4.9
4.6Overview of high-speed trains in Italy
Italy is home to one of Europe's most advanced high-speed rail networks. Known locally as Alta Velocità (AV), high-speed trains in Italy connect major cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, Naples, Bologna and Turin in just a few hours. Often faster than flying once airport transfers are factored in.
Two operators compete on these routes: state-owned Trenitalia with its Frecciarossa and Frecciargento trains, and private operator Italo. The result: frequent departures, modern amenities and competitive fares on Italy's busiest corridors.
Why choose high-speed trains in Italy?
- Speed: Up to 300 km/h. Rome to Milan in under 3 hours.
- City-center to city-center: Stations like Roma Termini and Milano Centrale put you right in the heart of the city.
- Comfort: Wi-Fi, power sockets and multiple class options as standard.
- Sustainability: A fraction of the CO₂ of an equivalent flight.
The Italian high-speed rail network
Italy's Alta Velocità network covers around 1,467 km of dedicated high-speed lines, forming a "T-shape" that links the country's main hubs. The main north–south corridor runs Turin → Milan → Bologna → Florence → Rome → Naples → Salerno, with an eastern axis linking Milan → Verona → Venice. Trains continue onto upgraded conventional lines to reach destinations such as Reggio Calabria, Bari and Lecce without changing.
High-speed train operators in Italy
Italy is one of the only European countries with full competition on high-speed rail, giving travelers more choice and better prices.
Trenitalia – Le Frecce
- Frecciarossa: Up to 300 km/h. Connects Turin, Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Naples and Salerno.
- Frecciargento: Up to 250 km/h on mixed high-speed and conventional lines (e.g. Rome–Venice, Rome–Bari).
Italo (NTV)
Italy's private high-speed operator runs sleek Italo EVO and AGV trains at up to 250 km/h across 50+ cities. Known for modern fleets, sharp promotional fares and a Cinema carriage on selected services.
Popular high-speed routes in Italy
The busiest corridors on Italy's high-speed network connect the country's economic and tourism hubs. Here are the routes Italians and visitors book most:
- Rome → Florence: Italy's busiest high-speed route. A quick hop with frequent departures throughout the day.
- Rome → Milan: The classic business corridor. Direct non-stop services connect the two largest cities.
- Milan → Venice: Northern Italy's main east-west axis with multiple Frecciarossa and Italo options.
- Rome → Naples: The fastest growing corridor. A short hop into southern Italy.
- Florence → Venice: A direct high-speed link between two of Italy's most-visited cities.
- Milan → Rome: Reverse direction, equally frequent.
How to book high-speed train tickets in Italy
On Omio you can compare Trenitalia and Italo side-by-side, filter by price or duration, and book in your own currency. Tickets are stored digitally in the app. No need to queue at the station.
Tip: High-speed fares in Italy are dynamic. The cheapest tickets ("Super Economy" on Trenitalia, "Low Cost" on Italo) typically appear well before departure and sell out fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast are high-speed trains in Italy?
- Frecciarossa and Italo: up to 300 km/h
- Frecciargento: up to 250 km/h
Do I need a seat reservation?
- Yes. Mandatory on all high-speed services.
- Included in the ticket price.
When should I book to get the cheapest fare?
- Well in advance for the lowest fares.
- Cheaper fare buckets sell out as departure approaches.
Trenitalia or Italo — which should I choose?
- Trenitalia: more departures, reaches more destinations (incl. Sicily).
- Italo: sharp promo fares, modern fleet.
- Compare both side-by-side on Omio.