Have you been wondering how to travel by train in Italy? I’ve got you covered!
I know the thought of traveling by train in Italy for the first time can be nerve-wracking. You’re worried about buying the right tickets, getting lost, wondering where you’ll put your luggage, and not understanding how it all works.
Traveling by train in Italy has been a part of almost every trip I’ve taken there for the last twenty years.
I’ve put together these Italy train travel tips based on my own experiences. These tips will help you to enjoy a seamless journey on the rails.
QUICK TIP: I book my train tickets with OMIO for the best English-speaking user experience.1
Understanding The Differences Between Italian Trains
Italy offers various train services for different travel needs, from high-speed routes connecting major cities to regional lines through the countryside. Knowing the differences between these services can help you plan your journey better.
High-Speed Trains In Italy:
Public High-Speed Train Service:
Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca are high-speed trains owned and operated by Trenitalia, the national train company of Italy.
- Frecciarossa: The fastest option, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h (190 mph). It connects major cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, Naples, and Turin.
- Frecciargento: Slightly slower but still very fast, reaching speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour (155 mph), operating on routes that combine high-speed and conventional tracks. It connects cities like Rome, Venice, Verona, and Bari.
- Frecciabianca: Runs on conventional tracks at speeds up to 200 km/h (124 mph), connecting medium-sized cities and coastal areas.
Private High-Speed Train Service:
Italo is a private high-speed train service can reach speeds of up to 360 km/h (220 mph). It rivals the Frecciarossa in terms of speed and comfort. It connects major cities like Rome, Milan, Naples, and Venice.
Benefits of High-Speed Trains:
- Speed: Significantly reduces travel time between major cities.
- Comfort: Modern trains with amenities like Wi-Fi, spacious seating, and dining options.
- Frequency: Regular departures make it convenient to find a train that fits your schedule.
Intercity Trains In Italy:
Intercity trains in Italy bridge the gap between the Freccia express trains and the more local regional options. They cater to medium and long-distance journeys, connecting major cities without the breakneck pace of the Freccia. They offer a comfortable ride with fewer stops compared to regional trains.
Regional Trains In Italy:
Trenitalia Regional (Regionale) trains connect smaller towns and rural areas to larger cities. These trains are slower and stop frequently at smaller stations. The benefits of regional trains include their accessibility, as they can reach destinations that high-speed trains don’t cover, and their affordability compared to high-speed options.
First Class vs. Second Class Train Tickets In Italy
In Italy, the main differences between first and second class train tickets boil down to comfort and space.
First class offers wider, more comfortable seats with extra legroom and occasionally perks like free snacks or drinks on long journeys, depending on the train type. It is generally less crowded. On the other hand, second class is still very comfortable, with standard-size seats similar to airplane coach class, though it can get busy, especially on popular routes or during peak travel times.
For short trips under an hour, second class is perfectly fine and can save you some euros. For longer trips, if legroom and extra space are important to you, first class might be worth the splurge. However, if you’re budget-conscious, second class remains a great choice as you’ll still get a seat and the journey will be pleasant.
The difference between classes is more noticeable on high-speed trains like Frecciarossa and Frecciargento, while regional trains like Intercity and Regional don’t have that much difference in comfort and amenities.
QUICK TIP: Check photos of the train type you’re considering online to compare seating arrangements in both classes.
What Are The Names Of The Major Train Stations In Italy?
Get familiar with major stations like Roma Termini, Milano Centrale, Firenze Santa Maria Novella, and Venezia Santa Lucia. You can use Google Maps or the station maps available on Trenitalia and Italo websites to get an idea of where the platforms, ticket offices, restrooms, and other facilities are located.
QUICK TIP: When searching for tickets on Trenitalia or Italo be sure to use the Italian name of the station. For instance, if you are booking a ticket to or from Florence you need to enter the name “Firenze” or you won’t be able to find the station in the search. (i.e. Roma (Rome), Firenze (Florence), Milano (Milan), Venezia (Venice), Genova (Genoa)).
Choosing The Right Company To Buy Your Tickets From
Omio (Travel Booking Platform)1
Omio is a travel booking platform that allows users to compare prices and trains from both Trenitalia and Italo on a single platform. It features a user-friendly interface with various filters such as price, time, and duration, and offers ticket management options through the Omio app. The service provides an easy way to compare train options and find the best deal, with a convenient and straightforward booking process. Additionally, customer service is available in English and several other languages. One drawback is that there might be a small service fee compared to booking directly with the train company.
Trenitalia (National Train Operator)
Trenitalia offers an extensive network reaching many small towns and offers various ticket types, including Frecce high-speed, Intercity, and Regionale. You can purchase tickets on their website or their mobile app. Trenitalia can be the cheapest option for some routes and is good for reaching a wider variety of destinations, especially less common locations. However, the website can be complex, particularly for non-Italian speakers and customer service may not always be in English. Some foreign travelers also find it difficult to use an international credit card for purchases, so it can be hit or miss.
