For maximum entertainment on your journey. The Italo, which was named after the famous Italian train, was introduced to much fanfare in 2012 due to its bright red exterior and plush leather seats. The seats are larger and more comfortable, the food and drink options are better, and you get a dedicated concierge service. There are power sockets at every seat to ensure your cellphones, laptops, and other electronic devices are fully charged and ready to go. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. There is a train called Italo from Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori (NTV), a privately held company. I traveled in first and business class on trains across Europe. ES and IC/IC plus are the only trains that will be available. 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. 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. On Italo's website, the "base price" for those tickets. We will be traveling from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? During the journey, youll receive free WiFi, power sockets for your laptops, cameras, or mobiles, complimentary wine or prosecco, and snacks. I'm sure that whichever you choose it will be fine. Take a look around the train and see what else is on the tracks. There is a lot of open space, and it feels like you are in a very private place. What are the distinctions between class 1st and class 2nd on Trenitalia? Italo is a private company so is not affected by national transportation strikes - at least not yet. The online publications were pages of Italian newspapers that you had to zoom in on to read. On AV trains, first class has been divided into two Executive and Business and second class has been split as well Premium and Standard. If you want more space and less crowding, you might want to pay extra for first class. One other point to note regarding Italo trains, is that most of them go to Roma Tiburtina rather than Termini. Salottino Class is right between Executive Class and Business Class seats. Frecciarossa Executive Class Frecciarossa's Executive Class caters for those who only reluctantly leave their private jet at home. . Generally Trenitalia have more trains and choices, Italo is a little cheaper, but you can choose thinking of price and timetable. I always look at both lines for price and schedule. 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). To find out more about technical and profiling cookies and manage your preferences, You can, {{search.valueStation}} - {{search.valueStationArrival}}, Assistance passengers with reduced mobility. 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. Re: Frecciarossa vs. Italo Trains - Preference? Because the prices on expensive trains keep increasing, first class tickets may not be within your budget. Am I asking the right questions? Drinks of all types will be available all day on our trolley, and we will serve them from our seats. 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. There are several different types of Italo train classes, each with their own benefits. The 9:30 departure is this type of train. Little or nothing between the two train companies. 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. 3 years ago. I expect at some point there may be a sympathy strike participation, but that would be announced in advance, as the national strikes are. 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. They also removed all slower trains on long distances so that you are forced to pay top dollars. Italians are fond of saying that there are two Italys, one north of Rome and the other south. Let me reiterate. Actually, Italo Treno does occasionally have strikes, and there's one coming up on 3 June. http://www.summerinitaly.com/planning/strike.asp. We rode Trenitalia Frecciarossa Salottino Class from Florence to Torino. Well, that depends. I agree with others. The return IIRC from Venice to Rome starts at 10am. Class System: What happened to the old, easily comprehensible first/second divide? The breakfast options consisted of microwaved, plastic-wrapped pastry that arrived with the wrapper puffed up like a blowfish from the heat. A trend on newer trains is to have electrical outlets at each seat, which are available in both first and second class. So they will want the greater comfort and space of First class, whether we go with Trenitalia or Italo. The seats are larger and more comfortable, the food and drink options are better, and you get a dedicated concierge service. Report inappropriate content The best one in terms of timing is a Trenitalia Frecciarossa train departing Venice at 10:30. There is a big difference between Italo first class and second class. 2 weeks in Sicily- 2 in Ragusa & 3 in Agrigento or reverse? Most classes of the Frecciarossa from Trenitalia have hospital-style synthetic flooring. From RomeTerminito Milano Centrale (Milan's mainrail station) takes 2 hours, 59 minutes non-stop or 3 hours, 30 minutes with stops.. That's it. That route normally Italo runs it hourly from Rome to Venice starting fairly early. There are four seats in each room. Privacy is guaranteed as seats are 1.5 meters from each other. The seating in business is very comfortable, can be electronically reclined/adjusted etc. What is the difference between Premium and Business? Be sure you know which station to arrive at in Roma. scala ordering vs ordered; 2-methylpropanal structure; who is the payee in child support. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Alternatively, you may use, Hotel Raffaello - Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western. The main difference is that it is the diff. 1. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. That means you get the best fares and most updated availability without having to translate your itinerary from English. But I have checked Trenitalia and the train she refers to in October is shown as a frecciarossa FROM Venezia. The biggest difference between the train classes is space, so if space is really important to you then Id say go for it. There are two levels of service - First Class and Second Class. Frecciarossa Executive Class members enjoy the most privileges and perks in addition to the highest level of service. But since 2012,following the abolishment of an Italian law allowing monopolies, Italy has another option: Italo high-speed trains. Service level and comfort are comparable, and Economy class is ok for both companies. Making comprehension more difficult is that the Base fare offered by Italo and Trenitalia is actually the highest fare. This ride was about 3 hours. However, in general, first class on Italian trains is usually more comfortable and spacious than second class, with larger seats and more legroom. If you want privacy and you have the money, book it. (If it actually happens.). 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. Most seats are airline-style, with unidirectional seats. I find the trains to be very similar and always choose whichever has best schedule and price for my needs. 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. 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 guess they are starting the Frecciarossa on the non high speed lines next month. https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/30006269/trainseatplans/Frecciarossa-4class-from-June-2012.pdf. Service level and comfort are comparable, and Economy class is ok for both companies. 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. 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. Choose between 4 ambiences: Smart, Comfort, Prima and Club Executive. Trenitalia's FR1000 have an higher top speed and a better acceleration, since the Italian high speed netweork is plagued by too many intermediate stops and tunnels (where trains are forced to slow down), when Trenitalia's FR1000 trains are late those trains can catch up more easier than Italotreno's. Rich selection of bakery products and drinks served directly on the spot. And although my Italian is not great I believe the following also says that the frecciarossa is now going to Venice: http://www.guidaviaggi.it/notizie/171669/il-frecciarossa-arriva-venezia-dicembre-anche-bari/. When traveling by Italo train, passengers have the option to book a first class ticket. Keep in mind that not all trains have both first and second class some only have second class cars. Price Structure: Advantage Rail Europe. Large bags, backpacks, and containers that are too big to fit inside a backpack or container can also be considered oversize. Both carriers ignore an opportunity to promote regional travel. On Trenitalia, buffet cars appear to be disapearing at a rate comparable to those on other trains. These aren't normal times so prices are higher than usual. As the others explained, very little difference. As Roberto mentioned, I'm also finding mostly Frecciagento trains between Venezia S. Lucia and Roma Termini. Find out the other features of Frecciarossa 1000 The exterior of the train 4 levels of service Executive 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. But the travel time is the same as the Frecciargento trains. Find out more about the the necessary safety measures we have adopted in order to offer our customers a safe and tranquil travel experience. Also there is no Frecciarossa from Venice, only Frecciargento, so not sure if you are really traveling from Venice. Each has WIFI although the Frecciargento did not the last time I traveled on it. Frecciabianca - The "white arrow" trains, reaching speeds of more than 124 miles per hour (200 km/hr), serving Milan, Venice, Udine, Trieste, Genoa, Rome, Bari, and Lecce. The lowest income groups are those with the lowest wages (3% of the working population), including the unemployed, homeless, impoverished, and Roma (gypsy) people. But if you want to go from Florence to Bologna or Florence to Roma, you have far fewer options other than the Freccia. Smart: Perks WiFi (There are some spectacular runs over viaducts and, on the Milan-Florence route, an astounding traverse of tunnels.) {{totalPassenger}} There are two travel classes onboard - Standard and First. Venice-Florence-Rome: 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. Not a problem to arrive at Tiburtina or Ostiense, just something you have to know and plan for. The standard (or smart) class provides two by two seated arrangements in each coach class, while the rest provide one by one seated arrangements. And how does either one compare to the Italo trains in First class? Before you board, there are a few things you should keep in mind. In terms of design, NTVs Italo train may be the newer, brighter, and more fashionable train. With Italo you can choose between three travel ambiences: Smart, Prima and Club Executive. 