It’s fast and efficient

Italy’s high-speed trains – Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Italo – connect major cities at impressive speeds. 

Rome to Florence? About 1.5 hours.

Milan to Venice? About 2 hours. 

You’ll skip airport lines, avoid traffic, and step off the train right into the heart of each city. 

It’s scenic

Imagine gliding past the rolling hills of Tuscany, vineyards stretching into the horizon, glittering coastal views, and charming medieval towns… all with no driving required! 

It’s stress-free

Italy’s train stations are easy to navigate, tickets are simple to book, and most trains are comfortable with plenty of space for luggage.

Luxury Trains

Luxury trains in Italy offer a truly unique and immersive travel experience, combining the elegance of classic rail journeys with the country’s rich culture, landscapes and cuisine. While these train journeys typically last only a couple of days, they are designed to showcase Italy’s highlights. A good example of this is La Dolce Vita Orient Express, which offers several rail routes across Italy. 

Le Freece Trains

Frecciarossa trains are high-speed trains that travel up to 300km/h, running into the heart of all of Italy’s major cities. The name translated into English is ‘Red Arrow’, and these trains are designed for travellers who value speed, comfort and high-quality service above all. 

Intercity & Regional Trains

Intercity trains are the most widespread means of rail travel in Italy where you can travel and connect in small, medium and large cities. Regional trains are slower local trains that serve a wider network of cities and towns, often stopping at small stations and are the least expensive option. 

Bernina Express to Switzerland

Travel on one of the most scenic trains in Europe along the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway line while crossing 196 bridges and going through 55 tunnels. Starting in Tirano in the Dolomites, pass by tranquil Lago Bianco and roll over the iconic architectural marvel of the Brusio Circular Viaduct. Soak up the eye-popping views of passing waterfalls and glaciers from the comfort of the first-class panoramic carriage. From Tirano, enjoy the comfortable Bernina Express rail journey to St Moritz Switzerland in 2.5 hours, or to Chur Switzerland in 4 hours.

Start With the Big Three: Rome, Florence and Venice

These iconic cities are connected by some of Italy’s fastest and most frequent trains. This route is ideal for first timers:

Rome → Florence → Venice

Each journey brings you closer to a completely different side of Italy; ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, romantic canals – all without any hassle. 

Head to the North: Milan, Lake Como and the Alps

From Milan’s sleek modernity, hop on a regional train to: 

Lake Como for breathtaking lakeside villages, Turin for elegant royal palaces, and Bolzano for gateway access to the Dolomites. 

This region delivers dramatic landscapes and easy regional connections by train. 

Go South for Sunshine: Naples, Amalfi and Sicily

Southern Italy is just as accessible by rail! 

Travel from Rome to Naples just over an hour, and continue via local trains to Pompeii or Sorrento. 

Overnight trains can take you all the way to Sicily, complete with a ferry crossing (the train actually boards the boat!)

The Cinque Terre Line

A short but stunning train line that hugs the Ligurian coast. Every stop reveals colourful cliffside villages and beautiful sea views. 

Venice to Trieste 

A lesser-known Italian rail gem. Expect lagoons, castles, and Adriatic panoramas. 

Naples to Sorrento

This local line may be humble, but the views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples are simply unforgettable.

• Book high-speed trains in advance for the best fares.

• Validate regional train tickets before boarding (look for the green or yellow machines). 

• Travel light – Italian train stations often have stairs! 

• Sit on the window side (left or right) depending on the route for the best views. 

• Arrive 10-15 minutes early – platforms are announced close to departure time.

Train travel in Italy gives you the luxury of time; time to relax, time to admire the beautiful country as it unfolds outside your window, and time to truly savour each destination. Train travel turns your journeys into the highlights of your trip! 

Whether you’re sipping espresso as the Tuscan countryside rushes by or watching Venice slowly appear over the lagoon, Italy by train is an experience you’ll remember long after you’ve returned home.