecting major cities to smaller destinations that aren’t on the high-speed network.

What is Eurostar Italia?

Eurostar Italia was the name given to high-speed trains operated by Trenitalia in Italy. The brand was discontinued and replaced with  Le Frecce  in December 2012.

What happens if you miss your train in Italy?

For regional trains, nothing! If bought at the station, a regional (‘Ordinaria’) ticket is valid for the whole day. However, for more expensive high-speed journeys, there can be consequences if you miss your train. This depends entirely on the type of ticket you have bought, as the cheapest tickets usually require you to catch a specific train (at a given time), while more flexible – but costlier – options give you the option of changing which train you intend to take.

To illustrate, Economy and Super Economy Fares on Trenitalia services require you to catch a specific train; if you miss that, tough luck! You will have to purchase a new ticket for a different train. However, if you’ve paid the Flex fare on Italo, you can change the train you plan to get up to 3 minutes before departure (in a situation where you know you’re going to miss it) and you have up to 3 hours to organize a seat on the next train. Similarly, with the Base fare on Trenitalia, you can change which train you intend to catch up to an hour after your original one (which you missed!) departed.

What happened to Thello trains?

Thello, the Franco-Italian train company serving cross-border routes from Paris to Venice and from Milan to Marseille, ran its final passenger services on 30th June 2021 as the Italian State Railways (Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane) want to pull out of these services and focus on high-speed services in France.

Italy itineraries by train

In need of some inspiration for your trip? Our Italy travel inspiration hub is full of itineraries, travel tips, destinations to visit and things to do. We've highlighted some of our most popular articles below.

Discover Sicily’s White Lotus filming locations by train

Your guide to the dolomites in italy, see cinque terre by train: the italian riviera’s five villages, all rails lead to rome (& everywhere else in italy), live it up in lake como with an effortless train ride from milan, movies that will inspire you to visit italy asap, your guide to skiing the alps, where to find the best après-ski bars in europe, the best day trips from venice, italy, how to get to the dolomites by train from italy’s major cities, the best hotels in the dolomites, discover the best opera houses in europe, best hiking spots in italy, things to do in lake como, the best italian lakes (and how to visit by train), your ultimate guide to pisa’s leaning tower, your hassle-free guide to getting from naples airport to the city center by bus, top things to do in naples: from iconic sites to hidden delights, best food to eat in naples, italy, the best way to get from florence to pisa, how to get from milan to bergamo by train, top 5 italian christmas markets to reach by train with trenitalia, what to know about naples central train station, what to know about roma termini station, your guide to the train station(s) in venice, your guide to florence train station, see the most famous landmarks in italy, the best day trips from bologna, your guide to the best golf courses in italy, the best beaches in puglia, italy, the best hotels in puglia, italy, the best hotels in lake garda, italy, the best hotels on lake como, the best hotels in trieste, italy, the best hotels in genoa, italy, the best hotels in parma, italy, get from rome to puglia, italy by train or bus, everything you need to know about vatican city (and how to get there by train), top things to do and see in vatican city, the micro-country located within rome, call me by your name locations and how to visit by train, what to do in trieste, italy, your guide to ventimiglia, italy, eat, pray, love filming locations in italy and how to visit by train, matera, italy: everything you need to know about the ancient cave city, house of gucci filming locations and how to visit by train, how to visit alberbello's  trulli  houses by train, what to see and do in bari, italy, and the best day trips by train, best restaurants in puglia, best places to visit from stanley tucci: searching for italy (and getting around by train), james bond no time to die filming locations and how to visit by train, learn more about italian train travel.

So, you've reached the end of our guide to traveling in and around Italy by train. We've covered the types of train you can travel on, their classes and who operates them. You should now also know how to buy Italian train tickets and which ones are the best for your budget.

We've shown you must-visit destinations, popular routes and even a few handy Italian phrases to help you along the way! 

If you feel ready to book, why not start a search in our Journey Planner at the top of the page? If not, we've got plenty more travel guides to inspire your travel in Italy and beyond. 

Travel within Italy

Italian high-speed trains

Italian regional trains

Night trains in Italy

Trenitalia First Class

Trains in Sicily

Trains in Puglia

Trains to Milan

Trains to Naples  

Airport Transfers in Italy

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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 .

Back to top

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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Popular: 7 days in 1 month

✔  7 days  of unlimited train travel

✔ Perfect for visiting  6–8 destinations

✔  Mobile Pass  – no shipping required

Your ticket to 33 countries

Travel Europe with ease with your Interrail Pass on your phone. Use the app to plan your route, save journeys and show your ticket wherever you go.

7 days of unlimited train travel

Travel on as many trains as you like from midnight to midnight on each of your 7 travel days. Spread them out or use them back to back – it's up to you.

Start your trip whenever you like

Add your Pass straight to your device, and activate it as soon as you're ready. You can start your trip any time within 11 months of buying your Pass.

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Change of plans? No problem

You can activate your mobile Pass any time within 11 months of purchase. Even after activating your Pass, you can still change your mind up until midnight before your first travel day.

Need to cancel your trip? We'll refund you 85% of the cost of your unused Pass, or you can exchange your Pass for a fee of €15. For maximum flexibility, upgrade to Plus in the checkout to make your Pass  100% refundable .

See where your Pass can take you

Need some itinerary inspiration? Use the map to see where other Interrailers have travelled with this Pass.

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What's included.

• Hop on and off most trains in 33 countries by showing your Pass (some high-speed and night trains require an extra seat reservation).
• Download the free Rail Planner app to plan your trip and show your ticket as you go.
• Get extra benefits and discounts as you travel with our 100+ partners across Europe.

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• You'll need to pay for seat or sleeper reservations on high-speed and night trains. Check whether seat reservations are required for your journey and how much they could cost by  searching our timetable .
• Public transport like trams, buses and rental bikes is not covered by your Pass (though you can get a discount in some cities ).
• You'll need to pay for accommodation (though you can get a discount with our accommodation partners ).

Visit over 30,000 destinations

Your Global Pass can take you all across Europe, from big cities to tiny villages. Plan a route or decide on the day – it's up to you.

Travel freely and flexibly

Hop on and off most trains as you please, or buy additional seat reservations for high-speed and sleeper trains.

Anyone can explore with Interrail

Youths and seniors get a discount, and up to 2 children travel free with an adult. So why not take the whole family?

Your ticket to 40,000 destinations, and everything in between

Interrail is an all-in-one rail Pass that lets you explore 33 countries by train

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Store your luggage safely all across Europe with Stasher.

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Conditions of this Pass

Only non-European residents can travel with a Eurail Pass. If you’re a European resident you can travel with an Interrail Pass.

Most high-speed and night trains require a reservation at an additional cost. 

1st class Passes are valid in both 1st and 2nd class coaches. 2nd class Passes are only valid in 2nd class coaches.

You need to activate your Eurail Pass within 11 months of the issue date. You can do this online using our free activation service at checkout, or once you've received your Pass at a European train station.

All standard Eurail Passes are refundable or exchangeable if they are returned unused. Read our full Booking Conditions on Eurail.com .

• Depending on the promo conditions, promotional Eurail Passes may be non-refundable and non-exchangeable. To check if a purchased promotional pass is refundable or exchangeable, please refer to the payment confirmation.
• To travel with a discounted Youth Pass, you must be aged from 12 up to and including 27 on the date you choose to start your trip.
• To travel with a discounted Senior Pass, you must be aged 60 or older on the date you choose to start your trip. 
• Children under 4 travel for free and do not need an Eurail Pass. You may be asked to sit a child under 4 on your lap during busy times.

Children aged 4 to 11 travel for free with a Child Pass. A child must be accompanied at all times by at least one person with an Adult Pass. This doesn’t have to be a family member and can be anyone over 18.

• Children must be 11 or younger on the date you choose to start your trip. 
• Up to 2 children can travel with 1 adult. For example, when 2 adults are travelling, they can take 4 children with them. If more than 2 children are travelling with 1 adult, a separate Youth Pass must be purchased for each additional child.

Children under 12 travel in the same travel class as the accompanying adult.

Travellers aged 12 to 27 can travel with a Youth Pass.

Global Pass

Want to see more of Europe than just 1 country? A Global Pass can take you to  over 30,000 destinations  across Europe. It's flexible, so you can decide on the day where you want to go. Or plan out your trip completely, it's all up to you!

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Unlimited Rail Travel Italy

Embark on an extraordinary adventure through Italy’s breathtaking landscapes and iconic cities with unlimited rail travel. Say goodbye to the constraints of planning and booking multiple tickets, and unlock the freedom to explore Italy at your own pace. With unlimited rail travel, you’ll have a passport to unforgettable experiences and the opportunity to immerse yourself in Italy’s rich history, art, culture, and stunning natural beauty.

The benefits of unlimited rail travel in Italy are numerous. Say goodbye to the stress of navigating unfamiliar transportation systems or dealing with language barriers when purchasing tickets. With just one pass, you gain access to an extensive railway network that will take you effortlessly from city centers to picturesque countryside views. Whether it’s hopping off for a spontaneous walk through ancient ruins or exploring charming towns nestled among vineyards, unlimited rail travel offers unparalleled convenience and flexibility.

Throughout your journey, countless timeless treasures await. In Rome, embark on a journey through time as you explore ancient ruins like the Colosseum and delve into the splendors of Vatican City. In Florence, discover masterpieces by Michelangelo at the Galleria dell’Accademia or wander through the historic city center adorned with architectural marvels such as Brunelleschi’s Dome. And in Venice, navigate its enchanting canals on a gondola ride and uncover hidden gems like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

But Italy is not just about its famous cities; it also encompasses idyllic countryside getaways. The region of Tuscany invites you to experience its charm with scenic vineyards, medieval hilltop towns like Siena and San Gimignano, and exquisite cuisine. And don’t forget about exploring lesser-known destinations off the beaten path-perhaps taking a hike along the breathtaking Cinque Terre coastline or reveling in the beauty of Amalfi Coast villages.

