sean.blunk Why are we talking about train travel in Italy? Well, one of my favorite trips we’ve taken is to Italy. The pizza, the pasta, the tiramisu what more could you ask for? On this trip, we decided to attempt to “backpack” across Italy. Landing in Rome, head to Naples, then back to Rome, Florence (plus Pisa of course) then over to Venice. We wouldn’t have been able to do all of this if Italy didn’t have a great infrastructure for train travel. Italy boasts an efficient train system with stunning scenery, affordable prices, and (usually) reliable service. Here’s a rundown of everything you need to know.
Types of Trains in Italy
Italy offers three types of trains: high-speed trains, regional trains, and local trains.
- High-speed trains, also known as the “Frecce,” are the fastest and most luxurious way to travel in Italy. These trains offer Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and snacks.
- Between the major cities – high-speed trains are the way to go.
- Regional trains are the best way to get to the smaller towns but are slower and less glamorous.
- A good example of this would be Florence to Pisa.
- Local trains are the most economical way to travel, but they are the slowest.
Buying Train Tickets in Italy
When purchasing tickets in Italy, be sure to plan ahead. You can buy tickets online, at the station, or from travel agencies. Online ticketing is the most convenient way to book tickets in advance, and you can compare prices, check schedules, and pay with your credit card or PayPal.
If you prefer buying tickets in person, you can do so at the ticket office or self-service kiosk. You can also seek guidance from travel agencies such as Rail Europe, ItaliaRail, and GoEuro. (Rail Europe is our favorite and they even have an app!)
When buying tickets, make sure you have all the information you need
- like your starting and ending stations
- the date and time of your journey
- and what class and seat type you want.
There are different types of tickets available, like single-use, multi-use, and season tickets, and each has its own quirks.
- Single-use tickets are valid for one journey only, and you need to validate them before boarding the train.
- Multi-use tickets, like Carnet and CartaFRECCIA, can save you some cash if you plan on taking multiple journeys.
- And season tickets, like Abbonamento and Abbonamento Regionale, are perfect for commuters and frequent travelers.
Planning Your Route in Italy
Planning your route is the fun part of traveling by train in Italy. With so many incredible destinations to choose from, the train can take you almost everywhere. However, be sure to plan ahead based on your travel preferences and interests.
Below is what our trip looked like:
- Fly into Rome > Train to Naples > Naples to Rome > Rome to Florence > Florence to Pisa (and back again) >Florence to Venice > Fly from Venice home
Packing for Train Travel in Italy
When packing for train travel in Italy, it’s essential to pack efficiently and follow luggage restrictions and policies. Trains can be tight on space so this is really key. Both my Husband and I used an Ospre Farpoint 40 Travel Pack Men’s. We were gone for 10 days and only did a small amount of laundry for unmentionables. This bag was able to hold all of our clothes & several pairs of shoes plus all the shopping we did along the way!
Overall this type of bag/luggage worked very well for us. Europe in general believes in smaller spaces so it was nice not having to lug 2 large wheeler bags through various train stations, city centers, and hotel/B&Bs.
Leave that extra pair of shoes behind and pack some snacks instead.
Boarding and Riding the Train in Italy
Finding your seat and storing your luggage can be a bit tricky, but it’s all part of the adventure. Once you’re settled in, make sure you have something to keep you entertained during the ride. Italy has beautiful scenery so even if you just want to watch the fields go buy, there is no wasted hour taking the train. Food and drink options are available on Italian trains, and you can bring your snacks or try local cuisine in the dining car.
Train Safety and Security
Safety and security on Italian trains are important, but let’s not dwell on the negatives. Just keep an eye on your belongings and use common sense. And if you do happen to find yourself in an unexpected situation, just remember that you’re in Italy – the land of delicious food, beautiful art, and friendly people. You’ll be just fine.
If you are needing a place to store your luggage while visiting a city/town or just waiting until you can check in to where you are staying, most train stations have a storage area. These do cost money but for the day you can get away with 5€s per bag.
In conclusion, Italy’s train system offers a reliable, affordable, and efficient way to explore the country’s stunning scenery. Whether you’re traveling by high-speed, regional, or local trains, be sure to plan ahead, pack efficiently, and enjoy the ride!
