Train Travel Basics
It is common knowledge that the best thing to know while traveling abroad is the native language. To help you with navigating the railways, we've listed the top ten most important Italian phrases to use at the train station or on the train. We recommend memorizing these phrases as a good starting point towards making your travel experience easier and more enjoyable.
train - treno (/ˈtrɛno/)
What platform is my train leaving from?
DA QUALE BINARIO PARTE IL MIO TRENO?
"Dah kwah-lay bee-nah-ree-oh pahr-tay eel mee-oh treh-noh"
ticket - biglietto (/biʎˈʎetto/)
Where should I get my ticket validated?
DOVE SI CONVALIDA IL BIGLIETTO?
"Doh-vay see kuhn-vah-lee-dah eel beel-yeh-toh"
train station - stazione (/statˈtsjone/)
Where is the main train station?
DOV'È LA STAZIONE CENTRALE?
"Doh-vay lah stah-zee-oh-neh sen-trah-lay"
restroom - bagni (/baɲˈɲi/)
Where are the restrooms?
DOVE SONO I BAGNI?
"Doh-vay soh-noh ee bahn-yee"
baggage check/left luggage - deposito bagagli (/deˈpɔzito baˈgaʎʎ/)
Where is the baggage check area?
DOV'È IL DEPOSITO BAGAGLI?
"Doh-vay eel deh-pah-zee-toh bah-gahl-yee"
arrival/departure - orari di arrivo/partenza dei treni (/oˈrari di arˈrivo/ - /parˈtɛntsa 'dei treˈni/)
How can I find out about train arrival and departure times?
DOVE TROVO LE INFORMAZIONI SUGLI ORARI DI ARRIVO E PARTENZA DEI TRENI?
"Doh-vay trah-voh leh in-fohr-maht-zee-oh-nee sool-yee oh-rah-ree dee ah-ree-voh ee pahr-tehn-zuh day tren-ee"
customer service/information area - l’assistenza clienti/l’ufficio informazioni (/l'assisˈtɛntsa kliˈɛnti/ - /l'ufˈfitʃo informatˈtsjoni/)
Where is the customer service/information area?
DOV'È L'ASSISTENZA CLIENTI? / DOV'È L'UFFICIO INFORMAZIONI?
"Doh-vay lah-sis-ten-zuh klee-en-tee" / "Doh-vay loo-fih-tchoh in-fohr-maht-zee-oh-nee"
express train - treno espresso (/ˈtrɛno esˈprɛsso/)
Is my train an express train?
(IL MIO) È UN TRENO ESPRESSO?
"Eel mee-oh eh oon treh-noh eh-spreh-soh"
dining car - la carrozza or ristorante (/la karˈrɔttsa/ - /ristoˈrante/)
Where is the dining car?
DOV'È LA CARROZZA / IL VAGONE RISTORANTE
"Doh-vay leh cuh-roh-tzah" / "Eel vah-goh-neh ree-stuh-rahn-teh"
self-serve ticket kiosk - biglietteria automatica (/biʎʎetteˈria autoˈmatika/)
Where is the closest self-serve ticket kiosk?
DOV'È LA BIGLIETTERIA AUTOMATICA PIÙ VICINA?
"Doh-vay leh bil-yee-eh-tee-ree-uh ow-toh-ma-tee-cah pyoo vee-chee-nah"
Is smoking allowed on Italian trains?
No. Smoking is strictly prohibited on all ItaliaRail and Trenitalia trains, including high-speed Frecciarossa, InterCity, and Regional lines. This ban applies to all areas of the train, including restrooms, vestibules, and corridors.
Italy maintains some of the strictest anti-smoking laws in Europe regarding public transport. The prohibition of smoking on trains is absolute and enforced by train conductors and railway police. This ensures the comfort and safety of all passengers, given that modern high-speed trains like the Frecciarossa and Frecciargento are pressurized and sealed environments.
Penalties and E-Cigarettes
Violators caught smoking on board face administrative fines ranging from €27.50 to €275 (doubled if in the presence of pregnant women or children). Note that Trenitalia also explicitly bans the use of electronic cigarettes (vapes) on board their trains.
