Trenitalia is Italy’s national railway company, operating a wide range of trains across the country. It’s a public company owned by the Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane group. From high-speed services to regional lines, Trenitalia connects major cities, towns and smaller communities, making travel possible across (almost) the entire territory.
Overview of Trenitalia Services
Trenitalia offers several train types:
- Frecciarossa: High-speed trains connecting major cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence. (See our Guide on Frecciarossa for more)
- Frecciargento and Frecciabianca: High-speed and intercity services for mid-range distances.
- Intercity Trains: Standard long-distance connections at lower speeds and prices.
- Regionale and Regionale Veloce: Local and regional trains serving smaller towns and suburban areas. (Check How to Take a Regional Train for details)
Tickets vary depending on train type, class, and time of booking. Trenitalia offers discounts for early reservations, youth, seniors, and group travel.
How to Buy Trenitalia Tickets
Tickets can be purchased in several ways:
- Online: Through the official Trenitalia website or app.
- At Stations: Ticket counters or self-service machines at major stations.
- Authorized Vendors: Certain newsstands or travel agencies.
Make sure to validate your ticket before boarding regional trains to avoid fines.
👉 See How to Buy Train Tickets in Italy for step-by-step instructions.
Trenitalia vs Italo
While Trenitalia covers almost the entire national network, Italo is a private operator focusing mainly on high-speed routes. Both have competitive pricing, and understanding the differences can help you choose the best service.
👉Read our What is Italo? guide for a full comparison.
Northern Italy: Trenord
In northern Italy, especially in Lombardy, many regional routes are operated by Trenord. It is a separate company, owned jointly by Trenitalia and the local Lombardy transport authority. Trenord trains connect smaller towns and suburbs with Milan and other main cities in the region. While Trenitalia manages national and high-speed lines, Trenord focuses on daily commuter and short-distance travel within Lombardy.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Trenitalia is Italy’s national train operator, offering services from regional trains to high-speed lines.
- Tickets can be purchased online, at stations, or through authorized vendors.
- Knowing which train type to take, and how to validate tickets, ensures smooth travel.
- Trenitalia works alongside private operators like Italo, giving travelers options for speed and pricing.
👉 For a deeper look at traveling by train in Italy, check our Train Transport Guide and related articles.