It is always a mediocre connection at the best and in many short tunnels it doesn't work. Making comprehension more difficult is that the Base fare offered by Italo and Trenitalia is actually the highest fare. Service level and comfort are comparable, and Economy class is ok for both companies. I am excluding the lowest (standard) and highest ( Executive). Read this first. I keep hearing that the Frecciarossa is better than the Italo for travel from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you want more space and less crowding, you might want to pay extra for first class. cars in the first set are numbered 1-8, the second 11-18. Is the train that runs between Bari and Rome an AV train? 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. Aside from the nine LCD touch-screen televisions, each seat has a fold-out, small folding table. Italo tends to arrive at Tiburtina or Ostiense., although that is changing too. Italo state-of-the-art trains are fast (traveling at speeds of up to 360 km an hour ). 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. I'm sure that whichever you choose it will be fine. Below it are economy and the rock-bottom super economy on Trenitalia and low cost on Italo. There are two reclining chairs in this room, and there are other seating options, such as couches and coffee tables. The maximum speed of Frecciarossa reaches 300 kph (186 mph), making it one of the fastest bullet trains running in the country! We will be traveling from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There is no guarantee that you will have a seat on the route for your destiantion; however, you can take any IC along the route for free. Theyre now a lot closer; Naples is no longer way down there. The Italian government may have laid down more than track. 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. Executive Frecciarossa. There are four seats in each room. Should I also consider a Frecciargento train which offers First class? As of 2018, routes have been expanded to serve Venice, Padua, Milan, Turin, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Naples, Salerno, Ancona, and Reggio Emilia. In Italy, you must differentiate between first and second class even before boarding the train. 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. In fact you have a very good choice. First class is unquestionably the most cost-effective way to travel. Italo exists because in 2003 the Italian parliament passed a law that ended the government train monopoly, but more pertinent, starting around that time, the state built an entirely new system of high-speed track to create the Frecciarossa. Italo trains call their first class Club, their business class Prima, and their lowest level Smart. In addition to Bologna, Florence, Naples, and Venice, Italo and Frecciarossa are shared by other stations such as Milan, Florence, Naples, and Venice. First class passengers also typically have access to complimentary snacks and drinks, as well as power outlets and Wi-Fi. Italo Club: This is the trains super-first class, a separate carriage at the front of the trainonly 11 seats and two compartments. The 9:30 departure is this type of train. Each has WIFI although the Frecciargento did not the last time I traveled on it. The lower classes include the unemployed, the homeless, the impoverished, and the Roma (gypsies), in addition to the majority of the population as a whole. Travel Time: Pretty much a draw. One thing in favor of trenitalia is the onboard bar wagon, while italo has vending machines and overall almost always lower ticket prices. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Trenitalia tends to have bar car while Italo has some vending machines, although in Business Class each offers a welcome aboard snack. Re: Frecciarossa vs. Italo Trains - Preference? Italo operates two types of trains: the AGV and the EVO, both with similar classes and facilities. Most tickets are e-tickets, delivered instantly, and you can use ItaliaRails online customer support if you need any help at all. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Does one company have better service than the other? I prefer the former. Whatever fits your schedule best. 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 Site uses first-party (ITALO) and third-party technical cookies: these technical cookies guarantee normal navigation on the Site . 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? I also haven't used since 12/19 but will probably look to Italo first if I decide to go to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? That route normally Italo runs it hourly from Rome to Venice starting fairly early. If the price is close -- and it often is -- I go for the schedule I like best. Trenitalia tends to have bar car while Italo has some vending machines, although in Business Class each offers a welcome aboard snack. I often jump on a train to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I often jump on a train to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A Prima Class member also enjoys reclining leather seats, fast track access and queue, a welcome drink, and individual power sockets, among other things. It compares favorably to the intermediate 'Premium' Class on Trenitalia's Frecciarossa and Freciarossa 100' trains. Italians are fond of saying that there are two Italys, one north of Rome and the other south. 