Smoking Rules by Location
While smoking is banned on board, regulations vary once you step off the train. The table below outlines where smoking is permitted during your journey.
| Location | Policy | Details |
|---|---|---|
| On Board Train | Strictly Prohibited | Includes all cabins, restrooms, and bistro cars. |
| Station Interiors | Prohibited | Banned in ticket halls, waiting rooms, and shops. |
| Station Platforms | Generally Permitted | Allowed in uncovered outdoor areas, unless "No Smoking" signage is present. |
Key Regulations for Travelers
- Electronic Cigarettes: Trenitalia regulations prohibit the use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices on board to avoid triggering sensitive smoke detectors and disturbing other passengers.
- Station Stops: Do not attempt to step off the train for a "quick smoke" at intermediate stops. High-speed trains like the Frecciarossa have very brief dwell times (often 2–3 minutes), and the doors may close automatically before you can re-board.
- Designated Areas: Larger stations like Roma Termini and Milano Centrale may have designated smoking zones outside the main entrance or at the ends of the platforms (open air).
Maps of Train Routes in Italy and the High-Speed Network
Yes, ItaliaRail provides resources to help you visualize the Italian rail network. While a single map containing every regional track in Italy would be too dense to be useful, we provide clear maps of the High-Speed (Alta Velocità) network that most travelers use to connect major cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and Naples.
The Italian rail network is extensive, reaching nearly every corner of the country. To navigate it effectively, it helps to understand the two main layers of the system: the High-Speed (Frecce) lines and the Regional lines.
View the Italy Rail Map
For a visual overview of the major connections, you can view our dedicated Italy Rail Map. This map highlights the primary high-speed arteries connecting northern, central, and southern Italy.
Route Availability
Routes change regularly, particularly on the expanding High-Speed network. If a specific small town does not appear on the general map, use the ItaliaRail search bar to confirm connectivity. The system recognizes both English and Italian station names.
High-Speed vs. Regional Routes
Most visitors spend the majority of their time on the High-Speed network, which is operated by Trenitalia's "Le Frecce" trains. Understanding the difference between these and regional trains is key to planning your route map.
| Feature | High-Speed (Frecce) | Regional (Regionale) |
|---|---|---|
| Network Coverage | Connects major hubs (Milan, Rome, Florence, Venice, Naples). | Connects small towns, rural areas, and local stops. |
| Primary Trains | Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca. | Regionale, Regionale Veloce. |
| Reservations | Mandatory (Included with ticket). | Not required (Open seating). |
| Speed | Up to 300 km/h (190 mph). | Slower speeds, frequent stops. |
Major Italian Rail Corridors
The following routes represent the "backbone" of the Italian rail system. These are served frequently by Frecciarossa trains and are the most common routes plotted on traveler itineraries:
- Rome to Milan: Connects the capital to the industrial north in under 3 hours.
- Rome to Florence: A short 1.5-hour journey through Tuscany.
- Rome to Venice: Crosses the Apennines to the lagoon in roughly 3 hours and 45 minutes.
- Rome to Naples: A quick 1-hour trip south to the gateway of the Amalfi Coast.
- Milan to Venice: Connects the two northern tourist giants in about 2.5 hours.
How do I find a route to a small town not on the map?
If a destination is not visible on the main High-Speed map, it is likely served by a Regional line. Simply type the city name into the search bar on ItaliaRail. If the town has a station, it will appear in the auto-fill options. If no station appears, check if the town is accessible via a bus link from a nearby larger train station.
What is ItaliaRail.com's relationship with Trenitalia?
ItaliaRail is an official partner of Trenitalia, the national railway of Italy, and is the largest foreign seller of Italian train tickets. We maintain direct, real-time connectivity to Trenitalia's reservation system to provide the same availability and fares found locally, optimized for international travelers.
