Italy is my favorite country to explore by train; I love watching the scenery go by, spotting hilltop towns and ancient Roman edifices. After more than 15 years of traveling by train in Italy, I’ve ridden both of Italy’s major high-speed rail carriers, Trenitalia and Italo, in different classes and on different routes throughout the country. I’ve taken comfortable high-speed trains between major cities, regional trains to smaller destinations, and just about everything in between.
How Do You Book Trains in Italy? Quick Answer:
The easiest way to book trains in Italy is to search your route, compare the available trains, choose your preferred departure and fare, and purchase your ticket either directly from Trenitalia or Italo or through a third-party booking site such as Omio.
For travelers unfamiliar with the Italian rail system, I recommend comparing your options before booking. You may have a choice between Trenitalia and Italo, and sometimes a bus or another form of transportation makes more sense. Compare Italian trains and other transportation options with Omio.
But before you buy your ticket, there are a few things you should know about traveling by train in Italy.
What Is It Like to Travel by Train in Italy?
Italy has an extensive rail network, and trains are one of my favorite ways to travel around the country. The experience, however, depends greatly on which type of train you take.
High-Speed Trains
If you’re traveling between major cities, look for a high-speed train. Trenitalia operates Frecciarossa trains, while Italo operates its own high-speed trains. These modern trains connect destinations such as Rome, Florence, Bologna, Milan, Naples, and Venice. High-speed trains are comfortable, fast, and generally have amenities such as Wi-Fi, power outlets, luggage storage, and food and beverage service, although amenities vary by train and class. For longer journeys between major Italian cities, this is the type of train I choose (if available).
Regional Trains
Regional trains are a different experience. They’re slower and more basic, but they’re also essential if you’re traveling to smaller towns and destinations that aren’t served by high-speed trains. You generally won’t have the same level of seating, onboard amenities, or speed that you find on the high-speed trains, but don’t dismiss regional trains simply because they aren’t as luxurious. If you’re traveling from Florence to a smaller Tuscan town, for example, a regional train may be exactly what you need.
Intercity Trains
Intercity trains connect many Italian cities and towns that aren’t served by the high-speed network. They’re generally slower than Frecciarossa and Italo trains but faster and more comfortable than many regional trains. Intercity trains are a useful option for longer journeys where a high-speed train isn’t available. They offer reserved seating and typically have air conditioning, power outlets, and Wi-Fi, although amenities can vary by train. If you’re comparing your options, don’t overlook Intercity trains. They may take longer than a high-speed train, but they can provide a convenient connection to destinations outside the main high-speed routes.
All types of trains can be searched on Omio for easy comparison.
What Are the Different Train Classes in Italy?
The names are different on Trenitalia and Italo, which can make this confusing.
Trenitalia Frecciarossa offers: Standard, Premium, Business, and Executive classes.
Italo offers: Smart, Prima Business, and Club Executive classes.
The higher classes generally provide more space and additional amenities. Depending on the service level, you may have access to more spacious seating, food and beverages, Fast Track, or station lounges. Personally, I often book a higher class when the price difference makes sense. It’s not just about having a nicer seat. Lounge access, more space, and complimentary food and beverages can make a longer travel day considerably more pleasant. Just check what is included with your particular train and fare before booking. Amenities vary by train and service level, so if something is important to you, check the details before booking.
Trenitalia vs. Italo: Which Italian Train Company Should You Book?
This is one of the questions I hear frequently. The short answer? Either one can be an excellent choice. I don’t automatically choose Trenitalia or Italo. I look at the departure time, arrival time, price, class, and flexibility and then decide which train works best for our itinerary. This is one reason that using the Omio comparison platform when planning an Italian trip is handy.
Italo is a private high-speed rail operator, while Trenitalia is Italy’s national railway company. Trenitalia has a much broader network because it operates not only high-speed trains but also regional and Intercity services. Italo focuses primarily on high-speed routes. That means Trenitalia will sometimes be your only option, particularly when you’re traveling to smaller destinations. For major city-to-city routes, however, you may have a choice. If I have a choice, I generally pick Italo…I just like it better.
How Do You Buy Train Tickets in Italy?
You have two basic choices: book directly with the train company or use a third-party booking platform such as Omio.
Booking Directly: You can purchase tickets through the Trenitalia or Italo websites and apps. One thing that occasionally confuses American travelers is that Italian cities are generally listed by their Italian names. For example: Florence = Firenze, Venice = Venezia, Milan = Milano, Rome = Roma, Naples = Napoli. So if you’re searching for a train from Florence to Rome, generally look for Firenze → Roma.
