Navigating trains in Italy: A Complete Guide
November 1, 2026
Pst! We’ve got a secret: the trains in Italy are one of the best ways to get around. The Italian rail network connects most major cities, and high-speed services are fast, comfortable, and efficient. Journeys often come with beautiful countryside views, and although delays can occasionally happen, the services are usually reliable.
If it’s your first time in Italy, the ticket systems can feel a little confusing at first. But once you understand the basics, booking and travelling by train is straightforward. We’ll walk you through how to book and take a train step by step.
Taking the train means you can sit back and relax and enjoy the journey!
Trains in Italy –Â Using train booking websites
For official tickets, use:
- Trenitalia (national rail network, including regional and high-speed trains)
- Italo (private high-speed network on major routes)
Both websites allow you to switch the language to English, enter your route, date, and travel type (one-way or return), and compare options easily.
You can also use third-party platforms like ItaliaRail, which offers customer support and simple booking tools. Just be aware it is a private reseller and may charge extra fees compared to booking directly.
- For example, let’s say you want to visit St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome then pop over to Naples for a jaunt through Pompeii. When you enter your options and click “Send,” the next page will show you a list of options around the time, and on the date, you selected.
- You might notice that under “Departure,” though, it doesn’t say Rome. It might say “Roma Te.” That’s because Italians call Rome “Roma,” and the “Te” is short for Rome’s main train station – Termini. Similarly, instead of “Naples,” it’ll often say “Na C.le,” short for “Napoli Centrale.”
Venice’s Santa Lucia train station
Trains in Italy – Station Names and Abbreviations
We know this can be confusing, so here’s a list of Italy’s major train stations and how they’re abbreviated on the Trenitalia site:
- Rome Termini (central station) –> ROMA TE
- Naples Centrale (central station) –> NA C.LE
- Florence Santa Maria Novella (central station) –> Fl.SMN
- Venice Santa Lucia (on the island) –> VE. S.L.
- Venice Mestre (on the mainland) –> MESTRE
- Milan Centrale (central station) –> MI C.LE
- Genova Piazza Principe (central station) –> GE P.P
- Genova Stazione Brignole –> GE BRIG
- La Spezia Centrale (central station) –> SPEZIA
- Pisa Centrale (central station) –> PISA C.
Sometimes, you might notice that one train station name at the top will be black, followed by a number of others in red. That means that there’s more than one station in the city you’ve picked, and the train stops at all of the stations on the list.
You can get to the town of Manarola, a gem of the Cinque Terre, easily on the train!
Figuring out the differences between Italian trains
Once you select your route, you’ll see different types of trains at different prices and speeds.
High-speed trains (such as Frecciarossa and Frecciargento operated by Trenitalia, and Italo trains) are the fastest and most comfortable, linking major cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, and Naples.
Slower and cheaper options include:
- Intercity trains (medium-distance routes, fewer stops)
- Regional trains (local services, most stops, no seat reservations)
For example, Rome to Naples:
- High-speed train: ~1 hour 10 minutes
- Intercity: ~2 hours
- Regional: ~2.5 hours
High-speed trains cost more but are generally the most comfortable and time-efficient option.
High speed Italian trains like this are an important part of the network
Taking advantage of discounts and fares
When booking online, keep an eye out for promotional fares. These can include discounted tickets or special offers for families and early bookings. For example, children sometimes travel free under specific promotional deals on Trenitalia services.
To access these, simply select your route and look for available fare types (such as “Base,” “Economy,” or promotional offers) before completing your purchase.
Another benefit to booking your ticket online: train stations can be crowded… and there can be lines, even for the automatic ticket machines!
Booking your train ticket: online or at the station?
Booking online is recommended if you want:
- Lower prices (advance fares are cheaper)
- Guaranteed seats on high-speed trains
- Less risk of sold-out departures
Buying at the station is useful if:
- You want flexibility
- You’re travelling short distances on regional trains
- You are unsure of exact departure times
Note: some discounted tickets are non-changeable or have limited flexibility, so always check conditions before booking.
Look for your train on a board like this one!
At the station: what to expect
When you arrive at the station, check the departure board for:
- Train number (TRENO)
- Departure time
- Platform (BIN = binario)
Important tip: trains in Italy are listed by final destination, not intermediate stops. Often your destination isn’t the last one so if you look up at the board and don’t see your destination, don’t panic, just look for your train’s number. Once your platform appears, head there and board your carriage.
Insider Tip: when looking at the board make sure you are looking that the correct one… You might be looking at “Arrivi” (arrivals) rather than “Partenze” (departures).
Do you need to validate your ticket?
Before you board your train, it’s important to know whether your ticket needs to be validated.
In Italy, this small step depends on the type of ticket you’ve purchased, and forgetting it when required can lead to fines. Here’s a quick guide so you know exactly when (and how) to validate before you travel.
High-speed tickets:
– No validation needed (already time-stamped/reserved)
Regional paper tickets:
– Must be validated before boarding unless time-stamped
Validation machines are usually yellow and located around stationes and platforms.
To stamp, put your ticket in the slot, arrows facing in, and push until you hear the stamp.