Italo (Private Train Operator)
Italo offers a modern alternative for train travel in Italy. Their sleek, high-speed trains boast comfortable seating, ample legroom, and often on-board entertainment systems. A key benefit is their focus on technology, with a user-friendly online booking system and a mobile app for easy ticket management. Additionally, Italo is known for competitive pricing, particularly when booking in advance.
QUICK TIP:
• Choose Omio for convenient online bookings, English customer support, and seamless use of international credit cards.
• If you don’t have internet access in Italy because you don’t have an international phone plan or eSIM, purchase paper tickets at the train station so you don’t have trouble accessing your tickets on travel day.
Do I Need To Reserve A Seat On A Train In Italy?
The answer varies based on the train you’re taking. Similar to air travel, buying a ticket is distinct from reserving a seat.
For high-speed trains like Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca, reservations are usually mandatory. Benefits of reservations include a guaranteed seat, especially important on busy routes, and the ability to choose your preferred spot.
For regional trains like Regionale and Regionale Veloce, reservations are typically not required; just buy a ticket and hop on, as seating is first come, first served.
When booking your ticket, check the train type to see if a reservation is needed, as websites and apps will usually indicate this.
There’s typically a small extra fee for reserving a seat, ranging from €10 – €15 (USD $11 – $17) for most high-speed trains, and possibly €3 – €10 (USD $3 – $11) for some regional trains.
Buying Paper Tickets For Train Travel In Italy
You can buy paper tickets from automated ticket machines or directly from a ticket window.
This method can be useful if you prefer to pay in cash, need assistance, or simply like having a physical ticket in hand.
If you’r purchasing from a machine you will have the option to change the language to English.
QUICK TIP: In larger train stations, if you need to approach the ticket counter to get help, it’s common to take a number and wait for your turn at the ticket window. Keep an eye on the display screens to know when your number is called.
Packing And Preparation
When preparing for a train journey, it’s essential to pack light. Aim to bring only what you can comfortably carry, as you will need to handle your own luggage on and off the train. This approach ensures that you can move easily and avoid unnecessary strain.
Don’t forget your passport. It’s crucial to bring either the physical document or at least an image of it, as it may be required for ticket validation by the train conductor. Having this information readily accessible can save you from potential hassles during your journey.
Lastly, plan to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train’s departure. This gives you ample time to find your platform and get settled without the rush.
How To Find Your Platform
The stations will also have two big screens—one for arrivals and one for departures. You obviously will be looking at the departure screen. The screen will show the train type, train number, final destination, hour it’s scheduled to depart, whether or not it’s delayed and the platform (binario) number where you will board the train.
The platform number will show up on the big screen around 10 minutes before the departure time. If you got the platform number from an app, double check the big board at the train station because sometimes it can change at the last minute.
Always be sure the train you are boarding matches the train number on your ticket. Don’t just rely on the name of the final destination. Train schedules can change without notice, and even trains with the same final destination may take different routes or make additional stops along the way. Therefore, it’s essential to double-check that the train number listed on your ticket matches that of the train you are boarding.
Avoid Scams And Stay Safe
Train stations can be hotbeds for scams and theft. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited offers for help, especially with luggage. When using ticket machines or ATMs, shield your PIN and be aware of your surroundings.
Pickpockets often operate in crowded areas. Keep valuables close to your body in secure pockets or concealed bags. Be mindful of your belongings, especially in busy crowds.
A common tactic is for thieves to create distractions or physical contact to divert your attention while accomplices steal your items.
My mother once experienced a pickpocketing attempt in a crowded Rome train station. A well-dressed individual bumped into her, and within seconds, her purse was slashed open.
Fortunately, she had placed a magazine inside the bag, preventing the thieves from injuring her and accessing its contents.
Accessing The Platform
At many train stations in Italy you will need to go through an underpass (sottopassagio) to reach your platform. There are always signs showing you how to get to your platform number.
While most stations have elevators, the ones at smaller ones can often be out of order. So, pack light to manage your luggage on the stairs if needed.
Validate Your Tickets
To ensure your ticket is valid for your journey, it must be validated before boarding. This step is essential to avoid fines.
For paper tickets, use the green or yellow machines near the platforms.
For digital tickets, open the app where you purchased the ticket and click the “check-in” button.
I cannot stress enough the importance of this step to avoid penalties. If a conductor checks your ticket during the journey and finds it invalidated, you will be fined approximately 100 euros on the spot.
QUICK TIP: If you are riding on a high-speed train, there isn’t a need to validate or check-in your ticket because they are pre-booked with reserved seats.
Boarding The Train
If you’re riding a regional train you can hop on any carriage (carrozza) and find a set.
When boarding a fast train with seat reservations, take note of your carriage number listed on the ticket.
Look for digital screens along the platform (binario). About 10 minutes prior to the train’s arrival, a number will appear on the screens indicating where you should wait to board your designated carriage number.
Be Aware Of Potential Train Strikes
Stay informed about possible strikes (scioperi) that could affect your travel plans. Transportation strikes are common in Italy and can disrupt train schedules.
Check for any announcements online or at the station before your travel day. Websites like Trenitalia and Italo provide updates on scheduled strikes, and having this information can help you adjust your plans accordingly. If a strike is happening, consider alternative travel options or adjust your itinerary to avoid disruptions.