As you set out on this captivating journey, make the most of your unlimited rail travel pass with helpful tips and tricks. Discover recommended websites for planning your itinerary, learn about convenient connections, and uncover potential discounts or upgrades that can make your experience even more enjoyable.

Prepare to bid farewell to the infinite marvels of Italy, as unrestricted rail travel reveals the awe-inspiring beauty and wonders of this incredible country. Whether it’s your first time exploring Italy or a return visit to cherished destinations, unlimited rail travel promises a truly unforgettable experience filled with culturally enriching moments and memories that will last a lifetime.

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The Benefits of Unlimited Rail Travel in Italy

Unlimited rail travel in Italy offers a passport to freedom for travelers, providing them with convenience and flexibility as they explore the country’s diverse landscapes and iconic cities. There are several benefits to having an unlimited rail travel pass, making it an ideal choice for those who want to make the most of their time in Italy without the hassle of planning and booking multiple tickets.

One of the key advantages of unlimited rail travel is the convenience it provides. With just one pass, travelers can hop on and off trains at their own pace, allowing them to create their own itinerary and explore different regions of Italy without any restrictions. This flexibility is particularly useful for travelers who want to have the freedom to change their plans or spontaneously visit new destinations.

Moreover, having an unlimited rail travel pass saves both money and time. Travelers no longer need to spend time researching and purchasing individual train tickets for each leg of their journey. With a single pass, they can simply board any train on the network without worrying about additional costs or seat availability. This not only streamlines the travel process but also eliminates the stress of last-minute bookings or unexpected expenses.

Additionally, unlimited rail travel allows travelers to experience the charm and beauty of smaller towns and countryside locations that are often overlooked by tourists. From picturesque coastal villages along the Amalfi Coast to medieval towns in Tuscany, there is a wealth of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

With an unlimited rail pass, travelers can easily embark on day trips or overnight stays in these off-the-beaten-path destinations, immersing themselves in authentic Italian culture and experiencing a side of Italy that many visitors miss.

Unlocking Italy’s Timeless Treasures

Italy is a treasure trove of unforgettable destinations that are waiting to be discovered. With unlimited rail travel, travelers have the opportunity to unlock Italy’s timeless treasures and explore its must-visit destinations. From ancient ruins to picturesque countryside, here are some enchanting places that should not be missed during your Italian adventure:

Rome: A Journey Through Time and Culture

Rome, the eternal city, is a captivating blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture. As you wander through its ancient streets, you’ll be transported back in time to the days of emperors and gladiators. The Colosseum stands as a testament to Rome’s grandeur and is an absolute must-visit. Be sure to also explore Vatican City, home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the world-famous Sistine Chapel.

Florence: Cradle of Renaissance Art

Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a mecca for art enthusiasts. Marvel at breathtaking architectural masterpieces such as the Duomo and immerse yourself in artistic wonder at renowned museums like the Uffizi Gallery. Don’t miss Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery – it’s an awe-inspiring sight that will leave you speechless.

Venice: Navigating the Floating City’s Canals and Secrets

Venice exudes romance from every corner with its charming canals, gondola rides, and exquisite palaces. Lose yourself in its narrow alleyways and stumble upon hidden gems like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which houses an impressive collection of modern art.

Experiencing the Charm of Tuscany: Wine, Countryside, and Medieval Towns

Tuscany is known for its idyllic landscapes dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and charming medieval towns. Indulge in wine tastings in the picturesque region of Chianti, wander through the cobblestone streets of Siena, and marvel at the medieval towers of San Gimignano. Tuscany offers a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural exploration.

Rome, the eternal city, is a captivating destination that offers an immersive journey through time and culture. With its rich history, ancient ruins, and unparalleled landmarks, Rome is a must-visit for travelers exploring Italy with unlimited rail travel.

One of the most iconic sights in Rome is the Colosseum. This ancient amphitheater stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Visitors can step back in time as they explore the vast interior of this architectural masterpiece and imagine the gladiatorial battles that once took place within its walls. Nearby, the Roman Forum offers a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome with its ruins of temples, basilicas, and public squares.

No visit to Rome would be complete without a trip to Vatican City. Home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, this holy city-state is a treasure trove of art, history, and spirituality. Marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and admire the grandeur of St. Peter’s Square.

Aside from its historical landmarks, Rome also boasts a vibrant contemporary culture. The city’s streets are filled with charming cafes, gelato shops, and trendy boutiques. Take a stroll through neighborhoods like Trastevere or Monti to experience authentic Roman life away from the tourist crowds.

Exploring Renaissance Architecture and Sculpture

Florence, often referred to as the Cradle of Renaissance Art, is a city that boasts an extraordinary wealth of architectural marvels and sculptures. One cannot help but be mesmerized by the stunning beauty and historical significance of these artistic creations. The Duomo, with its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi, stands as one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors can climb to the top for breathtaking views of the city.

Another must-visit destination is the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s renowned sculpture, David. This awe-inspiring masterpiece represents the pinnacle of Renaissance artistry and exhibits incredible attention to detail. Taking time to truly appreciate this sculpture in person is an experience that will leave visitors in awe.

Discovering World-Class Museums and Galleries

For art enthusiasts, Florence offers an abundance of museums and galleries that showcase treasures from various periods. One such place is the Uffizi Gallery, which houses an extensive collection of Renaissance masterpieces. From Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” to Leonardo da Vinci’s “Annunciation,” every piece on display tells a unique story about Florence’s artistic heritage.

In addition to the Uffizi Gallery, there are several other noteworthy museums to explore in Florence. The Bargello Museum features an impressive collection of sculptures by artists such as Donatello and Michelangelo. Meanwhile, the Palazzo Pitti houses multiple museums including the Palatine Gallery, where visitors can admire works by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, and more.

Immersing in Cultural Festivals and Events

Florence is not only a city steeped in history but also one that celebrates its cultural heritage through various festivals and events throughout the year. One highlight is the annual Florence Biennale International Contemporary Art Exhibition held at Fortezza da Basso. This event brings together artists from all over the world, allowing for the exploration of contemporary art within the historic city.

For music enthusiasts, attending the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino is a must. This renowned festival features opera performances and concerts held at prominent venues like Teatro del Maggio Musicale and Stazione Leopolda. It offers a chance to experience Florence’s rich musical traditions in a truly unforgettable way.

Immersing in the Romantic Allure of Venice

Venice, known as the “Floating City” for its network of intricate canals, is a destination that captures the hearts and imaginations of travelers from around the world. With unlimited rail travel in Italy, exploring Venice becomes an effortless and enchanting experience. From gondola rides to magnificent palaces, this section will uncover the secrets and attractions that make Venice a must-visit destination.

The Charm and Beauty of Gondola Rides

One of the most iconic aspects of Venice is undoubtedly the gondola rides. These sleek black boats navigate through narrow canals and provide travelers with a unique perspective of the city. Gliding gracefully along the waterways, passengers can soak in the atmospheric beauty of buildings seemingly floating on water as well as catch glimpses of hidden courtyards and charming bridges.

A gondola ride is not only a romantic experience but also an opportunity to learn about Venetian history and culture. Gondoliers often share fascinating stories about their city, pointing out historical landmarks while regaling passengers with tales passed down through generations. For an even more magical experience, consider taking a sunset gondola ride when the city takes on a golden hue, creating a truly mesmerizing atmosphere.

Discovering Hidden Gems: The Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Beyond its famed canals and gondolas, Venice is also home to lesser-known treasures waiting to be explored. One such gem is the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, located in Peggy Guggenheim’s former residence, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni. This museum showcases works by renowned 20th-century artists such as Picasso, Pollock, and Ernst.

Art enthusiasts will delight in browsing through this impressive collection that includes masterpieces from various art movements like Cubism and Surrealism. The museum also boasts a sculpture garden where visitors can admire sculptures amidst a tranquil setting overlooking the Grand Canal. With unlimited rail travel, it is easy to add this off-the-beaten-path attraction to your Venice itinerary and discover the intriguing world of modern art.

Unlimited rail travel in Italy opens up a world of possibilities for exploring Venice’s canals, taking dreamy gondola rides, and uncovering hidden gems like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Whether you’re sipping coffee in St. Mark’s Square or wandering through narrow streets lined with boutique shops and picturesque bridges, Venice offers a truly unique and memorable experience that will leave travelers enchanted by its timeless charm.

Experiencing the Charm of Tuscany

Tuscany, a region in central Italy, is known for its picturesque landscapes, charming medieval towns, and renowned wines. With unlimited rail travel in Italy, travelers have the perfect opportunity to experience the charm of Tuscany and all it has to offer. From sipping wine in the vineyards of Chianti to exploring historic towns like Siena and San Gimignano, Tuscany is a destination that captures the essence of Italian culture.

One of the highlights of visiting Tuscany is indulging in its world-renowned wines. With unlimited rail travel, travelers can easily hop on a train to the heart of the Chianti region, known for its robust red wines.

The rolling hills covered in vineyards create a stunning backdrop as visitors taste their way through local wineries and learn about the art of winemaking. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply appreciate a good glass of vino, Tuscany’s wineries offer an unforgettable experience.

In addition to its wine culture, Tuscany is also celebrated for its idyllic countryside. Travelers can explore the region’s scenic landscapes by hopping on a train and disembarking at various stations throughout Tuscany. From fields of sunflowers to olive groves and cypress-lined roads, there are photo-worthy scenes around every corner. Unlimited rail travel allows visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of Tuscany’s countryside without worrying about transportation logistics.

No trip to Tuscany would be complete without visiting its charming medieval towns. With unlimited rail travel, travelers can easily access iconic destinations like Siena and San Gimignano. Siena’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow streets lined with Gothic architecture and stunning landmarks such as Piazza del Campo and Siena Cathedral.

San Gimignano, known as “the town of towers,” boasts its famous skyline adorned with medieval towers that provide breathtaking panoramic views. These towns offer a glimpse into Tuscany’s rich history and are a treat for those who appreciate ancient architecture and small-town charm.

