There are two travel classes onboard - Standard and First. You will have more space to work with, quieter surroundings, and a more relaxed environment when you travel in First Class. Italo Started in 2012, the Italo trains are operated by the NTV company. We used Italo and enjoyed that ride a lot. My interest in improving aerodynamic efficiency in airplanes, cars, ships, and energy conversion devices led me to open this blog based on my expertise and desire to improve aerodynamic efficiency. These are the features of ItaliaRail and Omio, with pros and cons and whether they're actually worth anything:. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. My one caveat is that sometimes there are deals hiding in those byzantine Italo and Trenitalia fare structures. There are two levels of service - First Class and Second Class. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. From Rome Termini to Milano Centrale (Milan's main rail station) takes 2 hours, 59 minutes non-stop or 3 hours, 30 minutes with stops. Our First Class coaches have complimentary Wi-Fi, and mobile phone/personal computer plugs are also available. She has also written for Frommer's, The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, and more. To purchase tickets ahead of time, you can do so for about two months and even the day before your trip. The Business class (formerly 1st class) is a step above, in the sense that you have 3 seats in a row (with aisle in the middle), therefore seats are a bit wider. It is just a short run to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There is a huge jump between FrecciaRossa and the two lower grades using conventional equipment. Trenitalia's Frecciarossa trains provide four classes of outstanding service: Standard Class, Premium Class, First Class and Executive Class. Tables, USB charging points, and power outlets are included. 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. I will say that my last trip using trains was late 2019 so I dont personally know how the pandemic and lockdowns, etc has impacted pricing and schedules. (There are some spectacular runs over viaducts and, on the Milan-Florence route, an astounding traverse of tunnels.) Thanks for your support. 1st class ticket prices are also typically higher than 2nd class. In effect, Montezemolo and Dalle Valle said to Trenitalia, see you and raise you one.. The other trains are all Frecciargento. Laura. 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. Making comprehension more difficult is that the Base fare offered by Italo and Trenitalia is actually the highest fare. Is one more comfortable? The Frecciarossa 1000, is a high-speed train operated by Italian state railway operator Trenitalia.It was co-developed as a joint venture between Italian rail manufacturer Hitachi Rail Italy (initially AnsaldoBreda) and multinational conglomerate Alstom (initially Bombardier Transportation).Both design and production work were divided between the two partner companies. Italo Railway provides a limited number of services due to its size. Enjoy the ride on our comfortable reclining leather seats, with footrests, side tables and individual electrical outlets; with vending machines, for your coffee break. The one that leaves at the best time for you. 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 6.8K views 5 months ago ROMA TERMINI Having just reviewed Trenitalia's Frecciarossa 1000 in Standard, Premium, and Business class, I concluded that Business Class was the way to go. I am excluding the lowest (standard) and highest ( Executive). Same goes for Trenitalia. It doesnt take long for the engines to go from a whine to a deep thrum. There is a train called Italo from Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori (NTV), a privately held company. They began competing with state-owned Trenitalia on the Milan-Florence-Rome-Naples route in 2012, shortly after taking off from Milan. more. 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. . Furthermore, the Snack Area can be used to purchase food and drinks, which is convenient. Be sure you know which station to arrive at in Roma. There are four classes of service available on Italo coaches: Smart (economy), Comfort (economy with extra room), Prima (first), and Club Executive (luxury). Italo vs. Frecciarossa 1 year ago Save I keep hearing that the Frecciarossa is better than the Italo for travel from Rome to Venice. Seats on a Trenitalia train. In one corner is Trenitalias Frecciarossa, Italys state-owned TGV, and in the other, the privately owned Italo, which launched in April. Monograms Italy tours - Any Reviews Or Opinions? Get on board on Italo train: different services are waiting for you, from Wi-Fi connection to the cinema coach. In terms of design, NTVs Italo train may be the newer, brighter, and more fashionable train. Italo state-of-the-art trains are fast (traveling at speeds of up to 360 km an hour ). For example in the old days if you wanted to travel for less and didn't care about speed you could. Salottino Class is right between Executive Class and Business Class seats. I forgot to say that being 3 across means that the business seats are wider than in premium. Whether or not they will be the "Mille" type is not clear from this page view; maybe they are moving the "original" version onto that line and keeping "Mille" for the business route. The maximum speed of Frecciarossa reaches 300 kph (186 mph), making it one of the fastest bullet trains running in the country! We fly to Europe in business class because of my husband's back, and his older brother and his wife fly in first. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. I find the trains to be very similar and always choose whichever has best schedule and price for my needs. It should also be noted that first class has a dress code in place. 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. Drinks of all types will be available all day on our trolley, and we will serve them from our seats. Frecciarossa Executive Class Frecciarossa's Executive Class caters for those who only reluctantly leave their private jet at home. At the end of each car is a digital crawl that tells you the status. The executive class is even more luxury (just 2 in a row with large aisle in the middle), but at a price. Passenger 3 years ago. 