Transport by rail
There is no better way to see Italy than by train on the Italian High Speed rail network operated by the Italian Railways (in Italy there is one major company managing the railway system - Trenitalia, that used to be State owned - and a few other regional companies) just sit back and relax as majestic landscapes and beautiful cities pass by your window. The rail service in Italy is renowned for being inexpensive, offering exceptional value for money and of a really high service.
Trenitalia offers a range of affordable and flexible travel options to help you make the most of your trip to Italy. For further information and tickets you can visit the following websites:
www.italiarail.co.uk (you can also check their other websites:
www.internationalrail.com and www.simplyrail.com) · www.europeanrail.com www.railchoice.co.uk · www.railsavers.com · www.railbookers.com www.railwise.com · www.trainseurope.co.uk
If you are planning to use the rail network on a more regular basis, a selection of regional and national passes are available, including the Trenitalia Flexi Pass. The great novelty of the Flexi fare is that you can change train when you want, even at the last minute!
Paying 20% more than the Standard fare rate, you can enjoy the maximum flexibility in the use of your ticket. Your Flexi fare ticket can be used on Eurostar, Intercity Plus, Couchettes, Wagons-Lits and Excelsior trains.
Travellers under the age of 26 should consider the InterRail Pass. Italy is in zone G of Inter-Rail Pass.
Point to point tickets on the high speed long distance trains are often less expensive than in the United Kingdom. Example of approximate journey times and prices on the high speed network for some of the popular routes is highlighted on page 10.
| Route | Approx | 1st & 2nd | Prices for one | Prices for one |
| Journey time | Class | way ticket (£) | way ticket (Euro) | |
| Rome to Florence | ||||
| ES (Eurostar Italia) | 1.30h | 1 | 41.50 | 51.30 |
| 2 | 29.05 | 36.10 | ||
| INTERCITY | 2.00/2.30h | 1 | 29.00 | 36.00 |
| 2 | 22.15 | 27.50 | ||
| Rome to Milan | ||||
| ES | 4.30h | 1 | 65.00 | 80.80 |
| 2 | 45.20 | 56.10 | ||
| INTERCITY | 5.30/6.30h | 1 | 48.30 | 60.00 |
| 2 | 36.20 | 45.00 | ||
| Rome to Naples | ||||
| ES | 1.45h | 1 | 31.40 | 39.00 |
| 2 | 22.20 | 27.60 | ||
| INTERCITY | 2.00/2.30h | 1 | 22.15 | 27.50 |
| 2 | 17.30 | 21.50 | ||
| Rome to Venice | ||||
| ES | 4.30/5.00h | 1 | 65.00 | 80.80 |
| 2 | 45.20 | 56.10 | ||
| INTERCITY | 4.30/6.00h | 1 | 45.15 | 56.00 |
| 2 | 33.40 | 41.50 |
Note: Rates correct as at April 2008 and are subject to change without notice.
Bookings can only be made up to a maximum of 60 days before travel.
IMPORTANT NOTICE PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ONCE YOU HAVE PURCHASED THE TICKET, YOU MUST VALIDATE IT BEFORE BOARDING THE TRAIN AT THE SPECIAL YELLOW MACHINES THAT CAN BE FOUND ALL ALONG THE PLATFORMS. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN A FINE. NO SMOKING POLICY ON ALL TRAINS IN ITALY
Train Classification
ES: (also known as Eurostar Italia) - Fastest trains connecting all major cities on the high speed network with 1st and 2nd class accommodation and compulsory reservation. NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE ONE THAT WHISKS YOU UNDER THE SEA THROUGH THE FAMOUS CHANNEL TUNNEL.
INTERCITY: High speed trains connecting all major cities with 1st and 2nd class accommodation; reservation is recommended
INTER-REGIONALI: Regional train services connecting most cities in Italy
REGIONALI: Local trains stopping virtually at every local station offering 2nd class accommodation
SLEEPER trains operate between major Italian cities and to foreign countries.
OTHER TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Shuttle train from Rome Airport (Leonardo Express) to Termini Station €11.00 (www.adr.it)
Shuttle bus from Milan Malpensa Airport to city centre €5.00 (Child fare: €2.50), from Milano Malpensa to Milano Linate €9.00 (Child fare: €4.50)
(www.malpensashuttle.it)
Rome Bus/Metro Ticket BIT €1 - Daily travel card BIG €4.00 - Weekly ticket CIS €16.00 (www.atac.roma.it)
Milan Bus/Metro ticket €1 - Book of 10 tickets €9.20 - 1 day travelcard €3.00 - 2 day travelcard €5.50 (www.atm-mi.it)
