Train Travel in Italy

Getting around Italy by train is generally easy, comfortable and safe. It can also be a very economical way of getting around.

It is possible to purchase rail tickets for non-local routes (called point to point tickets) and for rail passes in advance of your trip. I also recommend this to save time.

One of the largest and most reputable companies offering the purchase of European rail passes and tickets is Rail Europe. They have physical offices in the New York City area and the Chicago area. Though everything you need to do to get your tickets you can do online.

Below I'll try to compare the different type of passes you can get that pertain to Italy, and also give you a list of point to point tickets with their prices.

Rail Passes for use in Italy
Eurail Pass
The most basic type of pass available for people visiting Italy is the Eurail Global Pass. This pass gives you unlimited travel on the entire rail networks of: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland (includes Northern Ireland), Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and The Netherlands. The pass is available for periods of 15 days, 21 days, 1 month, 2 months or 3 months.

For most people the Eurail Global Pass covers far more than what is necessary since most people don't visit more than just a few countries. For that reason, 'Flexi' and 'Saver' options were added.

Eurail 'Flexi' Passes are just the same as the Eurail Global Pass in the area they cover, but they are valid only for 10 or 15 days within a 2 month period of time.

Eurail 'Saver' Passes are offer a small discount when 2 to 5 people are going to be traveling together on all routes. For families this is a good way to save some money. There is also a 'Flexi Saver' option to save even more.

Eurail Italy Pass
If you are visiting Italy, and only Italy and are planning to travel by train consider the Eurail Italy Pass. Pricing is available by following the links.

All Eurail Italy Pass are valid for two months, and prices differentiate based on your choice of the 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 day use of the pass.

There are 1st class and 2nd class options for each. There is a 'Youth' option for indviduals between 12 and 25 years of age and there is a 'Saver' option when 2 through 5 people are traveling together.

Eurail Selectpass
If you are visiting Italy and at least two, three or four other countries the Eurail Selectpass is for you.

These passes are valid for 2 months and available to use for 5, 6, 8, 10 and 15 days. They are available in the 'Youth' option for individuals 12 to 25 years of age, and with the 'Saver' option for 2 to 5 individuals traveling together.

Instead of the passes being valid in all of the normal 22 countries, they are valid in the 3, 4 or 5 countries you personally select.

France-Italy Pass , Greece-Italy Rail Pass, and the Italy-Spain Pass
These passes valid only in countries of France and Italy, Greece and Italy and Spain and Italy respectively.

The pass is valid for 2 months and can be used for 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 days of that 2 month period.

There are 1st class and 2nd class options for each. There is a 'Youth' option for indviduals between 12 and 25 years of age and there is a 'Saver' option when 2 through 5 people are traveling together.

Italy Rail n' Drive
This pass is valid for 2 months and allows for 3, 4 or 5 days rail travel, and provides 2 days Hertz car rental. Additional car days are available for purchase.

There are 1st class and 2nd class rail options and 4 different car categories to choose from.

Point to Point European Rail Tickets
If you are traveling just one or two legs then it is likely a pass would be too expensive to consider. Then what you need to do is purchase your point to point European rail tickets before you leave. Don't spend your valuable vacation time in line at the rail station.

View the fares & schedules at RailEurope quickly and easily as well.