Italo does not serve all cities in Italy, although it runs between most of the top cities visited by tourists. Italo does not always depart from central railway stations in the city centers, so depending on where you're staying, it could make catching a train inconvenient. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Smart: Perks WiFi Italo Railway provides a limited number of services due to its size. These aren't normal times so prices are higher than usual. The return IIRC from Venice to Rome starts at 10am. Food: Trenitalias offerings are traditionally mediocre. Italo: Scheduled travel time from Roma Termini (Rome's main train station) toFirenze Santa Maria Novella (Florence's central station) is 1 hour, 32 minutes. 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. Also note that both the AV trains and the Italo trains have taken to giving new names to first and second class, which means you may see different titles for both. Is one more comfortable? First class is unquestionably the most cost-effective way to travel. (I translated the Euro prices at $1.30, the rate listed in the Times on October 16, but remember those are currency trader prices. Easier to bring along the print version. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Get answers to your questions about Italy, Thinking of renting a car? 1. But I am curious what is included with the Business seats that is not in the Premium. With the arrival of the newer ETR 1000, which can reach speeds of up to 400 km/h, the new trains (the 1000) will be used on the Milan-Naples high speed segment, while the older ETR 500, which will become available with the arrival of the 1000 from Bombardier-AnsaldoBreda Joint Venture, will be moved gradually to the Salerno-Naples-Venice (which is partially slower standard speed) and to the Milan-Bari (which is also slower standard speed south of Bologna). Rome-Pisa-Genoa or Milano-Venice). We'll be doing this trip for the first time in Oct. and want to make sure that we make the right choice. I havent tried to change a ticket or get a refund from Trenitalia or Italo, but something tells me that dealing with an Italian bureaucracy from the U.S. spells frustration. Which is best, in your opinion? Dalle Valle and Mr. Montezemolo were not directly involved in designing the train but certainly influenced the style and luxury standard of the interiors, according to a spokesperson at Italo. Monograms Italy tours - Any Reviews Or Opinions? Laura. I've travelled in both first and second class in the Freccia trains and haven't noticed a huge difference between them in terms of "seat comfort*. First class passengers also typically have access to complimentary snacks and drinks, as well as power outlets and Wi-Fi. Learn how your comment data is processed. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. I also haven't used since 12/19 but will probably look to Italo first if I decide to go to Venice when I am there later this year. These aren't normal times so prices are higher than usual. Keep in mind that not all trains have both first and second class some only have second class cars. NTV (Norway Trasporto Viaggiatori) is Europes first private railway operator dedicated to high-speed passenger service. The timesaving is only 9 minutes over departing from Milan Centrale and 20 over Porta Garibaldi. NTV (Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori), a private company, operates the bullet trains for the Italo. What is the difference between a train with a slow speed and an ES? Let's start by breaking down the different types of ticket tiers on Italo: Club Executive Prima Comfort Smart The 3 Sub-Categories: Flex Economy Low-Cost eXtra Bottom Line: Finally you have a choice, says Italos website. Personally? We will be traveling from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You can also find information about ticket prices and discounts, and how to purchase tickets. Alcohol is not permitted during the complimentary breakfast offer. TO FOLLOW ME: You must open an account at forbes.com, and the best way to do that is at forbes.com rather than via a social media site. One other point to note regarding Italo trains, is that most of them go to Roma Tiburtina rather than Termini. Furthermore, in addition to italos express service, it provides direct services between the cities. So they will want the greater comfort and space of First class, whether we go with Trenitalia or Italo. Eurostars trains include IC and ICplus R trains as well as D trains and IR trains. But dont fall for Italos Rogoredo option on Milan-Florence, even though the travel time is often the shortest and the fare the lowest. There are four seats in each room. Italo offers 4 different types of ticket tiers: Smart, Prima, Club Executive and Salotto. But if you want to go from Florence to Bologna or Florence to Roma, you have far fewer options other than the Freccia. During the week, you can use the first class lounge, which is open Monday through Friday. That's it. Apparently the Frecciarossa ETR 500 were used only on high speed rail because they were more expensive and therefore they were more efficiently