Naples to Rome train with Italo

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.

The comfortable, spacious seats in Italo's Club Executive class.

Ticketing advice & budget breakdown

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. 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 & 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.