Trains in Italy, Tickets and Timetables

Italian Train Tickets

Italian Train Companies

Popular Routes

Sustainability

Night Trains

Trains in Italy: FAQs

Trains in Italy: Traveling with Rail Through Italy

The Italian train network is one of the best ways to travel to and around Italy. Travelers can admire the beautiful scenery of the country as they pass through cities, mountains, countryside, lakes or by the sea. A few of the noteworthy routes with scenic views are the Bernina Express which goes from Italy to Switzerland crossing the Alps, the Trenino Verde which travels across the island of Sardinia, and the Cinque Terre Express which passes by all five towns of Cinque Terre. The majority of the main cities in Italy have routes that directly connect (such as Turin, Milan, Florence, and Rome). Trains in Italy also offer routes that connect to neighboring countries like Switzerland, France, and Germany.

Book your Italian Train Ticket with Omio

When booking tickets for trains in Italy using the services Omio has to offer, travelers can effortlessly plan their trips. If travelers wish to use Omio, they first must start by selecting the location of the departure and arrival, as well as the desired departure dates. Once these details have been selected, travelers will be granted access to a webpage that will provide them with clear and valuable information needed to plan their trip to Italy.

On this webpage, travelers will have the option to choose between specific currencies with which they wish to purchase the tickets, insert any discount codes they may have, as well as decide how to sort their travel preferences (i.e. lower price or fastest travel time). After the tickets have been purchased, travelers will be able to directly access their tickets straight from their mobile phones.

• Tickets on your phone and live journey updates in our app: You can book your e-ticket online directly on Omio or the website of the train company. To book a train in Italy you can do it with Trenitalia or Italo depending on the company you have chosen. To buy your train ticket in English, and to compare over 1000 train and bus companies on the Omio app and get live journey updates with our app.
• Purchase tickets at the train station: Yoau can also buy your ticket directly at one of Italy's many train stations. You can buy your ticket at one of the station's sales offices, in advance or directly on the same day. In general, it is more advantageous to buy your ticket in advance when it comes to high-speed trains.
• Printing your tickets at the station: Some electronic tickets must be printed on the automatic terminals, be careful when booking online. With Omio, you will not need to print your e-ticket and you can travel by train directly to Italy with your phone. To collect your tickets in the automatic stations, you must bring your reservation code received by mail. You can also buy your tickets directly at the stations at the automatic stations until 5 minutes before the departure of the train. Payment is made by cash or credit card.

Train Companies in Italy

Italy has two main train companies which offer routes going all over the country. Trenitalia is the main train company in Italy and it provides both high-speed and regional trains, as well as airport transfers (Malpensa Express & Leonardo Express). Trenitalia is divided into a few services, Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca. Frecciarossa has routes that go from Venice to Salerno, Trieste to Turin, Turin to Salerno, and Roma Termini to Fiumicino Airport. The Frecciargento routes lead from Sibari to Bolzano, Fiumicino Airport to Udine, Rome to Trieste, Rome to Verona, Rome to Mantua, Rome to Genoa, Rome to Lecce, Rome to Reggio Calabria, and Naples to Bolzano. The Frecciabianca has routes that go from Milan to Lecce/Taranto, Venice to Bologna, Rome to Reggio Calabria, and Turin to Ancona.

Another Italian train company is Italo, which only offers high-speed trains and exclusively provides routes from Milan to Salerno and Turin to Venice. These routes include stops in various cities such as Bergamo, Florence, Rome, Udine, Bolzano, and Naples.

Trenitalia: Trenitalia is Italy's main train company, traveling between 200 cities in Italy. Trenitalia also operates Intercity Night trains between distant Italian cities.