Official Partnership & Connectivity
Unlike third-party aggregators that may scrape data, ItaliaRail operates with direct host-to-host connectivity to Trenitalia's scheduling system. This ensures that when you book through ItaliaRail, you are accessing the official inventory of the Italian State Railways (Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane) in real-time.
| Feature | ItaliaRail (Official Partner) | Trenitalia Direct |
|---|---|---|
| System Access | Direct Real-Time Connection | Native Operator System |
| Customer Support | 24/7 English-Speaking Specialists | Standard Support (Italian/English) |
| Currencies | USD, CAD, AUD, GBP, EUR | Euro (€) Only |
Supported Train Services
Through our partnership, ItaliaRail offers booking for over 80,000 high-speed and regional routes, including the entire fleet of Trenitalia trains and international connections:
- High-Speed (Le Frecce): Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca.
- Intercity: Standard InterCity and EuroCity cross-border trains.
- International Partners: Eurostar, French TGV, German InterCity Express (ICE), Elipsos, and Lyria.
- Passes: Official vendor for Eurail and Interrail Passes.
Booking Verification
Because we connect directly to the Trenitalia system, tickets purchased on ItaliaRail are valid official tickets. You do not need to exchange them at the station; your PNR (booking code) is recognized by all Trenitalia conductors.
Traveling by train in Italy is easy, efficient, fast, and—for most travelers and residents alike—the best way to get around much of the country.
The rail network in Italy is robust in most areas, though in some regions only major cities have train stations. High-speed trains serve all the main tourist cities (also the most populated), and are comfortable and convenient.
Some trains have both first-class and a second-class cars (on high-speed trains these classes go by different names, but there are still grades of service), though often regional trains have only second-class cars.
Larger train stations usually have places to eat and shop, luggage storage, tourist information, currency exchange, and services for disabled travelers in addition to the ticket windows and restrooms found in all stations. In some cases you'll need to use underground passages to reach tracks further from the building.
Finally, there's nothing more enjoyable than sitting back and letting Italy's breathtaking scenery roll by—bucolic fields, charming villages, and mountain and seaside views.
Some travelers rent bikes for a few hours of riding in the Chianti countryside, or book a spot on a bike tour of a city as a different way to explore. If you're one of the more die-hard cyclists who is traveling throughout the country with your own two wheels, you should know that there are some trains that allow you to bring your bike on board with you.
What form the bike has to be in and what you have to pay for it, however, vary depending on the kind of train you're taking.
On InterCity and Regional trains, the train must have a bike icon listed on the timetable in order for you to bring your bike along. With these trains, you have a few options for transporting your bicycle:
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A bike that can be disassembled enough to be put in a case is treated as any other piece of luggage—it's free to bring along with you. In this case, you can bring a bike on board any train, not just the ones with a bicycle icon. The case must measure no larger than 80cm x 110cm x 40cm.
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You can purchase a 2nd class ticket for your bike on the same train you're taking (even if you're in 1st class).
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You can buy a €3.50 ticket that is good for 24 hours and that, like your ticket, must be validated before boarding.
On all other domestic trains, any bicycle that can be contained in a case with the dimensions specified above can be brought on board as luggage at no extra charge. The bike must be stowed in the luggage storage area in the same car in which you're traveling. If that area is full, the bike in its case can be stored in any other area of the train as long as it's not in the way of someone or something else.
It's even possible to bring a bike along on a select few international train journeys, too, including Milan-Geneva and Venice-Munich. The bike ticket fare for international train trips is €12.
Some trains have a space meant specifically for bike storage, but in most cases bicycles must be stored in the same car in which you are traveling. That may mean keeping a bike in your overnight couchette with you, or in the luggage storage area affixed to a railing.
The general rule for traveling by train is that no more than three "easy-to-handle" pieces of luggage are premitted per passenger, though there are rarely officials checking the number of bags people are carrying. When it comes to large items like skis or snowboards, however, there are stricter regulations.
Skis, snowboards, and other large items are only allowed on board the train if there is "suitable space" in which to stow them during the trip.
If sufficient space isn't available in your train car, you must be prepared to check your skis to be carried in the baggage car.
Station Storage
Many larger stations provide luggage storage offices for baggage storage, including ski bags, and many stations have luggage carts.
Trenitalia Offers Luggage Transport for Frecciarossa Customers
The luggage transport service available at some Frecciarossa stations allows customers to book the aid of a station porter for a given time to assist with baggage. When porters are available, they can be easily recognized by their uniform or official badge. The stations that supply this service are Roma Termini, Florence S.M.N., Bologna Centrale and Milano Centrale.