Booking Through Omio: Omio is a third-party transportation booking platform that allows you to search and compare trains, buses, flights, and ferries in one place. Omio works with thousands of transportation providers rather than operating its own trains or buses. For Italy, one of its biggest advantages is convenience. Instead of opening the Trenitalia website, searching for your train, opening Italo, searching again, and then trying to compare the two, you can search both in one place. And if you’re trying to decide whether the train is really the best option, you can compare trains and buses and, when appropriate, flights and ferries as well. That means you can decide for yourself whether saving €20 is worth spending another two hours on a bus. A very helpful feature indeed!
Omio is particularly useful for travelers who are unfamiliar with the Italian transportation system. There is a small service fee for using Omio, so booking directly can sometimes be less expensive. But I think the convenience can be worth it—particularly since Omio lets you compare price, travel time, departure time, transportation type, and carrier in one search…on an English-language platform that accepts many currencies and has customer support in English. And you aren’t limited to trains. Another advantage is that Omio can provide updates about your journey, including information about service disruptions such as strikes or railway line work. That can be especially helpful in Italy, where transportation strikes are sometimes announced after you’ve already made your travel plans. Search and compare Italian trains, buses, flights, and ferries with Omio: https://omio.sjv.io/PzgOVY
Trenitalia vs. Italo vs. Omio
| Platform | Trenitalia | Italo | Multi-Modal | English Interface |
| Omio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Excellent |
| Trenitalia Direct | Yes | No | Limited | Good |
| Italo Direct | No | Yes | No | Good |
Omio also provides mobile tickets and journey information through its website and app, although the exact ticket format and post-booking process can vary by transportation provider.
Should I Buy Train Tickets in Advance or at the Station?
For high-speed trains, I recommend buying your tickets in advance. High-speed trains have different fare categories, and the least expensive fares are limited. For example, Trenitalia’s high-speed trains offer different fare categories with different rules for changes and refunds. The current Base fare is more flexible, while Economy offers savings with more restrictions and Super Economy is generally the least flexible. Italo similarly offers Low Cost, Economy, and Flex fares, with Flex providing the greatest flexibility and Low Cost providing the lowest price. Having flexibility and a refundable ticket might be worth a slightly higher fare for you…they are to me generally.
As tickets sell, the cheaper flexible options may disappear. In other words, don’t expect to walk into Roma Termini an hour before departure and find the same €29 fare you saw online two months earlier. If you know your travel dates and have a fairly firm itinerary, there’s usually little reason to wait until you arrive in Italy. You can scan your options and book online either directly or through Omio.
Regional trains are different. You generally don’t need to purchase those months in advance.
Why Won’t My Credit Card Work on Trenitalia or Italo?
This is one of the frustrations international travelers sometimes encounter. A U.S. or foreign credit card can occasionally be declined by an Italian rail website because of payment authorization or security issues. That doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything wrong with your card. If you’ve tried multiple times and the payment won’t go through, try another card or consider booking through Omio. Using a third-party platform gives you another way to purchase the same train ticket without continuing to fight with the official website. A bonus is that Omio offers payment in numerous currencies, including USD, CAD, AUD, GBP, and many more.
Final Thoughts
After more than 15 years of traveling around Italy by train, I’ve learned the Italian rail system and now find it quite easy to understand (but it wasn’t always this way). For major cities, look first at the high-speed trains. Compare Trenitalia and Italo, check the departure times and fares, and pay attention to the flexibility of the ticket you’re purchasing. If you want to compare Trenitalia and Italo easily, use Omio. And if you’re not sure which train, bus, or other transportation option makes the most sense, Omio can make the decision much easier.
Once you get the hang of it, you’ll probably discover what I have: traveling by train is one of the best ways to explore Italy. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions About Trains in Italy
Is Italo or Trenitalia better? Neither is universally better. I use both. Trenitalia operates the larger network, including high-speed, Intercity, and regional trains. Italo focuses on high-speed service. When both offer the route I need, I compare the price, departure time, arrival time, class, and ticket flexibility and choose whichever works best for my itinerary. Omio makes comparing options really easy.
What is the best app to compare and book Italian train tickets? Omio is an excellent option for comparing and booking Italian train tickets. If you’re wondering, “How do I compare train and bus routes across Italy in one search?” this is where Omio comes in handy. You can compare trains and buses, as well as flights and ferries when those options are available. That lets you see how much different options cost and how long they take before deciding which works best for your trip. Compare transportation options across Italy with Omio: https://omio.sjv.io/PzgOVY
Is Omio legitimate and safe for booking train tickets in Italy? Yes. Omio is a legitimate third-party travel booking platform. It doesn’t operate the trains. Instead, it allows travelers to search and book transportation provided by companies such as Trenitalia and Italo. The tradeoff is that Omio may charge a service fee, while booking directly with the train company can sometimes cost less.