Trenitalia Frecciarossa: Trenitalia's Frecciarossa and Frecciarossa 1000 trains are the fastest trains in Italy, reaching top speeds of 300 km/h and 400 km/h respectively. Frecciarossa trains run along 4 routes in Italy:

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

Popular Frecciarossa Connections

Rome to Florence Florence to Rome Florence to Venice Bologna to Florence

Milan to Florence Florence to Milan Rome to Venice Venice to Florence

Florence to Venice Venice to Rome Milan to Florence Florence to Rome

Trenitalia Frecciargento: Trenitalia Frecciargento trains are the second fastest type of train in Italy, reaching top speeds of 250 km/h. Over 50 Frecciargento trains travel through Italy every day. For example Frecciargento trains travel from Rome to Verona in 2 hours and 50 minutes and from Rome to Venice in 3 hours and 19 minutes. The newest Frecciargento train route travels from Rome to Bolzano in 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Trenitalia Frecciabianca: Frecciabianca trains are the third fastest type of Trenitalia train. Frecciabianca trains run 86 routes in Italy every day, primarily between large and medium sized cities. For example, Frecciabianca trains travel from Milan to Ancona in 4 hours and from Genoa to Rome in 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Italo: Italo is a high-speed train company created in 2011 as an alternative to Trenitalia. High-speed Italo NTV trains travel up to 360 km/h and travel along 4 routes in Italy:

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

Train Travel in Italy: Popular Routes

Popular national routes by train

Train travel is one of the most popular modes of transportation in Italy. The Italian train network is expansive, meaning it is one of the best ways of getting around the country. Moreover, you get to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the various routes, as you get from point A to B. You will have high-speed and regular long-distance trains in Italy, serving the three most popular national train routes, Rome to Venice, Florence to Milan, and Pisa to Florence. You can book trains in Italy using the Omio app and get all the information you need, including schedules, durations, ticket prices, stops, and departure and arrival stations all in one place.

• Rome to Venice train: Trains on this route start as early as around 5:30 a.m. and run until late. The route is served by both high-speed trains and regular long-distance trains. Trenitalia and Italo are the main train providers on this route, with the fastest train taking about 4 hours to get to Venice. The trains head out from Rome Termini and arrive at Venice Santa Lucia train station, and Bologna Centrale is the most common stop for connecting trains.
• Florence to Milan train: Trains from Florence to Milan are available from around 2:30 a.m. and run up to around 10:30 p.m. Over 40 trains make this trip daily, with the schedule including high-speed and regular long-distance trains. The high-speed journeys take about 2 hours, while the long-distance trains can take up to 6 hours on this trip. The main departure and arrival stations are Florence Santa Maria Novella and Milan Centrale, respectively. Bologna is the most common stop for connecting trains on this journey.
• Pisa to Florence: Trenitalia is the main provider of trains from Pisa to Florence. Over 40 trains are available every day for this journey, with services available from around 4:15 a.m. to around 10: 30 p.m. The route has both direct and connecting services, with most trains being high-speed trains that take about 1 hour to get from Pisa Centrale to Florence Santa Maria Novella train station. The connecting train takes around 2 hours, with either a stopover in Lucca or Santa Maria Novella, before heading out to Florence Rifredi station.

Popular International Routes by Train

Travelers that plan to visit Italy using the trains as their means of transportation will find that Omio provides a service that makes planning easy and efficient. Being located in the proximity of other countries, Turin and Milan are two of the main cities for travelers wanting to arrive in, or depart from, with trains in Italy. The most popular routes these cities offer are the following:

• Milan: some of the direct international routes from Milan go to Zurich (Frecciargento and Frecciabianca) and to Paris (TGV).
• Turin: a couple of the direct international routes from Turin go to Paris (TGV), and go to Lyon (SNCF).

International train travel is also available to other Italian cities, such as Florence and even Naples, although a change of train (or several) will be required.