You can use the luggage assistance service simply by Calling the Trenitalia Call Center in Italy on 89.20.21 (fee paying number) up to 8 pm of the day before departure. When booking, you must give the operator details about your journey and the PNR code on your ticket; then you can coordinate over time and the place for meeting the porter. The service cost is 5 euros, which must be paid to the service porter on the spot.
Checking Baggage on Trains
Excess baggage or bulky pieces such as ski bags can be checked to travel in the baggage car if there isn't space in your car.
If you'd rather not worry about carrying skis or other bulky items on and off the train, there is a door-to-door option for sending your bags from point to point rather than carrying it with you. It's called Bagaglio Facile, and the costs start at €20 for the first bag and €15 for the second. It's available to all travelers on Frecce trains, or anyone who has a CartaFreccia card.
Bagaglio Facile is only available Monday-Friday (it only operates on weekends in the cities of Milan, Rome, Florence, Venice, Turin, Bologna, Naples, Salerno, and Bari). Arrangements for Bagaglio Facile must be made by phone at least 24 hours in advance of your departure time.
Bringing the kids along on a trip through Italy is both an exciting and rewarding adventure and, at times, challenging. We have covered some of the things that help make traveling with children by train in Europe easier in another article. Here, we want to make sure you know all about the various train ticket and rail pass options for your kids when you take the train around Italy.
Train Tickets for Children in Italy
Children under age four travel for free on Trenitalia trains in Italy. They do not get their own seat, however, when traveling for free. This can be a problem if it's a train that requires reservations and all the other seats are taken, leaving you with a child in your lap for the whole trip.
Children ages 4-11 travel at a sometimes-discounted "child fare" on most trains in Italy (including Thello). Check the adult fare for the trip, as they are occasionally less expensive than the dedicated "child fare."
On high-speed Frecce, InterCity, and ICN trains, children ages 4-14 are eligible for the sometimes-discounted "child fare."
On Italo trains, children under age two travel for free, and children ages 2-16 are eligible for a "child rate."
Seat, couchette, and other reservations must be made even for a child traveling for free, and these still require reservation fees.
Rail Passes for Children in Italy
There are rail passes for children ages 4-11, which are free of charge with the purchase of an adult rail pass. Each adult pass can have up to two children added for free, though each child must have his or her own pass.
Children under age four do not need a rail pass, but if you want to be sure of a seat you'll need to reserve one for the child as well as yourself.
Yes, you can access the internet with a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or any other portable device with an embedded wifi card when you're on either the Frecciarossa or Frecciargento high-speed trains. A partnership between Trenitalia and Telecom Italia makes this possible.
Keep in mind that the wifi signal will drop in tunnels and as the train goes through or stops in stations along the way, too.
How can I connect to the internet on board the train?
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Wait for the train to leave the station. The wifi is only active after the train leaves its origin station, and may take several minutes to become active.
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Launch your internet browser and you’ll be redirected automatically to the portal’s sign-in page. If you don’t see the portal’s home page, you can type in the address manually: http://portalefrecciarossa.it or http://portalefrecciargento.it.
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Enter your mobile telephone number to get a wifi access code.
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The system will charge 1-cent to your credit card and send an access code to your email address. This code is good for a 24-hour period, and the 1 cent charge is the only fee for using wifi on board the train.
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Save the username and password, because you can log into the system later in the 24-hour period if you want to get online later in the same train trip or are taking another train in that time.
If you’re having any trouble connecting to the wifi after following these instructions, make sure any Proxy Server settings are disabled (unchecked) on your Network Settings.
Your browser must be able to support 128-bit encryption for the on-board wifi to function, and TCP/IP parameters (IP address and DNS) must be in automatic mode.
Once you board the train and find your seat, be prepared to show some paperwork to the conductor when he or she comes through the train car. Failure to have the proper paperwork (or failure to have it properly validated pre-boarding) can result in a fine.