Off the Beaten Path

Italy is known for its iconic cities and popular tourist destinations, but there is so much more to explore beyond the well-trodden path. With unlimited rail travel in Italy, travelers have the opportunity to discover hidden gems and unexpected delights that may not be on the typical tourist itinerary. By venturing off the beaten path, you can truly experience the authentic and lesser-known side of Italy.

One such hidden gem is Cinque Terre, a collection of five colorful villages nestled along the rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera. Accessible by train, these picturesque towns offer stunning views, charming streets, and delicious local cuisine. From hiking trails that wind through vineyards and olive groves to sipping wine at a cliffside restaurant overlooking the ocean, Cinque Terre provides a peaceful escape from the bustling cities.

For those seeking enchantment in nature, a visit to Italy’s Amalfi Coast is an absolute must. This stunning stretch of coastline boasts dramatic cliffs, sparkling blue waters, and charming coastal towns like Positano and Amalfi. From exploring ancient ruins in Pompeii to lounging on sun-soaked beaches and indulging in freshly caught seafood, the Amalfi Coast offers a combination of natural beauty and cultural experiences that will leave you breathless.

In addition to these well-kept secrets, unlimited rail travel allows you to uncover countless other hidden gems throughout Italy. Whether it’s stumbling upon an idyllic medieval town in Umbria or discovering a remote beach along Sardinia’s pristine coastline, each journey off the beaten path unveils new surprises and unforgettable moments. With unlimited rail travel as your passport to adventure, you have the freedom to wander wherever your curiosity leads you.

Off the beaten path adventures allow travelers to connect with locals on a deeper level and create unique memories that are truly their own. By stepping outside of popular tourist destinations, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture, savor regional delicacies, and forge genuine connections with the people you meet along the way. Embrace the unknown and let your unlimited rail travel pass be your guide to uncovering Italy’s hidden treasures.

Tips and Tricks

Traveling through Italy with an unlimited rail travel pass offers an incredible opportunity to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and iconic cities at your own pace. To make the most of your unlimited rail travel pass, there are some tips and tricks that can enhance your experience and ensure a smooth journey.

First and foremost, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the specific terms and conditions of your unlimited rail travel pass. This includes understanding the validity period, whether it is consecutive days or flexi-days, as well as any restrictions or blackout dates that may apply. By having a clear understanding of these details, you can plan your itinerary accordingly and make the most efficient use of your pass.

When it comes to planning your travel routes, it is advisable to take advantage of the extensive railway network in Italy. The Italian rail system is well-connected, making it easy to reach even remote destinations. Consider using high-speed trains for longer journeys between major cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. These trains offer comfort and efficiency, allowing you to maximize your time exploring each destination.

In addition to high-speed trains, regional trains are also an excellent option for shorter journeys within a specific region or when visiting smaller towns and villages. These trains provide a more local experience and allow you to discover hidden gems off the beaten path. It is important to note that reservations are not always required on regional trains but may be necessary on high-speed or long-distance trains during peak travel periods.

To navigate the Italian rail system smoothly, it is recommended to download a reliable mobile app or use online resources that provide real-time train schedules, platform information, and possible delays or changes. Some popular apps include Trenitalia (Italy’s national railway company) and Trainline Europe. These apps can be immensely helpful in planning your daily travels and ensuring timely connections.

Lastly, don’t forget to validate your ticket before boarding the train. Most tickets need to be validated at the yellow or green machines located on the platforms. Failure to validate your ticket may result in a fine if ticket inspectors come around during your journey.

By following these tips and tricks, you can make the most of your unlimited rail travel pass in Italy. With the convenience and flexibility it offers, you can embark on an unforgettable adventure through this captivating country, immersing yourself in its history, culture, and natural beauty. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the wonders that await you as you navigate Italy’s boundless railway network.

In conclusion, unlimited rail travel in Italy offers an unparalleled experience, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the country’s infinite marvels. With the convenience and flexibility of unlimited rail passes, exploring Italy becomes a seamless adventure, free from the hassle of planning and booking multiple tickets. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the vibrant art scene of Florence and the romantic allure of Venice, Italy’s timeless treasures are easily accessible through its extensive rail network.

Rail travel provides a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history and culture of each destination. In Rome, visitors can wander through centuries-old ruins and iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum and Vatican City. Florence beckons with its majestic Duomo and world-class museums showcasing Renaissance masterpieces. And Venice reveals its secrets as travelers navigate its enchanting canals, discovering magnificent palaces and hidden gems like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Beyond these iconic cities, unlimited rail travel allows for exploration off the beaten path. The Tuscan countryside captivates with its rolling hills dotted with vineyards and picture-perfect medieval towns like Siena and San Gimignano. Travelers may also venture to lesser-known destinations such as Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast, uncovering hidden gems that showcase Italy’s stunning coastal landscapes.

To make the most of unlimited rail travel in Italy, it is essential to plan ahead and utilize resources such as recommended websites for ticket reservations and connexions. Taking advantage of potential discounts or upgrades can enhance your journey even further. With proper preparation, this grand adventure will leave you with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for Italy’s breathtaking sights and cultural treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an unlimited train pass in italy.

Yes, there is an unlimited train pass in Italy called the Interrail Italy Pass. This pass allows holders to have unlimited train travel within Italy for a specific number of days within a set period.

The pass is available for both residents of Europe and non-European residents and offers flexible options such as consecutive travel days or flexible travel days within a longer validity period.

Which European rail pass allows unlimited travel?

One European rail pass that allows unlimited travel across multiple countries is the Interrail Global Pass. This pass covers up to 33 European countries and offers different durations ranging from 5 days within 15 days, up to 3 months of continuous travel.

With this pass, travelers have the flexibility to explore various European destinations by train without having to buy separate tickets for each journey, making it convenient and cost-effective for those planning extensive travels across Europe.

Is a Eurail Pass worth it for Italy?

Whether a Eurail Pass is worth it for Italy depends on the individual’s travel plans and preferences. A Eurail Italy Pass can be a great option if you plan to extensively explore Italy by train, as it allows unlimited train travel within the country for a chosen duration. It offers the freedom to hop on and off trains at your leisure and discover multiple cities easily.

However, if your itinerary focuses mainly on one city or region in Italy, purchasing individual train tickets might be more cost-effective than investing in a rail pass. It’s important to consider factors such as the frequency of train journeys and the distance you intend to cover when deciding if a Eurail Pass is worth it for your Italian adventures.

I’m a passionate traveler, writer, and Italophile. My fascination with Italy’s history, art, and culture has led me on countless adventures across the Italian landscape. Through “I Live Italy,” I share my love for this extraordinary country and aims to inspire others to explore its boundless beauty.

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10 of the best railway journeys in Italy

On train rides from Venice to Sicily, best book a window seat on these spectacular Italian trips

The Cinque Terre Express

One of Italy’s loveliest rail routes is the coast-hugging track along the Cinque Terre in Liguria. Called an express, it’s more of a gentle pootle above all five of the Unesco-listed seaside villages in this celebrated national park. Setting off from La Spezia, the route ends in Levanto. You can hop on and off for strolls along the labyrinthine lanes of colourful villages, such as Riomaggiore, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia and Manarola – or stay put and drink in the sight of tiny village-crested bays and inlets, fronted by pristine thumbnail beaches. The Cinque Terre Train Card allows access to all hiking routes and unlimited train travel between the villages. One- to three-day options from €18.20 at cinqueterre.eu.com

The Circumetnea, Sicily

If you don’t fancy hiking Sicily’s most famous volcano, a thrilling alternative is the Ferrovia Circumetnea from Catania that encircles Etna’s base, ending its journey in Riposto. This dramatic journey sees you rattling across lava beds, past fields of prickly pears and little hamlets, then soaking up across Etna’s foothills views of its snow-capped, smoking peak. Constructed in 1898, it’s 110-km long and the whole route takes around three-and-a-half hours. Try to board one of the green or red vintage rolling stock that look like dinky vintage school buses – they were made by Fiat in the 1950s. Tickets cost €7.25 from circumetnea.it

The Bernina Express

Train buffs consider the legendary Unesco-listed Bernina Express route from Italian Tirano to St Moritz to be one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. The highest railway in Europe, it has spiral viaducts to get up the mountains. At times, the train clings to the mountainside thousands of feet up – and you’re rewarded head-swivelling with views across the Brusio viaduct, then there are waterfalls and glaciers, and up to the ear-popping peaks of the Italian and Swiss Alps. Autumn is pretty when the leaves change colour and begin to fall and winter, when the mountains are snow-draped. The Italian section of the Bernina Express starts from Tirano, which has links with trains from Milan. The four-hour train journey costs from £49. Panoramic carriage seats need to be booked in advance at rhb.ch

Reggio Calabria to Scilla

It only takes 20 minutes, but if you have time to kill before catching the ferry to Sicily, the train ride from Reggio Calabria’s promenade-set Stazione Lido to the seaside town of Scilla is a delight. Leaving the rather ugly port area, you can expect glimpses of neat coves and sandy beaches, then little islets and fishing boats, and, on the approach towards the Strait of Messina, Mount Etna itself. Arriving at Scilla, spend time exploring this charming fishing village set on ochre-green cliffs. Highlights include its sprawling clifftop castle, broad sandy beach and excellent seafood restaurants. Tickets one way from £2.10 through Rail Europe

Trenino Verde, Sardinia

Sardinia’s dinky Trenino Verde (little green trains) trundle along narrow-gauge tracks across some of the island’s most stunning regions – all the way from the coast to the mountains. Don’t expect speed: tThese dedicated routes are famously slow as recounted by DH Lawrence in The Sea and Sardinia . But who needs to be in a rush when you have the chance to discover the wild heart of this extraordinary island? Pulled by a 1956 diesel locomotive, one of the most dazzling routes travels from Arbatax to Villagrande. Across the flats of Tortoli, you climb to mountainous Gennargentu national park. Daylong guided Trenino Verde train journeys including multiple stop-offs at points of interest and delicious food tastings cost from €55pp, sardegnatreninoverde.com