More Information about Trains in Italy

Most Italian cities are linked by rail. The most popular train routes in Italy are between major cities like Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan and Naples. All large cities are connected by Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa and Italo’s NTV high-speed trains. Regional and scenic routes are also quite popular given Italy’s undeniable beauty. Specifically, there are two train journeys worth noting for traversing some of the most scenic landscapes in Italy - the Bernina Express between Italy and Switzerland, which journeys across the Alps, and the Trenino Verde or Little Green Train, one of the longest tourist rail routes in Europe traveling through 404 km of wild and unspoiled scenery on the Italian island of Sardinia.

Popular Italian Train Destinations

Italy is a country filled with great food, history, art, and culture, so naturally, it would appear high up on the list of places to visit for many travelers. Once in the country, you’ll have a plethora of museums, sites, and natural wonders to explore. Thankfully, most of these attractions are in cities connected by the reliable Italian train network. Some of Italy’s most popular destinations include Rome, Venice, Milan, Naples, Bologna, and Florence, and you can easily book trains to these destinations using Omio. Some of the most popular train routes include Rome to Milan, Florence to Milan, Rome to Venice, Venice to Bologna, Naples to Rome, and Milan to Bologna. Some destinations, such as Bologna, are small, meaning you can tour the whole place within a day and catch a train to another destination. Trenitalia and Italo are the main train providers serving these destinations.

Explore Italy by Rail Tips

Trains are the best way of exploring Italy. Most of Italy’s major cities are connected by high-speed rail services, and with Omio, you can easily book your train ticket to the Italian countryside. Trenitalia and Italo are the two main train providers. Trenitalia offers long-distance as well as high-speed train services, while Italo only offers high-speed train services. Thanks to express trains, you can now get from Milan to Rome in just 3 hours, and even travel to major destinations in other countries, such as Paris, Berlin, and Zurich. Moreover, train trips take you through stunning scenery that you might otherwise miss. Here are some places you can visit by train in Italy.

• The train ride from Milan to Bolzano is one of the most scenic, taking you through the beautiful Italian countryside, Verona, and the breathtaking Dolomite Mountains.
• The Eternal City, Rome, home to ancient glories like the Pantheon, Roman Forum, and Colosseum, as well as Vatican City.
• If you love art and culture, Florence is like one big art museum.
• Take a train ride to the magical city of Venice, where streets are made of water and boats are used as buses.
• Milan is the financial and fashion capital of Italy, and the main entry point, meaning you can connect to almost any city by train from Milan.
• If you’re looking for the perfect beach vacation, take a train to the Amalfi Coast’s town of Salerno for the pristine beaches and blue waters.
• To visit the ruins of Pompei, take a train ride to Naples, the birthplace of the beloved pizza.
• Bologna is the gastronomic capital of Italy, and if you’re looking to sample some of the best Italian dishes, it is the place to be.
• Cinema lovers will enjoy a tour of the Museum of Cinema in Turin, as well as one of the largest ancient Egypt exhibitions in the world.
• The train ride from Rome to the island of Sicily is a unique one, as this direct train crosses the Straits of Messina on a ferry, a memorable experience.

Why getting around Italy by train is a sustainable choice

Choose trains as a means of getting around Italy, as they are one of the most sustainable options. First, most of the newer trains have adopted regenerative braking technologies, allowing them to store the energy used in braking to be used in other train operations. Second, most of the high-speed trains provided by Trenitalia and Italo are electric trains that use power from clean, renewable energy sources. Third, trains are very efficient. They are designed to be sleek and aerodynamic to avoid any resistance to motion, meaning they use the least amount of energy for propulsion.

Night trains and night train routes in Italy

Getting around Italy by train at night can be a relaxing and cheap way of getting between two destinations in Italy. Night trains offer affordable and comfortable sleeping carriages to get you to your destination. InterCityNotte is Trenitalia’s long-distance train that will get you from the north to the south in comfortable modern coaches with everything you need for a good night’s sleep. Night trains in Italy provide you with roomy and comfortable cabins with space for up to three people, while single options are also available. Comfort carriages with four beds and night seats are also an option. Some of the most popular routes served by night trains are Rome to Palermo, Naples to Milan, and Rome to Syracuse. Learn more about night trains in Italy from the Omio magazine, Window Seat.