If you're traveling with a train ticket:
You must show ID (typically a passport) and your ticket (with PNRs) to the conductor the train. You can do this on your personal device, such as a smartphone or tablet, or have your ticket printed out. For trains that require seat reservations, you must also show your reservation.
If you're traveling with a rail pass:
You must show ID (typically a passport) and a rail pass that has been validated before boarding the train. For trains that require seat reservations, you must also show your reservation.
What's "best" in this case varies significantly depending on several factors - including your itinerary, budget, and travel style. Here are some things to consider when determining what's ideal for your trip.
Weather
Italian summers can be extremely hot, while winters are typically cold and wet. The heat can start as early as late April in some places, so don't count on spring being mild. November is almost universally the wettest month.
If your travel dreams include beaches, hiking, or other outdoor recreation that relies on sun, the summer months are likely your best bet for ideal weather - keeping in mind that strenuous activities should be done early in the day before the heat gets too bad.
If your travel dreams include skiing and hot spiced wine, the winter months are your best bet.
If you don't mind the potential for rain, spring can be an excellent option.
Budget
Summer is Italy's high season, when prices are usually at their highest, but the high season these days begins as early as April and runs through early October.
On the other hand, in areas where snow sports are big business, the winter months are the high season.
For most itineraries, the late fall through late winter are generally the most budget-friendly (excluding major holidays such as Christmas and Carnevale).
Crowds
There are few times in Italy's most popular cities that are truly crowd-free. High seasons draw huge crowds, from summer travelers to people visiting for brief holidays.
It can be a good idea to consult a calendar of Italian holidays while planning your trip so you know if your travels overlap with any big local celebrations (which can cause not only larger-than-expected crowds but also extremely full trains).
There are 20 regions in Italy, including two islands, and every single one is served by Italian trains. The degree of service in each region, however, differs quite a bit.
Travel by train in Tuscany, Lazio, Lombardy, Veneto, Piedmont, and other heavily-touristed and more densely populated regions is easy. Cities of all sizes and many small towns have train stations, and the popular routes between regions have frequent train service. High-speed trains cover most of the major cities in these regions.
In the less-traveled regions—particularly in the southern part of Italy—train travel is still available though a bit less robust. There are high-speed train lines in some of the southern regions of Italy now, including Puglia and Calabria, but service is less frequent than in the north. Many of the smaller towns in the south or the mountainous north do not have train stations or, if they are on the train line, frequent service.
The islands of Sicily and Sardinia are two of the regions in Italy where it's most challenging to get around by train. Visitors in those regions, and in much of the south, are often better served with a rental car.
Announcements and other official business will typically be conducted in the language of the countries of departure and of arrival, though English is also sometimes added. In most of Europe, you will find English-speaking ticket agents and conductors—though learning to conduct the transaction in the local language is always appreciated.
In nearly every train station there are places where you can buy snacks or portable meals to bring on board, but if you don't get something ahead of time there are also some trains on which you can get food during the trip.
Some trains have restaurant or cafe cars, and others have the train equivalent of flight attendants who roll through the aisles with beverages and snacks for sale. Options include pre-made sandwiches, bags of chips, yogurt, and various cookies and candies. Beverages available include coffee, soft drinks, water, wine, and beer. You can browse a fuller menu here.
Separate restaurant cars are more common on longer train trips—particularly long-haul international trains—and on newer, high-speed trains. In many cases, these cafe cars don't have tables or seats, but rather have counter areas at which passengers can stand while they drink coffee or eat a sandwich. These cars are designed more for quick bites, and you can also bring what you buy back to your seat.
On trains that have proper dining cars with tables and seats, service may only be provided at certain times. Seating in these cars is extremely limited. Less formal dining cars can usually serve light meals at any time.
When trains have trolley service, the food options are typically more like snacks than meals—things like bags of chips or cookies or pre-packaged sandwiches. In first class cars of some trains, passengers will get a free “welcome drink” and a snack upon boarding. Some train systems offer more choices for in-seat dining that can be ordered from the restaurant car, including hot dishes.
In all cases, food available at train stations and on board trains is much more expensive than what you could get at a cafe. The best option by far for budget travelers is to visit a supermarket before arriving at the train station to stock up on some train picnic provisions. Your options are more plentiful, often more delicious, and much cheaper—and eating at your seat is perfectly acceptable.