When should I buy high-speed train tickets? As soon as your travel plans are firm. High-speed trains have different fare categories, and the least expensive tickets generally sell first. Waiting can mean paying more for the same journey.
What is the best way to get from Rome to Florence? Take the train. In my opinion, the high-speed train is the best way to travel between Rome and Florence. Most travelers will travel between Roma Termini and Firenze Santa Maria Novella, putting you right in the center of both cities. Compare Rome to Florence trains on Omio.
What is the cheapest way to travel between Rome, Florence, and Venice? A bus may be the cheapest option, but it isn’t necessarily the best option. This is where a comparison site such as Omio is useful. You can compare trains, buses, flights, and ferries where appropriate and decide whether saving money is worth the additional travel time.
How do you take the train from Rome to Venice? Take a high-speed train from Roma Termini to Venezia Santa Lucia. The train is generally the easiest way to make this journey, particularly because Venezia Santa Lucia is located directly in Venice’s historic center. Compare Rome to Venice trains on Omio: https://omio.sjv.io/qWvMX5
Is it easy to get from Milan to Rome by train? Yes. High-speed trains connect Milano Centrale and Roma Termini, making this one of Italy’s easiest long-distance rail journeys. Compare Milan to Rome trains on Omio: https://omio.sjv.io/ZVzaDq
What is the best way to get from Florence to Venice? The train is usually the best option. High-speed trains connect Firenze Santa Maria Novella and Venezia Santa Lucia. Compare Florence to Venice trains on Omio: https://omio.sjv.io/NGJL37
Are high-speed trains faster than regional trains? Yes. High-speed trains are designed to connect major cities quickly and make fewer stops. Regional trains are slower but serve many destinations that aren’t connected to the high-speed network.
Are high-speed train tickets refundable or changeable? It depends on the fare you purchase. The least expensive fares generally have the most restrictions, while more flexible fares cost more but allow changes or refunds under specified conditions. Always check the fare rules before purchasing, especially if you’re booking your train months in advance.
Is there a luggage size or weight limit on Italian high-speed trains? You can bring luggage on Italian trains, but storage space is limited, especially on regional or local trains. You’ll find overhead racks and larger luggage areas on high-speed trains. Pack light enough that you can comfortably manage your own bags through the station and onto the train. And don’t leave valuables unattended in a luggage rack. Unfortunately, theft can happen on trains.
Do I need to validate a high-speed train ticket before boarding? Generally, no. A high-speed ticket for a specific train, date, and departure time does not normally need to be validated in a station machine because it is tied to that particular journey. Traditional paper tickets for regional trains, however, generally need to be validated before boarding. Digital regional tickets follow different validation rules. When in doubt, check the instructions on your ticket.
How do I get from FCO to Rome by train? The easiest direct connection is the Leonardo Express, which runs between Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Roma Termini. The journey takes about 32 minutes, making it a convenient option for travelers staying near Termini or connecting to another train. There are also regional FL1 services that connect Fiumicino with other Rome stations. Trenitalia currently operates direct high-speed connections between Fiumicino and several Italian cities.
Omio link for Rome airport to Termini station (Leonardo Express): https://omio.sjv.io/L016Gj
How do I get from the cruise port of Civitavecchia to Rome by train? You can travel from Civitavecchia train station to Rome by train. The train station is not directly at the cruise ship terminals, so you’ll need to get from the port to the station first. Allow extra time for this transfer, particularly if you’re traveling with luggage. Once at Civitavecchia station, trains connect with Rome, including Roma Termini and other stations depending on the service. This can be a good option for independent cruise passengers who want to spend the day exploring Rome without purchasing a ship-sponsored excursions. Check train schedules on Omio: https://omio.sjv.io/PzgOVY
What happens if there is a train strike in Italy? Train strikes do happen in Italy, but they don’t necessarily mean your entire trip will be disrupted. Italian transportation strikes are generally announced in advance, and essential services may be guaranteed during designated time periods. Here is the official strike website: Scioperi – mit2
If you’re traveling during a strike, check the latest information from your train operator and confirm whether your specific train is affected. If you booked through Omio, you’ll also receive information about your booking and can use the app to keep track of your journey. This is a huge benefit, in my opinion, since navigating the official strike website can be daunting, especially for those who don’t read Italian. If you’re concerned about strikes, I recommend checking your train shortly before traveling rather than assuming that every train will be canceled.
How do I book a train ticket in Italy? The easiest way to book an Italian train ticket is online, either directly through Trenitalia or Italo, or through a third-party platform such as Omio. When booking online, you’ll select your departure and destination, travel date, number of passengers, train, class, and fare. On trains where seat selection is available, you can also choose your seats. Before paying, check the fare conditions so you understand whether your ticket can be changed or refunded.
