Train options in Italy are one of the easiest ways to get around the country. Italy’s rail network is fast, affordable, and reaches places cars can’t—or shouldn’t. From high-speed trains linking major cities to local lines serving small towns, there’s an option for every type of trip.
Below are the three main train companies travelers use in Italy, followed by important tips, a side-by-side comparison, and quick answers to the questions we’re asked most often. Please let us know if our tips help you, we always like to hear from you!
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Trenitalia
Trenitalia is Italy’s national rail company and the one most travelers will use at least once. It has the widest coverage, from major cities to small regional stops.
You can buy tickets directly on their website. The site is available in English, easy to navigate, and accepts credit cards and PayPal.
Types of Trenitalia trains
- Frecciarossa / Frecciargento / Frecciabianca – These are Trenitalia’s high-speed trains. Frecciarossa is the fastest, reaching speeds up to 300 km/h (about 187 mph). These trains connect cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, Naples, Bologna, and Turin. Seats are reserved, tickets do not need validation, and prices rise as the train fills.
- Frecciarossa / Frecciargento / Frecciabianca – These are Trenitalia’s high-speed trains. Frecciarossa is the fastest, reaching speeds up to 300 km/h (about 187 mph). These trains connect cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, Naples, Bologna, and Turin. Seats are reserved, tickets do not need validation, and prices rise as the train fills.
- Regionale – Local and regional trains. These are the most budget-friendly and serve smaller towns. Seats are not assigned, prices are fixed, and tickets must be validated before boarding.
Trenitalia often runs promotions, especially for advance purchases. Look for weekend discounts, family tickets, and advance “Super Economy” fares. These cheaper tickets are usually non-refundable and non-changeable, so double-check your date and time before buying.
Trenitalia Tap&Tap (Contactless Travel)
If you’re taking regional Trenitalia trains, Tap&Tap is one of the easiest ways to travel. Instead of buying a ticket in advance, you simply tap your contactless credit, debit card, or smartphone (Apple/Google Pay) at the Tap&Tap validator on the platform before boarding and tap again when you exit at your destination.
This system is currently available on select regional routes and is ideal for short trips or when you don’t want to deal with ticket machines. Your fare is calculated automatically based on your journey. Just make sure you tap both in and out—missing a tap can result in being charged a maximum fare.
👉This happened to us on a trip from Lucca to Viareggio with friends. What should have been about a €2 one-way trip turned into €21 because we didn't tap out - we were charged the full train line amount, which was Florence to Viareggio. Rookie mistake.
Tap&Tap is for the second class only. Each passenger has to have their own credit card. This now works for buses too – look for the signs. It’s so much easier to take the bus than to purchase tickets. It’s a great option when you’re moving quickly or traveling locally, and it’s one of the systems we use most often ourselves.
Italo
Italo is a privately owned high-speed train company and a strong competitor to Trenitalia on major routes.
You can book directly on their website.
Italo trains operate between cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, Naples, Bologna, and Turin. Seats are always reserved, tickets do not require validation, and onboard comfort is consistently good.
Italo frequently runs sales and promo codes. If you’re traveling between major cities, it’s always worth checking both Italo and Trenitalia before booking. One is often noticeably cheaper for the same route and departure time.
Trenord
Trenord is the regional train company serving Lombardy, including Milan and the surrounding towns. Travelers staying in or around Milan will almost certainly use Trenord. Trenord operates local and regional routes and provides train service to Malpensa Airport. These are not high-speed trains, but they are frequent, practical, and affordable. Their website is here.
Tickets must be validated before boarding. Airport routes require specific tickets, so be sure to choose the correct option when purchasing.
Please note that at the end/beginning of each month, I post a list of transportation strike dates and companies on my Our Italian Journey Facebook page, using the same graphic each time. This includes airlines, trains, taxis, etc. This is information that has been released to the public.
Can You Purchase on Train?
In smaller towns, there may be no ticket counter or ticket machine. In that case, board the train and immediately find the conductor to purchase your ticket.
There is usually a small surcharge, but it is far cheaper than the fine for traveling without a valid ticket. If you wait and the conductor finds you first, you can be fined heavily—often charged for the entire route from the train’s starting station to its final destination.
