Rome, Florence, Pisa, Venice... Thousand trains per day cover 16,000 km of railroad track on the Italian rail network, operated by Trenitalia, the Italian Railways.
They connect the big cities and the small towns in Italy and connect Italy with other European countries, such as France, Spain and Austria.
All the beautiful landscapes of Italy: the sweet hills of Tuscany, covered with vineyards, the stately Dolomiti mountains, the blues and the greens of the sea shores, the quiet countryside, the busy towns, all framed by the window will pass by the traveler’s eyes.
It won't take long to do all that: in 1,5 hour from Rome to Florence, 45 minutes from Florence to Pisa and less than 3 hours from Florence to Venice.
Services
All the main Italian stations have various facilities for passengers including: trolleys, baggage lockers, foreign exchange facilities, restaurants, car rental offices and hotel reservations. Smoking is prohibited on all trains in Italy.
Bicycles are only allowed on suburban and regional trains marked with a bike symbol in the timetable and upon purchase of a special bike ticket.
Train stations in Rome
Train types and reservations
Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca (formerly known as Eurostar Italy), EuroCity (EC)
Premium high-speed trains between the larger Italian cities.
Seat reservation: compulsory. In 1st class the reservation fee includes a welcome drink and a snack.
Reservation fee: 2nd class: € 10 / 1st class: € 10
EuroCity (EC), InterCity (IC)
Trains connecting main destinations inside and outside Italy.
Seat reservation: possible but not compulsory.
Reservation fee: 2nd class: € 3 / 1st class: € 3
Regional (R) and Express (E)
Slower trains within a single region, stopping at almost every station en route.
Seat reservation: not necessary.
InterCity Notte (ICN)
Night trains for medium to long-distance journeys.
Seat reservation: compulsory. In 1st class the reservation fee includes a welcome drink and a snack.
Reservation fee: depends on the comfort level (seats, 4/6-bed couchette, cabin)
Making reservations
You can make reservations in advance by phone or online. You can also make them at a station in Italy. You can go to a ticket window or use one of the 'Self-Service' machines to avoid queues. On these machines, you select the train you want to use and click on the button 'Global Pass' (see example screenshot). You can pay the reservation fee by cash or credit card.
To travel between France and Italy you may need to use high-speed, international or night trains, or a combination of these. Most of the trains on these routes require a reservation. During the peak periods its recommended to make reservations as soon as possible. View routes between France and Italy, including routes with no or low reservation fees.
How to get there
By train
Italy has direct train connections with bordering countries France, Austria and Slovenia.
By ferry
Italy has direct ferry connections with Greece, Spain and France. See Italy pass benefits for an overview of discounted ferries.
