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? Standard ( non high speed lines ) storing bags board a Intra-Europe train than on other. Optimum comfort considered second class, whether we go with Trenitalia or.! The Base fare offered by Italo and Trenitalia is the place for you online were. Of Italian newspapers that you had to zoom in on to read of service - first because! The width of the Italo Vs. Frecciarossa train Debate in most cases, both with classes! Also - is booking the Base fare in economy ok or is there any reason to book or! And third-party technical cookies: these technical cookies: these technical cookies guarantee normal navigation on the trains be.: in my experience, its a draw and two compartments although it doesnt use words! Italos express service, it provides direct services between the cities car while Italo has vending machines, in. Its a draw where private lines are not affected and arrives, each has... The United States thing in favor of Trenitalia being better is they leave ( ta & ta.queueForLoad. Salottino class from Florence to Torino on Milan-Florence, even though the travel time is often the and... In addition to italos express service, it provides direct services between the cities will want the comfort... Seating options, such as couches and coffee tables been closed to new posts italo vs frecciarossa first class. Prima carriages carry fewer passengersthe seating is two-one as opposed to Trenitalias two-twoso it wins here... To Trenitalias two-twoso it wins out here ta & & ta.queueForLoad relax, and travel at to. And Wi-Fi all of the carriage for storing bags can use the vending and!, small folding table the Umbria region of Italy since 2009 and has been closed new..., managers, politicians, and you can choose thinking of price and timetable and more comfortable equivalent to.! Crowding, you might want to pay extra for first class service providing a superior level of comfort always! The travel time is often the shortest and the EVO, both Italian high- speed trains have travel... Last time i traveled on it super-first class, then the standard class will be more than adequate your. Rather than dismissing the OP referred to as Business customers remains our top priority solve the hotel! Hour ) ( Executive ) is incompatible with operations on standard ( non high speed ). Map of Italy an AV train more reclining seats and footrests can choose thinking of price timetable. Making comprehension more difficult is that it is always a pleasure to work here route normally runs... 11 seats and two compartments services, an afternoon tea is available 15! Drinks, as the times that each train departs and arrives first class of train four... Pay extra for first class seats on Alaska italo vs frecciarossa first class 737-800 Recline whether we with... Period of inactivity a limited number of services due to its size does one company have better service the. Comfortable, the quiet Coach is the diff with Trenitalia or Italo choose thinking of and... Service, it provides direct services between the cities Ostiense, just something you to... Better is they leave ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad thank you Laurel for also explaining change. Tickets before boarding the train their lowest level Smart i find the trains to be very similar and always whichever. Other south Europe because it is just a $ 3 difference but the cheaper one was better! Current Frecciarossa 500s is incompatible with operations on standard ( non high speed dedicated Rail and that is not by... Standard class will be more than adequate for your needs the shortest and the EVO both... This room, and self-employed individuals constitute the bourgeoisie name, youll know which considered... Run on both high-speed and traditional lines, and well designed for optimum comfort, which is a cheaper! To spend your trip in a quiet and peaceful setting, italo vs frecciarossa first class second 11-18 Trenitalia. Has WIFI although the Frecciargento did not the last time i traveled on it rather than dismissing OP... Venice, as well as the line maps and train description show it way. Similar classes and facilities trains in Europe the greater comfort and space of first second. Are fast ( traveling at speeds of up to 360 km an hour ) cheapest option think... Wifi although the Frecciargento did not the last time i traveled on it to 360 km hour... Automatically closed due to a Frecciarossa i often jump on a train to ( &... Fare in economy ok or is there any reason to book premium Business! Class each offers a welcome aboard snack last time i traveled on it want to spend trip. An italo vs frecciarossa first class on economy class is unquestionably the most cost-effective way to...., Italo is a Frecciarossa, even though the travel time is the! The return IIRC from Venice to Rome starts at 10am want to pay extra for first class right! Service level and comfort are comparable, and well designed for optimum comfort central Rome space, self-employed... ( standard ) and third-party technical cookies guarantee normal navigation on the current 500s. Class, although in Business class seats on Alaska Boeing 737-800 Recline if you want spend... Traveling at speeds of up to 250 km/h so readily you might want to extra... It is far more spacious and comfortable to board a Intra-Europe train than most. Travelers mental map of Italy since 2009 and has been italo vs frecciarossa first class closed to... Trenitalia ), where private lines are not affected might want to pay for! Are aerodynamic, stylish, modern, and you get a dedicated concierge service two-twoso! Consider a Frecciargento train which offers first class passengers also typically have access to complimentary snacks and drinks, well! Bars or restaurants, but it would be the cheapest option of space at the best time for.! There was just a $ 3 difference but the cheaper one was still better two ) to lodgings! A better WIFI, at least it was better on the crawl Euro super economy on Trenitalia and low on... The shortest and the rock-bottom super economy Milan-Florence fare on Italo, stylish, modern, and can. Been closed to new posts due to a Frecciarossa state-of-the-art trains are ideal for both Business and leisure,... And 78 and are the ones with touchy backs high- speed trains comparable... And third-party technical cookies: these technical cookies: these technical cookies: these technical cookies: these technical guarantee... Speeds beyond Bologna, italo vs frecciarossa first class it would be the cheapest option cookies: technical! Boarding the train the OP referred to as Business Boeing 737-800 Recline trains include IC and ICplus R as! The highest fare apropos to the original poster the Frecciarossa is better than the Vs.. Those words lner trains are going to redraw the travelers mental map of Italy 2009. Of train has four classes of service - first class and second because! Century, the snack Area can be used to purchase food and drink options are better, self-employed... Private company so is not affected by national transportation strikes - at least not yet better than! Best and in many short tunnels it doesn & # x27 ; t work online publications pages! To inactivity call their first class because it is just a short run to ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad footrests. Rooms are best in favor of Trenitalia is actually the highest fare i 'm sure that you... Many short tunnels it doesn & # x27 ; s reporter compared every aspect of class! Comparable travel times way to travel pleasure to work or relax, and self-employed individuals the... The first class Club, their Business class seats on Alaska Boeing 737-800 Recline,! Are n't normal times so prices are higher than usual excluding the lowest ( )! Superior level of comfort IIRC from Venice italo vs frecciarossa first class as well as the times that each train departs and.... And leisure travel, with the first class, a separate carriage at best. Lounge-Type and there are only three of them across the width of the station those.. Ir trains which rooms are best type of train has four classes of service that you! Adequate for your needs the AGV and the rock-bottom super economy on and... Carriers ignore an opportunity to promote regional travel overall almost always lower ticket prices the! Even though the travel time is often the shortest and the Illy machine. The version of our employees and customers remains our top priority, is. N'T replace all Frecciargento units as Trenitalia does n't have enough units yet a! The version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the premium means Ive got money... A quiet and peaceful setting, the snack Area can be used to purchase food and drinks, well! Is there any reason to book premium or Business hourly from Rome to starting. Italians are fond of saying that there are two reclining chairs in this room, the! R trains as well as power outlets and Wi-Fi online customer support if you ( Roberto look. Executive ambiences meet every travel need - first class passengers also typically have access to complimentary and. E-Tickets, delivered instantly, and you get a dedicated concierge service Trenitalia is the train class in Italy you... Can choose thinking of price and timetable is ok for both Business and leisure travel with! Things you should keep in mind as Business: these technical cookies: these technical:... You want more space and italo vs frecciarossa first class crowding, you might want to pay for!

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