Things to Remember
- When purchasing any train tickets online, always write down or take a picture with your smartphone of the confirmation code. You may need this later to prove your purchase.
- Always book as far in advance as you can for the best available times and of course, prices!
- In larger cities, you can go to the counter and purchase your tickets from a real person. Don’t be afraid if you don’t think you speak the language well enough. Most employees at these counters know some English. You will be able to communicate exactly where you want to go.
- If you find that the station has ticket machines, don’t be afraid to try one. For the longest time, we avoided them because we thought they were difficult to use but on the contrary, they are quite easy. They give you clear options on times and costs. These machines accept credit cards and cash.
- When arriving at the train station, you must remember to validate your ticket. Use the main search bar to find other posts on train travel. Here’s one of our popular posts on the subject.
Comparison Table: Italy’s Main Train Companies
| Feature | Trenitalia | Italo | Trenord |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of service | National | Private | Regional (Lombardy) |
| Best for | Most routes, big & small cities | Fast travel between major cities | Local travel around Milan |
| High-speed trains | Yes | Yes | No |
| Regional / local trains | Yes | No | Yes |
| Seat reservations | High-speed only | Always | No |
| Ticket validation required | Regional only | No | Yes |
| Typical price range | €–€€€ | €€–€€€ | € |
| Airport routes | Yes | No | Yes (Malpensa) |
Quick FAQ: Train Travel in Italy
Do I need to validate my train ticket?
Yes, but only for regional and local trains. High-speed and long-distance tickets with seat reservations do not need validation.
Is it better to buy train tickets in advance?
Yes for high-speed trains. Prices increase closer to departure. Regional train prices stay the same.
Can I change or cancel my ticket?
It depends on the fare type. Discount tickets are often non-refundable. Flexible fares allow changes.
Is first class worth it on Italian trains?
On high-speed trains, first class can be quieter and more comfortable, especially on longer trips. On regional trains, there’s usually little difference.
Are Italian trains reliable?
High-speed trains are generally reliable. Regional trains can experience delays, especially during bad weather or strikes.
Where do I store luggage?
High-speed trains have overhead racks and luggage areas at the ends of each car. There are no strict luggage limits.
Should I choose Trenitalia or Italo?
Check both. One is often cheaper than the other for the same route and time.
Final Thoughts
Italy’s train system is reliable and traveler-friendly once you understand the basics. Knowing which company to use, when to book, and what rules apply to your ticket can make all the difference. With a little planning, trains are one of the best ways to experience Italy—no car required.
Editor’s Note: This post was initially published in October 11, 2018 and was recently updated in March 2026 for accuracy and additional information.
Our train stop in Montebello Vicentino did not have a place to buy train tickets or a ticket machine at the station. I asked the conductor about buying a ticket on the train, and she said as long as I find the conductor and tell them at the beginning of the trip, they will sell you a ticket at the same price as the ticket counter. If you wait until they come to you, they will assume that you are trying to cheat the system and depending on weather the conductor believes you or not you could get a fine. The same with validating your ticket, sometimes the ticket validators print so light that it is impossible to tell if you validated or not, if you have any doubts, or forgot to do it, again, find the conductor before they find you. They will write the time and sign it which is the same as the validation. Do wait for them to come to you, as this will get you a fine as well. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse 😉
Trenitalia has a website where you can sign up for a Trenitalia card, and subscribe and they send you emails with various offers etc. It is free and worth the time to do it.
Thank you so much for your insight and you are absolutely correct that being pro-active when in doubt will always pay off in the end. I’m definitely going to go onto the Trenitalia site and sign up for the card! Thank you for commenting!!
One thing I would add to the excellent “use the machines at the station” advice is that this is where you need to be a little extra vigilant if you are at a busy station in a larger city. Con artists/thieves do hang out there, looking for foreign visitors who might need “help”. The machines are easy, you can figure it out, so don’t let someone distract you, because they work in pairs. We’ve had to graciously yet firmly turn down offers of help. Please don’t let that keep you from using the machines, they really can save time.
You are spot on Rachel and thank you so much for the comment! This is very true and we all can become easy targets. Grazie Mille!!