Naples to Rome train with Frecciarossa

A Comfortable and Affordable High-Speed Train Ride From Naples to Rome

Introduction

Since 2012, the Italian state railway, Trenitalia, has had a serious competitor: Italo, the first-ever private high-speed train operator in Europe, which took Italy by storm with its catchy name and good-looking trains and logo. Italo still stands fierce in 2025, operating its high-speed trains to all corners of the country. Although they are renowned for their cheap fares, I was curious to check out their premium offering, Club Executive, on a “short” high-speed hop from Naples to Rome or to give them their Italian names - Napoli to Roma.

Route Overview

This is a very busy route, and trains are plentiful, operated by both Trenitalia and Italo. Thanks to this competition, fares are kept relatively low, and departures are extremely frequent. Trains run nonstop between Naples and Rome along 205 kilometers of dedicated high-speed track, with some trains completing the journey in less than an hour. My journey on board train 8918, departing at 13:35, took 1 hour and 11 minutes. On this route, Italo operates two train types: the AGV and EVO. This is mentioned when booking directly with Italo; however, don’t worry, as both products are quite similar. Our service today was operated by one of their newer EVO high-speed electric multiple units. Keep an eye out for Mount Vesuvius on the right side when you depart Naples. This sleeping giant of a volcano imposingly watches over the whole city.

Booking Tickets

On all long-distance trains in Italy, it is compulsory to have a seat reservation; it is generally required in order to access the train platforms at major stations. Despite this, there are so many trains that they rarely ever sell out, and even last-minute tickets are good value. To get the best fares, I recommend booking in advance on the Omio app.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Italo serves two railway stations in Naples: Napoli Centrale, right in the city center, and Napoli Afragola in the city’s north. If you’re a tourist, you’re likely to find Napoli Centrale way more convenient; it’s also very well connected to every mode of transport in the city, be it the tram, metro, or Circumvesuviana local train.

Italo serves Roma Termini station in Rome, which is also located right in the city center… although Rome is quite a big city. Thankfully, Termini station is served by two metro lines, and outside the station building are a considerable amount of different bus and tram lines, allowing you to easily reach your destination.

Schedule & Frequency

Italo operates a large number of trains between Naples (both Centrale and Afragola) and Rome. There are, on average, two departures per hour, from 5 am all the way to 10 pm. The last Italo train leaves Napoli Centrale at 22:18.

Onboard Experience & Services

Club Executive offers true railway luxury at an affordable price. Staff are there to greet you upon boarding, revealing your comfortable leather seat for the next hour. The seats are in a 2+1 configuration, and they feel just like a homely armchair with a very good recline! It’s easy to relax in good working conditions here, thanks to the large tables, individual reading lights, and free WiFi.

There is no specific limit on luggage you can bring with you, but the general rule is: if you can carry it, you can bring it.

Where Club Executive shines is the complimentary service. Hot/cold drinks and snacks are served directly at your seat at no extra cost by very professional staff. I’m sure this is an absolute game-changer for journeys of 4 or 5 hours, even though the offering is somewhat reduced for shorter journeys.

Moving around the train, I also noticed that the lower classes of travel were much fuller and noisier. The seats also have reduced comfort and are in a 2+2 layout. I would take this into consideration if I need to get some work done on board or if I were planning to take a nap - there is no quiet coach on Italo.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

I highly recommend planning your trip far in advance, as prices are dynamic and increase based on demand. So, the earlier you book, the emptier your train, and the cheaper your fare! This is, of course, a general rule, as I was able to find decent fares in all classes, even a few days prior to departure. I paid €70 for my Club Executive ticket with two weeks’ notice; this was over three times the cheapest possible fare in Prima class.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Check which station in Naples is more convenient for you.
• Book in advance to guarantee the best possible fare - fares are frequently available for less than €15!
• Consider upgrading your ticket if you’re planning to work or sleep on board.

Conclusion

Italo impresses me. Their fares are low, their service is impeccable, and the sheer amount of trains they run between Naples and Rome is a true pleasure; you can very well just turn up and go! (although it is safer to book on Omio to guarantee a seat.)

I’m not entirely sure I’d go for Club Executive every single time, though. A few stations in Italy have an Italo lounge; perhaps this makes the upgrade even more worth it, but on this particular route, although I loved the experience, it’s safe to say the lowest fares are cheaper by a very large margin.

About the Author: Nonstop Eurotrip

• Job Title: Travel Content Creator
• Bio: I create YouTube trip reports and reviews on trains, planes, buses and ferries within Europe—and all around the world—and also share blog posts and travel deals on my website.