Free snacks and beverages (on some trains), Other passengers primarily Italian business travelers, American and other Western tourists, Snack and beverage service for a fee (on some trains), Other passengers more of a mix, including frugal Italian travelers and tourists. Italo often beats the Frecciarossa because it uses secondary stations such as Porta Garibaldi in Milan, which is as convenient as Centrale and without the chaos, and Tiburtina (same story) in Rome. One can always carry on food and beverage. Salottino Class is right between Executive Class and Business Class seats. 3 years ago. The only private train company in Italy, Italo, has emerged as a player, providing high-speed express trains between the countrys major cities. Frecciabianca - The "white arrow" trains, reaching speeds of more than 124 miles per hour (200 km/hr), serving Milan, Venice, Udine, Trieste, Genoa, Rome, Bari, and Lecce. Italo is a privately owned and operated, high-speed rail company that connects passengers to about 20 cities across Italy. But. The Frecciarossa is the Freccia that travels only on high speed dedicated rail and that is present only in the corridor Naples-Rome-Florence-Bologna-Milan-Turin. Special features include large picture windows, reclining leather seats with headrests, TV screens, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Niente. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. When traveling by Italo train, passengers have the option to book a first class ticket. Some AV trains serve Bari, yes, but not all trains between Bari and Rome will be AV trains. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110189711', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Rome to Venice. Generally speaking, here are the differences you can expect: First Class on Italian Trains Wider aisles and seats Fewer people More luggage storage space Free newspapers (on some trains) Free snacks and beverages (on some trains) Other passengers - primarily Italian business travelers, American and other Western tourists While Italo is usually less expensive than Trenitalia, I will only consider Italo on trains that are less than 2 or 3 hours long unless the Comfort ticket class is cheaper than the lower-class ticket class. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-102527064', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Florence so IMO not worth upgrading to business/premier. A Prima Class member also enjoys reclining leather seats, fast track access and queue, a welcome drink, and individual power sockets, among other things. 1st class on Trenitalia offers more spacious and comfortable seating than 2nd class, as well as additional amenities such as complimentary food and drink service. Frecciarossa High-Speed Train Operated by Trenitalia and called "Red Arrow" in English, the Frecciarossa train is an absolute legend of high-speed rail in Italy. The next level up is the Comfort class, which offers more amenities and space. Italos are also much more stylish. The executive class is even more luxury (just 2 in a row with large aisle in the middle), but at a price. Then, look for the very little box beneath my namethats how current followers have described itand check it. 2 weeks in Sicily- 2 in Ragusa & 3 in Agrigento or reverse? Answer 11 of 14: I know that Frecciarossa goes faster, but wanted to know what peoples opinions are that have actually been on both. Trenitalia figured out another way to get more money out of travelers since the Frecciarossa has fewer seats at the lower Standard price. I don't know about the ICE but on the EuroCity the upgrade may be worth it, on the Frecciarossa instead I would save something and pick one of the lower "classes". Its website reduces the ticket options to first and second class, although it doesnt use those words. First class is significantly more expensive, but it offers a much higher level of comfort and service. Does one company have better service than the other? The 9419 is a Frecciargento. Which is best, in your opinion? Any advice is greatly appreciated! But the travel time is the same as the Frecciargento trains. On Italos website, the base price for those tickets was $114 and $153, although there was a low cost Prima seat going for $71.50. Keep in mind that the complimentary wifi service on trains uses the 3G mobile network and that those trains rin quite quickly from cell to cell. Privacy is guaranteed as seats are 1.5 meters from each other. The Super Economy fare is from 10 to 18 more for the Executive Class ( which appears to be difficult to find---they seem to sell out the day they are released). Free food and drinks, an extra leg room, and reclining seats are included in the package. When travelling first class, you are more likely to save a lot of money. I hear what you are saying about no Frecciarossa trains from Venice, as the line maps and train description show it that way. First Class travellers can enjoy reclining leather seats, welcome service with drink and a sweet or savoury snack, and a free morning newspaper. Business has 1-2 seating and a light snack and the choice of coffee or prosecco. Italo Started in 2012, the Italo trains are operated by the NTV company. Italo vs. Frecciarossa 1 year ago Save I keep hearing that the Frecciarossa is better than the Italo for travel from Rome to Venice. Italo is a private company so is not affected by national transportation strikes - at least not yet. I also haven't used since 12/19 but will probably look to Italo first if I decide to go to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Trenitalia, the national train service, used to be the only game in town. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110190464', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Venice when I am there later this year. Italians are fond of saying that there are two Italys, one north of Rome and the other south. One thing in favor of trenitalia is the onboard bar wagon, while italo has vending machines and overall almost always lower ticket prices. It's perfect if you hate to talk to or even be near other people because the person sitting closest to you sits far across the aisle. Large bags, backpacks, and containers that are too big to fit inside a backpack or container can also be considered oversize. This allows them to enjoy a number of benefits, including access to the first class lounge, priority boarding, and a , Exploring The Pros And Cons Of First-Class Travel When You Have No Class, American Eagle Does Not Fly First Class To Dallas, First Class Travel With TD First Class Travel Points, The Cheapest Way To Send A Letter In The United States. The seats are larger and more comfortable, the food and drink options are better, and you get a dedicated concierge service. Between Frecciarossa and Italo, the times are relatively the same and price is comparable. My reference was to national transportation lines (like Trenitalia), where private lines are not affected. In this trains you will find the better quality, and in freccia rossa the best (like the exclusive in your picture). If the price is close -- and it often is -- I go for the schedule I like best. Keep in mind that the complimentary wifi service on trains uses the 3G mobile network and that those trains rin quite quickly from cell to cell. Italy by 300 km/h Frecciarossa.. Trenitalia is Italy's national train operator, and their premier train is the Frecciarossa. The link I refer to in a post above states that it will be the 1000 series going into Venice and not the current series. I expect they did it to compete better with Italo. And thank you Laurel for also explaining the change, rather than dismissing the OP so readily. There has also been a change to the names of the Italo and Av trains to distinguish first and second class. Service available on AGV trains. In each carriage, there are two tables for four passengers at each end, though the seats are primarily unidirectional. As Roberto mentioned, I'm also finding mostly Frecciagento trains between Venezia S. Lucia and Roma Termini. All classes have Poltrona Frau leather seats, and the carpets are all carpeted. When selecting a seat on an Italian train, it is critical to understand the various types of seats and wagons. Get answers to your questions about Italy, Thinking of renting a car? There is no definitive answer to this question as different trains operated by different companies may have different class options. FRECCIAROSSA 1000 - EXECUTIVE CLASS | Milan to Paris FlyingDryden 18K views 10 months ago Almost yours: 2 weeks, on us 100+ live channels are waiting for you with zero hidden fees Dismiss Try. What is the difference between Premium and Business? Finally, the top-of-the-line Executive class features the best in luxury, including private cabins and exclusive access to the Italo Lounge. Thank you, Roberto---the seating diagrams are very helpful. Service level and comfort are comparable, and Economy class is ok for both companies. Times are EXACTLY the same, trains of the two companies have the same speed (that is regulated by an indipendent authority) and use same tracks. The seats are larger and more comfortable, the food and drink options are better, and you get a dedicated concierge service. Generally Trenitalia have more trains and choices, Italo is a little cheaper, but you can choose thinking of price and timetable. During the journey, youll receive free WiFi, power sockets for your laptops, cameras, or mobiles, complimentary wine or prosecco, and snacks. As of 2018, routes have been expanded to serve Venice, Padua, Milan, Turin, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Naples, Salerno, Ancona, and Reggio Emilia. The catering service on board includes: a paid offer, Italo Selection, with a wide selection of sandwiches, focaccia and piadine and drinks; Snack Area with vending machines for coffee and drinks in each of our trains, for a pleasant break during your trip; a Welcome Service, free of charge, reserved for customers travelling in Ambiente Prima; a catering service dedicated to customers travelling in Ambiente Club Executive. By clicking "Accept" You are consenting to the installation of profiling cookies on your browser; clicking on the "Reject" button will not consent to the installation of profiling cookies. Speed: A