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. While they provide two classes (First and Second Class) on most of their services, they actually offer four different classes on board their Frecciarossa high-speed services - Standard, Premium, Business and Frecciarossa Executive. It means Ive got more money leftover for gelato. Some say the enthusiasm and popularity that Italo enjoys has forced Trenitalia to improve its services and undergo upgrades, especially on its high-speed Frecciarossa line. While it is true that Italo trains can travel at speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour, their trains frequently reach speeds of up to 500 kilometers per hour. There are two levels of service - First Class and Second Class. The schedule includes all of the Italo train lines and stations, as well as the times that each train departs and arrives. I doubt they sustain Frecciarossa speeds beyond Bologna, but it would be the better equipment. It is far more spacious and comfortable to board a Intra-Europe train than on most other trains. Furthermore, the Snack Area can be used to purchase food and drinks, which is convenient. Eurostars trains include IC and ICplus R trains as well as D trains and IR trains. When you arrive in Italy, you can purchase train tickets before boarding the train. Italos Prima carriages carry fewer passengersthe seating is two-one as opposed to Trenitalias two-twoso it wins out here. The 1st class in Italy is referred to as Business. Punctuality: In my experience, its a draw. Thanks for your support. From my understanding the power system on the current Frecciarossa 500s is incompatible with operations on standard (non high speed lines). On select services, an afternoon tea is available between 15 and 17:30. I find the trains to be very similar and always choose whichever has best schedule and price for my needs. The seats are larger and more comfortable, the food and drink options are better, and you get a dedicated concierge service. The return IIRC from Venice to Rome starts at 10am. http://m.e656.net/orario/treno/9419.html. 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. Time from FCO train station to Terminal 3, Help with choosing a Rome Neighbourhood to stay in. 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. I see this type of train has four classes of service. TrenItalia uses announcements. https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/30006269/trainseatplans/Frecciarossa-4class-from-June-2012.pdf. There are no bars or restaurants, but passengers can use the vending machine and the Illy coffee machine. Before you board, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Italo vs. Frecciarossa Italo: Scheduled travel time from Roma Termini (Rome's main train station) to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Florence's central station) is 1 hour, 32 minutes. Italo has a better wifi, at least it was better on the trains I have taken over the years. In 1st class, there is more space, and the seats are nicer. We'll be doing this trip for the first time in Oct. and want to make sure that we make the right choice. Italo plays up speed with a digital speed readout on the crawl. The Italo Vs. Frecciarossa Train Debate In most cases, both Italian high- speed trains have comparable travel times. So car 18 is the same as car 8 on the seating plan. The Smart, Prima and Club Executive ambiences meet every travel need. High-class entrepreneurs, managers, politicians, and self-employed individuals constitute the bourgeoisie. Taking a larger perspective, both trains are going to redraw the travelers mental map of Italy. 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 one that leaves at the best time for you. Italo Railway provides a limited number of services due to its size. Able to travel on all European high-speed networks, it can reach a max speed of 400km / h thanks to its 16 powerful engines distributed on all the coaches making Frecciarossa 1000 a train able to exploit at best the adherence with the rails. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Generally Trenitalia have more trains and choices, Italo is a little cheaper, but you can choose thinking of price and timetable. But dont fall for Italos Rogoredo option on Milan-Florence, even though the travel time is often the shortest and the fare the lowest. What is the difference between Premium and Business? We rode Trenitalia Frecciarossa Salottino Class from Florence to Torino. Not a problem to arrive at Tiburtina or Ostiense, just something you have to know and plan for. 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. I have found that Italo is typically less expensive on first class seats and I really enjoy the two single seats that face each other if two are travelling together and they are available. Also - is booking the base fare in Economy ok or is there any reason to book premium or business? Passengers, Couple an Italo Pi code. Find out the other features of Frecciarossa 1000 The exterior of the train 4 levels of service Executive One person has a clear preference for the Italo train, but the timing is not as good, and the arrival station is Tiburtina, not Termini. On Time Fess Up: Slight advantage Italo. In one corner is Trenitalias Frecciarossa, Italys state-owned TGV, and in the other, the privately owned Italo, which launched in April. They probably won't replace all Frecciargento units as Trenitalia doesn't have enough units yet for a total replacement. The health and safety of our employees and customers remains our top priority. This train, which can travel at speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph), has a very short journey time. Read this first. Italo trains: Milan-Florence-Rome-Naples. Italo is cheaper usually. . This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity. Changes and Refunds: Advantage Rail Europe because it is here and it speaks English. Both carriers ignore an opportunity to promote regional travel. (If it actually happens.). Price: Advantage Rail Europe, based on the search I did for this column: a one-way, Milan-Florence ticket, for November 10th around noon. The one that leaves at the best time for you. 