If you don’t do this and you were supposed to, you can get a fine when (or if) your ticket is checked.
Seating and tickets
On high-speed and Intercity trains, seats are usually assigned. Your ticket will show:
- Carrozza = carriage number
- Posti = seat number
On regional trains, seating is generally unreserved, just sit anywhere available.
If someone is in your seat, simply show your ticket and they will usually move.
Typical train ticket – this one’s for an Intercity train, base fare, from Salerno to Rome’s Tiburtina station
So you made your train. Now what?
Relax and enjoy the journey. Keep your belongings close at all times, especially in busy stations and on popular routes such as Rome to Naples. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so it’s best to stay aware and keep valuables secure.
With a little preparation, travelling by train in Italy is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore the country.
The Umbrian Train Line
FAQs – Trains in Italy
Why are the trains in Italy better than other transport options?
To be honest, driving in Italy, particularly in Italian cities, can be confusing, chaotic, stressful and, for the uninitiated, even dangerous. (But if you do want to drive, you should definitely read our top 6 tips for driving in Italy.) Between the cost of car rental and gas it’s often cheaper to go by rail.
Meanwhile, with all of the hassles of flying and the time required to get out to the airport, a flight often winds up taking as long, or longer, than the train, and, again, is often more expensive.
What’s the difference between high-speed and regional trains in Italy?
High-speed trains (such as Frecciarossa and Italo services operated by Trenitalia and Italo) connect major cities quickly and comfortably, often with reserved seating and onboard services. Regional trains are slower, stop more frequently, and are used for shorter local journeys. They’re usually cheaper, but less predictable in terms of travel time and comfort.
Do I need to book tickets for trains in Italy in advance?
It depends on your route. For high-speed trains, it’s usually best to book in advance, especially during busy travel periods, as prices increase closer to departure and seats can sell out. For regional trains, advance booking is not necessary—you can usually buy tickets on the day of travel. Just remember that some discounted fares are only available when booking early.
Travel by train to see more towns and cities, and join a local tour to discover the stories and sights!
Trains make it easy to travel between Italy’s most iconic cities, but the real magic starts when you arrive.
Instead of spending time planning what to see next, join a guided experience and make the most of every stop. Explore expert-led city tours, skip-the-line access, and curated itineraries with Walks of Italy tours, and turn your train journey across Italy into a seamless, unforgettable adventure from arrival to discovery.
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477 responses to “Navigating trains in Italy: A Complete Guide”
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Very informative! Thank you
Great article Jason on the train system in Italy !!!!
hou much the cost by train to italy?
Very complete!
This might also help you out!
http://duntonj.wordpress.com/2012/01/01/3-reasons-why-i-love-italian-trains-or-used-to/dontfollow
The Frecciarossa looks pretty sweet.I bet it is a great experience to travel in it
I’m curious, it says that if we book online we can use the “nifty ‘ticketless’ option.” But if we do that, how do we validate our ticket and show it to the conductor on the train?
Our schedule is fairly set and I’d love to get our tickets ahead of time so we don’t have to spend vacation time in ticket lines, but I’m still fuzzy about how that actually works once we get to to italy.
Grazie! Looking forward to see you guys in Rome.
Hi Colette,
We’re looking forward to seeing you too! With the “ticketless” option, you’ll receive a booking reference number, called a “PNR code”; just jot that down (or, if you’ve received it as a text message, you don’t even need to do that!) and it’s all you need to give to the conductor. No validation necessary 🙂
Let us know if you have any other questions!
My girlfriend and I are planning to visit ortisei, dolomites next month. We will be landing at venice airport, treviso. However we are completely lost on how to get from treviso to ortisei! From what we gathered online, we have to take a train from treviso central to bolzano. We looked online at trenitalia (your blog was extremely helpful!) and found an option. however there is only a 9 minute difference to switch between the second and third train!! Is it possible to make it in 9 minutes? what if we cannot find the platform and miss the train? Do you suggest to buy the tickets online or at the station? Is it much more expensive if we buy the tickets from the station at last minute?
And do you know how to get from bolzano to ortisei?
Thank you in advance 🙂
Hi David,
We’re happy to help! Nine minutes should be enough to switch, but regardless, you can use this ticket—because it’s not for the high-speed line, the Frecciabianca (that’s the 2nd train)—on a later train if you miss that one. You can sometimes save if you buy your tickets in advance online, so if that’s a consideration then we’d recommend doing so :-). As for getting from Bolzano to Ortisei, it looks like the bus is your best option. The timetable is here:
http://timetables.sad.it/getTimetablePDF.php?id=4279
Let us know if we can do anything else!
thank you so much for this info. we have requested a quote to be driven from Rome to Florence but this information will be invaluable for our trip!
Been researching train from Rome to Lamezia Terme to take with my kids this July. Since my daughter is 12 I am trying to clarify child fares, maybe you can help. Trenitalia lists her as child fare for National trains but not Regional. I want to take her on the Intercitynotte or Intercity train. Do u know if those are National or Regional?
