How to search, plan and book train travel in Italy

In a country with abundant historical and cultural attractions and picturesque landscapes, booking a Mediterranean cruise from or to an Italian port is an excellent opportunity to extend your vacation and explore other bucket list destinations in Italy.

A cruise combined with train travel is the best way to see everything. Here are our tried and tested tips and advice on how to book train travel in Italy.

Exploring Italy, one train journey at a time

By booking a flight into one city and home from another, you can make the most of seeing as much of Italy as possible in the time you have. This type of flight ticket is called “Open Jaw,” and you may find it is just as cost-effective as booking a ticket to and from the same city.

You can connect to each city in between using the train. Probably the most popular flight combination booked by cruise travelers is a flight into Venice and home from Rome (or vice versa, depending on the starting port of your cruise).

Every major city in between can be reached by train. Italy has a well-connected rail network, making getting from one place to another easy.

The trains are clean, fast and efficient, allowing you to cover long distances quickly. And there are many breathtaking views from a comfortable window seat.

Know your trains – a quick guide

Italy’s different types of train services have unique features and pricing. All suppliers have good options for the storage of luggage onboard.

However, in our experience, when we travel between Florence and Rome, the most spacious and comfortable option is the Frecciarossa fast train, which is ideal when traveling between major cities.

The price difference between the regional train and the Frecciarossa train is often not very high.

Regional trains

Regional trains are typically used for shorter journeys between smaller towns and cities. They are a little slower than other trains and make more stops.

They are also relatively inexpensive and run frequently every day of the week.

We use regional trains for many of our journeys in Italy. For example, Venice island (Venezia S Lucia, located on the Grand Canal) to Ravenna (Stazione di Ravenna), changing trains in either Ferrara or Bologne.

Regional trains get you between Rome and the cruise port at Civitavecchia.

We also use the regional trains to travel from Florence (Firenze S. M. Novella) to beautiful Monteriggioni in Tuscany. From the train station, we switch to a local bus to travel to Monteriggioni from the train station Castellina In Chianti-Monteriggioni.

Another popular train route is from Milan to Lake Como, arriving at the small village of Varenna on the lake’s edge. From Varenna, you can easily connect to the idyllic towns of Bellagio and Menaggio by using the local ferry.

Intercity trains

Intercity trains travel between major cities and make fewer stops than regional trains. They are faster and more comfortable than regional trains but still relatively inexpensive.

There are good options to explore other towns along the route. A popular intercity route is from Florence to Pisa and onto La Spezia to access the stunning coastal region of Cinque Terre.

Highspeed trains

Highspeed trains, such as the well-known Frecciarossa and Italo, travel at high speeds between major cities and have fewer stops than intercity trains.

They are more expensive than regional and intercity trains, offering comfortable seats, onboard services, and speed.

The Frecciarossa, operated by Trenitalia, is the fastest train in Italy, connecting major cities such as Rome, Florence, Milan, and Turin.

Italo, operated by NTV, also offers high-speed services. Both have comfortable seating, onboard services, and free wifi. They are top-of-the-line train options and the most expensive option.

Click to search, compare, and book train tickets in Italy here.

Major train stations for cruise travelers in Italy

It’s easier than you think to tie together a great trip before or after your cruise. We recommend you book your tickets in advance to secure your seat.

Depending upon where your ship originates or your cruise ends, these are the major train stations you will most likely use in Italy as part of a land and cruise vacation.

• Rome center (Roma Termini)
• Rome airport (Rome-Fiumicino Airport) express train into Roma Termini.
• Civitavecchia
• Naples (Napoli Centrale)
• Sorrento
• Salerno
• La Spezia (La Spezia Centrale)
• Pisa (Pisa Centrale)
• Genoa (Genova)
• Florence center (Firenze S. M. Novella)
• Florence airport (Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola) express tram into the center of Florence.
• Milan center (Milano Centrale)
• Milan airport (Milano Malpensa Airport) express train into central Milan.
• Ravenna
• Bologna (Bologna Centrale)
• Venice island (Venezia S. Lucia)
• Venice mainland (Venezia Mestre)
• Trieste (Trieste Centrale & Trieste Airport)

The different types of train tickets in Italy

With several classes of train tickets available, it’s sometimes a little tricky to know what difference it will make to your journey. I will add that I often book the cheapest option when traveling on a shorter route of around 1 to 1.5 hours.

There is no vast difference between first- and second-class travel, but if you are tall or on a longer journey, a bit of extra legroom in first-class travel is always nice.

If you are a family and want a table where you can play a game of cards or have your computer out on your journey, look for a premium-class ticket where you can pre-book seat numbers.

Note that different train classes and types of tickets available may vary depending on the specific route and train operator. Check your options and the price difference when booking.

