The Smartest Way to Explore Italy

The summer of 2026 once again confirms the remarkable success of Italy’s high-speed rail network. What was once considered an alternative to driving or taking domestic flights has now become one of the preferred ways for international visitors to travel across the country. Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa trains, operated by the FS Italian Group, have transformed travel between Italy’s most iconic cities through fast, frequent connections and increasingly efficient services. Step aboard any Frecciarossa train and one detail immediately stands out: the growing number of international visitors. Every day, the carriages echo with conversations in languages from around the world.

Driving this trend are, above all, American travelers, whose presence in Italy has grown significantly over the past several years.

American tourist are leading the trend

Across the United States, an increasing number of tour operators now design vacation packages centered almost entirely on Italy’s high-speed rail network, allowing visitors to experience multiple destinations with exceptional ease. Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples and Venice become stops along a single itinerary that can be enjoyed without highway traffic, airport security lines or the expense of domestic flights. In just a few hours, travelers can journey from Milan’s Duomo to Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, from Rome’s Colosseum to Naples’ scenic waterfront, before continuing on to the canals of Venice. Every transfer becomes an integral part of the vacation itself.

This new approach to travel has played a decisive role in the success of Italy’s high-speed rail system, transforming the train from a simple means of transportation into an essential part of the Italian travel experience.

Railway Stations Become Italy’s First Welcome

The steady increase in passenger traffic has also transformed the role of Italy’s major railway stations. Milano Centrale, Roma Termini, Firenze Santa Maria Novella, Bologna Centrale and Napoli Centrale have become the first point of contact between international visitors and the country, where the travel experience begins long before reaching the final destination.

These stations have evolved far beyond transportation hubs. Alongside railway services, travelers find boutiques, bookstores, cafés, restaurants, pizzerias, wine bars and specialty shops showcasing regional Italian products. It is an immediate introduction to Italy’s extraordinary food and wine culture. From the aroma of freshly brewed espresso to pizza baked to order, from freshly prepared pasta to regional pastries and wine tastings, Italy’s largest stations have become authentic showcases of Made in Italy excellence and the hospitality for which the country is renowned.

Beyond the Major Cities

In recent years, Italy’s railway network has expanded well beyond connections between major metropolitan areas. Thanks to FrecciaLink services, travelers can continue their journey seamlessly toward inland destinations, reaching historic villages, archaeological sites, natural parks, coastal resorts and mountain communities without renting a car—an option particularly appreciated by American visitors eager to explore lesser-known destinations.

Among the locations accessible through these integrated connections are the seaside resorts of Sorrento, Vieste, Peschici, Cecina and Piombino; the historic cities of Matera, Assisi, Perugia and Pompeii Archaeological Park; and the Alpine destinations of Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, Val di Fiemme, Cortina, Cadore and the Aosta Valley. One notable example is ParmaLink, which operates 12 daily connections between Parma and the Reggio Emilia High-Speed station, linking passengers with Frecciarossa services to and from Italy’s principal high-speed destinations.

It is precisely this integration between high-speed rail and dedicated coach services that enables visitors to venture beyond traditional tourist routes, discovering medieval villages, UNESCO World Heritage landscapes, coastlines, mountains and regions rich in history and cultural heritage.

Four Different Ways to Travel

Frecciarossa’s success is also built upon the flexibility it offers passengers through four distinct travel classes designed to accommodate different expectations and travel styles.

The Standard class provides everything needed for a comfortable journey, including ergonomic seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets and thoughtfully designed interiors that make even longer trips enjoyable.

Passengers seeking additional comfort can choose Premium, which includes a welcome service with snacks and beverages.

For those who value privacy and a quieter environment, Business class offers more spacious seating and exclusive areas, making it popular not only among business travelers but also with leisure passengers looking for extra comfort.

At the top of the range is Executive, designed for travelers who consider time spent on the train an essential part of their journey. Reclining leather armchairs, at-seat service, access to FrecciaLounge facilities and menus created by renowned Italian chef Carlo Cracco transform the journey into an experience centered on comfort, relaxation and fine dining.

Additional services further enhance the appeal of rail travel. Families appreciate avoiding the lengthy procedures typically associated with airports, while passengers traveling with pets benefit from dedicated services that make the entire journey simpler and more enjoyable.

More than Trasportation

For international visitors whose itineraries include multiple destinations, traveling through Italy by train becomes much more than simply moving from one city to another. It offers the opportunity to experience the country’s diverse landscapes, culture and rhythm of life along the way. This has been the reality for years: thousands of American travelers who fill Italy’s high-speed trains return home remembering not only the cities they visited, but also the train journey itself as one of the most memorable parts of their Italian vacation.

It is, without question, an experience that deserves to be highly recommended.