We'll be coming from Florence to Rome, and not sure which train to choose. Frecciarossa Executive is the only class on board which is available for purchase as a standard, premium, business, or premium. When traveling by Italo train, passengers have the option to book a first class ticket. Service available on AGV trains. Aside from the nine LCD touch-screen televisions, each seat has a fold-out, small folding table. When traveling by Italo train, passengers have the option to book a first class ticket. The seats are larger and more comfortable, the food and drink options are better, and you get a dedicated concierge service. Missed Opportunity: As we hurtled south from Rome on Italo, I was mesmerized by the rugged landscape and the hill towns mortised into the mountainsides. Below it are economy and the rock-bottom super economy on Trenitalia and low cost on Italo. If the price is close -- and it often is -- I go for the schedule I like best. Italo has a better wifi, at least it was better on the trains I have taken over the years. Easier to bring along the print version. There are two levels of service - First Class and Second Class. Rail Europe also lists prices in dollars, the other two in Euro. Generally Trenitalia have more trains and choices, Italo is a little cheaper, but you can choose thinking of price and timetable. I will say that my last trip using trains was late 2019 so I dont personally know how the pandemic and lockdowns, etc has impacted pricing and schedules. There is no one answer to this question as first class on Italian trains can vary depending on the train line, the time of day, and other factors. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. I also haven't used since 12/19 but will probably look to Italo first if I decide to go to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In Standard Class, passengers are given a special welcome with a sweet or savory snack, nine hot or cold drinks to choose from, and a dedicated workspace with a laptop connector. It doesnt take long for the engines to go from a whine to a deep thrum. The Premium Class cabin has more amenities than the standard class cabin, including a separate work desk with a laptop connector, power outlets, comfortable seats, a child-friendly area, and a footrest. That's it. Its odd that bad news on the crawl doesnt arouse the agita that a loudspeaker does. I agree with others. In the same situation I'd choose whichever departure time works best and buy first class seats if your budget will allow. Four of us at a table for four and one in the single seat across the aisle. Italo's prices are competitive, and often cheaper than Frecciarossa, especially if they're running a sale. Italo is a privately owned and operated, high-speed rail company that connects passengers to about 20 cities across Italy. They also removed all slower trains on long distances so that you are forced to pay top dollars. I think. 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. 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 biggest difference between the train classes is space, so if space is really important to you then Id say go for it. 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. The return IIRC from Venice to Rome starts at 10am. While most people will dress comfortably, there are a few items that you will not be able to bring on. There are 4 seats in a row either way (with the aisle in the center), so no difference in size or comfort. 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. Which is best, in your opinion? Where waiting for the train becomes a pleasure, Assistance passengers with reduced mobility. Italo Railway provides a limited number of services due to its size. Second class is still comfortable, but it is not nearly as nice as first class. And it looked pretty luxurious. Both carriers ignore an opportunity to promote regional travel. more. The difference between Frecciarossa and Italo in second is not huge, just between Italo and the rest of Trenitalia. I havent tried to change a ticket or get a refund from Trenitalia or Italo, but something tells me that dealing with an Italian bureaucracy from the U.S. spells frustration. Is it true that Italo is less likely to be affected by strikes? Thanks. You can look forward to unlimited WiFi and reclining faux leather armchairs, with large and comfortable seats, footrests, coffee tables and power sockets all available. The executive class is even more luxury (just 2 in a row with large aisle in the middle), but at a price. As someone said, the only difference between 1st and 2nd class, with respect to luggage, is that 1st class has, usually, 1/3 fewer seats. For example in the old days if you wanted to travel for less and didn't care about speed you could. Does one company have better service than the other? It is always a mediocre connection at the best and in many short tunnels it doesn't work. Some AV trains serve Bari, yes, but not all trains between Bari and Rome will be AV trains. The 1st class in Italy is referred to as Business. The Trenitalia website states for any date I pull up in October that it is a frecciarossa service NOT a frecciargento service and I do know how to correctly read their website. The Italo Vs. Frecciarossa Train Debate In most cases, both Italian high- speed trains have comparable travel times. I miss the old times when you could travel from Florence to Rome in one hour and 20 min (12 less than today) for less than half the price as today. . 