Italy is an easy country to travel by train; cost is not comprised for those on a budget and taking the train is easier, and faster, to travel between Italy's major cities of Naples, Rome, Florence and Venice. It is even possible to take 'side trips' to Italy's coastal towns and cities, using regional train connections.
Using Trenitalia
Trenitalia is a partially state-run and partially privatized train service which operates throughout Italy. It is important to know the different types of trains and which stations they stop at. Fast trains, such as Intercity (IC) and Eurostar Italia (ES) stop only at major cities; slower, regional trains (regionale or interregionale) stop at all train stations.
Classes and Costs of Train Travel in Italy
It is cheaper to buy local train tickets in Italy, although it is possible to purchase train tickets between major cities on line, prior to traveling. Train travel in Italy is 1st or 2nd class; a 1st class train ticket costs approximately double the price of a 2nd class train ticket.
For up-to-date prices for train travel in Italy, check with Trenitalia; generally, on Intercity and Eurostar trains, a supplement is payable, depending on the distance traveled. At present, this may cost between 3 euros and 16 euros. Eurostar train tickets includes both the supplement and booking fee.
Reservations for Train Travel in Italy
It is not essential to reserve a seat for train travel in Italy but it is advisable, even if it is only made at a train station , at a travel agency, or on the internet, an hour before traveling; a reservation ensures a seat. On Eurostar trains, it may be mandatory to reserve a seat before traveling.
Other Train Services in Italy
If traveling overnight by train in Italy, it is possible to reserve a cuccetta (a sleeping compartment); it may cost more than the normal price of a train ticket, but is generally cheaper than the cost of a hotel, for those on a budget. Most train stations in Italy have guarded left-luggage offices or self-service lockers, for a reasonable charge. Trenitalia also offers various travel passes for train travel in Italy for seniors, children and young people.
Travel Train Times Between Major Italian Cities
Train travel between the major cities in Italy is fast and efficient; the approximate journey times for some of the major Italian cities are as follows:
- Naples to Rome/Rome to Naples – 1 ½ to 2 hours
- Rome to Florence/Florence to Rome – 1 ½ to 1 ¾ hours
- Florence to Venice/Venice to Florence – 2 ¾ to 3 ¼ hours
- Venice to Milan/Milan to Venice – 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours.
Italy by Train
Traveling Italy by train used to be associated with back packers and young people on a budget; today, deciding to travel Italy by train is not only a budget option but can also be a relaxing and efficient way to see Italy. It also allows for interaction with both locals and other travelers – or simply a chance to sit back and watch the Italian countryside roll by before reaching the next Italian city.
Related Reading by the Same Author:
Visiting the Ancient City of Pompeii, Italy
References:
Lonely Planet Guide to Italy 2008 8th Edition
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