Train travel is so inexpensive in Italy that it is very widely used. The Italian rail network connects just about every major city in Italy, runs like clockwork, and often includes spectacular views of the countryside. For a serene stay find out more about how to Travel in Italy by Train plus 20 Useful Phrases for your Train Travel
During the holiday season, travelling by train can be difficult, so, wherever possible, you should reserve your seat well in advance.
Considerable reductions are available for families and individuals on short-term season tickets.
Sleeping cars are available on most domestic long-distance night services, and most long-distance trains have restaurant cars.
Trains on Italian State Railways (Trenitalia) are classified as follows:
High-speed trains – Le Frecce
FRECCIAROSSA
Frecciarossa trains cross the Italian peninsula reaching the speed of 300 km / h, going in the heart of big metropolis with the Italian High-Speed line shortening distances.
Di Sky – Opera propria, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11255481
FRECCIARGENTO
“Frecciargento” are trains running through both the high-speed and traditional lines with connections that shorten the distance between Rome and the major metropolitan basins of the North-East and South sides of the Country.
Every day it’s possible to choose among more than 50 connections at comfortable and frequent times.
Di MitKawa – Opera propria, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18244153
FRECCIABIANCA
Frecciabianca runs on traditional lines outside of the High-Speed network, guaranteeing comfort and quality service.
86 trains a day connect large and medium-sized centres, from 5 AM to 9 PM, meaning you can always get where you need to go.
Di Luc230300 – Opera propria, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59332480
Other Trains
EC (Eurocity)
A fast international train, with first and second-class compartments. A supplement must be paid in advance, but there is no charge for booking a seat in advance.
Di Mavericksaur – Opera propria, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6184368
IC (Intercity)
Fast national train. Most ICs have first and second classes, but there are still a few with first-class only.
IC connect major cities with a limited number of stops in intermediate stations.
Di Manny Mannheimer – Opera propria, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69596135
Treno Regionale
“Regionale” trains connect provincial cities and smaller towns to the major cities and have more intermediate stops. These are slower and less plush but can be a good way to experience the sights of rural and provincial Italy.
Di Rob Dammers – https://www.flickr.com/photos/robdammers/35059108324/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61188419
You should find out in advance whether you will be taking an IC or EC train and ask to pay for the supplement when you buy your ticket.
Validating Tickets
Visitors are often caught unawares by train and transport systems requiring validation and this can result in being fined a minimum of 50euros.
Tickets bought in Italy for Regionale trains are not marked for any particular time or train and become valid only when time-stamped at a validation machine.
Without this validation, train operators assume the rider is trying to fare dodge, since the ticket could be reused. So validation is absolutely essential before boarding
20 Useful Phrases for your Train Travel
ITALIAN
A che ora parte il treno per Firenze?
ENGLISH
When does the train for Florence leave?
ITALIAN
A che ora arriva il treno da Roma?
ENGLISH
When does the train from Rome arrive?
ITALIAN
A che ora c’è il prossimo treno per Venezia?
ENGLISH
When is the next train to Venice?
ITALIAN
Devo pagare un supplemento?
ENGLISH
Do I have to pay a supplement?
ITALIAN
Vorrei prenotare un posto
ENGLISH
I’d like to reserve a seat
ITALIAN
A che ora c’è il primo/l’ultimo treno per Torino?
ENGLISH
When is the first/last train to Turin?
ITALIAN
Quanto costa il biglietto per Napoli?
ENGLISH
What is the fare to Naples?
ITALIAN
Il treno ferma a Padova?
ENGLISH
Does the train stop at Padua?
ITALIAN
Quanto tempo ci mette per andare a Trieste?
ENGLISH
How long does it take to get to Trieste?
ITALIAN
Quanto tempo ci mette per andare a Trieste?
ENGLISH
How long does it take to get to Trieste?
Dove posso comprare il biglietto?
ITALIAN
Dove posso comprare il biglietto?
ENGLISH
Where can I buy a ticket?
ITALIAN
Un biglietto di sola andata/di andata e ritorno per Bologna, per favore
ENGLISH
A one-way/round-trip ticket to Bologna, please
ITALIAN
È questo il treno per Genova?
ENGLISH
Is this the right train for Genoa?
ITALIAN
È questo il binario del treno per Palermo?
ENGLISH
Is this the right platform for the Palermo train?
ITALIAN
A che binario parte il treno per Perugia?
ENGLISH
Which platform for the Perugia train?
ITALIAN
Il treno è in ritardo?
ENGLISH
Is the train late?
ITALIAN
Dov’è il capotreno?
ENGLISH
Where is the train conductor?
Things You’ll Hear in a Station and How to Travel in Italy by Train
ITALIAN
Il treno per Roma parte dal binario 3
ENGLISH
The train to Rome leaves from platform 3
ITALIAN
Il prossimo treno parte alle diciotto
ENGLISH
The next train leaves at 18:00
ITALIAN
Deve pagare un supplemento
ENGLISH
You must pay a supplement
ITALIAN
Il treno parte con un’ora di ritardo
ENGLISH
The train has been delayed by one hour
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