Traveling by Train in Italy

Traveling by train is one of the best ways to see Italy – from the rugged Dolomites to the sparkling waters of the Amalfi Coast. Moreover, it allows you to avoid the stress associated with highway driving or the hassle of searching for parking. By choosing the train, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful Italian countryside as you travel.

Trenitalia, the national train service, was previously the only option for travel. However, since 2012, after the removal of an Italian law prohibiting monopolies, Italy introduced another alternative: Italo high-speed trains.

Italo is a privately owned and operated high-speed rail company that connects passengers to about 20 cities across Italy. The state-of-the-art trains travel at impressive speeds of up to 360 km/h. Furthermore, the distinctive burgundy-colored train cars are designed for aerodynamic efficiency, comfort, and modern aesthetics. Special features onboard include large picture windows, reclining leather seats with headrests, TV screens, air-conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Italo’s growing popularity has prompted Trenitalia to enhance its services and benefit from upgrades, especially on its high-speed Frecciarossa line. Below, we explore the differences and similarities between traveling with Italo and Frecciarossa.

Italo vs. Frecciarossa

• Italo: Scheduled travel time from Roma Termini (Rome’s main train station) to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Florence’s central station) is 1 hour, 32 minutes. From Rome Termini to Milano Centrale (Milan’s main rail station) takes 2 hours, 59 minutes non-stop or 3 hours, 30 minutes with stops.
• Frecciarossa (the fastest Trenitalia train) shows its scheduled travel time from Roma Termini to Florence Santa Maria Novella as 1 hour, 31 minutes. From Rome Termini to Milan’s Central station is listed as 2 hours, 59 minutes non-stop or 3 hours, 20 minutes with stops.

Pros

• Italo features fast, newly built trains equipped with numerous complimentary amenities.
• Italo’s pricing is competitive and often lower than Frecciarossa, especially during promotional periods.
• The company offers dedicated customer service and ticket counters at major stations.
• Italo continuously expands its routes; as of 2018, they serve Venice, Padua, Milan, Turin, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Naples, Salerno, Ancona, and Reggio Emilia.
• Onboard staff are friendly and multilingual, enhancing your travel experience.
• Last-minute changes can be made at the station, online, or by phone without incurring extra fees.

Cons

• Italo does not service every city in Italy, though it connects most major tourist destinations.
• Some Italo services might not depart from central railway stations, potentially making it inconvenient to catch a train depending on your accommodation.
• While Italo primarily focuses on major cities, Trenitalia offers regional and intercity services that extend across Italy.
• Travelers have reported intermittent Wi-Fi connectivity issues on certain Italo trains despite free Wi-Fi being a highlighted feature.

What to Expect Onboard

Italo provides four classes of service: Smart (economy), Comfort (economy with extra room), Prima (first class), and Club Executive (luxury). Each class offers spacious settings, an optional cinema section with personal touch-screen TVs, Illy espresso, as well as drinks and snack vending machines, and luggage racks for your convenience.

Every seat includes power sockets for charging your devices, ensuring you stay connected during your journey.

In Prima and Club Executive classes, passengers can enjoy Poltrona Frau leather recliners along with additional benefits like Fast Track privileges, complimentary coffee/snacks, access to newspapers and magazines, personalized catering, and entry to station club lounges.

What to Expect When Detraining

In addition to its train travel benefits, Italo partners with various service providers such as ferry companies, taxi apps, parking services, airport transfer options, and rental car agencies to ensure a seamless travel experience.

How to Buy Tickets

You can obtain train tickets in advance online, through its mobile website, or by calling 060708. On your travel day, tickets are also available at the station from one of their ticket offices or via self-service machines. Discounts are offered for seniors aged 60 and above and free travel for children aged 4 and under.