Hi Nicole,
We’re happy to help! Intercity trains are national trains (not regional), but you still can select “child” from the drop down menu of participants and the updated amount will come up. Also, take note that the following discount offer might help you:
FAMILIA OFFER
Offer intended for journeys of family groups of 3-5 persons composed of at least 1 adult and 1 child of under 12 years. It includes the ticket booking (free) and provides the following discounts:
50% (30% for Couchette and Wagon Lits) for children under 12
20% for the other persons
Net of the discount, the minimum price is at least 10 euro for each passenger aged over 12, subject to the minimum fares for the train used.
The offer has limited seats availability, the numbers of which vary depending on the day, train and class.
Trains you can use this solution on:
AV, ES*, ES* City, IC, ICN, Express, couchettes and WL. The Familia offer cannot be used for journeys on the Excelsior and Excelsior E4 carriages, or for single journeys on the regional trains. The discount extends to the Regional trains too only for journey solutions that allow the use of Regional trains connecting with trains for which the offer is valid.
If you put in your participants and you are eligible for the fare, and the fare is still available for your travel dates, then this option should come up automatically as one of the options in the drop-down.
Please let us know if we can help with anything else!
Thank you! I’m keeping an eye on the family and supersaver fairs. Good stuff! Another question please: I will be traveling with my daughter age 12 and son age 8 in an overnight sleeper train that only offers the 4 person sleeper option. I really don’t want to pay for the whole compartment. I thought I read somewhere that I could book into a female only sleeper compartment because my son is young. I feel a little safer if the stranger sleeping with us is female, so prefer this option. Do you know if I can book the “donna” option for the 3 of us??
Unfortunately, that one we don’t know right off the bat! Easiest would probably be for you to call (they will speak English), which from abroad +39.06.68475475. Let us know how it goes!
Wondering about how much it would cost to visit Italy. I would like to stay at low key Abbeys or, convents. $$ also, how much would it cost to take the train from place to place if I plan to visit mostly the churches and incoruptables, in about 14 to 16 days? $$ A ballpark figure? Looking for a low cost trip. I plan to mostly eat power bars, enjoy the country, churches etc… tks!
Hi Elaine,
As you might expect, that very much depends! However, farm-stays can cost between about 30-50 euros/night, while a convent or monastery in a city center is about 60-100 euros/night. (Check out our post on budget accommodation in Italy for more help). Trains very much depend on where you’re going and how far you’re traveling; you might want to put in some possible destinations on http://www.trenitalia.com for an idea. Churches are free to enter, while museums are generally quite cheap (outside of the major museums in the major cities). Food also very much depends on where you are. We recommend sitting down and figuring out where exactly you would like to go, and then figuring out transport and hotel costs from there. Let us know if we can help with anything else!
Elaine, did you go?
This is what I like to do too! Visit churches & stay in religious guesthouses.
My husband and I will be traveling to Italy in April. Our flight arrives at 7:30 a.m. in Rome. We plan to go to Avellino (Servino?) to visit relatives and they told us to take the train to Naples or Sorrento. What is the best way for us to do this?I am afraid to pre book in case our flight is delayed and we miss the train. Would we lose our ticket if this happens? Also, how do we get from the airport to the train and how long does it take? I want to allow enough time for us to get to the train station.
Hi Trisha,
Personally, we’d probably wait and get a ticket when we get to the station. There are lots of trains between Rome and Naples, and generally speaking, they won’t sell out (if they do) until the last minute. Otherwise, you can book a ticket in advance, but as you say, if your flight is delayed, or your baggage comes late, or anything else, you will miss your train. That said, if you miss your train, you don’t “lose” your ticket—you can change it, either online, at an agency or at the station, up to 1 hour after the train has departed, for normal fares. Still, it can be a bit of a hassle.
It takes a half hour on the train to get from the Fiumicino airport to Termini station, and trains depart every 20-30 minutes or so.
Let us know if we can help with anything else!
Hi thanks for the great article!! Just wondered, when taking train tht require a change, is it easily done? Do you need more than one ticket? I’m planning on taking the florence to pescara train which I believe means you have to change in bologna… So do I board any train heading to bologna and then go from thee to pescara? Sorry if its a silly question.
Hi Florence,
If you book your ticket from Florence to Pescara, then that’s the only ticket you need. Train changes are usually quite simple—at your change station, just look at the list of trains departing from the various platforms to find yours, to Pescara. Good luck!
Great article!
I have a question. Can I easily take a train to NAples and find an excursion to Pompeii from there rather than paying a large amount for the excursion from Rome. WE are 2 adults and 2 kids 11 and 15
Thanks for all your help!
Hi Aman,
Of course! In fact, if you look at the Pompeii section on our website, you’ll find lots of options. Our Pompeii tour “The Best of Pompeii – Unveiling the Buried City”, for example, includes all of the archaeological site’s most famous finds and its best hidden gems, in a maximum group of 12 people, and is 54 euros/adult or 24 euros/child. Let us know if we can help with anything else!
