Top 10 Scenic Train Routes in Italy-Adequate Travel

Italy is home to some of the best train rides in the world. From the Alps to the Amalfi Coast, you can explore the best of Italy by train. The country’s rail network is second to none, and the train is the best way to get around Italy. You can see the country’s most popular attractions by train, including Florence, the Vatican, and Naples.

Italy, which has a sizable national rail system, is renowned for its cutting-edge “Le Frecce” high-speed services. But don’t worry if you want to take it leisurely and explore the country at your own pace. For such people, train travel is a great way to explore the beauty of Italy because the most attractive routes aren’t always the quickest. The rolling hills and vineyards make for a stunning backdrop as you travel through the region. Winding roads and steep hills in the region made it difficult to travel by car or bus, so trains became the preferred method of transportation. Italy’s trains are the ideal way to discover this legendary nation, offering everything from magnificent mountain journeys to sun-drenched coastal trundles. 

There are many Scenic Italia rail routes to choose from, and each one offers its own unique charm. Here we have listed some of the best scenic train rides in Italy that contribute to making the most of your experience. Here is a list of the top ten Italian trains that should not be missed because they offer breathtaking views of the entire country.

1. Bernina Express (Tirano and St. Moritz)

The Bernina Express is a scenic train journey in Italy that travels through the Swiss Alps. The train ride is about 3.5 hours long and is a great way to see the mountains. The train has large windows, so you can see the views as you travel through the mountains. The train also has a panorama car where you can sit and enjoy the views. There is also a dining car on the train where you can enjoy a meal while you travel. This fascinating Bernina Express will pass through 55 tunnels and 196 bridges before reaching Tiranoin Italy. 

Connecting: Tirano to St. Moritz 

Route distance: 156 km

Travel time: 2.5 hours

Best attraction: An unending array of nicely constructed tunnels and bridges. 

Best time to travel: To get beautiful landscapes of snowy mountains, we recommend you ride the train in winter. 

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2. The Inter-City express

The Inter-City express that runs between Rome and Catania is possibly the longest and most beautiful train route in Italy. This nine-hour train ride from Rome to Catania will pass over some of the most breathtaking coastline scenery along with panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and rocky Calabria. The coaches in the Intercity Express have plenty of space in order to make the ride comfortable for passengers. You can travel overnight in the Inter-City express as these scenic Italia rail cabins are well-equipped with beds, berths, and cushioned seating couches.

Connecting: Rome to Catania

Route distance: 334 miles (537 km)

Journey time: 8 hours 27 minutes

Best attraction: Views of the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and rocky Calabria.

Best time to ride: Ride between April – June, and September – October

3. Transita Rail Line

The Transita Rail Line is the second-highest railway line in Italy, with spectacular views of Introdacqua, Pacentro, and Campo di Giove. It connects the rich culture and dynamic history of Abruzzo to the mountainous beauty of Molise. Overall, it is a 128 km journey and it takes around 2 hours to reach the destination. 

The Transita Line is for environmental enthusiasts as it passes through lush meadows and an uncountable number of national parks and reserves. During your journey to Molise, you will get enough opportunities to admire the mountains, national parks, and hill stations. Even if it turns out to be an unexpected vacation, it will still be handy and pleasant because the trip is quite short and reasonably priced!

Connecting: Abruzzo and Molise

Route distance: 128 km 

Travel time: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes

The best feature: Scenic views through the windows.

The best time to visit is from late April to mid-May. 

4. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

There is no better scenic train in Italy other than the Orient Express for those who have come to Italy just to capture the beautiful views. The Orient Express runs between Venice and London, Paris, or Budapest via the Roaring Twenties. It is the most iconic train that offers a beautiful countryside view to its passengers throughout their journey. The train passes through different countries and finally terminates at Venice.

Connecting: London to Venice

Route length: 2,740 km (1,700 miles (approximately))

Travel time: more than 48 hours

Best attraction: A ride on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is worth your ticket.

