Despite its famous classic charm, traveling the length of Italy has often been expensive for many tourists. But this summer, Trenitalia, Italy’s national operator, will introduce two new inexpensive night train routes, making it more affordable to see the country. Starting in mid-June, Trenitalia will roll out two high-speed Frecciarossa services designed to cater to budget-conscious travelers.
The New Night Train Routes
The first route connects Milano Centrale to Lecce, a city in Italy’s southern Puglia region. The journey, which takes just over nine hours, departs from Milano Centrale at 10:45 p.m. and stops at various cities. The stops include Bologna, Bari, and Brindisi before arriving in Lecce at 7:57 a.m. A return journey is available, departing Lecce at 9:05 p.m. and returning to Milan at 7:35 a.m. The second route links Milano Centrale to Reggio di Calabria, located in the southwestern region of Calabria. This nearly 11-hour journey departs at 9:20 p.m., with stops at notable cities such as Florence, Paola, and Lamezia Terme, arriving in Reggio di Calabria at 8:11 a.m.
Things to Know About Italy’s Night Trains
One of the most attractive aspects of these new services is their affordability. Tickets for the Milan-Lecce route start from $32.11 (€29.90) one way, while the Milan-Reggio di Calabria route offers tickets starting at $42.85 (€39.90). These rates are significantly cheaper than the existing IntercityNotte sleeper trains that run similar routes. However, it’s important to note that these budget prices come with a few trade-offs.
The trains lack couchettes or cabins, meaning passengers will need to sit upright for the duration of the journey. Additionally, there is no dining car, though a bar offering snacks, sandwiches, and drinks is available. For those seeking a bit more comfort, Business class tickets are available from $48.22 (€44.90) on the Milan-Lecce route and $58.96 (€54.90) on the Milan-Reggio di Calabria route. These tickets offer bigger seats, free WiFi, and complimentary snacks.
Practical and Sustainable Travel
Despite the lack of luxury amenities, these night trains offer a practical and cheaper solution for those traveling across Italy. Night trains have been gaining popularity as a more sustainable alternative to air travel, reducing the stress associated with airports and flight delays. Moreover, these services allow travelers to maximize their time by traveling overnight, effectively saving on accommodation costs.