Note that options for people with dietary restrictions are extremely limited, especially on board the train. It's not possible to order meals as you can do on an airplane, so if you have a special diet your best bet is to purchase food ahead of time and bring it on the train with you.
Your furry friends are welcome to join you on train trips through Italy, so long as they—and you—meet certain requirements.
Required Documentation
All dogs on Trenitalia trains except for guide dogs for the blind must be accompanied by a registration certificate and a health card. Both of these requirements are met by a "pet passport" for non-Italian travelers. These documents must be presented when buying the necessary ticket for the dog, and again during the train trip if requested. Failure to have either document could result in a fine and being forced to get off the train at the next stop.
Small Cats and Dogs
Pets that are small enough to fit inside a carrier no bigger than 25.5" x 12" x 15.5" (70 cm x 30 cm x 50 cm) are permitted to travel with you for no additional fee in both first and second class as well as all levels of service on Frecce trains. Each passenger is only allowed to bring one animal carrier.
Larger Dogs
When dogs are big enough that they won't fit in the approved carrier size, the rules for bringing them on trains change. Each passenger is allowed to bring one dog on board, and the dog must be kept on a leash and muzzled at all times.
Dogs traveling this way are permitted at no extra charge on high-speed Frecce trains in both first and second class and in Business and Standard levels of service. They're also allowed on Express trains, IC, and ICN trains in both first and second class, and on Regional trains (except from 7-9 a.m. Monday-Friday). On Regional trains, dogs have to sit in the aisles or in the vestibule of the last train car.
In some situations, dog owners must purchase an additional ticket to travel with their pet. On Frecce trains in Executive and Premium levels of service, on Regional trains during rush hour from 7-9 a.mm Monday-Friday, and in any sleeping compartment passengers must buy a special ticket for their dog. It's a second-class ticket charged at half of the regular price for that train ticket, and can be purchased at any ticket office (except for online ticket sellers).
Restrictions on Animals
Pets traveling with their owners must be well-behaved and not disturb other passengers on the train. Animals must not take seats which could be used by other passengers, and no pets are allowed in restaurant, cafe, or bar cars except guide dogs for the blind.
If at any point an animal disturbs other passengers, staff on board the train may require that the pet owner and the pet move to another part of the train if one is available. If nothing else is available, the pet owner and pet may be required to get off the train at the next stop.
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Guide dogs for the sight-impaired can travel on all trains free of charge and are the only animals allowed in the Restaurant/Bar Wagons.
What you need to do before boarding your train in Italy depends on whether you have a train ticket or a rail pass.
If You Have a Train Ticket
As of August 2016, Trenitalia high speed tickets ("Freccia..." type) and regional trains that are purchased online no longer need to be validated before you board the train. This is because tickets now have a specific date and four-hour window of time in which they're valid. When you purchase a ticket online, you'll need to choose a travel date and time. This means you can simply arrive at the train station, find your train, and get right on board.
Regional tickets that are purchased at the station, however, only come with a date but no time. These tickets must still be validated using the machines typically found inside the station or on the platforms. This validation must take place before you board the train - there's nowhere to validate a ticket on the train, and you'll incur a fine if your ticket isn't validated. Failure to validate a ticket purchased in a vending machine at the station prior to boarding the train might result in a high fine to the passenger.
Note that tickets for Trenitalia's high-speed trains always come with reservations, which means they didn't need to be validated before and they still don't need to be validated.
If You Have a Rail Pass
Your rail pass functions as a ticket, and you will need to get it validated at a station ticket window before you use it the first time. This cannot be done at a machine or by the conductor, so be sure to allot enough time when you arrive at the station before your first train trip for any potentially long lines at the ticket office.
The major islands in Italy - the regions of Sicily and Sardinia - both have relatively limited train service once you're on the islands, but only Sicily has train service from mainland Italy.
The ferry crossing between mainland Italy and Sicily is so short that trains roll aboard the ferries on one side and roll off on the other side. To reach Sardinia, you must get on a ferry either by car or walking on.
