Riding the Rails: Everything you Need to Know about Italian Trains | The Italian Blog (2024)

Are you planning your holiday in Italy? Are you trying to schedule a stop in several cities and you do not know how to move from location to location? Use trains! Here you have an essential guide on navigating Italian trains, a comprehensive journey into the heart of Italy via its extensive network of Italian trains.

This guide is dedicated to unraveling the charm, and convenience of traveling through Italy on Italian trains. Whether you’re gliding through the countryside on a high-speed Italian train, hopping aboard a regional service to explore quaint villages, or navigating the bustling cities connected by frequent Italian train services, this guide is your ticket to mastering the Italian train system.

Italian trains offer a window into Italy’s soul, blending breathtaking scenery with the rhythm of daily life. Here, we’ll dive deep into tips, tricks, and insights on using Italian trains, ensuring your travels on Italian trains are as smooth and enjoyable as the scenic landscapes they pass through. Embrace the journey of discovering Italy, its iconic destinations, hidden gems, and the unparalleled experience of traveling on Italian trains.

First of all, why choose a train

When considering transportation options in Italy, opting for Italian trains emerges as the clear choice for several compelling reasons. Firstly, purchasing Italian train tickets in advance often translates to more economical fares, offering significant savings for savvy travelers. Italian train stations are strategically positioned in the heart of city centers, ensuring convenient access to key destinations upon arrival. Unlike navigating through traffic, Italian trains bypass congestion, guaranteeing a stress-free journey (notice I didn’t write punctual as no, Italian trains can be late). Moreover, traveling by Italian trains eliminates the need to grapple with the challenges of finding parking spaces in bustling city centers, and negates the associated costs of car rentals, including insurance and fuel expenses. By embracing Italian trains, travelers not only streamline their logistics but also immerse themselves more deeply in the beauty and culture of Italy.

Private or Public Italian trains: Italo and Trenitalia

Two are the main Italian train companies: the national and public company Trenitalia and the private one Italo. Personally, I prefer Italo which I consider more reliable than Trenitalia. But Italo has only fast train, while Trenitalia, with its fast, regional, and interregional trains covers the entire country.

There are also some minor local companies like Trenord which covers the region Lombardia. It is also possible to find foreign trains which cover a leg of the journey from and to their countries. For a complete list check Trainline, where you can also compare fares.

The secret to finding the best fare is to search in advance (let’s say a good 4 months before your travel). If you travel to Italy regularly, and search for the possibility to subscribe to the programs that companies offer to frequent travelers, you might receive special discounts, free tickets, or the possibility to spend time in their lounges when available.

Buy a ticket and take an Italian train

Once you have your ticket, you just head towards the station. Check always the station name as big cities can have several. Turin for example has many stops like: Porta Nuova, porta Susa, Lingotto, Grosseto, Stura. Tickets in a city have always the same cost. So, if you do not know where to stop when you book a ticket, select: all stations. It doesn’t matter where you will jump off, the ticket price won’t change.

Of course, you can buy tickets at the station. Remember to validate it, just like you do when you take a bus or a tram.

If you have a digital ticket, you do not need to print it but in same cases, you need to validate it digitally. read carefully all the instructions once you receive your ticket via email.

90% of the times a train manager will come and check your ticket, therefore you must show your paper ticket or your telephone. In case you do not have a ticket, you can buy one on the train (with some extra charge) or you will be required to leave the train in the next station.

…and are trains expensive in Italy?

Of course, this depends on what you consider expensive. But generally trains cost less than planes. Plus, airports are always outside cities, so to reach the centre you must add the cost of buses or taxes. As I said, buy your tickets with great advance and you’ll find great bargains.

Where to seat on Italian trains

Unless it is an old regional train packed with people, a seat will always await you. Fast trains or interregional have a preassigned seat. Italian trains generally have two different classes: first (prima classes) and second (second classes). Do not sit in a first-class carriage if you have a second-class ticket, or you will be required to leave immediately that carriage.

Is there food on Italian trains?

Old and regional trains do not have a bar service or a vending machine. New and fast trains have a dining area with a bar and vending machines. If you travel first class with a fast train you generally have snacks and drinks.

Are Italian trains on time?

No. I would lie if I wrote otherwise. But here is something you need to know: in case of delays you are entitled to a refund that can vary according to the type of train, company, and reason of the delay. For example, on the Trenitalia website you can read: In case of a delay upon arrival, you are entitled to a delay compensation, either as a voucher or in cash of your choice, equal to 25% of the ticket price for a delay between 60 and 119 minutes; 50% of the ticket price for a delay of 120 minutes or more.

Sometimes you can also have a refund if the heating system or air conditioning doesn’t work. So, if you experience one of these situations, check the company website or go to the info point once you arrive at the station of your arrival (refund occurs only at the end of the service).

Getting a refund might be exhausting, but do not give up. It is your right to have your money back. Insist and take the money. You might always reinvest it in another holiday.

By the way, even if trains might have an initial delay since companies (especially the national ones) do not want to give travelers their money back, they tend to accelerate and reduce the delay when traveling. So, fear not. When big companies have to spend money, things suddenly start to work better!

Are Italian trains safe?

I have to say that I’ve never had bad experiences while tacking a train in Italy, but of course, I would not suggest to travel at night alone in a regional train that stops in the middle of the countryside.

fast and interregional trains are generally safer as there are more controls.

If you have a problem, consider that the Italian Police have offices in all the stations (or very very close). The Italian Police that check stations are called Polfer (Polizia Ferroviaria), but you can also find Carabinieri nearby. And remember you can always call 113 for an emergency.

I can’t think of any other topic to cover as far as Italian trains are concerned. But feel free to comment if you have questions or need advice. Oh, by the way, I also have a newsletter (that I rarely update) where you can receive updates and info.

That’s all. Have a nice train travel!