Train travel in Italy is a real privilege. In a country famous for its love of cars, it’s remarkable that they have also succeeded in doing such a good job of their rail network too. At Bookings For You we have long since been shouting about Italy’s green credentials and train travel in Italy is yet another example of how the Italians are quietly leading the way in a more sustainable approach to travel.
If you’re traveling to Italy from another European country, it’s a great idea to make a greener choice and navigate your entire journey by train. Coming from further afield? Then you may well find that after a long flight, the last thing you want is to negotiate hiring a car and then begin a lengthy drive. Traveling by train in Italy could be the perfect solution, allowing you to relax and enjoy your holiday from the moment you touch down.
In this guide, along with practical advice on train travel in Italy, we have created routes between some of Italy’s main rail hubs and our favourite holiday destinations with recommendations of villas, apartments and even a B&B which you can enjoy car-free.
Train operators in Italy
Italy’s main train operators are Trenitalia and Italo. Both provide super-efficient high-speed links between major cities. Smaller rail companies such as Trenord, who have trains in the Italian Lakes, offer regional services. While they are not as fast as Trenitalia and Italo, we have always found these companies to offer excellent and very well-priced options to get to more off-the-beaten-track destinations.
Tickets for train travel in Italy
Train travel in Italy is no different to anywhere else in the world: the sooner you book the cheaper the cost of the fare. You can of course book tickets directly with the train company but very often more than one operator provides trains on the same route so it can become quite a logistical juggle to work out which is the best value or the fastest option. As a solution, we recommend using Trainline; they show all available ticket options from every provider on the route. This site also recognises both Italian and English names for stations and destinations which can be really useful if you’re still getting to grips with the Italian language! Using the Trainline App or their website, you can then choose to either download and print your tickets or opt for an e-ticket, which you can store on your phone. They also email your tickets so you won’t have to worry about losing them!
Remember if you’re using a regional line with a paper ticket, you are required to validate your ticket before you board the train. This can be a bit confusing and if you forget, you will face a hefty fine. You can eliminate this risk by using an e-ticket and do your bit to help the environment too by traveling by train in Italy paper-free.
Executive, Business, Premium or Standard tickets?
Trenitalia offers four different types of classes for travel. There is an additional subcategory in the business and standard classes, which gives you the option of being in a ‘silent area’ on the train. Italo offers a very similar variety of travel classes but names them slightly differently.
The Trenitalia options are:
- Executive: catering service at your seat, extra-wide-reclining leather armchair, free WIFI, extra leg room, free access to FrecciaLounge and FrecciaClub.
- Business: large reclining leather armchairs, glass privacy seat dividers, free WIFI, complimentary drinks, snacks and newspapers.
- Premium: leather seats, free WIFI, complimentary drinks, snacks and newspapers.
- Standard: free WIFI.
The different tickets are of course priced accordingly. When you come to pay you will also see that there are multiple fare options depending on whether you would like to be able to change or cancel your ticket and of course how far in advance you are choosing to book.
The main thing to note here is that the executive seats really are true to their name. In Italy, this highest class of train travel is much more like traveling business class on an aeroplane or even by private jet! Some of the features are:
- Fully automated reclining leather armchair with backrest, leg rest and reading light.
- Seats that pivot so you choose the direction of travel.
- A three-course meal with wine and beer served at your seat.
- Space – there are ten executive seats in a carriage which fits sixty-eight standard seats!
These top-level tickets also include access to an on-board meeting room – probably not what you’re looking for when traveling in Italy by train for a holiday but still an awesome service to provide – on a train!
While the executive, premium and business class seats on Italian trains offer some serious creature comforts, the standard class carriages are still very comfortable and are far superior to much of the UK’s offering. Ultimately, choosing your ticket type comes down to budget and also how far you are traveling. I would always be more tempted to splash out on an upgrade for a longer journey or if I’m traveling at night. By using Trainline you will always see all ticket types and classes from your search so can decide whether you’re going to treat yourself to an executive experience or save your euros for another day.
Car-Free accommodation in Italy
Train travel in Italy has been drawing travelers to its iconic cities for decades. However, fewer tourists seem to opt to travel by train to Italy’s lakes, mountains and beaches. With this in mind, at Bookings For You we have put together a selection of villas and apartments in Italy, which you can travel to by train. Follow the links below and discover our exclusive guides to villas and apartments in Tuscany, Umbria, Sorrento, Puglia and the Italian Lakes, all accessible by train. Why not begin planning your car-free holiday in Italy today?
Villas and Apartments in the Italian Lakes by Train
Villas and Apartments in Umbria by Train
Villas and Apartments in Tuscany by Train
Villas and B&B in Puglia by Train
If you have any questions or would like more information on our villas and apartments by train throughout Italy, please get in touch with the Bookings For You team.