Train Travel in Italy: What to Know in 2025

Italy is known for a lot of things: Pizza, espresso, fresh pasta, and tiramisu. While these all are great for your appetite, what about your hunger for a multi-city Italian adventure?

Getting from point A to point B, or all the way to Z for that matter, can seem like a harrowing task in a foreign country.

But luckily, one of the easiest countries to travel through is Italy, and it's all thanks to their incredibly well-connected train system.

Traveling by train in Italy

First and foremost, it is very easy to travel by train in Italy.

Now that you have let out a sigh of relief, we do have to get to the nuts and bolts of what you actually need to know.

Train travel in Italy is reliable

While no train station is immune to delays (think of it like an airport), Italy's rail system is a pretty well-oiled machine.

The trains are reliable, efficient, and run regularly.

It is an affordable way to travel

Trains in Italy are famous for being budget-friendly, which isn't the case in all European countries.

If you're traveling within Italy itself, you will be able to find one-way and round trips for very low prices (lower than car rentals and flights, for sure).

There is one caveat, though. If you take the train from Italy to another country (Switzerland, for example), you will see that the price is a lot higher.

International train travel tends to come at a higher cost.

It is fast

While not all trains in Italy can reach high speeds (it depends on the type of train you are on), Italy has high-speed trains that can get you to another city in surprisingly fast times.

Specific trains can reach 300 km per hour (that is 186 mph)!

There are different service providers

Different brands/companies offer train transportation in Italy.

The state-run subsidiary is called Trenitalia. They offer regional trains, intercity trains, and high-speed options for further distances.

Trenitalia isn't the only option, however. Italo is a private company that also offers trains throughout the country, for example.

How train travel in Italy works

Reliable, affordable, fast...what more could you ask for?

It's easy too.

Buying your tickets

Buying train tickets can be done online and ahead of time through official websites (like Italiarail).

You'll be able to search for train tickets in the same way you'd search for airline tickets - by city of departure, destination, and date and time.

Nowadays, trains have evolved just like everything else (technologically speaking), so you can use your train ticket on your phone or print it out if you prefer a physical format.

For regional trains (shorter distances), you don't actually need to book your tickets in advance. Prices are fixed and there aren't assigned seats, so there isn't really an advantage in doing so. You can buy your tickets at a self-serve kiosk at the train station.

However, for long-distance, high-speed trains, booking in advance is recommended as prices can fluctuate and seats are assigned.

Rail passes are available

Italy does offer several different rail passes. Whether or not this is a good option for you depends on your plans. Sometimes, rail passes are more cost-effective. This is the case if you have a longer trip or are planning to use the train a lot.

If you're only planning to ride a couple of times or here and there, a rail pass might not be the best bang for your buck.

What riding the train is like

If you're from a country that doesn't have accessible trains, you may wonder what train travel is like.

It depends on the train that you're riding, but most trains have electrical sockets to charge your devices.

Longer-haul trains typically have:

• Restrooms.
• Electrical sockets for charging.
• Bar carts with hot food, snacks, and beverages for purchase.
• Some also have sleeper cabins for overnight trips.

On top of the amenities, trains are cleaned regularly and often have attendants on board.

FAQs about Italy train travel

Is Italy train travel expensive?

Is train travel in Italy easy?

Can you bring bicycles on trains in Italy?

Is it a problem if I don't speak Italian?