Italo High-Speed Train Guide
Italo is a private high-speed train company in Italy, operating services nationwide in competition with the national railway operator, Trenitalia.
In this guide, you can read all you need to know about Italo high-speed trains, including the travel classes, the main routes they serve, and other useful details.
About high-speed trains in Italy
Since 2012, when Italo launched its first train, this private railway company has become the main competitor of state-owned Trenitalia, the national operator.
Italo, officially known as Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori (NTV), is a company that exclusively operates high-speed trains. If you need to travel between Italy’s major cities, Italo’s high-speed trains can therefore be an excellent option.
As there are two railway companies you can travel with in Italy, it is always a smart idea to compare ticket prices and departure times between Trenitalia and Italo. Both Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa high-speed trains and Italo’s high-speed services offer great comfort and are highly reliable.
Italo trains connect almost every major city in Italy, including Milan, Rome, Florence, Venice, Naples, and many other destinations. However, keep in mind that Italo trains are not available on regional or local routes, such as from Florence to Siena or from La Spezia to the Cinque Terre villages, in which case you will have to stick to Trenitalia.
A convenient way to search for Italian trains and book your tickets online is to use Omio, which can compare all Trenitalia and Italo options in a single search on its website or app. Simply check which rail company offers the best option for your travel date and route, and book your ticket.
High-speed trains in Italy require a seat reservation, which is automatically included with your ticket. As a result, trains can sell out, so it is highly recommended to book in advance, particularly during the summer peak or on public holidays. In general, booking in advance also helps you secure the lowest fares, as high-speed train tickets are priced similarly to airline tickets, with demand determining the cost.
Italo travel classes
On Italo high-speed trains, you will find the following three travel classes:
- Smart – similar to second class, with seats in a 2+2 configuration.
- Prima – comparable to first class, with leather seats in a much more spacious 1+2 configuration. The fare includes a complimentary welcome drink and snack.
- Club – premium first class, featuring comfortable leather reclining seats in a spacious 1+2 configuration. Also an intimate 4-seat compartments known as Club Salotto is available, which is ideal if you are a family of group of four travelling together. A club fare includes complimentary snacks and drinks, including prosecco, served throughout the entire journey.
All Italo trains offer Wi-Fi, and seats are fitted with a power socket no matter your class of travel. Luggage can be stored either in the dedicated racks within each coach or in the overhead compartments above your seat.
Food and drinks
A major difference between Italo’s high-speed trains and Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa trains is that Italo trains do not have a café-bar and only provide vending machines on board.
However, you are always welcome to bring your own food and drinks on board, and passengers travelling in Prima or Club class are served complimentary drinks and snacks by the stewards.
Italian railway stations
At most major stations in Italy, you must scan the QR code on your ticket to reach the platform for your Italo high-speed train, so make sure you have it ready. Otherwise, there is no formal check-in procedure and no need to arrive earlier than usual. Simply find the right carriage where your reserved seat is located and hop on board!
If you hold a Club ticket, you receive complimentary access to the Club Italo lounges located at several major Italian railway stations before your train departs. With complimentary drinks and snacks, as well as comfortable seating, they offer a pleasant place to wait for your train. When booking a Prima ticket, you may sometimes have the option to purchase access to the Club Italo lounges, although this is not guaranteed.
Using your Interrail or Eurail pass on Italo trains
Italo high-speeds trains currently do not accept Interrail or Eurail passes, so you will need to use Trenitalia trains instead.