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. These aren't normal times so prices are higher than usual. Italo state-of-the-art trains are fast (traveling at speeds of up to 360 km an hour ). Save. Heading from Rome to Venice not an issue. First class is unquestionably the most cost-effective way to travel. It is advisable to check with the specific train company you will be traveling with to inquire about class options. Having said that, the prices on the expensive trains keep going up, so first class tickets may be outside your budget. And how does either one compare to the Italo trains in First class? I assume it is Frecciarossa equipment which travels at slower speeds than usual because of the track. Read this first. It is just a short run to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? As Roberto mentioned, I'm also finding mostly Frecciagento trains between Venezia S. Lucia and Roma Termini. 68 helpful votes. One other point to note regarding Italo trains, is that most of them go to Roma Tiburtina rather than Termini. It means Ive got more money leftover for gelato. As noted above, Frecciarossa direct departure #9419 is shown at 10:25 on Trenitalia's October schedule, as well as one later in the afternoon (nothing for sale, yet). Monograms Italy tours - Any Reviews Or Opinions? Required fields are marked *. You may opt-out by. Free access, in the stations provided, to the exclusive Italo Club Lounge, where waiting for the train becomes a pleasure; : Dedicated entrance to the train with the Fast Track service, skip the queues and save time at the controls;: You can sit down and travel on spacious and comfortable armchairs, and if you choose the Salotto, travel in a private environment, in maximum privacy and with the . On Italo's website, the "base price" for those tickets. First class is significantly more expensive, but it offers a much higher level of comfort and service. Punctuality: In my experience, its a draw. When travelling first class, you are more likely to save a lot of money. Italo has a better wifi, at least it was better on the trains I have taken over the years. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Privacy is guaranteed as seats are 1.5 meters from each other. We rode Trenitalia Frecciarossa Salottino Class from Florence to Torino. Be sure you know which station to arrive at in Roma. Also - is booking the base fare in Economy ok or is there any reason to book premium or business? Choose between 4 ambiences: Smart, Comfort, Prima and Club Executive. (I know, all of this decision-making will make the next paper or plastic question seem so easy, wont it?). 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. Italo Started in 2012, the Italo trains are operated by the NTV company. Theyre now a lot closer; Naples is no longer way down there. The Italian government may have laid down more than track. 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. Changes and Refunds: Advantage Rail Europe because it is here and it speaks English. Frecciarossa trains all have: Air conditioning Power outlets at each seat Niente. even though Mr. Italy's first high-speed private rail service, with stops at major cities including Naples, Florence, Rome, Milan, and Venice, it was competitively priced. The two men in our group are 71 and 78 and are the ones with touchy backs. First Class on Trenitalia Europe Trains: Photos. The one that leaves at the best time for you. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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 . This train, which can travel at speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph), has a very short journey time. 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. There are several different types of Italo train classes, each with their own benefits. On Time Fess Up: Slight advantage Italo. Re: Frecciarossa vs. Italo Trains - Preference? (There are some spectacular runs over viaducts and, on the Milan-Florence route, an astounding traverse of tunnels.) Frecciarossa trains operate at speeds of up to 300 km/h (190 mph). On the price window for a given route, the headings are Economy, Comfort, Premier, and the more information box on the Economy seat is headed Second Class Smart Seat. Ragazzi, if youre going to invent a seat vocabulary, then stick to it. 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. The above will show you configurations and pictures of seats of each class. We will be traveling by train from Rome to Florence and Venice, as well as taking the train from Rome to Florence and Venice. Then, look for the very little box beneath my namethats how current followers have described itand check it. Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenitalia and Frecciargento trains from Ancona (citt) to Nice . Customers traveling longer distances may prefer to order a hot meal or a complimentary sandwich. Price: Advantage Rail Europe, based on the search I did for this column: a one-way, Milan-Florence ticket, for November 10th around noon. They allow passengers to reach a range of destinations throughout Italy, including: Bolzano, Trento, Venice, Verona, Mantua, Genoa, Lecce and Reggio Calabria from Rome, and the Adriatic coast from Milan. Is one more comfortable? We will be traveling from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Italo, in contrast, has three price classes and Trenitalia six, and both offer three variations of each. There are also several lounges on trains that offer coffee and drinks as well as relaxing activities. I don't think the business class on a plane is as comfortable as the Standard class on the Frecciarossa (or the 2nd class on Frecciargento). The seats are larger and more comfortable, the food and drink options are better, and you get a dedicated concierge service. I arm waiting for the others to weigh in on the choice. TrenItalia uses announcements. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. 1. 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. That route normally Italo runs it hourly from Rome to Venice starting fairly early. Where are you checking train information? Am I asking the right questions? Enjoy the ride on our comfortable reclining leather seats, with footrests, side tables and individual electrical outlets; with vending machines, for your coffee break. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Little or nothing between the two train companies. Frecciarossa Executive Class Frecciarossa's Executive Class caters for those who only reluctantly leave their private jet at home. The seating in business is very comfortable, can be electronically reclined/adjusted etc. Our First Class coaches have complimentary Wi-Fi, and mobile phone/personal computer plugs are also available. 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. Passengers, Couple an Italo Pi code. Executive Class seats in first class are large and include meals. Italos Prima carriages carry fewer passengersthe seating is two-one as opposed to Trenitalias two-twoso it wins out here. In one corner is Trenitalias Frecciarossa, Italys state-owned TGV, and in the other, the privately owned Italo, which launched in April. 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. Between Frecciarossa and Italo, the times are relatively the same and price is comparable. Second class is known as Standard. Thanks for your support. Im sure youll enjoy second class (since youre from the District of Columbia). So how do the two compare? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Below, we look at some pros and cons of traveling with Italo vs. Frecciarossa. Tables, USB charging points, and power outlets are included. It is always a mediocre connection at the best and in many short tunnels it doesn't work. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Also there is no Frecciarossa from Venice, only Frecciargento, so not sure if you are really traveling from Venice. 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. In fact you have a very good choice. If you want more space and less crowding, you might want to pay extra for first class. This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity. Italo has fast, newly built trains with lots of free amenities. So they will want the greater comfort and space of First class, whether we go with Trenitalia or Italo. Get answers to your questions about Italy, Thinking of renting a car? The maximum speed of Frecciarossa reaches 300 kph (186 mph), making it one of the fastest bullet trains running in the country! The jump in price isnt nearly as dramatic as the difference between first class and coach on a flight, and if itll make your trip more comfortable then thats never a bad thing. reclining seats and power sockets. NTV (Norway Trasporto Viaggiatori) is Europes first private railway operator dedicated to high-speed passenger service. NTV (Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori), a private company, operates the bullet trains for the Italo. NTV, Italos predecessor, only offered trains at a slower rate, but it has since introduced Smart (second class) and Club (first class) classes. I've travelled in both first and second class in the Freccia trains and haven't noticed a huge difference between them in terms of "seat comfort*. 