Italy remains one of the most visited destinations in the world, attracting nearly 58 million travelers in 2023. If you’re planning to explore this stunning country in 2025, there’s no better way to experience its beauty—from the northern Alps to the southern coast—than by train.
Making the Most of Your Train Experience
The number one way to ensure you will enjoy your train experience.. book a window seat. Tucked against the glass, you’ll get to marvel over views that will take your breath away as you travel from one spot to the next. Yes, you might have to shell out a bit extra for this, but it’s so worth it when you see that glorious countryside!
Alongside that, download a couple of local train apps so you can get real-time updates to your schedule. This will be especially beneficial if you don’t speak Italian, as trains in more rural areas often don’t provide the necessary information in English, and that can leave you a little lost and confused when something changes.
But beyond this, you should also work on having a healthy selection of activities you can enjoy during your ride. Nobody can stare at scenery, even beautiful scenery, forever. The whole trip will be more enjoyable if you’ve got a few other things to keep your mind busy while you’re traveling.
One option you could explore is playing classic table games online! But if you are looking for alternatives to gaming, you can always scroll through your favorite social media platform feeds like Instagram or TikTok, and gather inspiration for what you’ll do while in Italy. Keep an eye out for engaging travel bloggers who go beyond covering basic touristy spots like the Colosseum or the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Instead, try finding those who focus on hidden gems and local spots. For example, if you see anyone mentioning areas like Matera or Positano, you know they’re legit. Especially if you see them wandering toward places where no one speaks a lick of English – you couldn’t ask for a more authentic Italian experience!
Of course, these are only a couple of suggestions that will make time fly by even faster than the train. And by making sure you have enough activities planned out, you won’t be left twiddling your thumbs in boredom. After all, just because you physically can’t move around doesn’t mean you can’t let your mind roam in a different way.
Planning Your Route
The first step you should take is writing down a list of all the cities you want to visit. Luckily for you, Italy’s train network is very advanced, so don’t be afraid to add lesser-known cities like Perugia or Treviso.
No places are “right” or “wrong” since every corner of Italy has its beauty, but we’d highly suggest adding a trip to Milan to your itinerary. It has all the modern comforts anyone could want – luxury shopping, picturesque parks, and delightful traditional dishes like the famous Cotoletta alla Milanese.
So, figure out what places you want to visit. Next, it’s time to plan your route properly. We’d suggest turning to the digital space for help, as there are tons of apps and sites like Trenitalia that offer the option to create connecting routes or tours – a true time and money-saver.
Alternatively, you can purchase the tickets directly at the station, but booking them online in advance will typically offer better prices and ensure you have a seat during busier seasons. The trains you’ll find in Italy will vary from high-speed ones in major cities to regional lines in more rural areas.
It’s worth noting: delays and disruptions are not unheard of when it comes to trains in Italy, so plan accordingly. It’s a lot less stressful if you’ve got an alternative plan you can run with when something goes awry.
Conclusion
Traveling across Italy by train will allow you to get the most out of your trip. No missing out on any of the views, no worrying about traffic! Plus, it is a much more eco-friendly option for you to explore, if you’re looking to lower your carbon footprint. So, with all of the above information on hand, the only thing left for you to do is to actually book your trip and explore one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
*This article has been contributed to Owl Over The World.