This is probably a stupid question, but Do trains stop at all stops regardless of whether there is anyone supposed to be stopping there? And I’m assuming you can exit a train at an earlier stop than ticketed. Specifically, we will be travelling on the Thello night train from Paris to either Bologna of Florence, but we won’t decide which until a day or two beforehand. So I plan to buy a ticket to Florence but may want to get off at Bologna. Thanks!
Hi Kenny,
Not a stupid question at all! Yes, trains stop at all the stops, even if no one is ticketed to get off (although that would be very unlikely, especially for a stop like Bologna!). And yes, you can get off at an earlier stop. So you’re all good. Safe travels!
Hi All, I intend to buy the ticket online for Milan to Rome on FrecciaBianca (9717) on second class, and I was given the choice to select the seat. As I have a big luggage with me, I will like to select a seat that is next to the luggage racks. Are these racks located at both ends of the coach/cabin/carriage? As I also heard of pickpocket in train, so which seat is best or preferred since i have a choice now to choose. I am travelling in mid-Apr, and need to book the train ticket tonight. Thanks in advance for your reply.
Hi Shirley,
Racks are usually located at both ends of the cabin, but in all honesty you don’t have to worry much about someone making off with your bag… it can always happen, but we’ve never heard of it happening hear! You also don’t have to be very worried about pickpocketing on the train; that’s a bigger concern on the subway or on the local, urban trains in the cities. Just keep the same awareness about you that you would traveling anywhere else in the world, and you’ll be fine! Let us know if we can help with anything else!
sorry, is Milan to Venice (not on Rome) on FrecciaBianca 9717
I’m going on a Mediterranean cruise, with a stop in port city Civitavechhia. And, from there, I’d like to take the Trentalia train to Rome.
But, I’m a bit confused because I see two trains, R and RV. Are the same price even though the RV trains are faster, and would the RV be covered by BIRG ticket?
Hi Dana,
We’re happy to help! There isn’t really much difference between the R (regionale) and RV (regionale veloce) trains—the RV trains are slightly faster because they skip some stops. The BIRG ticket does include R and RV trains, but not the high-speed trains.
Let us know if we can help with anything else!
I have a question/concern. I arrive in Rome on 6/7/13. I would like to take a day trip to Florence; I have found tickets for 6/8/13. I am concerned since I will have just arrived in country if it is so wise to take a train that early in the trip. I have no problem asking for help. Thanks for any input. Your info was so informative keep it up.
Hi Bri,
The only reason we can think of as to why it might not be wise is that you might be a little jet-lagged 🙂 OTher than that, we can’t think of anything that would stop you! Let us know how it goes (or if you have any other questions!).
This ongoing post has been really helpful, but I have one question. My husband and I are flying into Naples and then traveling straight to Positano (not sure how yet). I’m nervous about NOT purchasing train tickets in advance because things will fill up, but at the same time I’m nervous to pre-purchase tickets in case our flight is delayed or we don’t make it out of the airport in time. The same goes for taking ferries.
I don’t want to be stranded in Naples or another connection (Sorrento, Salerno or Capri) and not be able to make it to our hotel by night.
Any advice? Thanks!
Hi there Kris,
To get to Positano, you’d take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento and then the ATAC bus to Positano. No need to book in advance, as the Circumvesuviana leaves very frequently and we’ve never seen people not allowed to get on it for lack of seats. In fact, we’re not even sure you can book a Circumvesuviana ticket in advance (it’s different from the Trenitalia train network).
We hope that helps! Let us know if we can answer anything else!
Thanks for your help, but I should have been more clear. We are trying to avoid the Circumvesuviana and bus as we will have been sitting in a plane all night (and I am prone to carsickness). We wanted to try either a 100% ferry route or take a highspeed train to Salerno and then a ferry to Positano. What is your advice for reservations/tickets?
I really appreciate your help!
Hi Kris,
In that case, yes, either option works. We’d recommend reserving both the ferry and train in advance online, if you know there are particular ferry/train times you want. You can book the train at trenitalia.it and find out more about ferry lines in our post here. Let us know if we can do anything else!
Hi, my wife and I are thinking of taking train from Milan to Interlaken in Oct but I don’t see any train available in trenitalia.com. May I know is there any other website that we can book with ticket that is also ticketless? Thanks in advance for your reply.
Hi Ken,
We’re happy to help! You can’t find the Interlaken ticket on Trenitalia because that route is managed by the Swiss train company “DB”. Try this instead: http://www.bahn.com/i/view/GBR/en/index.shtml Please let us know if we can help with anything else!
Hi,
My husband and I will be traveling to Italy in June. We’re planning to travel from Cinque Terre to Venice – Monterosso-Milan-Venice seems to be the best option. However, there’s only 15 minutes available in Milan for us to change trains. Is that time period sufficient?
Hi Neha,
What a lovely trip! Yes, 15 minutes should be fine to change platforms 🙂 Let us know if we can help with anything else!
This is the best info I have seen re:train travel in Italy, thank you. I have a question regarding how much time I’ll need to get through Roma Termini to make the train for Firenze S.M. Novella. I am planning on taking the Leonardo Express from FCO to Roma Termini. How much time should I allow between trains? Also, can I buy my ticket for Firenze at the Roma FCO train station when I buy the ticket for the Leonardo Express train?