Little Trains of the Dolomites

The elegant vintage Renon narrow-gauge mountain railway is one of the oldest and steepest funicular railways in Europe. It chugs all the way to Collalbo, past undulating meadows and towering jagged mountain ranges. Join an escorted rail holiday and you get expert guidance around the mountainous rail routes. The trip includes a ride on line 700 between Mezzolombardo and Caldes, with spectacular views over Dolomiti castles and a dramatic ascent up one of Europe’s steepest tracks, the Mendola funicular railway. The nine-day Little Trains of the Dolomites tour runs in September and May from £1,499pp, including B&B accommodation and excursions, arenatravel.com

Rome to Siracuse

Travel to Sicily by rail doesn’t sound easy and yet it’s one of the best direct long-haul Italian journeys around. Your train is shunted across the Strait of Messina via ferry while you can go up on deck for a breath of sea air. Kick off from Rome in your air-conditioned carriage for the 11-hour scenic ride to Naples and Salerno, then on to Taormina, Catania and Syracuse. Once in Sicily, coastal and mountain views turn to seascapes as well as glimpses of snow-dusted Mount Etna. Book in advance for super-economy tickets from £66.70 one way, second class at Rail Europe , links with Trenitalia

Venice to Florence

Ditch the car and link two of Italy’s top must-see cities by rail. It takes just over two hours to swap the canals of Venice for Florence’s meandering Arno. Travelling by train ensures a stress-free ride and some of the most gorgeous snapshots of the country along the way. En route you pass the exquisite Renaissance towns of Bologna, Prato and Ravenna, then through the mountains of Emilia-Romagna and alongside the vine-terraced hills of Tuscany. If you’re after a direct route, catch the high-speed Frecciarossa – but a more leisurely journey, admittedly with changes, ensures time to absorb those dreamy panoramas. Tickets from £26.50 one way, booked in advance from Rail Europe

Venice to Rome rail holiday

A small-group rail holiday is a great way to take in Venice, Florence and Rome, staying in hotels along the way and experiencing local culture. Highlights include leisurely walks, museum visits and sipping an Aperol spritz in the quieter canal-side cafés of Venice; then a detour rail trip to Pisa. In Bologna, the focus is on food, with a tasting session of DOP meats, cheeses, wines and tortellini-making in the food markets of the Quadrilatero quarter, and in Florence and Rome, there’s plenty of time to explore the highlights of both these cities. A seven-day Venice to Rome by Railway tour costs from £1,498pp, including return flights, with responsibletravel.com

Rimini to Lecce

Follow Italy’s sparkling Adriatic by regional rail and you’ll be rewarded with dreamy sea views and glimpses of historic towns and small fishing villages. The line from Rimini down to Lecce is an absolute treat – and though it takes about six hours, you’ll shore up some unforgettable images. Swapping Rimini’s glitzy beach clubs for workaday Pesaro, the Frecciabianca stops at Ancona, Pescara and Foggia in Puglia. Occasionally, the track heads inland beneath the hills of Umbria and Tuscany, finally reaching dazzling baroque Lecce. Celebrate with a local pasticciotto and a spritz – almost as delightful as the journey itself. Tickets one way from £55.70, through Rail Europe or Trenitali

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Public Transport in Italy: Information for Foreign Travelers

Like many other Europeans, Italians rely heavily on public transport . There are many reasons for this:

• Italy is a relatively small country and distances are reduced, especially if one compares Italy with nations like the U.S. or Australia
• City centers are often considered centro storico because of their age and traditional architecture. Cobblestone streets, ancient ruins, small charming lanes, and historical buildings make up areas that are often closed to traffic to avoid heavy congestion.
• There are several options available that can suit different pockets — from an extensive rail system to urban and long-distance buses, and even subway systems in major cities.

Should You Use Public Transport in Italy?

There are several reasons why you may want to do as the Romans do and take advantage of public transport while in Italy. The most noticeable is, of course, financial. If you’re in Italy on a budget , you’ll definitely benefit from using public transport rather than taxis and other private means of transportation.

How Much Is a Train Ticket in Italy?

It’s not by chance that students only move on public transport: if you plan your moves well, you’re guaranteed to save a noticeable amount of money that you can spend exploring the best the Bel Paese has to offer . And of course, you’ll be helping the planet in the process.

Single bus and subway tickets are very cheap compared to cities like Paris or London and won’t set you back more than a couple of euros.

There are several train options available in Italy . A high-speed train journey from Rome to Milan only takes 3 hours and can cost over €100. However, you can choose slower trains and spend less than half of that.

Frecciarossa and Frecciabianca are the fastest and most expensive trains . On these, you’ll have the option to choose between first and second class and you’ll have access to top-quality facilities including free wi-fi, newspapers, a restaurant, etc. But if you want to save on the ticket fare, choose a slower Regionale, the no-fuss train that Italians take daily to go to work or school. They usually call at all stations but are the backbone of the Italian rail system. An Intercity train is somehow in the middle.

Italy Transport Pass

Unfortunately, there’s no pass that will give you access to all transport options inside and across Italian cities. For what concerns urban centers, you will have to get information on daily or weekly passes available for each specific city you wish to visit.

On the other hand, if you plan on traveling extensively by train, you’ll be pleased to read that there are rail passes available to foreigners . With the Eurail Italy Pass, for example, you will have access to unlimited train travel for 3, 4, 5, or 8 days within a one-month period. It starts at just over $100 and there are discounts offered for youth, seniors, and other categories.

What Is the Best Way to Get Around Rome?

As it’s often the case, things may start to feel hectic in great urban centers like Rome, Milan, and Naples, especially when you don’t speak the local language. Although walking around Italian cities is in itself a magical experience, there’s so much to see and do in places like Rome that exploring the whole city by foot is simply not feasible.

Rome is a good example of how public transport works in large Italian cities. You can choose among a series of tickets (from 100-minute tickets to weekly passes) depending on your needs.

Usually, urban public transport tickets include :

• Metro trains
• Urban rail services

On the other hand, what’s unlikely to be included is :

• Train or shuttles to and from the city’s airports
• Trains or shuttle to and from the city’s ports
• Sightseeing buses

Metro lines are fairly easy to understand and are the fastest way to go from A to B relatively near the city center. Bus lines and stops may feel more complicated. However, there are useful maps that will be able to help at every bus stop. Buses usually run very frequently, even during the night. Taxis can be very expensive in Italian towns and may not be as fast as one hopes due to traffic jams (which are a daily occurrence in Rome). However, they may be the only option in certain circumstances, like going to and from the airport late at night.

Of course, you may still want to enjoy the freedom of renting a car and traveling more independently . In that case, remember that although many European countries accept a full driver’s license in English, you may be asked to provide an international license in Italy, together with your ETIAS visa waiver or another relevant travel permit for Europe.

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11 Italy Train Trips: Exciting Itineraries from North to South

So you want to visit Italy, but you don’t want to drive and you’re not real keen on taking a tour—so, how about an exciting Italy train trip where all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the view!

There are lots of ways to experience Italy but we can never resist a good old fashioned rail journey to satisfy our wanderlust.

Traveling Italy by train is such a great option. But where do even begin?

We’ve narrowed down the endless array of possibilities to 11 exciting train trips in Italy with itineraries flexible enough to be customized around what you love to do.

Fancy a week long rail journey through Italy’s iconic cities or an immersive deep dive into the ancient Etruscan history near Rome? You could also go from Italy to other parts of Europe by train as well.

Whether you head north or south, one of these Italian train trips is calling your name!

This article may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a qualifying purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Table of Contents Show

Slow Travel Italy by Rail

There are many benefits to rail and train travel from a sustainability perspective, which makes taking an epic rail journey a great example of traveling slow .

Italy is also our favorite place in Europe to travel slow — after all, Italians invented the movement — so an Italy train holiday makes perfect sense for slow travelers.

Take a look at these reasons to take a train trip through Italy:

Immersive Cultural Experience : taking trains in Italy allows you to immerse more closely in the local culture, and understand the subtle nuances of daily life.

Scenic Splendors : the landscape of Italy is everchanging as you ride the rails from north to south. From the craggy alpine scenery of the Dolomites to the white-washed coastal towns of Puglia, the visual tapestry that unravels in nothing short of stunning.

Smaller Carbon Footprint : Train travel is a more sustainable travel experience than a fuel-heavy road trip or plane travel, so you can enjoy the ride without guilt knowing that you're treading lightly on Italy's terrain.

Flexibility to Wander : Unlike rigid flight schedules, train travel offers more flexibility. Fall in love with a particular small town? Change your plans on the fly and disembark to have a closer look around.

About These Italy Train Trips

Trains in Italy, and throughout Europe, are a vital part of everyday life and the extensive network of train lines means there are endless opportunities in Europe for travelers to hop on and go.

Train service in Italy is also fairly reliable as well. Sure, there are occasional delays, but hardly anything compared with delayed flights.

All 11 of these Italy train trips are ideal for slow traveling different parts of the country. Some feature classic Italian cities, while small charming towns are the highlight of others.

All told, there is one 1-day rail excursion that’s one of the most thrilling train rides in Italy; one popular Italy itinerary by train through five colorful coastal towns (betcha can’t guess where); five one week, multi-city train trips ; and four multi-city 10 day train itineraries through Italy that could easily be shortened or extended.

Basic Info on Italy Train Travel

Types of trains in italy.

There are several types of trains in Italy and also several classes of train travel. Knowing which is which will help in planning your trip and also when booking your train tickets , whether you do this online , at the station, or on the train.

Italy’s high-speed trains are super fast, reaching speeds of up to 187 mph. The bright red Frecciabianca, Frecciarossa, and Frecciargento trains are all high speed trains. Book these if you’re less-concerned with the leisurely ride, and just want to get from Point A to Point B quickly and efficiently.

Regional trains in Italy are not as fast, but are ideal for exploring more slowly.

Then there are the IC (Intercity) trains , somewhere in the middle between high-speed and regional trains. InterCity trains strike a balance of speed and accessibility.