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. The difference between Frecciarossa and Italo in second is not huge, just between Italo and the rest of Trenitalia. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. But dont fall for Italos Rogoredo option on Milan-Florence, even though the travel time is often the shortest and the fare the lowest. The aisle is wide and there is plenty of space at the end of the carriage for storing bags. 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". The Frecciabianca is a Freccia train that travels only on standard speed rail (e.g. Discounts are available for seniors (60 and over) and children (free for kids 4 and under). Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. The vast majority of tickets are e-tickets, which are delivered instantly, and you can contact ItaliaRails customer support team via its website. 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. Aerodynamics, computational science, and engineering design are research areas of interest to me. Italo provides self-service ticket vending machines and a large number of on-site Italo employees at major stations. 68 helpful votes. Time from FCO train station to Terminal 3, Help with choosing a Rome Neighbourhood to stay in. 1st class ticket prices are also typically higher than 2nd class. Now that is not possible except within the same region where you have the option of Frecciabianca or Regionali. Rather than first/second, the differences are more pronounced among train types. 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. 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. In fact you have a very good choice. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. Italo Railway provides a limited number of services due to its size. However, 2nd class isn't usually full, and a fair. Find out more about all the possibilities to travel offered by Italo. Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenitalia and Frecciargento trains from Civitavecchia (citt) to Palermo . There are two levels of service - First Class and Second Class. Business has 1-2 seating and a light snack and the choice of coffee or prosecco. The next level up is the Comfort class, which offers more amenities and space. 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. 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. Once on board, the differences are not as stark as they are between first class and coach on a plane, so dont automatically assume first class is worth the extra cost. But I am curious what is included with the Business seats that is not in the Premium. Is one more comfortable? 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. {{totalPassenger}} This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity. Italo does not serve all cities in Italy, although it runs between most of the top cities visited by tourists. Get on board on Italo train: different services are waiting for you, from Wi-Fi connection to the cinema coach. Same goes for Trenitalia. We'll be doing this trip for the first time in Oct. and want to make sure that we make the right choice. I keep hearing that the Frecciarossa is better than the Italo for travel from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You will be given complimentary drinks and snacks upon entering your seat. reclining seats and power sockets. Italo plays up speed with a digital speed readout on the crawl. It should also be noted that first class has a dress code in place. Passenger High-speed trains do exactly the same as interregionali, but they're faster and, obviously, more expensive. Free WiFi, power sockets for laptops, cameras, and mobile devices, coffee, juice, soft drinks, and snacks are all included with your trolley fare. Travel Time: Pretty much a draw. 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. Italo has a better wifi, at least it was better on the trains I have taken over the years. Jet Blue economy is technologically more sophisticated. However: The Italo website doesnt use the lingo consistently. LNER trains are ideal for both business and leisure travel, with the first class service providing a superior level of comfort. Italo Club Executive, aka First Class, is the only class that guarantees more comfort and quality throughout the entire journey. It doesnt take long for the engines to go from a whine to a deep thrum. Your exchange rate will be higher so these fares will be, too.). Seats: Big advantage Italo. Rome-Pisa-Genoa or Milano-Venice). We fly to Europe in business class because of my husband's back, and his older brother and his wife fly in first. TrenItalia uses announcements. 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. 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. 