Hi Kate,
Thanks for the kind words! The platforms likely won’t be far from each other, so give yourself at least 10 minutes to switch and you’ll be fine. And yes, you can buy your ticket for Firenze at the Fiumicino airport train station, where you’d buy a ticket for the Leonardo Express. Let us know if we can help with anything else!
Bonjour,
I am finishing the final leg of my trip in Italy but I am running into a major block getting from Genoa to Florence on May 20th. The only train is at night. They can’t possibly be completely full at this time. Is there a regional option instead of the main site. Otherwise do you have another suggestion ? I need to get back to Bologna for a 16h return flight on the 22nd of May
Hi Charles,
We see a number of options and seats available for May 20 from Genova to Firenze. Are you sure you’re in the right section of the website? You want to click “Tutti i treni” (all trains), to give you options other than just the high-speed one. Let us know if we misunderstood, or if that works!
Hi, thanks for the great info.
My flight arrives into Naples at 2:25pm and originally wanted to go see Pompeii using the Circumvesuviana train, I am worried I will not have enough time to get there and see every thing. it is wiser to go to Ercolano instead because is smaller in size and better preserved?
Hi Mohammad,
If you’re pressed for time, yes, we think Ercolano is a great alternative to Pompeii. Its more compact size means it’s easier to visit on your own, even though the ruins are just as fantastic (and there are skeletons!).
Please let us know if we can do anything else!
Hi, we have been waiting a long time to book train from Pisa Centrale to Santa Margherita Ligure for 20 july 2013 and also some other trains in Italy after that but can’t get the Trenitalia website to come up with options. Thought it was to do with new timetables coming out for June 9th onwards, but getting worried as time gets closer. Can you help please! Gary
Hi Gary,
Believe it or not, you’re looking too far in advance 🙂 Timetables only appear to be loaded up for trips for the next few weeks. Check back sometime in early July. (And don’t worry about not getting the ticket—the only time we’ve seen trains sell out is in the half hour before departure). Let us know if we can help with anything else!
Hello,
I am taking a tour that drops me off in Naples and from there I was going to go to Pisa to visit family. I am going to Italy in June. I would like to pre book but when I go to look for a train there are only there and we would arrive late. I am looking to leave early in the day is it still to early to book?
Hi Stephanie,
Most of the trains should already be listed for June, but yes, perhaps check back later. Unfortunately, though, it might simply be a case of not many trains on the day you’re looking for.
Please let us know if we can help with anything else!
Great blog – thank you. I’m just trying to put together a trip from Scotland to Sicily with my daughter and a dog. It seems she would age 11 qualify for free travel before the end of August, does that include overnight trains too? Also are there any trains that I can’t take the dog onto? Thanks so much in advance for any help.
Hi Marjorie,
We’re happy to help! Normally, children aged 4-12 get a discounted rate, including on the overnight trains; we don’t know about the free travel, but perhaps it was a temporary sale Trenitalia had? As for animals, you can take your dog on the train. However, remember you need a dog registration certificate for animals traveling on the train. More info on taking pets on Trenitalia trains here (in English): http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=54bd4d2542d42310VgnVCM1000008916f90aRCRD Please let us know if we can do anything else!
We will be travelling to Florence for a few weeks this summer, home exchanging. Fares from the US seem to be cheapest flying into Rome, so I think we’re looking to take the train from Rome to Florence. We are 2 adults and 6 children (ages 1-11). We are well versed in travelling with all our kids, but train travel would be new to us. I am worried can we manage this, with our luggage in tow?
1 x-large suitcase
1 large suitcase
1 pack-n-play cot
2 strollers
1 large backpack
Thanks in advance for all your help!
Hi Kelly,
We can’t really tell you how much you’d be comfortable carrying—it very much depends on your strength and stamina! 🙂 But if you’re worried that you and your partner can’t comfortably handle all of that luggage, plus 6 children… then you’re probably right that it might be too much. You should also keep in mind that elevators aren’t always available at stations, so you may have to take on stairs with your luggage. The good news is, strangers in Italy tend to be very kind and will help you, but it’s still stressful to have to depend on them to give you a hand, plus keeping an eye on the kids at the same time could, we imagine, be difficult! So try packing as lightly as you possibly can (hey, you can always wash clothes in the sink). Let us know if we can help with anything else!
Hi, I wonder if you know how frequently the trains run on Christmas Day , between
Venice and Florence? I had picked Christmas Day as a transfer day , given that all tourist sites will be shut – but now I’m not so sure.. My accommodation is booked for both cities, but I’ll change the dates if travel on Xmas Day is not recommended. Thanks Penny
Hi Penny,
You shouldn’t have any problems with trains. They might run slightly less frequently, but they will run. 🙂 Let us know if we can help with anything else!
Hi
Brilliant blog! Very very helpful!
Do you have any experience of times/frequency of trains on Christmas Day between Florence and Rome, say from 2013 timetables? I am looking to book the holiday as a birthday surprise for my partner but don’t want it to turn into a disaster if we have to travel at dawn 🙂
Many thanks
Ann
Grazie, Ann! The trains usually run on their normal schedule for Christmas Day, but we suggest double checking on TrenItalia or ItaloTreno a few months closer to your trip. Buon viaggio!