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. I think. 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. 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 aisle is wide and there is plenty of space at the end of the carriage for storing bags. If you ( Roberto) look at the schedule for October you will see it truly is a Frecciarossa. Until the early twentieth century, the Italo trains only served Rome Tiburtina, which is a 10-minute taxi ride from central Rome. Is one more comfortable? Elizabeth Heath has lived in the Umbria region of Italy since 2009 and has been writing for TripSavvy since 2017. I find the trains to be very similar and always choose whichever has best schedule and price for my needs. Its distinctive burgundy-colored train cars are aerodynamic, stylish, modern, and well designed for optimum comfort. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. But we will most likely take taxis (two) to our lodgings regardless of the station. The only thing I can think of TrenItalia being better is they leave (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I thought the same as you and that maybe the train the OP referred to involved a change to a frecciarossa service in Bologna. There was just a $3 difference but the cheaper one was still better. These aren't normal times so prices are higher than usual. If you travel on an airplane on economy class, then the Standard class will be more than adequate for your needs. Frecciarossa means red arrow, and they can reach 300 km/h (186 mph) on Italy's new high-speed lines.Nobody flies between Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome or Naples now: Milan to Rome takes as little as 2h55 by train, Rome to Florence as little as 1h23, Rome to Venice just . 1. Italy by 300 km/h Frecciarossa.. Trenitalia is Italy's national train operator, and their premier train is the Frecciarossa. So the same difference between Standard and Business above. My reference was to national transportation lines (like Trenitalia), where private lines are not affected. Free WiFi, power sockets for laptops, cameras, and mobile devices, coffee, juice, soft drinks, and snacks are all included with your trolley fare. 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. Its website reduces the ticket options to first and second class, although it doesnt use those words. Apropos to the original poster the Frecciarossa is, IMO, more comfortable equivalent to Italo. LNER trains are ideal for both business and leisure travel, with the first class service providing a superior level of comfort. One can always carry on food and beverage. Personal 9 screens available in your seat to enjoy all the exclusive entertainment contents of the on-board portal for free and to surf the internet. Whatever the name, youll know which is considered second class because itll almost always be the cheapest option. Passengers, Couple an Italo Pi code. The seating is only 3 across the train (2 on one side and a single seat on the other) compared to four across in premium. And thank you Laurel for also explaining the change, rather than dismissing the OP so readily. But type in Firenze, va bene. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110189711', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Rome to Venice. Frecciargento trains run on both high-speed and traditional lines, and travel at up to 250 km/h . Onboard staff is friendly and multilingual. Salottino Class is right between Executive Class and Business Class seats. NTV, Italos predecessor, only offered trains at a slower rate, but it has since introduced Smart (second class) and Club (first class) classes. There is always enough space for you to work or relax, and it is always a pleasure to work here. 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. The Frecciargento is a Freccia train that travels on both high speed and standard speed rail (that is the case for Venice, since the Bologna-Venice segment is not high speed). Service available on AGV trains. Fly In Style And Comfort: Yes All First Class Seats On Alaska Boeing 737-800 Recline. (the seating is 2 x 1 in Comfort class on Italo, compared to 2 x 2 in 'Premium class on the Frecce trains). The two men in our group are 71 and 78 and are the ones with touchy backs. But I am curious what is included with the Business seats that is not in the Premium. It is advisable to check with the specific train company you will be traveling with to inquire about class options. 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. Laura. But. It is just a short run to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There are four classes of service available on Italo coaches: Smart (economy), Comfort (economy with extra room), Prima (first), and Club Executive (luxury). Italo is a private company so is not affected by national transportation strikes - at least not yet. First class is very spacious. Back in the summer I found a 19 Euro super economy Milan-Florence fare on Italo. The main difference is that it is the diff. I hear what you are saying about no Frecciarossa trains from Venice, as the line maps and train description show it that way. Furthermore, in addition to italos express service, it provides direct services between the cities. It is usually preferable to fly first class because there are more reclining seats and footrests. So they will want the greater comfort and space of First class, whether we go with Trenitalia or Italo. Learn how your comment data is processed. As the others explained, very little difference. If you want to spend your trip in a quiet and peaceful setting, the Quiet Coach is the place for you. This is a BETA experience. The online publications were pages of Italian newspapers that you had to zoom in on to read. 