Italy by train - Milan Duomo

Italy by train is a fantastic concept. Train travel allows you to experience all that Italy has to offer in a unique way.

You can visit the main cities of Italy in the comfort of their new fast trains.

Here are 4 reasons to visit Italy by Train:

The Italian countryside is beautiful

There are plenty of things to do when travelling by train in Italy. You’ll find yourself surrounded by nature as you pass through rolling green hills and lush valleys.

Imagine the hills of Tuscany luring outside your window as you arrive in Florence. Check out our detailed Florence in 2 Days Itinerary here.

If you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Lake Maggiore, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

And if you’re looking for some culture, you’ll find plenty of museums, art galleries, and historic sites along the way. Visit GetYourGuide to see the incredible range of things to do in Italy.

You’ll get to meet locals if you visit Italy by train

It’s easy to make friends while travelling by train. People tend to travel by train more and more and you might learn a few Italian words when sitting next to the locals. But you will also meet other travellers who are eager to share their experiences.

Travelling around Italy by train will be one of the best cultural experiences you have in the country. 

You’ll save money

If you’re looking for cheap flights, consider taking the train instead. Trains are often cheaper than flying, especially when you’re exploring Italy. Travelling around Italy by train will save you money. They are fast, efficient and very modern. Trains also allow you to explore cities that aren’t accessible by plane either.

We use Trainline to book the cheapest train fares in Italy.

Renting a car in Italy, paying for tolls, parking and the high cost of gasoline will end up costing you a fortune. If you would like to save money to travel further in Europe, visit Italy by train. 

Italy by train Tuscany hills
Exploring Italy by train will allow you to see the countryside you would’ve missed

Get Connected with eSIM

Get connected easily on your travels—buy an eSIM! An eSIM works like an app: buy it, download it, and get connected in minutes! It’s easy, affordable, and convenient. Keep your original phone number, too!

Click below and view which eSIM data plan you need for your next adventure. Use our referral code: RACHEL5045, to get $3 off your first purchase!

Buy an eSIM for your next trip!

You’ll have more time to enjoy your trip if you travel Italy by train

There’s no doubt that travelling by air is convenient, but there are some downsides to flying. First, you might not have enough time to fully enjoy your destination as you will spend more time at the airports and going through security. 

Second, you might miss out on seeing the local culture and history that you would otherwise get to see if passing through the country on a train. 

Finally, you might feel stressed when you arrive at your destination. Trust me travelling by train in Europe is the best option. And, when it comes to travelling around Italy by train, it is a must as they have some of the fastest trains too! 

Here are the routes of the fastest train Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa in Italy, reaching top speeds of 300 km/h and 400 km/h respectively. 

Frecciarossa trains run along 4 routes in Italy:

  • Turin – Milan – Bologna – Florence – Rome – Naples – Salerno
  • Milan – Reggio Emilia – Bologna – Rimini – Ancona – Pescara – Termoli – Foggia – Bari – Brindisi – Lecce
  • Venice – Padua – Bologna – Florence – Rome – Naples – Salerno
  • Milan – Brescia – Verona – Vincenza – Padua – Venice

Here are some examples of prices to help you plan when you visit Italy by train.

EXPERT TIP: Reserve your train (or coach) tickets using Trainline. This booking platform offers instant confirmation with the best fares. On average, you can save up to 60% off by booking your train tickets for Italy on Trainline.

The base standard fare:

Fast Train Rome-Florence €45

Fast Train Rome-Venice €84

Economy or super-economy fare (When you book on Trainline in advance online)

Fast Train Rome-Florence from €20 

Fast Train Rome-Venice €30

Visit Italy by train - fast trains map
Italy by train with fast train network is easy Credit: Trenitalia

Join a Small-Group Rail Journey in Italy

If you’d instead visit Italy with like-minded travellers, what better way to explore Italy by train than by joining a guided small-group Rail Tour?

Immerse yourself fully in Italian culture and reserve a space on this ‘9-Day Italy Rail Express’ Tour with Expat Explore. These guys offer some of Europe’s best coach & rail group tours.

Don’t take my word for it; read the rave reviews from past guests!

4 reasons to visit italy by train Expat Explore Italy Rail Tour

The only decisions you’ll have to make will be to order espresso or cappuccino, pizza or pasta in Rome (don’t miss these 10 best dishes to try once you get there) and which of the top-rated Vatican Tours should you choose to do in Rome?

Don’t miss our EUROPE CITY GUIDES

Take an additional 5% off the trip price on us!

If this 9-Day Rail Adventure is for you, then book your space on any available departure. The best news is that you can *take 5% off the trip price! Just enter our promo code VERYHUNGRYNOMADS at checkout and save! (*Applicable to new Expat Explore clients only).

Either way you look at it, travelling around Italy by train is a wise choice. Finally, here are our Top 15 Places to Visit in Italy to help you plan your Italian adventure of a lifetime. 

Travel Tips for Italy

We also have you covered if you want an itinerary and things to do. You can follow our guides for 3 days in Rome itinerary and Florence in 2 days itinerary. Of course, we personally researched where to eat the best pizza in Florence – top 5 places.

To ensure you have no surprises when it comes to travel by train, read our post on how to travel Europe by train – our best tips.

If you struggle with packing, you will find our The ULTIMATE Packing List for Europe super helpful. Not only is visiting Italy by train the best option to explore the country, but it’s also a top choice for visiting nearby countries too.

Want to go and tackle these 7 AMAZING hikes in Spain? Interested to eat the best Czech food in Prague? 

Train travel in Europe is amazing!  Reserve your train tickets and go and discover Italy and beyond!