Regional trains: These trains offer a standard class of service and have a more simplified fare structure. You may not have a lot of choices when booking. However, the cheapest option has worked well in all our years traveling regional trains in Italy.

Intercity trains: Here, you will find standard and premium options. If the price difference is acceptable, go for a higher class offering more room and extra luggage rack space.

High-speed trains: Trenitalia offers several ticket options with different amenities:

• Standard is the most basic, also called second-class. This is a perfectly comfortable seat in an air-conditioned carriage. You’ll have wifi and power sockets.
• The Premium option is also called first-class or comfort. Expect slightly more legroom and a dedicated carriage. Plus the wifi and power sockets.
• Business, Prima, and Executive class tickets offer the above, plus extra legroom, wider seats, and onboard service. Executive classes often provide drinks within the price of the ticket.

8 tips – what to consider before you book your train ticket in Italy

If you’re traveling during peak season, we highly recommend booking your train tickets in advance.

Train travel in Italy is incredibly popular—not just with visitors, but also with locals enjoying their holidays. High-speed trains can get busy, and seats fill up quickly. Planning ahead will save you stress and ensure you get the best routes at the best times.

1. Book in advance for the best deals

Not only will you secure your seat, but booking online often offers better prices than purchasing tickets at the station on the day of travel.

2. Choose your seat wisely

Do you want a window seat for the best views? Traveling with family or friends? Pre-selecting seats ensures you sit together and enjoy the journey comfortably.

3. Pick the fastest route

Train journey times vary widely depending on the number of stops. When booking, opt for the shortest route with as few stops as possible to save time.

4. Arrive early at the train station

Give yourself enough time to find the right platform, board the train, and stow your luggage. Italian train stations can be busy, and boarding can take longer than expected.

5. Check the ticket booking conditions

Like airline tickets, the cheapest train tickets are often non-refundable or have restrictions. Consider a flexible ticket that allows modifications or cancellations if your plans change.

6. Verify your departure and arrival stations

Many Italian cities have multiple train stations. For example, Venice has one station on the mainland (Mestre) and one on the island (Santa Lucia). Make sure you choose the one closest to your hotel or final destination.

7. Know when your tickets become available

Most train tickets can be booked around 40 days before departure. If you can’t find availability for your trip, don’t worry—the schedule likely hasn’t been published yet. Check back later.

8. Validate your paper ticket

If you’re using a paper ticket, don’t forget to validate it before boarding. Look for the yellow or red machines at the station and stamp your ticket to avoid fines. Validation may be unnecessary if you booked online, but always check the ticket conditions.

Bonus Tip: Compare Prices Before Booking
To get the best deal, compare prices across multiple train travel suppliers. Our favorite platform for quick and easy price comparisons is Omio.

How and where to book train travel in Italy

There are two leading operators for train tickets in Italy, Trenitalia, and Italo.

When you book online, you can download your digital ticket to your cell phone or print out a hard copy and take it with you.

Choose a flexible ticket, even if it costs a few more euros. If your plans change, you can easily change your ticket online.

Italo

Italo is a private train provider in Italy. It operates on the main rail lines connecting major cities such as Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice.

Italo trains offer a variety of service classes. The company was founded in 2006 and began operations in 2012, becoming Italy’s first privately owned train operator.

Italo’s trains are known for their punctuality, speed, and comfort, which makes them an appealing option for travelers in Italy.

Trenitalia

Trenitalia is the primary train operator in Italy. It is a state-owned company that operates regional and long-distance trains nationwide.

Trenitalia’s services include high-speed trains like the Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca, slower regional trains and international connections to other European countries.

Trenitalia is known for its extensive rail network and is considered one of the most reliable options for traveling in Italy. They are known for their punctuality and excellent connection networks.

Always compare prices to get the best deal

Looking for the best deal on train tickets in Italy? Instead of searching multiple websites, save time and money by comparing prices in one place. Our go-to platform for quickly finding, comparing, and booking train tickets in Italy is Omio—a user-friendly site that makes planning your journey effortless.

• Convenience: Omio allows you to search and compare prices and schedules for multiple train providers in one place, making it easy to find the best option for your trip.
• Time-saving: Omio allows you to book tickets directly on the website, which saves time and hassle booking tickets on multiple websites.
• User-friendly: The website is easy to navigate and provides all the necessary information about your ticket.
• Multiple currency options: Prices and payments can be made in your currency.
• Language support: Omio’s website is available in multiple languages, making it easy for non-Italian speakers to book train travel.
• Customer support: You can create an account free of charge and sign up for news and reminders. Managing your bookings on the website is easy, and customer support quickly answers any queries.
• Reviews and ratings: Omio provides reviews and ratings for different trains and providers, which can help you make an informed decision about your purchase.

Ready to find the best train tickets for your trip? Click to compare prices and book easily with Omio today.