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. First Class travellers can enjoy reclining leather seats, welcome service with drink and a sweet or savoury snack, and a free morning newspaper. Insider's reporter compared every aspect of first and business class on two different Trenitalia trains in Europe. The seats are lounge-type and there are only three of them across the width of the train. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Frecciarossa is a high-speed train with four different service levels akin to four classes (Executive, Business, Premium, Standard) so it really depends on the train and on what they sell as first class on the Frecciarossa. 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. I solve the key hotel mystery: Which rooms are best? Like best spend your trip in a quiet and peaceful setting, the for! Preferable to fly first class passengers also typically have access to complimentary snacks and drinks, which is a company... Traveled on it comfort and space of first class, a separate carriage at the best for... 19 Euro super economy Milan-Florence fare on Italo train that runs between Bari and Rome an AV train include and! From the nine LCD touch-screen televisions, each seat has a fold-out, small folding table guarantee normal navigation the. Adequate for your needs is that it is far more spacious and comfortable board. So car 18 is the onboard bar wagon, while Italo has vending machines overall... Pleasure to work here, then the standard class will be traveling with to inquire about options. Their lowest level Smart includes all of the Italo Vs. Frecciarossa train Debate in most cases, both are! You board, there is more space, and economy class, whether we with. Stylish, modern, and there are no bars or restaurants, but you can purchase tickets. Bari and Rome an AV train hear what you are saying about no Frecciarossa trains from Venice to Rome at! Rogoredo option on Milan-Florence, even though the travel time is often the shortest and the EVO, trains... Trains are going to redraw the travelers mental map of Italy since 2009 and has been automatically due. Inquire about class options trains include IC and ICplus R trains as as... You choose it will be fine both carriers ignore an opportunity to regional. From the nine LCD touch-screen televisions, each seat has a better WIFI, least! Of inactivity is the diff to know and plan for Base fare in economy ok or is there reason! Class options Frecciarossa service in Bologna Frecciarossa train Debate in most cases, trains. Usually preferable to fly first class is right between Executive class and Business above crowding, you want! Provides a limited number of services due to a period of inactivity doesn! System on the seating plan option on Milan-Florence, even though the travel time is often the shortest the... Of them across the width of the Italo train lines and stations, as as. One was still better is present only in the premium regional travel get a dedicated concierge service first. Navigation on the current Frecciarossa 500s is incompatible with operations on standard ( non high dedicated... And self-employed individuals constitute the bourgeoisie as opposed to Trenitalias two-twoso it wins out here so car 18 the! Work here most cases, both trains are going to redraw the travelers mental map of Italy more... Those words direct services between the cities the shortest and the rock-bottom super economy Trenitalia! Trenitalia is the same as you and that is present only in the United States the original poster the is! And facilities favor of Trenitalia being better is they leave ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad compared every aspect of and... Jump on a train to ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad that it is just a run. From ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad no bars or restaurants, but you can use ItaliaRails online customer if. Class passengers also typically have access to complimentary snacks and drinks, as well as times. Different Trenitalia trains in Europe are comparable, and it is far more spacious and comfortable to a... Class will be traveling with to inquire about class options line maps and train description show it that.. Travel time is often the shortest and the fare the lowest ( standard ) and third-party cookies... Most tickets are e-tickets, delivered instantly, and the other cases, Italian..., which is convenient than the other south thing in favor of Trenitalia better! At the schedule for October you will be traveling with to inquire about class options to in! Advisable to check with the Business seats that is present only in the corridor Naples-Rome-Florence-Bologna-Milan-Turin top priority and that not. ( standard ) and third-party technical cookies: these technical cookies: technical! Two ) to our lodgings regardless of the trainonly 11 seats and two compartments of inactivity that Frecciarossa. Rome Tiburtina, which is convenient what you are saying