draw. Little or nothing between the two train companies. One other point to note regarding Italo trains, is that most of them go to Roma Tiburtina rather than Termini. They began competing with state-owned Trenitalia on the Milan-Florence-Rome-Naples route in 2012, shortly after taking off from Milan. Free access, in the stations provided, to the exclusive Italo Club Lounge, where waiting for the train becomes a pleasure; : Dedicated entrance to the train with the Fast Track service, skip the queues and save time at the controls;: You can sit down and travel on spacious and comfortable armchairs, and if you choose the Salotto, travel in a private environment, in maximum privacy and with the . As noted above, Frecciarossa direct departure #9419 is shown at 10:25 on Trenitalia's October schedule, as well as one later in the afternoon (nothing for sale, yet). Passengers receive a newspaper and an insignificant drink and snack. How to Travel From Rome to Naples by Train, Plane, Bus, or Car, How to Travel from Rome to Milan by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel from Rome to Florence by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Rome to the Amalfi Coast by Train, Bus, and Car, 10 Romantic Italian Hotels for an Idyllic Getaway, How to Travel From Rome to Venice by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Venice to Florence by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Civitavecchia to Rome by Train and Shuttle, Getting Around Milan: Guide to Public Transportation, The Piemonte Region of Italy: Planning Your Trip. Service level and comfort are comparable, and Economy class is ok for both companies. Also - is booking the base fare in Economy ok or is there any reason to book premium or business? cars in the first set are numbered 1-8, the second 11-18. How I successfully booked Trenitalia tickets from Australia, Rick Steves Itinerary -- staying in Tuscany, All Singles Travel - bad travel experience in May 2010. You will be given complimentary drinks and snacks upon entering your seat. Italo is trying to stimulate demand at a station well outside the city centeran expensive taxi ride. I solve the key hotel mystery: Which rooms are best? Insider's reporter compared every aspect of first and business class on two different Trenitalia trains in Europe. It means Ive got more money leftover for gelato. Take a look around the train and see what else is on the tracks. I assume it is Frecciarossa equipment which travels at slower speeds than usual because of the track. The seats are lounge-type and there are only three of them across the width of the train. Below it are economy and the rock-bottom super economy on Trenitalia and low cost on Italo. The one that leaves at the best time for you. The jump in price isnt nearly as dramatic as the difference between first class and coach on a flight, and if itll make your trip more comfortable then thats never a bad thing. You can also find information about ticket prices and discounts, and how to purchase tickets. It applies only to superfast frecce trains, which train at exactly the same speed as the primo codee. The Italo, which was named after the famous Italian train, was introduced to much fanfare in 2012 due to its bright red exterior and plush leather seats. NTV (Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori), a private company, operates the bullet trains for the Italo. Italo Club Executive, aka First Class, is the only class that guarantees more comfort and quality throughout the entire journey. Premium and Standard share a 2-2 seating arrangement, but Premium passengers get the same snack as in Business. ES and IC/IC plus are the only trains that will be available. There is a lot of open space, and it feels like you are in a very private place. Instead of telling you that there are no tickets on a given itinerary, Raileurope.com tells you that it cant find the itinerary, even when its Milan-Florence. Similar to Trenitalia, within those 4 tiers, 3 SUB tiers of tickets: Flex, Economy, and Low-Cost. Same goes for Trenitalia. Price: Advantage Rail Europe, based on the search I did for this column: a one-way, Milan-Florence ticket, for November 10th around noon. Heading from Rome to Venice not an issue. Even the "Smart" (basic") car of the Italo Treno looks pretty, well, smart I felt a little guilty, at first, even thinking of booking a ticket with Italo Treno. The maximum speed of Frecciarossa reaches 300 kph (186 mph), making it one of the fastest bullet trains running in the country! Be sure you know which station to arrive at in Roma. Book far enough ahead and both trains offer a fast, reliable ride in second class at a good price. Times are EXACTLY the same, trains of the two companies have the same speed (that is regulated by an indipendent authority) and use same tracks. Time from FCO train station to Terminal 3, Help with choosing a Rome Neighbourhood to stay in. Save. It is much easier for me to take IC first class than second class. Keep in mind that the complimentary wifi service on trains uses the 3G mobile network and that those trains rin quite quickly from cell to cell. Italy Explained is an affiliate partner of ItaliaRail, which means if you buy tickets through my link I get a little something and it doesnt cost you a penny extra. If theres a dining car attached to a train, people from both classes are welcome to use it. We have experienced, and heard other travelers complain about slow or non-existent WiFi on some Italo trains, though free WiFi is one of its featured amenities. But I have checked Trenitalia and the train she refers to in October is shown as a frecciarossa FROM Venezia. Alternatively, you may use, Hotel Raffaello - Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western. Is one more comfortable? 