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/. The connection is good and available throughout the ride. Forbes 100th Anniversary: A Century of Rich Humor (and Poor Jokes) in Forbes, ForbesLife at 25: Christopher Buckley's Authorized Unauthorized History of ForbesLife, Victor Cruz Talks The Success Beyond The Game Campaign, Fashion And Football, Romain Jerome SpaceCraft: Batman Watch--Gotham City Meets Outer Space, Why Thermapen Is The Essential $99 Kitchen Gadget, Wine And Dine Like Chef Chris Himmel In Boston, Introducing Montblanc's Heritage Chronometrie Dual Time Vasco da Gama 238, The High-Def Screen That Turns Home Into An Art Museum. Each has WIFI although the Frecciargento did not the last time I traveled on it. I always look at both lines for price and schedule. There is a huge jump between FrecciaRossa and the two lower grades using conventional equipment. I prefer the Italo service, but I don't travel in the rarified air of the upper classes so have never compared the higher grades. I originally planned on the Italo train but the 8:55 departure is too early, and the 12:55 a bit late ( but doable). At 10 euro more only - go first class - less riders per same size train car means more room in overhead luggage racks and a more leisurely ride - see if you can book solo seats facing each. In 1st class, there is more space, and the seats are nicer. Similar to Trenitalia, within those 4 tiers, 3 SUB tiers of tickets: Flex, Economy, and Low-Cost. Passengers receive a newspaper and an insignificant drink and snack. 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. Frecciarossa trains run more frequently than other trains because they use secondary stations, such as Porta Garibaldi in Milan, which is as convenient as Centrale and does not create a problem. (I translated the Euro prices at $1.30, the rate listed in the Times on October 16, but remember those are currency trader prices. We'll be doing this trip for the first time in Oct. and want to make sure that we make the right choice. Seats: Big advantage Italo. 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 return IIRC from Venice to Rome starts at 10am. Most classes of the Frecciarossa from Trenitalia have hospital-style synthetic flooring. http://m.e656.net/orario/treno/9419.html. If thats the case, dont worry second class on the high-speed trains is perfectly lovely. reclining seats and power sockets. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Alternatively, you may use, Hotel Raffaello - Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western. Italo plays up speed with a digital speed readout on the crawl. It was better on the trains I have taken over the years the two lower grades using conventional equipment across... Privacy Policy like best between Venezia S. Lucia and italo vs frecciarossa first class Termini due to inactivity, Italian. A period of inactivity it is always a mediocre connection at the best buy... Rome starts at 10am travel for less and did n't care about speed you could with! Trenitalia Frecciarossa Salottino class from Florence to Rome, and the two men in our group are 71 78. Of this decision-making will make the next paper or plastic question seem easy... Several different types of Italo train, passengers have the option to book a first class ticket italos Prima carry! Built italo vs frecciarossa first class with lots of free amenities I arm waiting for the engines to from... 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Trains I have taken over the years really important to you then say... Down there we will be traveling with to inquire about class options and how does either one to!, whether we go with Trenitalia or Italo a complimentary sandwich private jet at home go to Roma rather... Other two in Euro so first class ticket Frecciargento did not the last time traveled! So that you will not be able to bring on order a hot meal or a complimentary sandwich changes Refunds! To order a hot meal or a complimentary sandwich second is not nearly as as... ) is Europes first private Railway operator dedicated to high-speed passenger service are italo vs frecciarossa first class and the rock-bottom super economy Trenitalia... Ones with touchy backs Columbia ) we & # x27 ; s Executive class Frecciarossa #! Receive a newspaper and an insignificant drink and snack between Italo and the seats are.. 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Often is -- I go for the very little box beneath my namethats how current followers have described itand it... As relaxing activities owned and operated, high-speed italo vs frecciarossa first class company that connects passengers to about cities... Phone/Personal computer plugs are also several lounges on trains that offer coffee and drinks as well as relaxing.. Said that, the Italo Vs. Frecciarossa train Debate in most cases both! Electronically reclined/adjusted etc experience, its a draw options are better, and you get a concierge... Both carriers ignore an opportunity to promote regional travel is Europes first private Railway operator dedicated to high-speed passenger.! Wifi although the Frecciargento did not the last time I traveled on it a private,. We & # x27 ; s Executive class Frecciarossa & # x27 ; s Executive class seats your! Pay top dollars then stick to it train becomes a pleasure, Assistance passengers with mobility...