The main island of Venice is connected to the Italian train network, but the other islands of the lagoon are not. Most other islands throughout Italy are not connected by train to the mainland, nor do they have train service once you're on the island.
How early should I arrive at the station for my Italian train?
For most high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo), arrive 20 to 30 minutes before departure. If you are departing from a major station like Roma Termini or Milano Centrale, allow 30–45 minutes to navigate security gates. For regional trains, 15–20 minutes is usually sufficient, but ensure you complete the mandatory digital check-in before boarding.
While Italian trains are efficient, the stations can be large and busy. Arriving early ensures you have enough time to orient yourself, locate the correct platform (binario), and board without stress. The ideal arrival time depends on the type of train you are taking and the station size.
High-Speed vs. Regional: Arrival Guidelines
| Feature | High-Speed (Frecciarossa, Italo) | Regional (Trenitalia) |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended Arrival | 20–30 Minutes | 15–20 Minutes |
| Check-in / Validation | Not required (Seat is reserved) | Mandatory Digital Check-in (or stamp paper ticket) |
| Platform Announcement | 10–15 mins before departure | 10–15 mins before departure |
| Security Gates | Yes (at major hubs like Rome/Milan) | Sometimes (if platform is behind gates) |
Crucial Update: Regional Train Check-in
As of late 2024, Trenitalia Regional digital tickets require a mandatory check-in. You must activate your ticket via the link in your confirmation email or the Trenitalia app before the scheduled departure time. Failure to do so may result in a fine. High-speed trains do not require this step.
Why Arrive Early?
Even if you have your ticket ready on your phone, you should buffer your arrival time for the following reasons:
- Security Gates: Stations like Roma Termini, Milano Centrale, and Firenze Santa Maria Novella now have entry gates (thermoscanners or ticket checks) that restrict access to the platform area. Queues here can take 5–10 minutes during peak hours.
- Station Navigation: Italian stations can be massive. Walking from the entrance to a distant track (such as tracks 1EXT or 2EST in Rome) can take 10–15 minutes.
- Monitor Watching: Platforms are often announced only 10 minutes before departure. Being centrally located near the departure boards allows you to move quickly once your binario is displayed.
- Food & Amenities: If you want to grab an espresso or a panino for the ride, add another 10 minutes. Most high-speed trains have dining cars, but regional trains do not.
When to Allot Extra Time
You should arrive at least 45 minutes early if:
- You need to purchase a ticket at a self-service machine or ticket window.
- You have a paper rail pass that requires initial activation at a ticket window.
- You are traveling with a large group or significant luggage.
- You are departing from Roma Termini or Milano Centrale during rush hour (7:00–9:30 AM or 5:00–7:30 PM).
Do I need to print my ItaliaRail e-ticket?
In 99% of cases, no. For Frecciarossa, Italo, and Intercity trains, the PNR code on your smartphone is sufficient. For Regional trains, the dynamic QR code on your phone (generated after check-in) is the valid ticket. You only need to print your ticket if your specific confirmation email explicitly instructs you to do so, which is rare and usually applies to specific international routes.
What is the seating like on Italian trains?
Seating depends on the type of train. High-speed (Frecciarossa, Italo) and Intercity trains require assigned seating, which is automatically included in your ticket price. Regional trains generally have unreserved, open seating where you can sit anywhere in your designated class. High-speed trains offer multiple classes ranging from standard 2-2 layouts to spacious 1-1 executive recliners.
Do I need a seat reservation?
It depends on the specific train service you are booking. Understanding the difference between reserved and unreserved trains is critical to avoiding fines.
- High-Speed (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca) & Intercity: Reservations are mandatory. Your ticket will include a specific carriage and seat number (e.g., Carrozza 3, Posti 12A). You must sit in your assigned seat.
- Regional (Regionale): Reservations are not available. Seating is first-come, first-served. You may sit in any available seat within the class (1st or 2nd) indicated on your ticket.
Important: Regional Ticket Validation
Since Regional trains do not have assigned seats or specific times on physical paper tickets, you must validate your paper ticket at the green/yellow machines on the platform before boarding. If you have a digital Regional ticket, you must complete the mandatory online check-in via your confirmation email or the app before your train departs. Failure to do so may result in a fine.