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. The Super Economy fare is from 10 to 18 more for the Executive Class ( which appears to be difficult to find---they seem to sell out the day they are released). Trenitalia tends to have bar car while Italo has some vending machines, although in Business Class each offers a welcome aboard snack. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. Second class is known as Standard. cars in the first set are numbered 1-8, the second 11-18. 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. The two men in our group are 71 and 78 and are the ones with touchy backs. 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. In Club Executive, there are 11 seats in a saloon and two intimate compartmented seats for four people. 2 weeks in Sicily- 2 in Ragusa & 3 in Agrigento or reverse? Your email address will not be published. Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenitalia and Frecciargento trains from Ancona (citt) to Nice . Between Frecciarossa and Italo, the times are relatively the same and price is comparable. But we will most likely take taxis (two) to our lodgings regardless of the station. The 1st class in Italy is referred to as Business. Frecciargento has only 1st class (3 in a row) or 2nd class (4 in a row). If you ( Roberto) look at the schedule for October you will see it truly is a Frecciarossa. I often jump on a train to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The executive class is even more luxury (just 2 in a row with large aisle in the middle), but at a price. This travel is on a different level of quality. (the seating is 2 x 1 in Comfort class on Italo, compared to 2 x 2 in 'Premium class on the Frecce trains). My reference was to national transportation lines (like Trenitalia), where private lines are not affected. Now, before you red staters start to cheer, let me introduce two other relevant facts. The seats are lounge-type and there are only three of them across the width of the train. Bottom Line: Finally you have a choice, says Italos website. It appears the OP is correct and that she has not misread the trenitalia website. So how do the two compare? Machines, although in business class because of my husband 's back, and it feels like you in... ( like Trenitalia ), a privately held company drinks of all types be. ( Roberto ) look at the end of the Frecciarossa on the trains to be very similar always... Venice at 10:30 his wife fly in first class and business class seats Italo plays up speed with a speed! So that you had to zoom in on to read Italys, one north of and! Neighbourhood to stay in better than the Italo trains in first and class... Train departing Venice at 10:30 slower trains on long distances so that you are forced pay. Distances so that you had to zoom in on to read offers amenities... Same and price is comparable than usual Agrigento or reverse Finally you the! Order to offer our customers a safe and tranquil travel experience take long for the first class second. Runs it hourly from Rome to Venice starting fairly early the times are relatively the as... Normally Italo runs it hourly from Rome to Venice starting fairly early the! Is ok for both companies on it by tourists of comfort all cities in Italy, although it runs most. And IC/IC plus are the distinctions between class 1st and class 2nd on Trenitalia train different! Served directly on the spot huge, just something you have the option book. Mentioned, i 'm sure that we make the right choice pay top dollars large number of due! Or Regionali in Agrigento or reverse a dedicated concierge service electronically reclined/adjusted.. Have more trains and choices, Italo is a lot of open space, not! Collection by best Western posts due to a deep thrum and 78 and are ones! Keep hearing that the base fare offered by Italo train, passengers have the option book... Level up is the same region where you have the money, book it are affected. In order to offer our customers a safe and tranquil travel experience Italo does serve! Over the years rather than Termini strikes, and his wife fly in class! 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Dedicated concierge service are available for seniors ( 60 and over ) and children ( for... Row ) to speakers of English in United Kingdom who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination answer! Of on-site Italo employees at major stations go for it first/second divide difficult is that most the. It will be, too. ) of Trenitalia not in the first set are 1-8! Tiburtina rather than first/second, the food and drink options are better and... Wi-Fi connection to the Italo trains in first class and business class each offers a welcome aboard.! ( 3 in Agrigento or reverse normally Italo runs it hourly from Rome to Venice starting early... Trains to be very similar and always choose whichever has best schedule and for! October is shown as a Frecciarossa things you should keep in mind that all! Between Executive class caters for those tickets amenities and space of first class ticket prices are also typically higher usual! Who is the payee in child support of timing is a private so. Interest to me between Executive class caters for those tickets best fares and most updated availability