On The Train
High-speed trains often offer Wi-Fi, power outlets, and USB ports for charging devices.
Most regional trains will have power outlets, but I recommend bringing a portable charger.
High-speed trains frequently have dining cars or cafes. On regional trains be prepared with your own snacks and water.
Approximately half the time a conductor will check your ticket, so keep it handy.
Arriving At Your Destination
Be ready to disembark at least 5 minutes before you arrive at your stop.
Once the train has fully stopped you’ll be able to press the green button to open the train door and disembark.
Take advantage of luggage storage facilities at major stations if you have a long layover.
Helpful Italian Vocabulary For Train Travel
These are just a few basic words and phrases to get you started. There are many more words and expressions that you might find useful when traveling by train in Italy.
- Stazione ferroviaria (stah-tsio-nay fer-ro-via-ria) – train station
- Treno (tre-no) – train
- Binario (bee-na-rio) – platform
- Biglietto (bil-yet-to) – ticket
- Partenza (par-ten-tsa) – departure
- Arrivo (ar-ri-vo) – arrival
- Ritardo (ree-tar-do) – delay
- Cancellato (kan-chel-la-to) – canceled
- Carrozza (kar-rot-tsa) – carriage (train car)
- Bagaglio (bah-ga-lio) – luggage
- Sottopassaggio (so-tto-pas-sa-jo) – underpass
Useful phrases:
- Il treno è in ritardo? (il tre-no eh in ree-tar-do?) – Is the train delayed?
- Ho perso il biglietto. (oh per-so il bil-yet-to) – I lost my ticket.
Italian Phrases For Buying Train Tickets And Asking for Directions
Buying Tickets
- Un biglietto per [destination], per favore. (oon bil-yet-to per [destination], per fa-vo-re) – A ticket to [destination], please.
- Quanto costa un biglietto per…? (kwahn-to koh-sta oon bil-yet-to per…?) – How much is a ticket to…?
- Andata e ritorno (an-da-ta e ree-tor-no) – Round trip
- Solo andata (so-lo an-da-ta) – One way
- Quanto costa? (kwahn-to koh-sta) – How much does it cost?
- Accetto carte di credito? (at-chet-to kar-te di kre-di-to) – Do you accept credit cards?
- Voglio prenotare un posto. (vo-lio pre-no-ta-re oon poh-sto) – I would like to reserve a seat.
Asking For Directions
- Dov’è la biglietteria? (doh-vay eh la bil-yet-te-ria) – Where is the ticket office?
- Dov’è il binario…? (doh-vay eh il bee-na-rio…?) – Where is platform…?
- Come si arriva a…? (ko-me si ar-ri-va a…?) – How do I get to…?
- Scusi, dove sono i bagni? (sku-zi, doh-ve so-no i bah-ni) – Excuse me, where are the restrooms?
- C’è un deposito bagagli? (cheh oon de-po-si-to bah-ga-li) – Is there a luggage storage?
FAQs About Traveling By Train In Italy
How far in advance should I book my ticket?
High-speed trains (Frecce and Italo) tickets are usually released 90-120 days in advance. Booking early often leads to better deals and seat availability. Regional train tickets are typically available 60 days in advance. You can usually buy them closer to your travel date without issues.
Can I bring a bike on the train?
Trenitalia Regional Trains:
Bikes are allowed on board, requiring a separate ticket purchase at a small fee (approximately €3.50 for the entire day). Designated areas with bike symbols on train cars indicate where your bike can be stored.
Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca:
Folding bikes are the sole type permitted on these high-speed trains, and they must be folded and stored in assigned luggage spaces. Non-folding bikes are prohibited.
Italo:
You can bring a folded bike on Italo trains for free if it’s in a bike bag and doesn’t exceed 120cm x 90cm.
How much luggage can I bring on the train?
There are no luggage limits on trains, but it’s best to pack light and avoid large bags.
Maneuvering big bags in regional train stations can be tough.
Finding storage for large bags on trains, especially during peak travel times, can be tricky.
Sometimes, you can’t keep a big bag in sight. If you need a large suitcase, think about getting a luggage cord with lock to secure it to the rack and ease your worries about it being taken.
Can I bring a stroller on the train in Italy?
Yes, you can bring a stroller on a train in Italy, but you’ll need to fold it up and store it with your luggage.
Is there wheelchair access on the trains in Italy?
Yes, most trains in Italy are wheelchair accessible. High-speed trains offer the best access. Booking a wheelchair space ahead of time is vital, particularly for busy routes. While assistance is offered at major stations, it’s best to pre-book. Remember, some trains and stations may not be fully accessible, so plan carefully and do your research ahead of time.
QUICK TIP: I book my train tickets with OMIO for the best user experience.1
Final Thoughts
The idea of navigating Italy’s train system might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right information, it’s a breeze! By understanding the different train types, booking wisely, and following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Have you traveled by train in Italy? I’d love to hear about your experiences! Share your tips, favorite routes, and any challenges you faced in the comments below!
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