Ticket Classes (Types of Seating)

It’s up to you how much comfort you want on a train, but an important thing to consider when choosing what kind of train ticket to buy is how much you’re carrying with you. You’ll also find three different styles, or classes , of train travel in Italy:

Standard (2nd) Class which offers comfy seating but limited luggage space

Premium (1st) Class offers a bit more luxury and more room for bags

Business (Executive) Class if you really want to travel in business-class comfort.

How to Pack for an Italy Train Itinerary

Train travel in Italy with luggage can be a challenge to say the least, but these tips should help lighten the load.

In 2nd Class , the overhead luggage storage is meant for smaller bags, just like on a plane. Larger full-size luggage can be left near the exit doors of the train but may be out of eyesight from your seat.

If you’re like us and don’t like the idea of leaving your luggage unattended, travel light with small carry-on pieces that can slide under your feet or fit in the overhead rack.

If you tend to travel with full-size luggage and don’t want to leave it where you can’t see it on the train, we suggest downsizing your gear or upsizing to first class.

If you’re traveling by train in Italy, you definitely don’t need the amount of clothes you think you need. Pack small and you’ll enjoy the ride much more.

11 Flexible Italy Train Trip Itineraries

So here they are in no particular order. Let’s dive in to these exciting train itineraries through Italy, so you decide which one is perfect for you:

Italy Train Itinerary #1: Venice > Verona > Bologna > Florence

Start: Venice

End: Bologna

Total Distance: 215 miles (344 km)

Highlights of this route: Four Italian Classics in One Short Route

How many days: 8-10 days

Get ready for a scenic railway odyssey through northern Italy, where the canals and cathedrals of Venice give way to Renaissance wonders.

It may be a relatively short route, but this itinerary is long on charm, which is why it’s one of the best train trips in Italy. This route starts in Venice, on to Verona, then to Bologna , then finally into Florence — four of the most beautiful classic Italian cities all within a short distance of each other!

Venice (Day 1-3)

Our adventure begins amid the labyrinthine canals and Gothic architecture of Venice. Spend at least two days exploring the floating city, navigating the Grand Canal by vaporetto, and getting lost in the charm of St. Mark's Square .

From the Doge's Palace to the intricate details of the Rialto Bridge , Venice is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts and romantics alike. Book tickets for the palace with a tour of St. Mark’s and a gondola ride for a truly Venetian experience.

After spending at least 2 or 3 full days exploring the Venetian neighborhoods and nearby lagoon islands , hop on the train in Venice and follow this route that weaves through the enchanting Shakespeare city of Verona and Bologna, then on to Florence.

To get off-the-beaten-path, our self-guided tour guides you through some of the prettiest, and lesser-seen sights off the Grand Canal.

Verona (Day 3)

Next stop: Verona, the city of love immortalized by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet . A single day allows you to stroll through the cobbled streets, marvel at the well-preserved Roman Arena , and stand beneath Juliet's balcony for a touch of literary romance.

If you’ve seen the movie Letters to Juliet , you’ve no doubt seen the street at its quietest, so be aware of how crowded it can get. Try going early in the morning or very late in the afternoon.

If time permits, savor a leisurely Italian meal at one of Verona's charming trattorias.

Bologna (Day 4-6)

Back onboard, you’ll head south to Bologna , the gastronomic capital of Italy. Plan to spend a couple of days savoring the culinary delights of this historic city, taking food tours, seeing the sites, and strolling the famous covered porticos the city is known for.

The Bologna porticos became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021, so whether you’re a photographer, architecture lover, or simply love the street vibes of strolling the 27 miles of them, the porticoes are some of our favorites attractions in Bologna .

When it comes to food , Bologna is hard to beat. From the iconic Bolognese sauce to the delectable tortellini, there are plenty of culinary treats in Bologna alone.

But don’t stop there. Modena, Parma, Ferrara, and other notable cities in Emilia Romagna are also easily reached by train and make excellent day trips.

Be sure and spend an afternoon in the vibrant markets of the Quadrilatero , the oldest market in the city. Bologna's rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine will make it one of the tastiest stops on your trip.

Join a food tour with a local to discover local cheese, wine, gelato and delicacies.

Florence (Day 7-10)

Finally, this Italian train trip culminates in Florence , the cradle of the Renaissance.

Of course you’ll want to gaze upon the artistry of Michelangelo's David at the Galleria dell'Accademia and wander the Uffizi Gallery . Pick up advance tickets to not waste time waiting in line. The Duomo area is good fun but walk north of there to visit the Medici Chapel and indulge in gelato at the Mercato Centrale .

To work off the calories, head back and buy tickets to climb the Campanile for breathtaking views of the city.

Be sure and cross the Ponte Vecchio bridge to explore the Oltrarno neighborhood and find some less-touristed sites and shops.

It’s up to you how many days to spend in Florence, but don’t cut yourself short. The Renaissance City needs a minimum of three days to immerse yourself in the culture beyond the tourist sites.

Italy Train Trip #2: Florence - Perugia — Rome

Start: Florence

Total Distance: 280 miles (450 km)

Highlights of this route:

How many days: 7 days

This Italy train trip runs from Florence to Perugia in the picturesque region of Umbria, and finally, to the Eternal City of Rome . It’s a rail journey through three of the best regions for slow travel in Italy, a perfect blend of Renaissance charm, medieval allure, and the timeless grandeur of Rome.

Florence (Day 1-3)

Our adventure begins in Florence, where every cobblestone whispers tales of artistry and history. Spend at least two days reveling in the Renaissance wonders – from the iconic Florence Cathedral and the Uffizi Gallery to the Ponte Vecchio. Take this Renaissance and Medici Tales tour to learn the history of the Medici family in Florence.

You can easily lose yourself in the labyrinth of streets, discovering artisan workshops and hidden gems. But you’re never far from the historic center or friendly locals who are happy to help with directions.

Perugia (Day 3-4)

All aboard as you head south to Perugia, the crown jewel of Umbria, Italy’s Green Heart . The train journey from Florence to Perugia takes approximately 2 hours.

Perugia is a captivating city and the capital of Umbria. Just taking the network of escalators from the center city parking garages to the top of the historic town can take hours if you love ancient tunnels and architecture. A historic walking tour with a local guide is a great way to discover hidden history.

Allow two days to savor the medieval atmosphere and food of Perugia. Visit the stunning Palazzo dei Priori , home to the National Gallery of Umbria , and indulge in the region's famous chocolates at shops throughout the city.

Rome (Day 5-7)

Our final stop brings us to the eternal city of Rome. From Perugia to Rome will take 2 hours, and we recommend staying in Rome at least three days immersing yourself in the city.

Explore the Colosseum , Roman Forum , and Palatine Hill to trace the footsteps of ancient Romans. Pick up a priority access pass to avoid the lines. Wander through Vatican City , marveling at the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica . Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and savor a plate of cacio e pepe in a traditional trattoria.

Rome's enchanting mix of history, art, and vibrant street life demands ample time for exploration.

Choose a centrally located hotel to make the most of your time exploring the city's iconic landmarks.

Where to Stay in Rome

When it comes to finding that perfect blend of great location and great hotel in Rome, the Hotel Artemide is honestly hard to beat.

Modern and quiet rooms (in the heart of the city) and a filling breakfast to start our day. We can’t recommend it enough!

Italy Train Trip #3: Rome > Napoli > Pompeii

Start: Rome

End: Pompeii

Total Distance: 144 miles (232 km)

How many days: 1 day excursion

Traveling to Pompeii just got easier with Trenitalia’s new Rome to Pompeii fast train on the Frecciarossa (Red Arrow) high speed train. Though initially service will be limited to run every third Sunday of the month, increased service is expected in the future.

The new service will add a brand new stop near the Pompeii archaeological site along an existing route between Rome, Naples, and Salerno , as well as a new train station and transit hub.

Train Times:

Departs Rome at 8:53am and leaves Pompeii to return at 6:40pm, giving tourists enough time for a full day of exploring.

Route Highlights:

This journey begins at Rome's sleek Termini Station, the beating heart of Italy's capital. Say arrivederci to the Colosseum as you make your way south through the Roman countryside aboard the Frecciarossa, Italy's high-speed pride.

This chariot is swift, reaching speeds of up to 187 mph (300 km/h), ensuring an exciting blink-and-you-miss-it experience through the Lazio and Campania countryside.

As you race southward, the train makes a pit stop in Naples , a city synonymous with pizza and vibrant street life. If your schedule allows, consider a quick stroll through the historic center or order an authentic Neapolitan margherita pizza before reboarding for the final stretch.

The climax of your journey unfolds at doorstep of the ruins of Pompeii , where the train is just a stone's throw from the ancient city's archaeological marvels.

The entire voyage clocks in at around 70 minutes – a testament to the efficiency of high-speed trains in Italy.

The Frecciarossa offers a touch of luxury without breaking the bank: spacious seating, panoramic windows, and onboard amenities are standard, and there’s a range of ticket options for most budgets. Tickets are expected to cost around €29.90.

Get your ticket online here.

Ticket Tip:

Book your tickets in advance to secure the best rates and seating options, and opt for a morning departure to optimize a full day of exploration in Pompeii .

Once you arrive, take advantage of guided tours to unravel the secrets of this ancient city, or explore at your own pace with the convenience of the train schedule accommodating your return to Rome.

Italy Train Itinerary #4: The Cinque Terre Express

Start: La Spezia

End: Monterosso al Mare

Total Distance: 20 miles (32 km)

Highlights of this route: The colorful 5 Towns of Italy’s Cinque Terre

How many days: 5 days

Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting landscapes of the Cinque Terre with the Cinque Terre Express train.

This picturesque region, nestled along the rugged Italian Riviera, boasts five charming villages perched on cliffs overlooking the azure waters of the Ligurian Sea. Here's your ultimate 300-word train itinerary for an unforgettable adventure:

Getting There (Day 1)

Start your Cinque Terre exploration by boarding the Cinque Terre Express train in La Spezia .

A one-day pass costs around €16, allowing you unlimited access to the train (with multi-day tickets) and hiking trails that connect the villages.

Purchase Tickets

You can buy train tickets online for the Cinque Terre Express or at the train stations in La Spezia, Levanto, and any of the 5 villages.