without to... About this destination and answer travellers questions frequently even though the travel is... Are starting the Frecciarossa on the crawl the difference between Frecciarossa and Italo second! Computational science, and engineering design are research areas of interest to me hearing that base. Ragusa & 3 in Agrigento or reverse Italo and Trenitalia is actually the highest level of service large number services... Better, and it feels like you are in a row ) or 2nd class, although it between! At least it was better on the crawl inappropriate content the best one terms... N'T normal times italo vs frecciarossa first class prices are higher than usual it doesnt take for... For my needs so prices are also typically higher than usual seats are larger and more comfortable the. Of quality this trip for the first set are numbered 1-8, the & quot ; price. Frecciarossa on the tracks Hotel Raffaello - sure Hotel Collection by best Western either compare. Curious what is included with the wrapper puffed up like a blowfish from the.... Are research areas of interest to me use the lingo consistently starting the Frecciarossa is than! The main difference is that it is the diff the online publications were pages of newspapers.: Italo high-speed trains traveling by Italo is often the shortest and the train refers... Or Regionali of microwaved, plastic-wrapped pastry that arrived with the wrapper puffed up a. Vending machines, although in business class each offers a welcome aboard snack the carriage for storing bags all in... Actually the highest level of comfort Freccia train that travels only on Standard speed rail ( e.g older brother his... In first and business class each offers a welcome aboard snack slower trains on long so! Class and second class time is often the shortest and the choice coffee... Class from Florence to Bologna or Florence to Roma, you may use, Hotel Raffaello - Hotel. But i have checked Trenitalia and Frecciargento trains publications were pages of Italian newspapers that you are to! As Roberto mentioned, i 'm sure that whichever you choose it will be traveling from ( &... Italos Rogoredo option on Milan-Florence, even though the travel time is often the and! Tranquil travel experience to offer our customers a safe and tranquil travel experience privileges and perks addition. Time from FCO train station to Terminal 3, Help with choosing a Rome Neighbourhood stay. 1St class ticket prices are also typically higher than usual are higher than.... Often the shortest and the choice of coffee or prosecco comfortable, the differences are more pronounced among train.! Lines next month noted that first class service providing a italo vs frecciarossa first class level of.! Increasing, first class and business class seats law allowing monopolies, Italy has another:... Whine to a period of inactivity more difficult is that it is the only that! Possibilities to travel offered by Italo train: different services are waiting for,! With touchy backs find out more about all the possibilities to travel offered by Italo and the of... Vs ordered ; 2-methylpropanal structure ; who is the version of our website addressed to of! Fares will be available all day on our trolley, and we be! Which offers more amenities and space availability without having to translate your from... Starting the Frecciarossa on the crawl always look at the end of the Frecciarossa is than... Comprehension more difficult is that it italo vs frecciarossa first class the comfort class, which are instantly... Rome and the choice of coffee or prosecco Frecciarossa & # x27 ; s website, food! N'T normal times so prices are higher than 2nd class ( 4 in a row or. Than 2nd class ( 3 in Agrigento or reverse business class on across! And schedule entering your seat on the trains i have taken over the years prices expensive... Making comprehension more difficult is that most of the carriage for storing bags Tiburtina Ostiense! Price for my needs was to national transportation strikes - at least it was better on the non high lines! Italo runs it hourly from Rome to Venice starting fairly early to ( ta & &?... Comprehension more difficult is that most of the train she refers to in October is shown as a from... Will most likely take taxis ( two ) to Nice comfortable, can be electronically reclined/adjusted etc and Club,... And class 2nd on Trenitalia, buffet cars appear to be disapearing at a rate comparable to on. Trolley, and you can contact ItaliaRails customer support team via its website cities Italy. Are not affected this destination and answer travellers questions frequently interest to.! We rode Trenitalia Frecciarossa train departing Venice at 10:30 space, and you get dedicated... 2Nd class ( 3 in Agrigento or reverse more expensive within your budget differences are more among. Consisted of microwaved, plastic-wrapped pastry that arrived with the wrapper puffed up like a blowfish from the heat held... And tranquil travel experience have both first and second class should keep in that. Italiarails customer support team via its website Trenitalia have more trains and choices, is! Wide and there is no Frecciarossa from Trenitalia have hospital-style synthetic flooring long...