What are the seating classes on Frecciarossa trains?
Trenitalia's flagship Frecciarossa trains offer four distinct levels of service. All seats on these trains are reserved and include power outlets.
| Class Name | Layout | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (2nd Class) | 2-2 (4 seats per row) | Cloth or faux-leather seats, tray tables, free Wi-Fi access. |
| Premium | 2-2 (4 seats per row) | Leather seats, welcome drink/snack included, luggage storage. |
| Business (1st Class) | 2-1 (3 seats per row) | Wider leather seats, significantly more legroom, quiet zones (Area Silenzio) available. |
| Executive | 1-1 (2 seats per row) | Rotating captain's chairs, meal service at seat, station lounge access. |
What is the layout on Intercity and Regional trains?
Intercity Trains: These trains connect major cities at slower speeds than the Frecce lines. Seating is usually divided into First and Second class. You will often find two types of carriages:
- Open Saloon: Standard airline-style seating with a center aisle.
- Compartments: Enclosed cabins with 6 seats (3 facing 3) and a sliding glass door opening to a side corridor.
Regional Trains: These are commuter trains. They generally offer Second Class only, though some longer routes have a First Class section. The seats are functional and simple, often arranged in groups of four (two facing two) with less luggage space than high-speed trains.
Can I choose my specific seat?
Yes, if you are booking a high-speed or Intercity train. When booking through ItaliaRail, you can often view a seat map to select your preferred spot (window, aisle, or table).
Note on Facing Direction: While you can choose a specific seat number, the direction the train travels often changes at terminal stations (like Florence SMN or Milan Centrale). Therefore, it is not always possible to guarantee whether your seat will be forward-facing or backward-facing for the entire journey.
Are There Bathrooms on Italian Trains?
Yes, restrooms are available on almost every train in Italy, including high-speed Frecciarossa, Intercity, and regional trains. They are typically located at the ends of each train car, are free to use, and include a toilet, sink, and running water.
Bathroom Quality by Train Type
While Trenitalia ensures bathrooms are present on nearly all services, the amenities and cleanliness can vary significantly between high-speed and regional lines.
| Feature | High-Speed (Frecciarossa) | Regional (Regionale) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 1 per car (Standard) | 1 per car or 1 per train |
| Cleanliness | Modern, frequently cleaned | Basic, variable cleanliness |
| Tech/Fixture | Vacuum flush, touch-free | Standard flush or older gravity style |
| Accessibility | Dedicated accessible car (usually Car 3) | Designated car on newer trains only |
Key Features to Expect
- Location: Restrooms are situated in the vestibules at the ends of the carriages.
- Occupancy: Look for the lock indicator on the door—red means occupied, green means vacant.
- Water: Sinks provide running water and soap, but it is not for drinking.
- Accessibility: High-speed trains like the Frecciarossa 1000 have spacious, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms equipped with grab bars and SOS buttons.
Important: Do Not Drink the Water
The water in Italian train bathrooms is non-potable. Do not drink it. Additionally, while bathrooms on the train are free, bathrooms in Italian train stations often charge an entry fee (typically €1.00), so keep some coins handy or use the facilities on board before you disembark.
In case of a travel emergency, please call our direct local number in Italy: (+39) 06 9763 2451.
ItaliaRail customer service phone lines are open are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
The main railway in Italy is Trenitalia, run by the Italian government. Trenitalia handles the vast majority of passenger train travel in the country, including the high-speed Alta Velocità (AV) trains. There are also some cross-border trains operated at least in part by Trenitalia, serving cities in Switzerland and France.
Italo is a much newer railway in Italy, currently operating only high-speed trains to a limited (but growing) number of cities. Italo and Trenitalia sometimes use different stations in the same cities.
The Thello railway is a joint venture between Trenitalia and a French railway, and it serves solely to connect cities in the two countries. TILO serves a similar purpose between Italy and Switzerland.
There are also smaller regional railways, including Trenord in Lombardy, which is partly owned by Trenitalia, and the Circumetnea that runs along the base of Mt. Etna in Sicily.