• Rome to Palermo: Around six trains are available on this route daily, three of them being night trains. Departures for night trains start at around 8:30 p.m., with most trains taking about 12 hours to get to Palermo. Trenitalia is the main provider of night trains from Rome to Palermo.
• Naples to Milan: Naples to Milan is a popular route served by Trenitalia and Italo trains. Beyond 6:00 p.m., around six trains make the journey north, most taking about 5h 30min, while the long-distance sleeper train offered by Trenitalia takes about 9h 30min.
• Rome to Syracuse: Around six trains make the trip from Rome to Syracuse every day, with half of these departures being night trains. Night trains from Rome to Syracuse are available from around 8:30 p.m., and they take about 12 hours to get to Syracuse. Trenitalia is the only provider with night trains on this route.

All you need to know about trains in Italy: FAQs

Where can I buy my train ticket?

The Omio app is the easiest and most convenient place for booking trains in Italy. Download the app on your phone, and book your train tickets from the comfort of your home.

Do I need to print my train ticket?

Tickets bought through Omio do not need printing, saving both paper and time. If you have the app, you’ll find your mobile ticket in the bookings section. If not, your ticket should be delivered to the email address you specified when booking.

Can I cancel my train ticket?

Yes, you can cancel your train tickets via the “your bookings" page. There you’ll find the refund total, inclusive of any cancellation fees, before proceeding. Kindly note that you can only cancel tickets if you purchased the refundable fare type.

Can I exchange my train ticket?

Yes, you can exchange your Base ticket free of charge and unlimited times before departure. After departure, you only have 1 hour to exchange your ticket, and you only have one chance at the ticket office at the departure station.

How many pieces of luggage can I check on the train?

On Italo trains, you can bring two pieces of luggage on the train as well as one carry-on bag that can fit on your lap, in the overhead compartment or below the seat in front of you. Trenitalia also has the same luggage policies, with two bags allowed on the train together with one carry-on to be stored in the overhead compartment or below the seat in front.

What are the services available for people with reduced mobility?

Both Trenitalia and Italo trains offer accessible services for passengers with reduced mobility. Passengers with reduced mobility will get wheelchair assistance on the train and at the train station, and most train stations also have courtesy wheelchairs. If you need special services on the train, you can book these services from the Trenitalia and Italo websites.

Are the trains adapted to persons with restricted mobility?

Yes, Trenitalia and Italo trains are adapted to persons with restricted mobility. At the station, wheelchair-bound passengers will get an escort to their train and assistance with their luggage. Wheelchairs also travel for free on these trains, and there are reserved spots for wheelchair passengers. The restrooms on the train are also wheelchair-accessible.

Can children under 18 travel by themselves?

Yes, children under 18 and above 11 can travel alone on Italian trains. However, the train should be departing no earlier than around 5:30 a.m. and should arrive at the destination before midnight. Moreover, children under 18 won’t be allowed to disembark at unstaffed train stations alone.

Can I bring my bike onboard the train?

Yes, bikes are considered standard luggage on trains in Italy. They will be folded and stowed away with other luggage in the cargo car. However, have a bike box for your bike in the interest of safety and to protect your bicycle.

How can I find the cheapest train tickets?

If you wish to get cheap train tickets, try booking in advance, choosing the slower journeys, or being flexible by not limiting yourself to one travel date; this way, you can compare fares for different dates before settling for the cheapest.

Can I change the name on my train ticket?

Tickets are created automatically using the information entered during the booking process. Unfortunately, once the booking is complete, you cannot change the name on your train ticket.

Do I need a Covid test to travel by train?

Yes, as long as you’re traveling on public transport, you will be required to have a Green Pass. The Green Pass, a certificate issued by the government, proves that you have been vaccinated, tested negative, or recovered from Covid.