There’s 8 of us travelling on the train from Rome to Venice in super economy class. We want to sit together, is it best to sit near the front or back of the “coach class” with all our luggage. Thanks for any tips!
Hi Colleen, it really makes no difference! You’ll find all the seats are quite similar 🙂 Enjoy your trip!
I’ve read through all the terrific information you’ve given, and don’t specifically see the answer i need so:
i’m flying into milan for a few days then going to venice, i think the train is the best option but to book in advance or not? Then same problem again when leaving venice…heading to vernazza; I have no clue, should I book in advance to pisa? then regional to that little train that goes along cinqueterre? sorry
Hi Natalie,
The train from Milan to Venice is definitely the best option. Book in advance if you’re sure you’ll be able to make a specific train, as that’s the best way to guarantee not only a seat, but to take advantage of any discounts if any are offered. Likewise with Pisa, although we’d say don’t worry about the Pisa to Vernazza leg. We hope that helps! Let us know if we can help with anything else!
Great and informative site. We are travelling from nice, france on dec 23rd and I would like to take the train to Pisa and then to Rome all in the same day but, with a 2 -3 hour stop in Pisa. I am worried that it will be hard to time it this way. Also worried about trains selling out with the date so close to Christmas. Any suggestions on whether this might be possible?
Hi Adele,
We’re happy to help. That will be a full day, so get an early start! If you’re worried about the train selling out, just pre-book your tickets on the site—the other benefit is that the farther in advance you book, the more likely it is you’ll be able to get a discount on the fare.
Let us know if we can help with anything else!
Hi! Thank you for all the information, I have a question. I booked a train from Rome to Florence online and when I received the confirmation it said it was for the next day. I have read on some websites that this is not the first time it has happened but even though I filed a complained and sent an e-mail I have not received a response from trenitalia yet. I tried changing the date online but always get an error message even though I am copy/pasting the information from the e-mail confirmation. My question is, is it possible to change the reservation once we get to Rome? What do we have to do to get the tickets’ date changed? Thank you!
Hi Lourdes,
Unfortunately, bugs like this show up sometimes in the Trenitalia site. We would suggest that, when you arrive, you go to the ticket desk once in Rome and explain the situation (someone will speak English!). A printout of the screen-shot of the error message you get online might help. Also make sure you print the ticket, and also have with you your PNR and CP code.
If you got your train ticket at the “base” price, changing the ticket date shouldn’t be a problem. If you got your ticket at the “economy” or “super economy” fare, you might have to pay the difference in price—meaning, pay up to the full base price. But here’s hoping that, instead, Trenitalia will recognize their mistake and not have you do that.
We hope that helps. Good luck, and let us know how it goes!
Hi, my family of four are planning to travel from Venice to Zurich. We found tickets on the Frecciabianca for Venice to Milan, and Eurocity for Milan to Zurich. For the Milan-Zurich leg I was told we have to print the tickets and get them validated at the station. We only have 15 minutes from our arrival in Milan at 8:55am to our departure at 9:10am from Milan. Is 15 minutes sufficient time to get the tickets printed and validated at the Milano Centrale? Are the machines easy to locate?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Winnie,
It might be a little bit of a push if you have luggage. But don’t worry about locating the machines—they’re quite visible (they’re the normal ticket machines, but you click the option for picking up your ticket instead of buying one). Let us know if we can help with anything else!
Hello –
I’m having a very difficult time with the Trenitalia site. I’m not sure what to enter in the “From” and “To” fields… We are going to Cortona from Florence. I tried to enter the code you listed above for Florence, but it won’t accept it.
I consider myself web-savvy, so needless to say, this is driving me crazy!
Can you please provide a clue? Grazie!
Christine
Hi there Christine,
If you’re working with the Italian site, the problem might be that you’re searching high-speed trains (“Le Frecce”) only. (This is what the default search is set to—annoying, we know!). Since there isn’t a high-speed Cortona to Florence train, this would explain why no results come up! Make sure you’ve clicked on “Tutti i treni”, if you’re on the Italian site. Start typing in “Cortona” and you’ll see the station options; same for “Firenze.” (Even if you’re on the English site, you need to use the Italian names). Let us know if that fixes the problem!
Thanks so much for this very informative website!
I’ve got 2 questions: I’m travelling to Rome from Verona. The train unfortunately takes 4 hours with one change (for the times I need to travel). Would you recommend the train rather than a flight? The cost is about the same. Second question! When I get to Rome Tiburtina, I need to find the Orte train. How long would you allow for purchasing tickets and finding the train -I don’t speak any Italian…
Thankyou!
Hi Michelle,
You’re very welcome, and thanks for reaching out!
We’d still recommend going with the train, only because we find it more convenient. In general, by the time you add in travel to and from the airports, security, waiting at the gate, etc., it winds up being the same amount of time (and often more money). The benefit with the train is also that you don’t have the same limit on luggage! Finally, it’s pretty nice to look out the window and get a sense of parts of Italy you might not have time to stop in 🙂 Of course, though, it’s up to you.