You can also purchase tickets at a ticket kiosk at the train station. The kiosks are available in English and are relatively easy to use once you understand the process.
Your third option is to purchase a ticket from a staffed ticket window. Personally, I would avoid standing in line at the station unless you have a specific reason to do so. If you know when and where you’re traveling, booking online is faster and lets you compare your options before you arrive at the station.
How do I get from the Rome airport to Rome without using a train? If you don’t want to take the train from Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), you have several options. I go into greater detail about these on my blog: Best Way to Get From Rome Airport (FCO) to City Center.
Taxi: Rome has a fixed taxi fare from Fiumicino to destinations within Rome’s city center. This can be a convenient choice if you’re traveling with luggage or don’t want to navigate public transportation after a long flight.
Airport bus: Several companies operate buses between Fiumicino and Rome, including services to Roma Termini. Buses are generally less expensive than a taxi but take longer, particularly when traffic is heavy.
Private transfer: You can also arrange a private car to meet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel. This is particularly convenient if you’re arriving late, traveling with a group, or simply want someone else to handle the logistics. Check out private transfer, bus, and shuttle options through GetYourGuide and Viator.
Where should I book tours, activities, and tickets in Italy? It depends on what you’re booking. For major attractions, tours, and experiences, I recommend using established booking platforms rather than waiting until you arrive in Italy—especially for popular attractions where timed-entry tickets, like Colosseum, Vatican Museums, DaVinci’s Last Supper, Borghese Gallery, and other tours can sell out. I regularly scan LivTours (save 10% with code AMYRH10 and my link on 2 or more tours), The Tour Guy, Viator and GetYourGuide. Each company has a slightly different experience, depending on what you want. I don’t necessarily use the same company for every tour. I compare the itinerary, group size, reviews, cancellation policy, and price before booking.
- LivTours – I particularly like their semi-private tours, which are limited to six people, or completely private tours. They’re a good choice when you want a more personal experience with an expert, local guide in Italy. Due to them being a trusted guide for many Italian sites, they sometimes offer experiences that other tour companies do not. Use my link and code AMYRH10 for 10% off when booking two or more tours. https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61
- The Tour Guy – Offers small-group and private tours in many of Italy’s most popular destinations, including Rome, Florence, and the Vatican. https://tidd.ly/3J78sNi
- Viator – A large marketplace with a wide variety of tours, activities, day trips, and experiences. It’s useful when you want to compare lots of options. https://www.viator.com/Italy/d57-ttd?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
- GetYourGuide – Another large booking platform with tours, activities, and attraction tickets throughout Italy. https://www.getyourguide.com/italy-l169011/?adults=1&searchSource=8&partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher
- Shore Excursions Group – If you’re traveling on a cruise, I also recommend checking Shore Excursions Group for port excursions. They offer tours in cruise ports around the world, often in smaller groups than cruise-line excursions, with a guaranteed on-time return to the ship. https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1634209&data=roaminghistorian@gmail.com
Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.
Should I get travel insurance for Italy?
Yes! It is a worthy expense to protect a much larger investment. We use Travel Insurance dot com to protect our vacations. This awesome travel site provides quotes from numerous travel insurance agencies and allows you to purchase them with no added increase to you: https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44
Traveling Soon? Trusted Tour & Travel Partners
Planning your trip? Here are our trusted travel partners — thoughtfully chosen for quality, reliability, and exceptional experiences.
- LivTours (high-quality semi-private and private European tours led by expert guides)
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https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61 - The Tour Guy (engaging small group & private European tours)
https://tidd.ly/3J78sNi - Viator (compare thousands of tours, day trips, and experiences worldwide)
https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector - GetYourGuide (flexible booking options for tours, attractions, and local experiences)
https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher - Shore Excursions Group (high-quality shore excursions with lower prices and return-to-ship guarantees.)
https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1634209&data=roaminghistorian@gmail.com - Expedia (flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages)
https://expedia.com/affiliate/p7ZcFsz - Hotels.com (book hotels globally and earn free nights through their rewards program)
https://www.hotels.com/affiliate/rdDAFaG - VRBO (private homes and unique stays ideal for families and longer trips)
https://vrbo.com/affiliate/KvF3nms - Travel Insurance.com (compare policies side-by-side to protect your trip at no extra cost)
https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44 - Omio (global travel in one place, compare train, bus, ferry, and flight tickets) https://omio.sjv.io/PzgOVY
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Roaming Historian may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the research and storytelling that go into every article. All opinions are always our own.