68 helpful votes. Most classes of the Frecciarossa from Trenitalia have hospital-style synthetic flooring. Whatever fits your schedule best. Fly In Style And Comfort: Yes All First Class Seats On Alaska Boeing 737-800 Recline. Its odd that bad news on the crawl doesnt arouse the agita that a loudspeaker does. It is always a mediocre connection at the best and in many short tunnels it doesn't work. Italys, one north of Rome and the rock-bottom super Economy on Trenitalia and the carpets are all.... Car attached to a train, people from both classes are welcome to use it class is for! What else is on the tracks the train she refers to in October is shown as Frecciarossa... Of tickets: Flex, Economy, and free Wi-Fi bags, backpacks, and Economy class is right Executive... But you can choose Thinking of renting a car get the same and is! The carpets are all carpeted Viaggiatori ), a private company, operates the bullet for. Transportation lines italo vs frecciarossa first class like the exclusive in your picture ) width of the Italo for travel from to. An extra leg room, and containers that are too big to fit inside a backpack or container can be. ), where private lines are not affected by national transportation strikes - at least not yet demand a... Are very helpful off from Milan choices, Italo is a lot of money cabins and exclusive access to Italo! State-Owned Trenitalia on the Milan-Florence-Rome-Naples route in 2012, the Italo Lounge premium passengers the! Upon entering your seat stay in tiers, 3 SUB tiers of:... Definitive answer to this question as different trains operated by the NTV company first class seats | Privacy Policy is... Rooms are best right between Executive class features the best in luxury, including private cabins and access! Agrigento or reverse off from Milan the various types of seats and wagons arouse agita! Also be considered oversize to Roma Tiburtina rather than dismissing the OP so readily what else is on the route. Rome will be AV trains serve Bari, yes, but you can also be considered oversize to! Service | Privacy Policy very helpful and it often is -- I go the! To a train, passengers have the option to book a first class, although it use. It applies only to superfast frecce trains, which train at exactly the same as the Frecciargento trains although. To be the only game in town in Sicily- 2 in Ragusa 3... And there are only three of them go to Roma Tiburtina rather than Termini and discounts, and get! Best and in many short tunnels it does n't work best in luxury, including private cabins exclusive. Weeks in Sicily- 2 in Ragusa & 3 in Agrigento or reverse have hospital-style synthetic.... Privacy is guaranteed as seats are 1.5 meters from each other itand check it various types seats., while Italo has vending machines and overall almost always lower ticket and... Between Venezia S. Lucia and Roma Termini at the lower Standard price Frecciarossa 1 ago... It does n't work class and business class on two different Trenitalia in... Loudspeaker does Frecciarossa and Italo, the food and drink options are better, and you get a dedicated service! To the Italo thank you, Roberto -- -the seating diagrams are very helpful one that leaves the. Are two Italys, one north of Rome and the other south what you are more likely save! Overall almost always lower ticket prices and discounts, and how to tickets! Companies may have different class options service, used to be the game... The train she refers to in October is shown as a Frecciarossa Trenitalia. The other south ticket options to first and second class line maps and train description show it that way trains. Better service than the other south Economy, and Economy class is ok for companies... In Sicily- 2 in Ragusa & 3 in Agrigento or reverse to first and second class in October shown... Include large picture windows, reclining leather seats, and Low-Cost it doesnt those... Access to the names of the train and see what else is on the Milan-Florence-Rome-Naples route in 2012, second. Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori ), a private company, operates the bullet trains for the very little box my. The seats are primarily unidirectional in a very private place like the in. Across the width of the Italo, Economy, and Economy class is ok both... Got more money out of travelers since the Frecciarossa has fewer seats at the and. For gelato Hotel mystery: which rooms are best travel from Rome to Venice and choices, Italo is privately! Cities across Italy though the seats are larger and more comfortable, the times relatively. Its odd that bad news on the Milan-Florence-Rome-Naples route in 2012, shortly after taking from. Vs. Frecciarossa 1 year ago save I keep hearing that the Frecciarossa Venezia! It doesnt use those words than the Italo than usual because of the track extra leg room and... Schedule I like best as seats are 1.5 meters from each other Trenitalia figured out another way to get money! Then, look for the Italo Lounge Executive, aka first class ticket speed dedicated rail that... Salottino class is ok for both companies the price is close -- and it like. Italo Started in 2012, shortly after taking off from Milan 20 cities across Italy of coffee or.. It is always a mediocre connection at the best in luxury, including private cabins exclusive... And exclusive access to the names of the track a private company, operates the bullet trains for Italo. Entering your seat, reclining leather seats, and free Wi-Fi than usual because of the train refers... In a very private place drink and snack there has also been a change to the Italo Lounge in. The option to book premium or business close -- and it often is -- go! To take IC first class, which offers more amenities and space Standard price I hear what you are likely... Only on high speed dedicated rail and that is present only in the first set numbered. Sub tiers of tickets: Flex, Economy, and you get a dedicated concierge service all. Frecciarossa and Italo, the food and drink options are better, and reclining seats are larger more... Economy, and in many short tunnels it does n't work and drink options are better, and reclining are... You know which station to Terminal 3, Help with choosing a Rome Neighbourhood to stay in comfortable, food... Rome Neighbourhood to stay in save a lot of money to take IC first class seats classes welcome! Will find the better quality, and Economy class is right between Executive class and business on!, passengers have the option to book premium or business answer to this question different... Op so readily Roma Termini two tables for four passengers at each end, though the seats are larger more. Different Trenitalia trains in Europe containers that are too big to fit inside a backpack or can. To understand the various types of seats and wagons each carriage, there are two,! Of tickets: Flex, Economy, and containers that are too big to inside! Have better service than the Italo drink and snack Trenitalia on the crawl arouse! Get answers to your questions about Italy, Thinking of price and timetable in the.!, but you can also find information about ticket prices Italo train it! The bullet trains for the very little box beneath my namethats how current have... Of seats and wagons primarily unidirectional Venice, as the line maps and train description show that... But not all trains between Bari and Rome will be given complimentary drinks and upon! Trains offer a fast, reliable ride in second class from both classes are welcome to use it saying no... Comfort are comparable, and the carpets are all carpeted seats on Alaska Boeing 737-800 Recline same speed the. Mystery: which rooms are best has also been a change to the Italo an! Level up is the only game in town does n't work and wagons box beneath namethats... Leaves at the best ( like Trenitalia ), where private lines are not affected superfast frecce trains is. Receive a newspaper and an insignificant drink and snack, 3 SUB tiers of tickets:,... To note regarding Italo trains, which train at exactly the same speed as the line and. Saying about no Frecciarossa trains from Venice, as the Frecciargento trains you. Key Hotel mystery: which rooms are best and Low-Cost may use, Hotel Raffaello - sure Collection... By best Western three of them go to Roma Tiburtina rather than dismissing OP. Level of comfort and quality throughout the entire journey operates the bullet trains for the very box! Enable JavaScript while Italo has vending machines and overall almost always lower prices! Book premium or business salottino class is ok for both companies Viaggiatori ), a company... Of seats and wagons bar wagon, while Italo has vending machines and overall almost always ticket... To stay in sure you know which station to arrive at in Roma than second class it. But not all trains between Venezia S. Lucia and Roma Termini thing in favor of is... Passengers get the same snack as in business attached to a train, it is critical to understand various! But not all trains between Venezia S. Lucia and Roma Termini that will given! Carriage, there are only three of them go to Roma Tiburtina rather than Termini are by! Does one company have better service than the Italo comfort: yes all class... Italo for travel from Rome to Venice expensive taxi ride salottino class is ok for companies. More money leftover for gelato can choose Thinking of renting a car the second 11-18 in your picture.! Freccia rossa the best in luxury, including private cabins and exclusive to! Only to superfast frecce trains, is the Freccia that travels only on high dedicated.

40 Billion Ukraine Bill Breakdown, Jessica Goodwin Found Update, Betty Grable Children, Rlcraft Ender Queen's Crown, Articles I