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5. Trenino Verde (Sardinia)

Sardinia’s “Trenino Verde”, often referred to as the “Little Green Train of Sardinia”, is the longest tourist rail network in Europe and undoubtedly the best way to explore the winding tracks of Sardinia in Italy. This train runs through five different routes, and all routes offer a completely different view. The Cagliari division passes through Isili–Sorgono and Mandas–Arbatax, whereas the Sassari-Macomer division route crosses Macomer–Bosa Marina, Nulvi–Tempio, and Tempio–Palau. 

Connecting: Connect the interior region of Sardinia to the Corners (Coast).

Route distance: 404 km (251 mi).

Travel time: 3 hours and 30 minutes

Best attraction: This train ride is the best way to explore the rugged landscapes of Sardinia. 

The best time to ride is between mid-June and mid-September.

6. Verona to Bolzano

The main attraction of the magnificent rail trip from Verona to Bolzano is the majestic Dolomites. Apart from that, there are Renaissance villages one minute away, slumbering farms with dense pine trees the very next moment in the direction of the ominous, craggy mountains. 

The train ride itself is quite tedious and boring, but the view across the windows is something that keeps you entertained no matter how long your train journey is. The Verona to Bolzano train line runs across the Adige river valley and provides a clear view of colossal, unattractive mountains. 

Connecting: Verona to Bolzano

Route length: approx. 154 km

Travel time: 1 hour and 46 minutes.

Snow-capped mountain peaks and alpine valleys are the best attractions.

Best time to travel: For the best views, take this ride between December and February. 

7. Pisa to Florence

If you’re looking for an easy way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Italy, then board the train going toward Pisa or Florence. The scenic train ride from Pisa to Florence will be your best memory for a lifetime. You’ll get to see rolling hills, picturesque villages, and the mighty Apennine Mountains. The trip takes about two and a half hours, and there’s plenty to see along the way.

Connecting Pisa to Florence

Route distance: 69 km (43 miles).

Journey time: approx. 45 minutes.

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8. Milan to Venice

Looking to take a scenic ride from Milan to Venice? You’re in luck. There are several Milan to Venice train options to choose from, each with its own unique charms. The most direct option will take just two hours to reach Venice. The train is operated by Trenitalia and features reclining seats, air conditioning, and a buffet car. Apart from this, if you want a laidback journey to Venice, then hop on to the Thello night train. This train is perfect for those who want to enjoy a relaxing journey through the Italian countryside. This train features comfortable cabins with en-suite bathrooms, as well as a lounge car and a restaurant.

Connecting: Milan to Venice

Route distance: 153 miles

Travel time: 2 hours and 25 minutes.

Best attraction: pacifying vistas of Italy’s Adriatic coast.

Best time to travel: April to May and September to October. 

9. Ferrovia Circumetnea

The Circumetnea Railway, as its name indicates, circles the base of Mount Etna from Catania Borgo to Riposto, which is located just south of Taormina on Sicily’s eastern coast. The main line has 30 stops, with the major stations being Patern, Adrano, Bronte, Randazzo, and Giarre. The entire journey takes around three hours one way, considering no delays. During the train journey, you will enjoy wonderful vistas of Sicily’s rural terrain, lunar landscapes of lava fields, and pistachio farms.

Connecting: Catania to Riposto

Route length: 110 kilometers (68 miles).

Journey Time: 3 Hours

Best attraction: View of Etna’sMt. Etna countryside

10. The Cinque Terre Express

The Cinque Terre train ride between Levanto and La Spezia takes just 20 minutes or so, yet is probably one of Italy’s most scenic train rides ever. It skirts along the Ligurian coastline, linking the five pastel-colored villages that are perched on cliffs here. Unsurprisingly, most of the trip is spent going through tunnels. But the shots of vineyards, olive groves, and picture-perfect villages as you emerge into sunlight are all the more powerful for it.

Connecting: Levanto and La Spezia

Route distance: 20 km (12 miles)

Travel time: 20 minutes

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Italy offers some of the world’s most scenic railway journeys for excursionists and So far, we have mentioned the most popular scenic rail network of Italy. I hope you found the information useful in planning your next trip to Italy. These beautiful Italian rail routes offer the most gorgeous country views. If you like the information, then go through other blogs and articles to collect other necessary information.

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