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).