Scroll down to below the "Ignore this Machine" photo and discover the greatest Italian rail journeys of all, including a few by steam train.
You'll also find tips on getting the best deals in that section too.
For driving and car hire in Italy read our article here.
Italy's awe-inspiring train system is nothing short of extraordinary, presenting you with an unparalleled way to explore the country. The high-speed network effortlessly spans Italy's most prominent towns and cities, transporting visitors from the vibrant north to the sun-kissed landscapes of Calabria and Sicily in the south.
TrenItalia, the nation's rail operator, operates three remarkable high-speed train versions: the Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca. These sleek and sophisticated trains whisk passengers across Italy with efficiency and style.
As an alternative, Italo provides its own high-speed services across the country, ensuring you have ample options for intercity travel.
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🚆 You can find and buy cheap train tickets for your trip in advance here
Many decades ago, long before I met and married my Italian wife, Maria, I visited Italy by train on a Eurail Pass. It was a great first introduction to Italy, and I saw many of the most famous cities: Rome, Venice, and Florence. I loved it.
The only challenge is that some of the countryside regions aren't well covered by the rail network, particularly in southern Italy. There are exceptions, though. The coast of Calabria has great service, but most of southern Italy is not well covered. Even in regions like Tuscany, Le Marche, and the Dolomites, much of the countryside has no rail network.
My advice is that if you really want to get out into the countryside and explore, then you are better off renting a car. Base yourself in one town or village, find a characteristic place to stay, and explore.
Having said that, there are definitely some train journeys one really should take. If you are a supporter, you are always welcome to contact me for personalized advice, however, you'll find many of the best train rides waiting for you in the FAQ section further down this page.
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🚆 You can find and buy cheap train tickets for your trip in advance here
Question 1: Which are the most beautiful train rides in Italy?
Answer:
Steam Train Journeys
There are some amazing steam trains still operating in Italy. Click here for a list of all Italian steam train routes and booking info.
Question 2: How fast are Italian trains?
Answer: The maximum recorded speed in testing is 393.8 km/h (244.7 mph), although operating speeds are limited to 300 km/h (186 mph). The fastest trains are the Frecciarossa 1000 trains, followed by the Italo trains that can reach a maximum speed of 360 km/h (160mph).
Question 3: When is the best time to buy train tickets?
Answer: I find that booking for the fast trains between one and three months before traveling generally works out the cheapest. If you are booking a regional train, the prices are generally the same regardless of when you book. A good idea is to download the Trenitalia app so that you can buy tickets online, and then the ticket inspector simply scans the QR code on your phone.
Question 4: How to avoid fines when traveling by train in Italy
Answer: If you don't buy tickets online, you will need to physically validate your train ticket using the little machines on the platform before boarding. If it is a multi-day ticket, you must fill in the date and sign it. If you have bought your tickets online, you'll still need to validate it on the website on the day of travel.
Not validating your train ticket, together with the fines from getting caught in ZTL zones, is the most common way tourists get fined in Italy. You can find out about ZTL zones and other mistakes tourists to Italy MUST NOT make here.
Question 5: Are trains in Italy expensive?
Answer: No, the tickets are very affordable and, considering the quality of Italian trains, are often a real bargain.
Question 6: What about graffiti on trains?
Graffiti on trains used to be a huge issue. That is no longer as much of an issue as the Frecciarossa trains boast advanced anti-graffiti paints, engineered to safeguard their pristine surfaces from defacement and vandalism. These specialized coatings create a formidable barrier, repelling paint and other forms of graffiti with remarkable efficiency.
Some freight trains and older regional trains do still suffer from the graffiti vandals.
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🚆 You can find and buy cheap train tickets for your trip in advance here
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