Secondly, all train stations in Italy will have a couple of big boards, one labeled “Arrivi” and one “Partenze”. “Arrivi” are for trains arriving, “Partenze” for trains departing. You’d look on that board for your train (look for the train number, not for “Orte,” since the destination given will be the train’s FINAL destination, which probably isn’t Orte). That’s the easiest way to find your platform number, no (or little) Italian needed! You also can buy tickets on one of the automated machines, and there is an English option. To be on the safe side, give yourself 20 minutes or so between trains.
Let us know if we can help with anything else!
Hello, thanks for the geat info.
There are 8 of us (7 adults & 1 teenager) going to travel on the following dates by train:
June 30 around 12pm – Rome to Florence
July 02 around 12pm – Florence to Venice
I browsed the Trenitalia & Raileurope website, why such a big difference in price? And in Trenitalia, we can only book 5 people at a time? Pls advise. Since we have the exact dates & time, is it advisable to purchase all the tickets for both destinations on line while we’re here in the U.S.?
On July 4th – we’re leaving Venice to fly to Paris via Marco Polo airport; what’s the best way to go to the airport for 8 people? We’ll be staying at a hotel located in between the Venice SL train station & the Rialto. Thank you so much for your help.
Hi Angie,
The difference in fares between Trenitalia and Raileurope comes about because Trenitalia is the official seller, while Raileurope is a “reseller,” so Raileurope applies commissions to the Trenitalia fare.
Unfortunately, there are some glitches with the Trenitalia site, including that, yes, you only can book for up to 5 people at a time. The benefit of booking your ticket online in advance regardless of the glitches, though, is that you can get discounted rates (like super-economy or economy fares), if they’re still available. That said, if you do decide to change your mind on the date or destination, changing your ticket is complicated. But if you’re absolutely sure, it’s worth buying in advance.
Finally, the easiest way to transfer to the airport is generally with a private transfer. Feel free to contact us at [email protected] for information on our transfer services.
Let us know if you have any other questions!
Even though i’m italian, I consider this one of the best guides to italian trains I’ve ever seen in my life. Glad to see there are ppl like you helping tourists this way. Great blog, great website.
Are you familiar with the train station at Bologna?
If you are transferring from a train from Florence to a train for Verona, do you have to go from one level to another?
I am asking because often it is difficult with a large suitcase to navigate up or down stairs.
Any information about the train station at Bologna would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Ficus Flanagan
Hi there Ficus,
Yes, we’re very familiar with that train station! To get from one track to another, you have to take an underground passageway, which you can access by stairs or by elevator. However, sometimes the elevators are out of order, so do be prepared that there’s a slight chance you might need to climb stairs with your bag!
Also, the train station at Bologna is, in many ways, a sight worth visiting in itself. The wall near the trucks in its waiting room are a sobering reminder of the terrorist bombing of August 2nd 1980, which killed 85 people and wounded more than 200. The area of the station where the bomb detonated has been reconstructed, but the flooring has been left unrestored and a deep crack in the main wall has been left as a memorial to the attack. A station clock is also set at 10:25, the exact time of the explosion.
On a happier note, there is a “yummy place” at track 1 (take your left if you get out of the ticket desks atrium) that makes “tigelle”. Tigelle are like small but thicker piadine stuffed with anything you like. Of course, in Bologna, you must try the tigelle with Mortadella and cheese! 🙂
Let us know if we can help with anything else!
Hi, I have a question that I can’t seem to find the answer to anywhere. I booked 4 seats (2 tickets of 2) on the train from Venice to La Spezia (transfer in between). I only meant to book 2 seats for my boyfriend and I. However, we are travelling in a group and I can give the other ticket for 2 seats to my friend and her boyfriend. It says we need to give the PNR number to the conductor. Does it matter than I booked all tickets under my name, which isn’t the same as my friends? I am just curious if I am going to run into problems since both tickets for 2 seats each are reserved under my name.
Thank you!
Hi Shell,
We’re happy to help! And yes, you can book tickets for other people, so as long as you are traveling together, you should be fine.
Let us know if we can help with anything else!
Great informative website !
I will be travelling with my husband and 18 month daughter through Italy in August/ September . We are thinking of taking the train from Rome- Venice , Venice -Milan, Florence – Salerno . Should we book a rail pass or individual tickets instead, what is cheaper ?
We also want the fastest trains and most comfortable. Any advice is most appreciated
Nella
Hi Nella,
We’re happy to help. In general, individual tickets are the best, and cheapest, option. Try to book them in advance online, and you can take advantage of sales, like traveling in first class at half the price.
Let us know if we can help with anything else!
What a wonderfully helpful website, thank you!
I am travelling from Venice to Modena on July 29th.It’s quite a long journey and I think there’s a change at Bologna. Is there a better time to travel, ie very early or after 9am. And is it much more comfortable in first class? It seems the price difference between first and second isn’t as prohibitive as the UK’s.
Thanks again!