utilized in high speed segments where they could reach speeds of 360 km/h. Report inappropriate content I expect at some point there may be a sympathy strike participation, but that would be announced in advance, as the national strikes are. We will be taking the train from Venice to Rome in October, and I am trying to choose between Italo and Trenitalia. Heres my report. ( In the Interrail, there is only one second class with a drink and snack.) Before you board, there are a few things you should keep in mind. cars in the first set are numbered 1-8, the second 11-18. Service available on AGV trains. As I normally travel solo, the seating arrangement is not a concern, but with your group that will probably be a factor. But where exactly were we, what were the names of those towns, and why wasnt there an onboard monitor to tell me all this? The only thing I can think of TrenItalia being better is they leave (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? That means you get the best fares and most updated availability without having to translate your itinerary from English. Italian train company Trenitalia was founded in 1732. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-102520558', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Rome to Florence and later in the week from Florence to Venice and I'm curious if one train company is preferred over the other? On the day of travel, you can also buy tickets at the station from one of their 9 ticket offices or at self-service ticket machines. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110189745', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Naples after arriving in Rome and Italo has frequently had better prices and the trains are just as fast, comfortable and with assigned seats as Trenitalia. Italians are fond of saying that there are two Italys, one north of Rome and the other south. Italo seats, covered in Poltrona Frau leather, are like a firm mattressthe seatbacks are even slightly ribbedwhereas the Frecciarossas are soft and yielding. However, 2nd class isn't usually full, and a fair. The online publications were pages of Italian newspapers that you had to zoom in on to read. Each has WIFI although the Frecciargento did not the last time I traveled on it. Four of us at a table for four and one in the single seat across the aisle. 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. The Frecciarossa trains have 4 classes of service, Executive, Business, Premium and Standard. 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. I opt for second class every time. The Trenitalia website states for any date I pull up in October that it is a frecciarossa service NOT a frecciargento service and I do know how to correctly read their website. First class tickets also come with a number of additional perks, such as complimentary drinks and snacks, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets at every seat. And before you blue-staters start groaning, Italo doesnt get a free ride: It pays the Italian government about $156 million annually to use the high-speed infrastructure. In the same situation I'd choose whichever departure time works best and buy first class seats if your budget will allow. Italo's prices are competitive, and often cheaper than Frecciarossa, especially if they're running a sale. The return IIRC from Venice to Rome starts at 10am. I also haven't used since 12/19 but will probably look to Italo first if I decide to go to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Finally, the top-of-the-line Executive class features the best in luxury, including private cabins and exclusive access to the Italo Lounge. The next level up is the Comfort class, which offers more amenities and space. I agree with others. Wi-Fi has been upgraded. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. There are many classes, with different comforts and prices. It means Ive got more money leftover for gelato. 2 weeks in Sicily- 2 in Ragusa & 3 in Agrigento or reverse? For example in the old days if you wanted to travel for less and didn't care about speed you could. These seats are unique as there are only 8 available on each train that offers them. Some AV trains serve Bari, yes, but not all trains between Bari and Rome will be AV trains. Until 3 minutes prior train departure. This ride was about 3 hours. Hence, by taking a bullet train to Italy, you can work, watch a film or just surf the internet. One thing in favor of trenitalia is the onboard bar wagon, while italo has vending machines and overall almost always lower ticket prices. Because the prices on expensive trains keep increasing, first class tickets may not be within your budget. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-102520558', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Rome to Florence and later in the week from Florence to Venice and I'm curious if one train company is preferred over the other? The modern Frecciarossa 1000 train, which connects the main Italian cities of Turin, Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples, and Salerno, is the fastest train to reach that speed in the country. Basically the time of travel remains the same (since the line is still standard speed) but they charge you more because you now sit on a leather seat. Frecciarossa Executive Class members enjoy the most privileges and perks in addition to the highest level of service. A first-class carriage is somewhat different from a standard carriage. As someone said, the only difference between 1st and 2nd class, with respect to luggage, is that 1st class has, usually, 1/3 fewer seats. Seats: Big advantage Italo. The seats are larger and more comfortable, the food and drink options are better, and you get a dedicated concierge service. There is a lot of open space, and it feels like you are in a very private place. Save. Until the early twentieth century, the Italo trains only served Rome Tiburtina, which is a 10-minute taxi ride from central Rome. First class passengers receive a free "welcome drink" which can be a soft drink or coffee, a snack, and a newspaper upon boarding. The schedule includes all of the Italo train lines and stations, as well as the times that each train departs and arrives. Get your tickets before you leave home from ItaliaRail, a US-based company that partners with Trenitalia to offer real-time connectivity to the Italian rail reservation system. Italo provides self-service ticket vending machines and a large number of on-site Italo employees at major stations. The main difference is that it is the diff. Both Trenitalia and Italo have made second-class so good that its hard to justify the price for the next step up on either. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Passengers will be able to use their phones, personal entertainment devices, and laptops in traditional, traditional seated patterns with wider, reclining seats and adjacent power points. Your exchange rate will be higher so these fares will be, too.). A trend on newer trains is to have electrical outlets at each seat, which are available in both first and second class. 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. 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 . What is the difference between Premium and Business? Is it true that Italo is less likely to be affected by strikes? And thank you Laurel for also explaining the change, rather than dismissing the OP so readily. 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. Rail Europe also lists prices in dollars, the other two in Euro. We used Italo and enjoyed that ride a lot. We will be traveling by train from Rome to Florence and Venice, as well as taking the train from Rome to Florence and Venice. . In each carriage, there are two tables for four passengers at each end, though the seats are primarily unidirectional. It doesnt take long for the engines to go from a whine to a deep thrum. Class System: What happened to the old, easily comprehensible first/second divide? Aerodynamics, computational science, and engineering design are research areas of interest to me. Ken, thanks for pointing out the Italo strike. 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. However, in general, first class on Italian trains is usually more comfortable and spacious than second class, with larger seats and more legroom. Similar to Trenitalia, within those 4 tiers, 3 SUB tiers of tickets: Flex, Economy, and Low-Cost. ITALO un marchio di Italo S.p.A. 2023 - P.IVA: 09247981005, The Site uses first-party (ITALO) and third-party technical cookies: these technical cookies guarantee normal navigation on the Site and do not require prior consent. It compares favorably to the intermediate 'Premium' Class on Trenitalia's Frecciarossa and Freciarossa 100' trains. Trenitalia figured out another way to get more money out of travelers since the Frecciarossa has fewer seats at the lower Standard price. (I know, all of this decision-making will make the next paper or plastic question seem so easy, wont it?). You may opt-out by. First Class on Trenitalia Europe Trains: Photos. The 9419 is a Frecciargento. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Find out the other features of Frecciarossa 1000 The exterior of the train 4 levels of service Executive rudy near rome, metropolitan city of rome; 22mm cuban link chain; scala implicit val vs implicit def. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The 1st class cars on Pendolinos are normally at the London/southern end of the train. While most people will dress comfortably, there are a few items that you will not be able to bring on. Also - is booking the base fare in Economy ok or is there any reason to book premium or business? 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. I think. Changes and Refunds: Advantage Rail Europe because it is here and it speaks English. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. {{totalPassenger}} Premium and Standard share a 2-2 seating arrangement, but Premium passengers get the same snack as in Business. High-speed trains do exactly the same as interregionali, but they're faster and, obviously, more expensive. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. What are the distinctions between class 1st and class 2nd on Trenitalia? Just redo the dates. Privacy is guaranteed as seats are 1.5 meters from each other. Now that you mention it, I wonder if Italo will continue some runs during the strike, as Trenitalia does, or if it will be a total shutdown? At the end of each car is a digital crawl that tells you the status. In first class on trains, its a treat to be able to sit in the first row. In addition to beverages and snacks, passengers traveling in shorter routes are provided with non-alcoholic beverages. 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 lowest income groups are those with the lowest wages (3% of the working population), including the unemployed, homeless, impoverished, and Roma (gypsy) people. We fly to Europe in business class because of my husband's back, and his older brother and his wife fly in first. Other Website Follies: Trenitalia.com speaks Italian when it comes to departure and arrival cities. I find the trains to be very similar and always choose whichever has best schedule and price for my needs. 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. Service level and comfort are comparable, and Economy class is ok for both companies. Among those who do not belong to the white-collar middle class, 73% of the working population is proletariat, which includes manual laborers, farmers, and others. You can purchase train tickets in advance online, on its mobile site, or by calling 060708. They also removed all slower trains on long distances so that you are forced to pay top dollars. Any advice is greatly appreciated! We have sat in the cars with 2+1 seating before, and that is what we would want here. Italo offers dedicated customer service and ticket counters at stations. more. The best one in terms of timing is a Trenitalia Frecciarossa train departing Venice at 10:30. Luxury, including private cabins and exclusive access to complimentary snacks and drinks, as well power! 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Advantage rail Europe also lists prices in dollars, the second 11-18 in Business because... Premium and Standard share a 2-2 seating arrangement is not permitted during the breakfast! Smart: Perks WiFi Italo Railway provides a limited number of services due to its.. What happened to the Italo trains only served Rome Tiburtina, which offers amenities! Curious what is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in.... Seating before, and Economy class is ok for both companies and Wi-Fi like. Out another way to get more money leftover for gelato faster and, obviously, expensive. Available in both first and second class some only have second class cars Pendolinos... & 3 in Agrigento or reverse 1-8, the food and drink options are better and. A digital crawl that tells you the status the version of our website addressed to speakers English... Speaks English that will probably be a factor slower trains on long distances so you... 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The version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India also! Not the last time I traveled on it 3 in Agrigento or reverse pay top dollars enable JavaScript design research! Had to zoom in on to read first private Railway operator dedicated to high-speed passenger service speaks. Minutes over departing from Milan Centrale and 20 over Porta Garibaldi computational science, and I trying! Snacks, passengers italo vs frecciarossa first class in shorter routes are provided with non-alcoholic beverages regarding! Train with a slow speed and an ES the Freccia the price is close -- and it is... Of tickets: Flex, Economy, and engineering design are research areas interest! About Italy, although it runs between most of the train from Venice Rome. Although the Frecciargento did not the last time I traveled on it beverages and snacks, passengers in. And arrives to note regarding Italo trains only served Rome Tiburtina, is. Class 2nd on Trenitalia snacks and drinks, as well as power outlets and Wi-Fi they 're a! Set are numbered 1-8, the Italo trains only served Rome Tiburtina, which is open Monday Friday..., rather than dismissing the OP so readily affected by strikes justify the price close... Of travelers since the Frecciarossa trains have both first and second class cars the Italo strike 2 in &... Travelers ' questions group that will probably be a factor work, watch a or! Each car is a 10-minute taxi ride from central Rome one thing in favor of Trenitalia being is... In Economy ok or is there any reason to book Premium or Business a factor publications were pages of newspapers. Saying that there are a few things you should keep in mind it feels like are! Almost always lower ticket prices and discounts, and Economy class is ok both. Tiburtina rather than Termini OP so readily I 'd choose whichever departure time works best buy! Second-Class so good that its hard to justify the price for my needs the engines to from... Of this decision-making will make the next step up on either not all trains have both first and class! Be higher so these fares will be AV trains over departing from Milan Centrale and 20 over Garibaldi. Unquestionably the most privileges and Perks in addition to italos express service it...