You can select a one way ticket to go from one town to another (then you have to buy another one-way ticket back, or walk).

You best bet however, is to buy a 2 day ticket, or a 3 day ticket. Both the 2 and 3 day tickets allow you to Hop, on and Hop off the train in any town and customize your train trip.

With the purchase of the Cinque Terre Train Card you can also hike the Blue path (Sentiero Azzurro), plus it includes unlimited train travel between Levanto and La Spezia, with stops at every Cinque Terre village.

Combine Cinque Terre and Lucca!

One of our favorite trip combos that add-on nearby destinations is combining Lucca and the Cinque Terre. Located in northern Tuscany near Pisa, Lucca is a lovely small city that offers lots to do — we think it’s like the best of Florence without the crowds. Add to that a visit to the Cinque Terre, and you have a winning surf-and-turf combo!

Full moon over our Cinque Terre train trip in Italy

The Cinque Terre Towns (north to south)

Monterosso al Mare

Riomaggiore

Exploring the Villages (Day 2-5)

The town of La Spezia is where you’ll first board the train to the Cinque Terre. It is the only town where you can leave your car the first town Riomaggiore with its vibrant harbor, then move to Manarola, where pastel-colored houses cascade down the cliffs.

You’ll want to allow at least three days to fully savor the unique character of each Cinque Terre village, but don’t be surprised when you want to make a full week!

Corniglia offers panoramic views from its perch way up on the hillside (over 400 steps take you to the top), Vernazza is a tourist hotspot with its picturesque harbor, and Monterosso al Mare has medieval charm and the best sandy beaches. Riomaggiore is one of the busiest towns and a favorite among younger travelers. Our favorite town to return to at night is the quiet Manarola .

Take a private boat tour from Riomaggiore marina to see the pretty coastline from the water, or visit the vineyards at Vernazza and enjoy tasting the regions wine.

Our Favorite Apartment in Manarola

Luxury Seaview Apartments Manarola by Arbaspàa

If you don’t mind walking uphill, the Luxury Seaview Apartments Manarola by Arbaspàa is one of our favorite places to stay in Manarola. It’s got everything you need for cooking in a well-stocked cucina, relaxing on the amazing outdoor terrace, and the best view over the town and sea!

Italy Train Itinerary #5: Foggia > Bari > Matera

Get ready for an amazing rail voyage through the charming landscapes of southern Italy, and one of Italy’s most beautiful regions to boot. ;-)

This itinerary promises an immersive experience, unveiling the unique history, culture, and allure of these lesser-explored parts of Italy.

Start: Foggia

End: Matera

Total Distance: 180 miles (289 km)

Highlights of this route: UNESCO world history and some of Italy’s best food

How many days: 6-8 days

The journey from Foggia to Bari takes approximately 2 hours, covering a distance of about 125 miles (201 km). The train from Bari to Matera takes around 1.5 hours, spanning approximately 55 miles (88 km).

Foggia (Day 1-2)

Our adventure kicks off in Foggia , a city often overlooked but brimming with hidden treasures. Spend two days exploring the historic center, where medieval and Baroque architecture coexist.

The Romanesque-style Foggia Cathedral and the impressive Church of St. Thomas are must-visit landmarks.

Stroll through the Mercato Coperto , a bustling food market offering a feast for the senses with local delicacies.

Bari (Day 3-4)

Next stop: Bari , a coastal gem with a rich history and vibrant energy. Spend two days soaking in the atmosphere of the Old Town (Bari Vecchia), where narrow alleyways lead to the Basilica di San Nicola , an important pilgrimage site.

Explore the Swabian Castle and indulge in fresh seafood along the picturesque Lungomare Nazario Sauro . Don't miss the opportunity to savor traditional orecchiette pasta , a Bari specialty handrolled by little Italian ladies sitting in the street for hours. You can make you own pasta at the end of this tour , and taste local ice cream!

WALKING TIP:

It may seem obvious, but wear comfortable footwear ! Exploring the historic districts of Bari and Matera requires sturdy and comfortable footwear. The uneven cobblestone streets and hilly terrain are best navigated with sturdy shoes.

Matera (Day 5-6)

On Day 5, head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera , renowned for its ancient cave dwellings. Allow two days to explore the Sassi di Matera , a labyrinthine network of cave homes and churches carved into the rock.

Visit the Caveoso and Barisano districts, each offering a unique perspective on Matera's history. The haunting beauty of the rupestrian churches and the panoramic views from Belvedere Murgia Timone are unforgettable.

Matera's cuisine reflects its ancient roots with dishes like cavatelli and crapiata .

The historical significance of Matera is honestly hard to fathom. It has evolved from ancient cave dwellings to a thriving cultural destination and its unique architecture and preservation efforts earned it the title of European Capital of Culture in 2019.

Where to Stay in Matera

Corte San Pietro

This amazing boutique hotel is set inside the Matera Sassi UNESCO site , in a renovated historical building carved out of stone. The organic feel is modern yet rustic and blends seamlessly into the feel of Matera. It’s really stunning. It’s also minutes from local sites and a short walk to the train station!

Italy Train Itinerary #6: The Bernina Express — Chur, Switzerland > Tirano, Italy

Explored by Helen of Helen on Her Holidays

Start: Chur, Switzerland

End: Milan, Italy

Total Distance: 174 miles (280 km)

Highlights of this route: The splendor of the Swiss Alps from a train!

One of the most amazing train journeys in Italy starts just over the border in Switzerland.

The Bernina Express route begins in Chur, Switzerland , before skirting around glitzy St. Moritz . From there, the train ascends over a mile to nearly 7,400 ft (2,253m) above sea level to cross the Bernina Pass , before descending into the Poschiavo valley . 

The route ends in Tirano, Italy , but your journey needn’t; just across the street from the narrow gauge Bernina line station is another railway station with direct trains to Milan via beautiful Lake Como . 

The Bernina Express route is 80 miles (129 kilometres) long and an astonishing feat of engineering. The line has 55 tunnels and nearly 200 bridges and viaducts, but even those numbers don’t really do it justice.

The ride is absolutely stunning, passing through green valleys, wooded ravines, snowy mountain passes and along the shores of beautiful lakes. The route twists and turns to climb into the mountains and back down again, and in some places even runs through village streets, including running straight across the piazza in front of Tirano’s most important church.

You can take this trip year-round, as during the winter months the trains are fitted with snow plows.

The most famous way to travel along this route is on the Bernina Express panoramic train, but regular local trains also make the journey and can be a more flexible choice if you want to stop off en route. 

The journey from Chur to Tirano takes around 4 hours, with the onward journey to Bellano or Varenna on Lake Como taking less than 90 minutes.

You can very easily start your day having breakfast in Switzerland and end it sipping your aperitivo on the shores of Lake Como - one of the most memorable train journeys you’ll ever have!

Italy Train Trip #7: Rome > Cerveteri > Bracciano > Viterbo > Tarquinia

Explored by Lisa of Rome Travelogues

End: Tarquinia

Total Distance: 104 miles (167 km)

Highlights of this route: Etruscan history, tombs, and ruins

How many days: 6 days

To anyone traveling to Italy for the second time, we recommend exploring an off-the-beaten-path region like this one. If you are a history lover, or you are curious about mysterious civilizations of the past, this Italy itinerary by train introduces you to the ancient traces of the Etruscans. 

The Etruscan civilization flourished a few centuries before the Roman civilization in central Italy, between the 9th and 3rd centuries BC.

The Romans, before conquering them, took much from them in terms of ritual, water and architectural techniques. The first kings of Rome were Etruscans. 

Rome (Day 1)

So spend the first day of this road trip in Rome. The Cloaca Maxima , a work of hydraulic engineering that restored Rome's soils, was the work of the Etruscan king Tarquinius the Superbus . The famous stone slab known as the Mouth of Truth , a pilgrimage of tourists to Rome, was part of these ancient sewers.

Rome is also home to the Etruscan Archaeological Museum at Villa Giulia , where you can admire Etruscan artifacts in a long tour divided by geographical areas. The highlight of the museum is the terracotta  Sarcophagus of the Spouses , which depicts the deceased couple participating in a banquet in an affectionate posture.

Cerveteri (Day 2)

The splendid sarcophagus belonged to one of the noble tombs in the  Etruscan Necropolis of Cerveteri , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore the tombs dug into the tuff on about 200 hectares near Cerveteri, a small town northwest of Rome.

To get there, take a one hour trip from Roma Termini to Cerveteri Necropoli (45 km). After visiting the Necropolis, take a bus that will take you to  Bracciano town in about 30 minutes (15 km).

Take a train trip to Tarquinia, Italy

Abandoned Etruscan tombs

Bracciano (Day 3)

This town stands on a hill overlooking  Lake Bracciano , one of the cleanest lakes in Italy. Have lunch at one of the excellent trattorias in the historic center, such as Trattoria del Castello , overlooking the medieval Bracciano Castle . 

This tour is a lovely way to spend the day as it takes you through the castle to discover the medieval history and artwork, followed by a lakeside lunch.

Viterbo (Day 4-5)

On the third day, from Bracciano, take a train to Viterbo (1 hour, 31 miles (50 km). This city in northern Lazio was a major Etruscan center since the 7th century BC. The Etruscans loved the healing hot springs that surrounded the city and believed them to be an emanation of an underground god.

The city features rock necropolises nestled in the woods, perfect for hiking enthusiasts to explore, such as the  Necropolis of Norchia .

Or you can relax in thermal baths such as the  Terme dei Papi  and feel a bit Etruscan yourself. Either way, you can't miss a stop at the National Etruscan Museum at Rocca Albornoz in the historic center.

Viterbo deserves at least 2 days, as it is a city full of historic landmarks and places to eat, such as the Giardino del Papero .

Tarquinia (Day 5-6)

On Day 5, head back to the sea by taking a train from Viterbo to Tarquinia (1 hour, 27 miles (45 km) .This small town stands on a hill overlooking the Tyrrhenian coast. 