Hi Sam,
We’re happy to help! We’d say pick whatever travel time is most convenient for you, but mid-morning and late afternoon (rush hour times) tend to be busiest. First class is a bit more comfortable, with roomier seats, and on the fast trains, you get little snacks and a newspaper as well. But at the end of the day, everyone arrives at the same time, so it depends on your budget. Let us know if we can help with anything else!
My wife I arrive in Rome on 6/24 approx. 10:30 AM. Want to take train to Salerno. What train service is the most effective w/out changes if possible. Thank you. By the way, we decided on Salerno because of your blog!
Hi Tim,
We’re so glad to hear you’re visiting Salerno! It’s very easy from Rome: you can take the direct high-speed Frecciarossa train, which takes just 2 hours, or the slower intercity train, which takes 3. You’ll see when you book if you would need to change or not, but there are lots of direct options.
Let us know if we can help with anything else!
Hi,
I’m travelling to Verona Porta Nuova from Milano Centrale and I booked the ticket online, through the Trenitalia website. Since it has a PNR code and a code bar, do I have to validate it before boarding the train?
Thanks in advance
Nice website!
Hi Maria,
Nope, you don’t have to validate the ticket. Just make sure it’s printed (or on your phone) and show it to the conductor when s/he checks.
Let us know if we can help with anything else!
Hello. I’d like to book a train from Rome to Venice. I’m trying to purchase a mini fare ticket but can’t seem to open any of the links people have posted. Either doesn’t open at all or comes up as error. Do these fares still exist?? thank you
Hi Say,
These promotions are generally temporary, so yes, the MINI fare is no longer on offer. Instead, you can find a full list of ongoing Trenitalia promotions here, including 2-for-1 tickets and same-day return offers. Let us know if we can help with anything
First let me say that this is a great article on train travel through Italy. I have booked my tickets but am confused on one of the trips about getting the tickets and validating the tickets.
I am travelling from Pisa to Manarola with a stop in Spezia for 7 minutes.Pisa to Manarola is an e-ticket so I don’t need to print any tickets. However from La Spezia to Manarola is a Self service ticket.
My question is where do I get the ticket for Manarola..from Pisa or La Spezia. If its La Spezia, will I have enough time to get my ticket and then validate it? Or can I print my ticket at Pisa and validate it in La Spezia. Sorry if I have repeated myself a few times.
Hi Nilesh,
You’ll get the ticket for Manarola in La Spezia. You won’t be able to get it at Pisa. And yes, you should have time to get the ticket and validate it at the La Spezia station.
Let us know if we can help with anything else!
Hello,
Please disregard my last question as I think we will be going straight from Riccione to Rome. The train schedule in Bologna gives me 18 minutes to transfer. Is this enough time? Thank you for your time and help on this matter.
Hi LeeAnne,
Yes, it should be enough time. Just remember that the elevators don’t always work, so you may have to lug your luggage up and down stairs on your own, so pack light if possible!
This is a great site and is extremely helpful. After reading the information I’m actually going to book my tickets online instead of using a travel agent as I have done in the past. I have a couple of questions though. Could you please tell me if the names of the passengers have to be exactly as they are in your passport, what the email list for travels is and lastly, if I put in my mobile phone number as the contact number and it changes between now and then what do I do?
Regards,
Lyn
Hi Lyn,
We’re happy to help! Don’t worry about the passenger names, as the conductor won’t check your ticket against an ID. Don’t worry about the phone either, as you likely won’t be contacted. Just make sure your email address is correct so you can receive the e-ticket. Finally, we’re not sure what you mean by email list for travels—can you clarify?
Thank you, and happy travel planning!
In looking at the train schedule from Monterossa to Naples, we are routed through Roma with a 4 minute change over time. Is this enough time to get to next train. It appears we come in on a 505 (whatever that means) and go to Trenitalia Le Frecce 9419. Just wondering how far apart these are?
Thanks,
Linda
Hi Linda,
The numbers are just the way to identify each train. Four minutes will be tight, if you have luggage, so make sure you’re ready and waiting at the door as soon as the train pulls into Termini. Luckily, the platforms are also fairly close together. Ask the conductor when he comes through if he knows which platform the Rome train will leave from (show him your ticket). If he doesn’t, you’ll have to get off the train and check the large departures/arrivals info board. You’ll look for the train with that 9419 number; the platform number is listed where it says “Binario.” Let us know if we can help with anything else, and good luck!
Thanks for all the information provided! I do have another question, though. I’ve booked a journey from Pisa to Trieste at night, sadly only via Regional trains, but that’s ok. The site said I need to collect my tickets at the self-service machine. Is that correct, or can I just use the PNR number like you’ve mentioned? And if I do need to collect tickets at the self-service machine, can I collect the tickets for all connecting trains at once or do I need to collect each ticket at each station I stop in?
Thanks!
Hi Claire,
We’re happy to help! If the message said to collect the tickets at the self-service machine, then you’ll have to do it that way; you can’t use the PNR only on regional trains. However, the machines are pretty easy to use. And yes, you can collect all of the tickets at once. Let us know if we can help with anything else!