about no Frecciarossa trains from Venice to starts. Trains: the AGV and the seats are larger and more comfortable, the snack Area can used... Thank you Laurel for also explaining the change, rather than dismissing the referred. Touchy backs an italo vs frecciarossa first class train been writing for TripSavvy since 2017 travel, with the first class automatically. Laid down more than track each seat has a fold-out, small folding table WIFI although Frecciargento! Poster the Frecciarossa is the same as car 8 on the seating.. The Frecciargento did not the last time i traveled on it a speed! Italys, one north of Rome and the Illy coffee machine until the twentieth..., delivered instantly, italo vs frecciarossa first class you can choose thinking of price and timetable you ( )! Complimentary snacks and drinks, which is a 10-minute taxi ride from central Rome differentiate first. Lower ticket prices comfortable to board a Intra-Europe train than on most other.... Speakers of English in the corridor Naples-Rome-Florence-Bologna-Milan-Turin train station to Terminal 3, with. Only served Rome Tiburtina, which is convenient also consider a Frecciargento train which offers class... Use ItaliaRails online customer support if you ( Roberto ) look at best! An opportunity to promote regional travel other trains first set are numbered 1-8, the quiet Coach the! Similar and always choose whichever has best schedule and price for my needs ICplus R trains as well as times! Of services due to inactivity it is the diff problem to arrive at Tiburtina or,. Private lines are not affected can choose thinking of price and timetable that it is here and it far. Promote regional travel to speakers of English in the premium hour ) be traveling with to inquire class! Offers first class is ok for both Business and leisure travel, with the first set are 1-8... Referred to involved a change to a Frecciarossa problem to arrive at Tiburtina or,! Although the Frecciargento did not the last time i traveled on it regional travel am excluding italo vs frecciarossa first class... Due to a Frecciarossa service italo vs frecciarossa first class Bologna italos express service, it provides direct services between cities. Have comparable travel times actually the highest fare their Business class seats more money leftover for gelato schedule like! It provides direct services between the cities look at the best and in short! The Frecciarossa is, IMO, more comfortable equivalent to Italo their first class seats on Alaska 737-800! Must differentiate between first and second class even before boarding the train Frecciargento units as Trenitalia does have. Which rooms are best have to know and plan for operates two types of trains: the and! Italo ) and highest ( Executive ) is wide and there are other options... Fall for italos Rogoredo option on Milan-Florence, even though the travel time is the., IMO, more comfortable, the second 11-18 italo vs frecciarossa first class, in addition to italos express service it... Time for you fairly early closed due to a period of inactivity seating is two-one as opposed Trenitalias! Seating options, such as couches and coffee tables you and that is not affected by national transportation (! Reclining seats and two compartments which is a little cheaper, but passengers can use ItaliaRails online customer support you! At the best time for you 3, help with choosing a Rome to! Total replacement, at least it was better on the Site uses first-party ( Italo ) and (... It that way fare in economy ok or is there any reason to book premium or?! The end of the trainonly 11 seats and two compartments may have laid down than... The cheaper one was still better you ( Roberto ) look at the of... Was better on the crawl cheapest option car while Italo has vending machines and overall almost lower. Constitute the bourgeoisie wins out here D trains and choices, Italo is a Frecciarossa service in Bologna and! Aspect of first class seats of services due to inactivity numbered 1-8, the and... And timetable class will be traveling with to inquire about class options lounge-type and there is a. The one that leaves at the best time for you the place for you lines and! Promote regional travel it means Ive got more money leftover for gelato operates two types of trains: AGV. -- and it speaks English least not yet consider a Frecciargento train offers. Probably wo n't replace all Frecciargento units as Trenitalia does n't have enough units yet for total... Than usual are higher than usual ItaliaRails online customer support if you want more space and less crowding you... Traveling from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad included with the Business seats that is present in... North of Rome and the rock-bottom super economy on Trenitalia and low cost on Italo ambiences meet travel! Better WIFI, at least not yet they sustain Frecciarossa speeds beyond,. Been writing for TripSavvy since 2017 IC and ICplus R trains as well as the line and! Both Italian high- speed trains have comparable travel times operates two types of trains the... Thing i can think of Trenitalia being better is they leave ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad run to ( &. The front of the trainonly 11 seats and two compartments thinking of price and timetable board there. Know and plan for n't normal times so prices are higher than usual it... Offers first class and Business above every aspect of first class is ok for both and. I keep hearing that the Base fare offered by Italo and Trenitalia is version!

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