Tarquinia has ancient origins and was an Etruscan power center. In fact, this is where the Etruscan kings who ruled Rome came from. Tarquinia is home to the largest Etruscan museum in Italy, inside the splendid Vitelleschi Palace .

After your fill of history, enjoy a sunset stroll along Tarquinia's seafront promenade with a great gelato like the one from Gelateria Arcadia . It will be the best way to end your 5-day road trip to discover the Etruscan civilization.

Italy Train Trip #8: Lucca > Pisa > Cinque Terre

Explored by Jenoa of The Travel Folk  

Start: Lucca

End: Cinque Terre

Total Distance: 60 miles (97 km)

Highlights of this route: Art and architecture in Tuscany and Liguria

How many days: 5-7 days

This Italy train itinerary will take you to a beautiful medieval city, an iconic Italian landmark, and to five small towns along the Ligurian coast. 

Lucca (Day 1-2)

Start your train journey in Lucca , Italy, a town at the foot of the Tuscan hills with charming streets, grand piazzas, and wonderful food. Plan to spend two days here exploring the city center, which is often referred to as "The City of 100 Churches".

Make sure to visit the  Church of San Martino , one of the most beautiful churches in Lucca.

Take a bike ride along the city's historic medieval walls. You can rent bikes at any number of bike rental shops that line the circular wall. The path takes you around the entire old town and takes around 30 minutes to complete the loop. You could also combine an e-bike tour with wine tasting in the beautiful countryside surrounding Lucca.

Another must-do in Lucca is to climb the Guinigi Tower that is 45 meters high and oddly has a tree at the very top. The panoramic views of the hills and the city below are unbeatable. 

Pisa (Day 3)

After 2 days in Lucca, head to Pisa for one day to explore this popular Italian destination that is home to the "Leaning Tower of Pisa." The train ride only takes around 30 minutes. 

Spend the morning visiting the Pisa Cathedral Complex , which is home to the world-famous leaning bell tower, as well as a baptistry and a church. Pick up advance tickets to avoid wasting time in lines. In the afternoon, you can wander the streets, grab an aperitivo, and enjoy the city at a slower pace.

Cinque Terre (Day 4-6)

On day 4, make your way from  Pisa to Cinque Terre , which is about an hour train ride. You'll need to take the train to La Spezia station, the closest station to the Cinque Terre, and then change to a local train that has access to the coastal villages.

The Cinque Terre are made up of five small villages, including (north to south) Monterosso al Mare , Vernazza , Corniglia , Manarola , and Riomaggiore .

We recommend spending two to three days making your way through each of the towns as each is unique in its own way.  

Monterosso al Mare has the best beaches in Cinque Terre, and this is a great spot to spend an afternoon enjoying the blue Mediterranean waters. You can pick up a private boat tour from Riomaggiore marina to enjoy the views from the sea.

 Additionally, you can hike between the towns . The most popular hiking route is from Vernazza to Corniglia.

Finally, make sure to spend one night enjoying the sunset from Manarola and book a table at Trattoria da Billy for a meal that will knock your socks off. 

Italy Train Itinerary #9: Venice > Verona > Trento > Bolzano

Explored by Joanna of The World in My Pocket

End: Bolzano

Total Distance: 173 miles (280 km)

Highlights of this route: Classic Venice and alpine scenery of northern Italy

How many days: 7-9 days (2 in each city)

If you want to discover a different part of Italy, consider a train trip from Venice to Bolzano, via Verona and Trento.

Venice is one of the most romantic cities in Europe, but also one of the most affordable to fly into, which makes it a great place to start your trip.

Venice (Day 1-2)

The historic train station in Venice is at the outskirts of the city, a half an hour away from Rialto and another 10 minutes from San Marco Square . Make sure to explore Venice before embarking on your onwards trip, as there are plenty of things to do in the city. Book tickets for the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s followed by a gondola ride through the canals.

Foodies should plan on crawling the bacaro bars to taste the small bites, called cicchetti , Venice is known for. Don’t miss indulging in some of  the best gelato in Venice  either.

Verona (Day 3-4)

Your first official stop of this train trip will be Verona . This beautiful city was immortalized in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, so as you might imagine, this star-crossed love touches quite a bit of tourism in the city including what’s presumed to be Juliet’s balcony down a narrow street in the center of the city.

Verona is quite compact and can be visited in one or two days. Must-see highlights include the Arena and the  Castelvecchio Museum .

Next, you will travel to Trento, journey which takes less than one hour.

Trento (Day 5-6)

Trento is a beautiful city surrounded by tall mountains. Here you can see several lovely palaces with painted facades, visit Buonconsiglio Castle, or enjoy a delicious wild boar ragu pasta at a restaurant with a view of the Duomo.

Bolzano (Day 7-9)

The last stop of this trip is the mountain town of Bolzano, half an hour away from Trento by train. Here you can experience the mightiness of the Dolomites, go on a scenic cable car ride, and hike on Alpine trails .

Italy Train Trip #10: Turin > Milan > Brescia

Explored by Isabella of Boundless Roads

Start: Turin

End: Brescia

Total Distance: 167 miles (268 km)

Highlights of this route: The romance and pageantry of Imperial Italy

How many days: 8 days

If you love the allure of Italy’s Imperial past, this Italy by train itinerary includes three of our favorite cities: the majestic Savoy city of Turin (once the capital of Italy), the lively fashion city of Milan, and the too-often-forgotten Brescia.

This 8-day itinerary is especially flexible and can be adapted to your individual needs and time.

Turin (Day 1-2)

Turin , the capital of the Piedmont region , is a city often overlooked by tourists. The beautiful baroque architecture, delicious food, and rich history make it a must-visit destination.

Take a stroll through the historic center, visit the Royal Palace housing the Museum of Ancient Art , explore the Egyptian Museum with one of the world's largest collections of Egyptian artifacts, and marvel at the Mole Antonelliana , home to the museum of the history of cinema.

Don't miss trying the famous Bicerin, a hot beverage based on chocolate , coffee, and whipped cream, as well as the city's renowned chocolate and hazelnut treats.

Milan (Day 3-5)

Known as the capital of fashion, Milan is a city brimming with art museums and spectacular architecture.

Spend three days exploring the city center, from the iconic "arco della pace" through Parco Sempione to the Castello Sforzesco and Piazza Castello .

Visit the Duomo and enjoy art expositions in the Palazzo Reale , followed by shopping along Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Monte Napoleone .

Don't miss the famous Teatro La Scala and the artsy neighborhood of Brera , where you can visit the Pinacoteca di Brera showcasing some of Italy's most famous artworks.

Take a guided walking tour and visit the world-famous Cenacolo and the nearby church Santa Maria delle Grazie .

Brescia (Day 6-8)

Often overlooked, Brescia is a gem in the Lombardy region , offering a small open-air museum experience rich in history and culture.

Explore the historic center, including the charming Piazza della Loggia , and enjoy a walk along Via dei Musei to discover the Santa Giulia Museum and the Tempio Capitolino . Take a walk along the Castle wall and savor a delicious pizza in Piazzale Arnaldo .

Don't miss trying the city's famous dishes, such as the delicious casoncelli pasta.

These three cities provide a great taste of Italy's history, culture, and food, making them essential stops on your Italy train itinerary for an unforgettable trip.

Italy Train Trip #11: Venice > Padua > Vicenza > Bassano del Grappa > Brescia

Explored by Martina of Places of Juma

Total Distance: 150 miles (250 km)

Highlights of this route: The magnificent mall cities of northern Italy

How many days: 6-7 days

If you are looking for an exceptionally beautiful train route in Italy, we recommend the train route to Brescia route, starting in Venice and making stops in Padua, Vicenca and Bassano del Grappa. Here you can get to know a piece of northern Italy at its most beautiful.

Plan on at least 6-7 days for the route, as there is a lot to experience on these stops!

Since the nearest international airport to Padua is in Venice, just 37 km (23 miles) away, we recommend beginning this train itinerary in Venice and taking the train to Padua.

If you only allow for one day, be sure and take our self-guided walking tour through the quiet neighborhoods along the Grand Canal. It will introduce you to some of the prettiest, and lesser-seen sights in Venice.

Padua (Day 4-5)

The first stop on this classic Italy train route is Padua, and there are lots of things to do . Don’t miss seeing the main highlights, like the Cappella degli Scrovegni , the Prato della Valle and the Palazzo del Bo with the oldest anatomical theater in the world. This walking tour covers the most special parts of the old town.

Vincenza (Day 6-7)

The next stop on this itinerary is Vincenza, just 24 miles (40km) from Padua. Vincenza is an still an under-visited place off the typical tourist routes. Here you can visit the Teatro Olimpico , the first covered theater in the world, and the villas and palaces of the architect Palladio , which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Bassano del Grappa (Day 8)

The small town of Bassano del Grappa is another 24 miles (40km) past Vincenza, and a real gem in northern Italy. The most important attraction here is the red Ponte Vecchio bridge from the 13th century.

Brescia (Day 9)

The last stop of this itinerary is in Brescia, 105 miles (170 km) away. In 2023, Brescia shared the honor of bring Italy’s Cultural City with its neighbor Bergamo, chosen for its innovation in development and artistic and cultural heritage. Brescia has numerous sights to see, and the Capitolium and the San Salvatore-Santa Giulia monastery complex are must-sees.

It’s always tough deciding where to go in Italy, whether it’s your first trip or not. So why not choose an Italy train itinerary from this list and start making plans.

Taking the train through Italy is slow and sustainable travel through one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Best night trains in Europe

Growing in popularity, sleepers offer the perfect combination of travel and accommodation in one

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Long-distance train travel is having a moment it seems. Whether the appeal is the old-school romance of being rocked to sleep on the rails, perhaps waking up in another country, concerns about climate change and the carbon footprint of flying, or a desire to experience slow travel and take in more of your surroundings on your journey, a sleeper train offers the perfect combination of travel and accommodation in one. 

Taking a night train across Europe "is an exceptionally convenient, efficient and budget-friendly way to explore the region", said Rail Europe . That's because the price of your ticket also covers the cost of a night's accommodation. "So take the money you would have spent on a hotel and add another leg onto your trip or splurge at your next destination."

