Can’t figure out what Intercity, Eurostar, Regional, Frecciarossa mean? Read on and get on the right train!
Before we start you should know train in Italy are run by Ferrovie dello Stato Italiano (FS for short) you can visit the main site at www.ferroviedellostato.it
Moving by train in Italy is a great way to reach any major city: connections to Milan, Venice, Rome, Florence, Naples work very well despite our world wide known strikes the service is yes somewhat expensive but very realiable.
What kind of trains are available?
From December 2009 are availabe the following trains:
- Eurostar AV with fancy Giugiario designed trains Frecciarossa (300 km/h) and Frecciargento (250 km/h) these are the fastest and more expensive tickets for trains in Italy, connecting all major cities from Milan – Florence – Rome – Naples for example as other major cities. So far not all the areas run by these trains are good for maximum speed but they will be covered soon, soon Italian time…:)
- EuroCity (EC) and EuroNight (EN) are a limited number of trains connecting European Countries such as Italy – France; Italy – Switzerland; Italy- Germany; Italy – Spain.
- InterCity (IC) it’s the category just below from Eurostar covering over 240 locations in Italy it’s suitable for everyone particulary for daily moving, many stops but cheap and reliable.
- Express trains cover long distances in Italy at very convenient rates, older wagons and very basic services.
- Regional trains are those that connect closer cities such Florence to Pisa they have many stops so are not suitable for long distances.
- Metro trains are available in Rome, Milan and Naples. In Florence have been just inaugurated a new tramway system connecting mainly Scandicci to Firenze, the suburb to the city centre.
Where do I buy tickets, how much trains in Italy costs?
The easiest way to reserve trains is online through the trenitalia web site at www.trenitalia.it, the site is in English and finally very straighforward, there is also a new traveller guide here.
Prices for tickets really vary from the category you wish to use and the class, 1st class is generally a waste of money as there is really little change from second class. For example a tickect from Rome to Florence in 1st category Eurostar Frecciarossa will be around 44 € and in 90 minutes you are in Rome with Eurostar and 3 hours for Intercity at 28 €!
Thanks to br1dotcom, trenitalia for pictures!