What is the high-speed train like in Italy?

Operated by Trenitalia and called Red Arrow in English, the Frecciarossa train is an absolute legend of high-speed rail in Italy. The maximum speed of Frecciarossa reaches 300 kph (186 mph), making it one of the fastest bullet trains running in the country! There are two travel classes onboard - Standard and First.



High-speed rail in Italy, headlined by Trenitalia's Frecciarossa and the private competitor Italo, offers a world-class experience that rivaling or exceeding air travel for domestic journeys. These trains travel at speeds up to 300 km/h (190 mph), connecting major cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, and Naples in record time. Onboard, passengers can expect a sleek, modern interior with free Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, and dedicated luggage areas. Both operators offer multiple "classes" of service, ranging from budget-friendly Standard to ultra-luxurious Executive or Club classes, which often include gourmet meals and private lounges. In 2026, the experience is becoming even more high-tech; Italo has begun equipping its fleet with Starlink satellite internet to ensure seamless connectivity through tunnels and remote areas. The efficiency, central-city station locations, and frequent departures make it the preferred way to traverse the Italian peninsula.

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Trains in Italy are generally good value; frequent, but of mixed reliability. The railway market in Italy has been opened to competition, so on some high speed routes you have the choice between Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori or Italo (privately owned) and Trenitalia (state owned).

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With the modernization of trains, Italy boasts one of the best travel systems in Europe. Italy's two largest cities, Rome and Milan, are now connected by just a few hours on a superfast train that reaches up to 200 MPH!

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From simple snacks to full meals: savour the High-Speed taste experience. The new catering service on board Frecciarossa and Frecciargento trains combines an exceptional welcome with the best of Italian cuisine.

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All seats on Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca & InterCity trains are reserved, so they can in theory sell out. However, as there are so many trains each with hundreds of seats there are almost always places available on most trains even just before departure.

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Traveling by train in Italy means always traveling with carry-on luggage. You'll carry on board everything you have with you. It's your responsibility to bring your bags on board and stow them properly, which is a great incentive to packing light. There's no fee to bring luggage on the train.

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There is typically one bathroom per train car on Italian trains. On newer trains, and especially high-speed trains, they are more spacious than what you might find on an airplane and offer the same basic features as those of a plane lavatory - a flushable toilet, sink with running water, soap, and paper towels.

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Italiarail shows a whole day's trains in the search results and can book up to 20 people at a time. Trenitalia's own website only shows a couple of hours-worth of trains at a time and can only book up to 5 people at a time.

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First-class seating is more spacious, with fewer seats per compartment, and usually more quiet. There is more room for luggage and it will generally be less crowded as most passengers typically travel in second class.

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Italy's high-speed trains are sleek and efficient, with relatively inexpensive ticket prices if purchased in advance. High-speed trains always require reservations. Trenitalia, Italy's state-run rail network, operates most of the high-speed trains.

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train in Italy, the train would be fair in terms of cost and time efficiency but cars would do better when it comes to getting into places that are not so close to the railway lines. The good news for any tourists planning on touring Italy by train is the booking tickets that are available online.

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FIRST CLASS TRAVEL Executive class - 1x1 leather seating, up to 10 passengers per car, armchairs with reclining backrests and leg-rest extensions, a snack with water or tea is included. Food and drinks may be purchased in the Restaurant Car. This class provides access to Business Lounges on the stations.

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As well as car-end & overhead racks, on many trains you can fit a medium suitcase, backpack or holdall between the seat backs. This is an Italian high-speed Frecciarossa. Many trains now have luggage stacks inside the seating area so you can stay close to your bags.

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Some trains require seat reservations, and on other trains it's optional. If you're riding a train on which reservations are only recommended or completely optional and you don't have a reservation, you can sit in any available seat in the appropriate class you have booked.

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High-speed trains always require reservations and usually cost more than slow trains, but they're much more efficient if you're short on time. Regional trains in Italy are slower, but serve a much wider network of cities and smaller towns throughout Italy.

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