Trains in Italy

Hopping aboard a train in Italy is a spellbinding adventure, plunging you into a land brimming with vibrant culture, timeless history, and jaw-dropping scenery at every turn! Italy, a cornerstone of Europe’s past for over a millennium, invites you to explore its major cities and small towns, each brimming with Roman ruins, Renaissance art, and iconic landmarks. From the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside to the picturesque coastlines of the Amalfi Coast, traveling in Italy offers a front-row seat to endless beauty, warm hospitality, and a rich tapestry of Italian customs. With every stop, savor the country’s famous food, marvel at astonishing architecture, and soak in the legacy of the Roman Empire. Whether you’re planning a great trip to visit Italy or dreaming of your next trip, here’s why Italy travel by train is a must—complete with travel tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Frecciarossa

Trenitalia’s fastest train whisks travelers between must-see destinations like Rome’s Colosseum, Milan’s Duomo, Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, and Naples’ historic Spaccanapoli in record time, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h.

Frecciargento

Offering a mix of high-speed and conventional rail, this train connects Rome to Verona’s enchanting Juliet’s Balcony, Bolzano’s scenic Dolomites, and Lecce’s imposing Baroque architecture, making it ideal for those who want both speed and breathtaking landscapes.

Frecciabianca

Running at speeds of up to 200 km/h on conventional tracks, Frecciabianca links Milan with Genoa’s picturesque Portofino, the coastal charm of Rimini, and the sun-soaked beaches of Bari, perfect for travelers seeking seaside escapes.

Italo

Italy’s private high-speed train service offers a luxurious way to explore major cities like Venice, where you can glide along the Grand Canal, Rome, home to the Vatican and Pantheon, and Naples, famous for Pompeii and authentic Neapolitan pizza.

Intercity (IC)

Connects major Italian cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan, offering a comfortable ride with reserved seating and amenities. Great for reaching historical gems like Pisa’s Leaning Tower, Bologna’s medieval towers, and Turin’s Egyptian Museum.

Intercity Notte (ICN)

Italy’s overnight train service, ideal for long-distance travel while you sleep. Routes include Milan to Sicily, Rome to Palermo, and Venice to Naples, allowing travelers to wake up refreshed and ready to explore destinations like Sicily’s Valley of the Temples or Naples’ bustling Spaccanapoli.

EuroCity (EC)

Cross-border trains linking Italy with neighboring countries like Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. Travel from Milan to Zurich for breathtaking Swiss Alps views or from Venice to Munich to experience Bavarian charm.

Regionale (R)

The most common regional train, making frequent stops between cities and small towns. Perfect for reaching destinations like Pisa from Florence, Verona from Venice, or exploring the vineyards of Tuscany.

Regionale Veloce (RV)

A faster version of the Regionale, stopping only at key stations. Ideal for traveling between cities like Rome and Florence or Milan and Bologna while still enjoying an affordable fare.

Trenord

Operates regional services in Lombardy, including connections to Lake Como, Bergamo, and Milan Malpensa Airport, making it a great choice for day trips in northern Italy.

TiLo (Treni Regionali Ticino Lombardia)

A regional train service connecting northern Italy with Switzerland, offering scenic routes between Milan, Como, and Lugano.

SFM (Servizio Ferroviario Metropolitano)

A suburban rail service operating in cities like Turin and Bologna, linking urban centers with surrounding towns.

Night Trains

Italy’s night trains offer cozy sleeper options that turn overnight travel into a restful adventure, perfect for long hauls like the 10-hour journey from Rome to Sicily. Equipped with cabins ranging from basic couchettes to private sleepers with beds, these trains—mostly run by Trenitalia—let you doze off in Rome and wake up to Sicily’s sunlit shores. They’re a budget-friendly, time-saving way to cover vast distances while dreaming under the Italian stars.