train holiday through Italy

Frequently asked questions

A well-planned train holiday through Italy is one of the most comfortable and experience-rich ways to discover the country. The rail network takes you from Alpine panoramas to the rolling hills of Tuscany, often faster and more relaxed than by car. Discover how, with a smart combination of high-speed trains, regional lines and a legendary panoramic train, you can put together an unforgettable journey through Northern Italy.

Starting point Milan: gateway to the Italian lakes

Milan is a city of fashion and design and the perfect starting point for your train journey. The city functions as one of the country’s main railway hubs. Trains depart in all directions from the impressive Milano Centrale station. For travellers wanting to explore the famous lakes of Northern Italy, this is the most logical first stop. Connections are frequent and reliable, allowing you to start your journey without stress.

Travelling from Milan to Lake Como

Lake Como is easy to reach by train from Milan. Regional Trenord trains run regularly from both Milano Centrale and Porta Garibaldi station. A journey to Varenna-Esino, an atmospheric village on the eastern shore of the lake, takes just over an hour. From Varenna you can easily take the ferry to other well-known places such as Bellagio and Menaggio. Another option is the train to the town of Como, at the southern tip of the lake. This journey takes about forty minutes and brings you straight to the urban heart of the region.

‘ The train climbs over the Bernina Pass to an altitude of 2,253 metres, an impressive technical achievement. ’

The Bernina Express: an unforgettable route through the Alps

One of the most spectacular train journeys in Europe is a fixed feature of a trip through Northern Italy. The Bernina Express, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, connects Tirano in Italy with St. Moritz in Switzerland. The journey takes about four hours and leads you through a landscape of glaciers, Alpine peaks and deep valleys. The train climbs over the Bernina Pass to an altitude of 2,253 metres, an impressive technical achievement. The panoramic carriages with their large windows offer an unobstructed view of the surroundings.

How do you plan the Bernina Express into your trip?

To include the Bernina Express in your route, first travel from Milan to Tirano. This regional train journey takes about 2.5 hours and the route itself is already a fine introduction to what lies ahead. In Tirano you change to the red panoramic train. It is advisable to reserve your seats for the Bernina Express in advance, especially in high season. After arriving in Switzerland you can choose to stay overnight there, or continue your journey straight away. A logical next step is the train to Lugano, located in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, from where you travel southwards into Italy again.

• Route: Milan – Tirano (regional train), Tirano – St. Moritz (Bernina Express).
• Duration: Allow a full day for this leg.
• Tip: Book the panoramic carriages for the best views, but be aware that on the same route there are also regular trains for which no reservation is needed.

By high-speed train to Bologna and Tuscany

After the mountains and lakes in the north, it is time to travel south to the culinary and cultural heart of Italy. The Italian high-speed network, with the well-known Frecciarossa trains, makes this part of the journey fast and efficient. From Milan or Lugano (with a change) you can quickly travel to cities such as Bologna, Florence or Siena.

Bologna, with its historic university and rich cuisine, is an ideal stopover. The station is centrally located and from here you have excellent connections to the rest of the Emilia-Romagna region and further on to Tuscany. The journey from Milan to Bologna takes just over an hour by high-speed train. From Bologna to Florence you are then only 40 minutes on the way.

High-speed train versus regional train

For the long distances between the major cities, the high-speed train is the best choice. These trains are comfortable, fast and cover large distances in a short time. To explore the smaller towns and countryside of, for example, Tuscany, you will rely on the regional rail network.

• Frecciarossa (high-speed): Ideal for Milan – Bologna – Florence – Rome. Seat reservation is required and tickets are cheaper if you book well in advance.
• Regionale (regional): Perfect for day trips from Florence to Siena, Lucca or Pisa. Tickets have a fixed price and can be bought shortly beforehand. Do not forget to stamp your paper ticket in the machines on the platform before boarding.

Practical tips for your train journey

Good preparation ensures a relaxed trip. Use the Trenitalia or Italo apps to plan your journeys and book tickets for the high-speed trains. For regional trains you can easily buy tickets at the station. Take your luggage into account; although there are no strict limits, travelling with compact suitcases is more practical on busy trains and at crowded stations. Do not plan transfer times too tightly, so you can calmly find your connection.

This route is just an example of the many possibilities offered by the Italian rail network. On the Traveler Tips website you will find more in-depth articles on train travel, route planning and the most beautiful destinations in Italy and beyond. Discover how to travel smarter and more consciously and turn your next holiday into an unforgettable experience.

Frequently asked questions

Which train routes in Italy offer the most beautiful views and cultural highlights for an unforgettable experience?

Italy offers various scenic train routes with cultural highlights. The Cinque Terre Express links five coastal villages, the Bernina Express crosses the Alps, and routes through Tuscany and along the Amalfi Coast reveal stunning landscapes and historic cities such as Florence and Pompeii. New connections from 2026 onwards, such as the Frecciarossa Milan/Rome–Munich and night trains to Northern Italy, make sustainable travel even more attractive. For an unforgettable experience, you could also consider the luxurious La Dolce Vita Orient Express.

How do I plan my train tickets and seat reservations as smartly as possible in order to save costs and guarantee comfort?

Book train tickets 3–6 months in advance via Trenitalia or Deutsche Bahn for the best-value fares and consider an Interrail Global Pass. Opt for an upgrade to first class for more peace and comfort, especially on long stretches. Buy the Cinque Terre Train Card for unlimited travel in that region. Pack light and allow sufficient transfer time, at least 1–2 hours, to reduce stress and ensure comfort.

Which pass (for example Interrail) is the most cost-effective and practical for a train holiday through Italy?

The Interrail Global Pass is often mentioned as a flexible and cost-effective option for train travel through Italy, especially if you want to cover many different routes. Specifically for the Cinque Terre, the Cinque Terre Train Card is the most practical for unlimited train and park access. For individual journeys you can often find cheaper tickets by booking 3–6 months in advance via Trenitalia. Ultimately, the most cost-effective and practical pass depends on the duration of your trip, the specific routes and your travel style.

How do I navigate Italian train stations easily and make efficient use of transfer times?

To navigate Italian train stations easily and make efficient use of transfer times, good preparation is essential. Use the Trenitalia app for up-to-date Frecciarossa tickets and consider buying a Cinque Terre Train Card for unlimited train and park access in the Cinque Terre. Book tickets 3–6 months in advance for the best fares and allow 1–2 hours’ waiting time at major hubs such as Milan or Basel. Pack light (max. 20 kg) so you can change quickly, and always validate your ticket before boarding.

Are there specific apps or websites that are essential for planning and tracking my train journey in Italy in real time?

The Trenitalia app and the Trenitalia.it website are essential for booking tickets and checking up-to-date timetables in Italy. For general planning and real-time tracking of train journeys, the Trainline app is also very useful. These tools help you to plan and follow your train holiday through Italy in a smart and conscious way.