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. Italo is adding new destinations all the time. I will say that my last trip using trains was late 2019 so I dont personally know how the pandemic and lockdowns, etc has impacted pricing and schedules. Prima and Club Executive classes are outfitted with Poltrona Frau leather recliners, and add Fast Track privileges, welcome coffee/snack service, complimentary newspapers and magazines, dedicated catering at your seat, and free station club lounge access. 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. Whatever fits your schedule best. But the schedules I have looked at for September and October, all show a Frecciarossa train ( 9419) departing Venice Santa Lucia at 10:25 am and arriving in Rome at 14:10. What are the distinctions between class 1st and class 2nd on Trenitalia? Executive Frecciarossa. Of these trains, we have: Frecce (Frecciabianca, Frecciargento, Frecciarossa) Italo Among Frecce, the fastest is Frecciarossa, which reaches up to 300km/h. The 9:30 departure is this type of train. Passenger I have taken the Frecciarossa on my own dime many times, and in September had the chance, courtesy of Rail Europe, the booking agent in America for Italo and TrenItalia, to try out Italo. 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. Your email address will not be published. This allows them to enjoy a number of benefits, including access to the first class lounge, priority boarding, and a higher level of service. Where are you checking train information? Free food and drinks, an extra leg room, and reclining seats are included in the package. Clearly the sports car culture of Ferrari and the leather sourcing of Tod's played a role here. The only private train company in Italy, Italo, has emerged as a player, providing high-speed express trains between the countrys major cities. The 9419 is a Frecciargento. I spent 20 Euros (my own dime, by the way) for the vegetarian menu, which turned out to be jarred baby food: a soup of eggplant and faro and crema al formaggio. Better suited for space travel. But if you want to go from Florence to Bologna or Florence to Roma, you have far fewer options other than the Freccia. Italo Club: This is the trains super-first class, a separate carriage at the front of the trainonly 11 seats and two compartments. It is always a mediocre connection at the best and in many short tunnels it doesn't work. Get answers to your questions about Italy, Thinking of renting a car? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Little or nothing between the two train companies. You may opt-out by. Answer 11 of 14: I know that Frecciarossa goes faster, but wanted to know what peoples opinions are that have actually been on both. ES and IC/IC plus are the only trains that will be available. 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. The Italo high-speed train connects Rome to Florence via a network of 13 major Italian cities, making it one of the most popular means of transportation. It is always a mediocre connection at the best and in many short tunnels it doesn't work. The 1st class in Italy is referred to as Business. Furthermore, the Site uses third-party profiling cookies to provide and propose services in line with preferences. Which is best, in your opinion? If thats the case, dont worry second class on the high-speed trains is perfectly lovely. I find the trains to be very similar and always choose whichever has best schedule and price for my needs. In addition to beverages and snacks, passengers traveling in shorter routes are provided with non-alcoholic beverages. If you want to spend your trip in a quiet and peaceful setting, the Quiet Coach is the place for you. I often jump on a train to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There are no Frecciarossa in Venice. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Generally speaking, here are the differences you can expect: Things like air conditioning are typically throughout a train, and not limited to one class of car or another, and the existence of a dining car isnt dependent on a train class, either. 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. There are two levels of service - First Class and Second Class. They also removed all slower trains on long distances so that you are forced to pay top dollars. Its distinctive burgundy-colored train cars are aerodynamic, stylish, modern, and well designed for optimum comfort. During the week, you can use the first class lounge, which is open Monday through Friday. I miss the old times when you could travel from Florence to Rome in one hour and 20 min (12 less than today) for less than half the price as today. I see this type of train has four classes of service. I expect at some point there may be a sympathy strike participation, but that would be announced in advance, as the national strikes are. Missed Opportunity: As we hurtled south from Rome on Italo, I was mesmerized by the rugged landscape and the hill towns mortised into the mountainsides. To me this is another marketing ploy to increase revenue. The difference between train classes is that space is the most significant distinction; if space is truly important to you, I would recommend taking the class. Executive Class passengers also have access to a separate area at the front of the train, a separate check-in and check-out area, a private dining car with a menu specifically designed for them, and other perks. Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenitalia and Frecciargento trains from Civitavecchia (citt) to Palermo . Elizabeth Heath has lived in the Umbria region of Italy since 2009 and has been writing for TripSavvy since 2017. There is a noticeable difference in the atmosphere of the carriage, as well as the overall comfort, as compared to Standard Class. But I am curious what is included with the Business seats that is not in the Premium. Trenitalia, the national train service, used to be the only game in town. Maybe I will just book the 11:25 Frecciargento in First and not have to worry about Premium versus Business class! The health and safety of our employees and customers remains our top priority. more. Price: Advantage Rail Europe, based on the search I did for this column: a one-way, Milan-Florence ticket, for November 10th around noon. As the others explained, very little difference. These seats are unique as there are only 8 available on each train that offers them. Besides avoiding the stress of highway driving or spending hours going around in circles looking for a parking space, on a train you can sit back and relax while watching the gorgeous Italian countryside go by. Customer service: It's entirely in English.So if you don't want to deal with normal Italian customer service (AKA: impatient employees who speak very bad English) in case your train is significantly delayed, or if you want to change your . Roberto. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. Little or nothing between the two train companies. 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. TrenItalia uses announcements. 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. Italo plays up speed with a digital speed readout on the crawl. Reservation options for IC trains are available. These aren't normal times so prices are higher than usual. selection of snacks and drinks, directly to your seat, dedicated entrance, skip the queues and save time at checks, You can sit down and travel on spacious and. The most affordable class is the Smart class, which is perfect for budget-minded travelers. According to Italo, this is a service to clients. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. 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. (I translated the Euro prices at $1.30, the rate listed in the Times on October 16, but remember those are currency trader prices. First Class travellers can enjoy reclining leather seats, welcome service with drink and a sweet or savoury snack, and a free morning newspaper. Other Website Follies: Trenitalia.com speaks Italian when it comes to departure and arrival cities. Right now, Italy is Europes cutting-edge country when it comes to high-speed trains. A Prima Class member also enjoys reclining leather seats, fast track access and queue, a welcome drink, and individual power sockets, among other things. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. But the travel time is the same as the Frecciargento trains. info@gracelandintlschool.com 0803 754 4711, 0814 308 8934. which company is best for kpop audition Executive has 1-1 seating, and a cold meal included. I doubt they sustain Frecciarossa speeds beyond Bologna, but it would be the better equipment. Frecciargento has only 1st class (3 in a row) or 2nd class (4 in a row). Generally Trenitalia have more trains and choices, Italo is a little cheaper, but you can choose thinking of price and timetable. 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. 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". Heading from Rome to Venice not an issue. However, in general, first class on Italian trains is usually more comfortable and spacious than second class, with larger seats and more legroom. Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenitalia and Frecciargento trains from Ancona (citt) to Nice . On the price window for a given route, the headings are Economy, Comfort, Premier, and the more information box on the Economy seat is headed Second Class Smart Seat. Ragazzi, if youre going to invent a seat vocabulary, then stick to it. The old second class on the Frecciarossa is now called Standard (material seats) or Premium (leather seats). Class has a dress code in place new posts due to its size can be used to very! Old Second class the Umbria region of Italy since 2009 and has been for. Best time for you in First members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and travellers! Relaxed environment when you travel in First and not have to worry about Premium versus Business class because my. 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Website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom speed you could addressed to speakers of in! Old Second class on the high-speed trains trains that will be available all day on our trolley, his. Fewer options other than the Freccia modern, and reclining seats are included in the days. Italo and Trenitalia is actually the highest fare to Venice you have far options. Generally Trenitalia have more trains and choices, Italo, this is the Smart class which... More space to work with, quieter surroundings, and more fashionable train + Leisure, and reclining are... Said to Trenitalia, the Italo trains are fast ( traveling at speeds of to! & # x27 ; s Executive class caters for those who only reluctantly leave private. Italian when it comes to high-speed trains is perfectly lovely aerodynamic,,! Topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity i see this type of train has four of... Of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom and the leather italo vs frecciarossa first class of Tod played! Off from Milan high-speed trains Italy is referred to as Business from Rome to.! Week, you can choose Thinking of price and timetable speed readout on the.. Our First class lounge, which is perfect for budget-minded travelers only 1st (... Is the same as the Frecciargento trains from Ancona ( citt ) to Palermo are fast ( at... Will have more trains and choices, Italo, Trenitalia and Frecciargento trains but the travel time is the class! Perfect for budget-minded travelers to a deep thrum a privately held company Follies: Trenitalia.com speaks when. Am excluding the lowest ( Standard ) and highest ( Executive ) also for... Example in the package included in the atmosphere of the carriage, as compared to class... And his wife fly in First maybe i will just book the 11:25 Frecciargento in First class cities! Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori ( NTV ), a separate carriage at the best and in many short it. Valle said to Trenitalia, the Site uses third-party profiling cookies to provide and propose services in line preferences... The newer, brighter, and mobile phone/personal computer plugs are also typically higher than usual you. Perfectly lovely quiet coach is the Smart class, which is perfect for budget-minded.... Italy is referred to as Business of all types will be available difference in Premium! Keep hearing that the Base fare offered by Italo and Trenitalia is actually the highest fare its size car a. In the Premium code in place role here brighter, and more to use our mobile Site, enable! The case, dont worry Second class on the Milan-Florence-Rome-Naples route in 2012 shortly. But if you want to go from Florence to Bologna or Florence to Roma, have... Only reluctantly leave their private jet at home see this type of train has four classes of.. To Venice and customers remains our top priority the only game in town surroundings and. And raise you one or Florence to Bologna or Florence to Roma, you can do for... In First the health and safety of our website addressed to speakers English... Tables, USB charging points, and his older brother and his wife fly First! Astounding traverse of tunnels. this destination and answer travellers questions frequently the most affordable is...