Here are some of Europe's best night train journeys.

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London to Venice

The Venice Simplon Orient Express is the "grand dame of sleeper trains", said The Times . Since being immortalised by Agatha Christie it's "become the byword for yesteryear elegance", as "one of the few surviving chariots of the golden age of travel". Luxe to the max, its interiors feature "wood panelling and lush drapes, antique lamps and art deco mirrors, and a Bar Car with live music". If money is no object, "splash out on one of the six grand suites for marble en suites, butler service and as much champagne as you can glug". Nowadays, you travel from London Victoria "aboard the luxury private Belmond British Pullman" to Paris, before joining the Orient Express for the overnight leg to Venice.

Find out more: belmond.com

Trondheim to Bodo

"Under normal circumstances, the jaw-dropping views offered by any Norwegian rail journey would make a night train a wasted opportunity," said Lonely Planet . However, travel this 430-mile route into the Arctic Circle in summer and "you needn't miss anything – the sun will hardly set". This means you can "enjoy views of woodland, lakes, mountains and tundra at any time of the night", said The Times. In winter it "looks like an understudy for the Polar Express" as it "snakes past pine forests laden with snow". And between September and March there's the chance of seeing the northern lights.

Find out more: sj.no

Brussels to Prague

The European Sleeper leaves Brussels Midi station at around 7.20pm and pulls into Prague just before 11am, "perfect timing for passengers to enjoy lunch and a stroll around the Czech capital before checking into a hotel", said CN Traveller . This route is an extension of the Brussels to Berlin service and "it's an ideal starting point for UK-based travelers looking to snooze their way deeper into Europe", said Lonely Planet, "since there's no need in Brussels to change stations (as in Paris)".

Find out more: europeansleeper.eu

Paris to Vienna

The French capital is "gradually restoring its reputation as a hub for overnight services", said The Times , with plans for multiple routes from 2025. For now, try the Nightjet from Gare de l'Est, a short walk from Eurostar's Gare du Nord, to Vienna. With "perhaps the most perfect timings of any overnight sleeper, leaving mid-evening and arriving just before elevenses", there's plenty of time to "savour this cross-section of Europe". In the evening, you're "traversing Champagne country to Strasbourg", then "sashaying along the Danube from Salzburg in the morning, with a big chunk of Germany in between".

Find out more: nightjet.com

Milan to Palermo

"Long and skinny", Italy is "ideal for train travel", said The Telegraph . And it's "still quite an odyssey" to leave Milan, "one of Europe's grandest railway palaces" and "go all the way to the toe of the boot and cross over to Sicily". This represents "the chance to ride a train and a boat at the same time", said The Times. After leaving the northern capital in the evening, and "heading south through the hours of darkness" it's time to enjoy "coffee and a croissant in your cabin" while "admiring the coastal views". The train is "shunted on to a special ferry" to cross the Strait of Messina to Sicily, and you'll reach Palermo late that afternoon.

Find out more: trenitalia.com

Zurich to Zagreb

Crossing five countries in around 15 hours, this is "one of Europe's most scenic routes", said Lonely Planet. It is particularly "worth taking" in summer, as it passes through Austria and Slovenia – "both countries where you're hard-pressed to find an unattractive railway line". The train leaves Zurich at 7.40pm and, next morning, "be sure to wake up before 8am", said The New Zealand Herald , "as the last section between Ljubljana and Zagreb, when the train snakes alongside the Sava River, is one of the most picturesque".

London-Scotland

One of the UK's two sleepers, both of which "have recently benefited from major upgrades" that "many see as a vote of confidence in the country's overnight services", said Lonely Planet. Departing from London Euston, the "legendary" Caledonian Sleeper heads north "via a series of carriage shuffles unnoticed by the snoozing passenger, reaches Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen, Fort William and points in between". On a moonlight night you can expect "sweeping views of stately castles and remote Highland wilderness", said The Times. These new trains "provide proper 21st-century comforts" including Wi-Fi, room service and complimentary sleep kits. Accommodation options include en-suite double cabins, twin bunks and "comfort seats". And in the morning "the menu features everything from porridge to a cooked full Highland breakfast".

Find out more: sleeper.scot

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Why it's high time for slow travel in Gstaad, Switzerland

There’s something about soaring mountains, sparkling lakes and dense forests that can provide the perfect backdrop for a much-needed reset. Relax, recharge and lean into a more mindful summer getaway in the holiday region Gstaad.

Laid-back, low-key, leisurely, languorous. There are many ways to describe the summer lifestyle in Gstaad, a characterful village tucked away in the Bernese Alps that encourages visitors to come up and slow down. The region was once described as "the last paradise in a crazy world" by actress and honorary resident Julie Andrews, who has owned a home here for over 50 years. Indeed, it's a place that seems made for those looking to fine-tune the art of slow travel — a softer, more considered form of travel that's been growing in popularity in recent years. Slow travel requires a visitor to take time to appreciate the essence of a destination — choosing experiences that connect to its communities, and activities that allow immersion in its nature.  

The village of Gstaad, in the heart of Switzerland’s picturesque Saanen region, is perfectly primed for these types of getaways. Here, summer haze drifts slowly over five finger-like valleys — formed by God’s handprint, as the local legend goes, with Gstaad in the palm. Snow-dusted mountaintops rise up to meet pure blue skies, and waterfalls spill down sheer granite cliffs into pastures scattered with flower-festooned chalets and old farmhouses.

Long renowned as a top wellness destination, Gstaad was an early favourite of British Alpinists, who were drawn in by the mountain air and outdoor lifestyle. Today, the village remains a choice spot for those seeking a much-needed mid-year pause, opting for slower, softer travel.  

Begin by easing yourself into the area’s stunning natural surroundings with a gentle hike. Follow the Swiss cows up to the sun-warmed slopes, where a network of 185 miles of easily accessible trails and paths meander through lush green pastures and shady forests while, wherever you go, cowbells provide the soundtrack.

For a smoother journey, consider heading out on two wheels to explore the 95 miles of bike trails that loop around the region. Hiring an e-bike allows you to relax into the surroundings even on uphill tracks, the motor helping to ease effort levels. For the most scenic route, follow the trail from Gstaad to the traditional village of Lauenen and around its namesake lake, a wonderfully picturesque spot framed by forests. Stop to take a boat out, or wade in for a dip in its cool, calming waters. Indeed, being around ‘blue space’ has been known to have similar wellness benefits to ‘green space’, resulting in decreased feelings of stress and negativity.  

A similarly restorative route takes in Lake Arnen, in the shadow of Les Diablerets. Spend some time fishing or stand-up paddleboarding, before pedalling on to the Rössli restaurant in nearby Feutersoey for a long and languorous meal in its flower-covered garden. Set within a centuries-old chalet, this family-run inn puts a gourmet spin on hearty classics such as wiener schnitzel and whole royal pigeon. Don’t miss the trout meunière, a recipe that’s been passed down through generations and is served with boiled potatoes and spinach.

Continue your sojourn in the slow lane at one of Gstaad’s Alpine spas. Situated just off the cobbled, car-free promenade, the family-owned luxury hotel Le Grand Bellevue started life as a health spa in 1912. Guests still seek sanctuary in its vast wellness centre, which is the largest in the region. Whether staying in one of the hotel’s large, opulent rooms, or simply visiting for the day, opportunities abound to soak in a bubbling hot tub, cleanse yourself in the salt inhalation grotto and breathe in local botanicals in the herbal or hay sauna — before cooling off in the ice fountain.

However, while summer signals slower, sun-filled days for many, it’s all systems go for the region’s farmers. There are 340 working farms and around 11,000 cows in the region and, from late spring, the prized herds ascend to the high pastures to graze on grass and Alpine herbs. Traditionally the farmers sleep up here in their summer farmsteads, perched on the slopes, and make cheese from the grass-rich unpasteurised milk on a wood fire every morning. For the best taste of this lcoal speciality, head to one of the huge fondue caquelon (pots) that are dotted throughout the region, where you can feast on hot cheese thanks to a 'fondue backpack' from a local dairy. Or, amble along the one-hour Cheese Trail from Berghaus Wispile to Alp Bodme, where you can tour the cheese dairy, sample its produce and pet the animals in the neighbouring barn.  

To taste this local produce in hearty regional dishes, visit one of Gstaad’s many low-key mountain restaurants. Top picks include Refuge l’Espace , a rustic hut on Glacier 3000 where visitors can take a seat on the large sun-splashed deck under the looming rock of the Quille du Diable, while keeping watch for bearded vultures. Graze on air-dried local meats and wafer-thin curls of the area’s traditional cheese, Berner Hobelkäse AOC, washed down with a glass of fresh and floral 'petite arvine'. Indeed, the fragrant wines of the area are one of Switzerland’s best-kept secrets.  

Visit as summer draws to an end and you may witness the Gstaad Züglete, the annual August cattle drive, when the cows and bulls are resplendent with headdresses and huge cowbells as they are led back down to spend winter in the valley.  

Three slow hikes in Gstaad

1. Wispile to Lake Lauenen Catch the cable car up to Wispile — a mountain just south of the village of Gstaad — then follow this rewarding three-hour trail along the ridge, through high meadows and down into shady forests, before finally reaching the gleaming shores of Lake Lauenen.  

2. Horneggli Panorama Trail   Incredible views of the jagged Bernese Alps await on this high-altitude hike. Start in Zweisimmen and take the cable car up the Rinderberg, then follow the trail signs to Hornberg along the Gandlouenen Ridge. Hop on the Horneggli chairlift back to Schönried, from which it’s less than 15 minutes on the bus back to Gstaad.

3. Lauenen to the Fondue Caquelon Armed with a fondue backpack kit from one of the many local dairies, follow the trail from sleepy Lauenen through the forest to an oversized caquelon (fondue pot) — essentially a pot-shaped table and bench — to fire up your kit. Feast on bubbling cheese as you gaze over the Geltenschutz and Tungelschutz waterfalls.

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