7 Amazing Train Rides in Italy

The adage that the journey is just as important as the destination holds true for me, especially when embarking on a train adventure. There’s a distinctive allure to railway journeys, as they transform hours into treasured moments of conversation and contemplation against the ever-changing landscape of life outside the window.

With nearly 25,000 kilometers of railway, Italy’s train network makes travel across the country both easy and efficient (with the odd hiccup here and there!). And the great thing is that this extensive train connectivity encourages travelers to explore destinations and routes that might otherwise remain unnoticed.

So, here are some of the best train rides in Italy to add to your bucket list – each promising a tranquil, green adventure that you’re sure to remember fondly.

amazing train rides in italy

Exploring Mount Etna’s region aboard the Circumetnea

A unique way to experience Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano and a symbol of Sicily, is by boarding the Circumetnea train. Established in 1898, this historic railway encircles the volcano on a narrow-gauge track, offering passengers an ever-changing tapestry of nature: sprawling vineyards, spiky silhouettes of prickly pear cacti, lush pistachio groves, vast expanses of lava rocks, and breathtaking views of the volcano’s craters. 

The Circumetnea railway starts in Catania Borgo and ends in Riposto, tracing the contours of Mount Etna for a total of 110 km. The ride takes about three and a half hours, but you can choose to break up the journey and explore charming stations (full list available here: link). Notable stops include Bronte, renowned as the city of pistachios; Paternò, dominated by a captivating Norman castle; and Randazzo, often referred to as the city of 100 churches. For trekking enthusiasts, the Circumetnea also provides access to captivating hikes around the volcano, with one of the best starting at the Passo Zingaro station. 

While there are often opportunities to enjoy purely touristic rides aboard vintage railcars, the Circumetnea’s daily service is mainly used by locals commuting between Etna’s villages and the city and offers travelers an intimate glimpse of the region’s daily life. Moreover, themed excursions are available, one of which is the “Etna Wine Train,” combining the train ride with bus tours to explore Etna’s celebrated wine trails.

More info: circumetnea.it and here for the Etna Wine Train.

The volcano Etna in Sicily Italy in eruption

Through the Alps on the Bernina Red Train

For mountain lovers, there’s nothing quite like the Bernina Red Train – one of the highest railways in Europe – is a must. Starting its enchanting voyage in Tirano, a lovely town in the Lombardy region, this train reaches the posh alpine resort of St. Moritz in Switzerland in under three hours. During the trip, you’re gifted with such mesmerising views – from pristine rivers and lakes to fascinating bridges and shimmering glaciers. It’s little wonder the route is considered one of the world’s most scenic and even earned a spot on UNESCO’s prestigious world heritage list.

Beyond its unparalleled views, the Bernina Red Train is also a marvel of 20th-century civil engineering. Designed with the aspiration to blend seamlessly with the Alpine landscape, the result is a railway that clings naturally to the terrain without the need for a rack system. This ingenious design even inspired the Hakone-Tozan railway, located south of Tokyo.

Some carriages offer panoramic 360° views of these breathtaking landscapes, and in the summer, open-top carriages let you fully immerse in the Alpine embrace. The train reaches a remarkable altitude of 2,253 meters at the Bernina Pass peak – a favorite spot for panoramic photographs and the railway line’s namesake. To fully appreciate the experience, it’s advisable to break up the journey into various stops, taking the opportunity to discover charming villages or to set out on one of the numerous hiking trails available.

More info at: rhb.ch/it/treni-panoramici/bernina-express

St. Moritz resort at night. Lights reflecting on lake. Switzerland

Autumn magic with the Foliage Train

Another scenic train route connecting Italy to Switzerland is the “Foliage Train.” Originating in Domodossola, in the heart of Piedmont, this journey is a dream for autumn enthusiasts. Spanning 52 kilometers, the train takes passengers to the picturesque town of Locarno, on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Switzerland.  

While the route operates throughout the year, it’s in autumn that the journey truly becomes a spectacle. In just under two hours, this elegant white and blue train glides across 83 bridges and navigates 31 tunnels, offering views of captivating valleys, quaint villages, and forests that burst into a kaleidoscope of colors during the fall season. The train features large, panoramic windows, but they’re fixed and reflections may pose challenges to eager photographers – though it’s a good excuse to put everything away and get lost in nature’s grand display. 

Round-trip tickets include the option of making on stop along the way. Consider exploring Ponte Brolla to marvel at its grand gorge. Or visit Santa Maria Maggiore in Val Vigezzo, famously known as the town of the chimney sweeps – every year in early September, chimney sweeps from around the globe gather in a truly fascinating event!

More info at: vigezzinacentovalli.com 

lake maggiore

The Riviera charm aboard the Cinque Terre Express

Among the best train rides in Italy, the Cinque Terre Express offers an enchanting journey along one of the country’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. Operating between La Spezia and Levanto, this train threads its way through the five iconic villages of the Cinque Terre National Park, slicing through rock tunnels and unveiling spectacular views of the crystalline sea alongside a patchwork of vineyards and olive groves that cling to the sheer cliffs. At each station, passengers step into picturesque scenes of colorful houses tucked into a labyrinth of charming, narrow alleys just waiting to be discovered. Secluded bays and pristine inlets further enhance the charm gf this coastal treasure, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Cinque Terre Express is operated by Trenitalia from March to November as a fast regional service, with departures every 15 minutes. In the quieter season, from November to March, standard regional trains maintain the connection, ensuring year-round access to these Ligurian gems. To enjoy this experience, the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card is your key. It offers unlimited travel on trains and buses within the villages and comes with additional perks such as complimentary Wi-Fi and restrooms at the stations, and admission to certain hiking trails within the park. The card is available for single or multiple days and can be purchased online or at the information points in each village.

More info at: www.parconazionale5terre.it/cinque-terre-card.php

Beautiful view of Vernazza - one of five famous colorful villages of Cinque Terre National Park in Italy, Liguria region.

The spectacular Italian Trans-Siberian railway

Regarded as Italy’s most scenic railway route, the Italian Trans-Siberian traverses the heart of the country, between Abruzzo and Molise, mirroring the enchanting vistas and allure of its Siberian namesake.

This is the historic Sulmona – Isernia line, inaugurated in 1897 and another testament to Italy’s engineering prowess. Snaking through the Apennine mountains, the construction of its 128-kilometer stretch posed quite a few challenges, including extreme weather conditions in winter and steep gradients. The train begins its journey at 328 meters above sea level in Sulmona and reaches its highest point at the Rivisondoli-Pescocostanzo station, at 1,268 meters, weaving through a dramatic series of climbs and descents before reaching its final station.  

By 2011, this line had fallen into disuse, but a resurgence was sparked by the FS Foundation and a group of rail enthusiasts. Today, the historic train, complete with its original wooden benches, operates on weekends all year round and features monthly themed excursions that celebrate the area’s diverse villages and culinary traditions, all while navigating through mesmerising landscapes of stone-arched viaducts, flowering valleys, and bucolic pastures.

More info at: ferroviadeiparchi.it and lerotaie.com  

Country landscape at summer along the road from Penne to Teramo, Abruzzo, Italy

Exploring the Sienese countryside with the Val d’Orcia Railway

The Val d’Orcia is an enchanting corner of Tuscany that holds the distinguished honour of being a UNESCO World Heritage site, not only for its breathtaking beauty but also for its embodiment of the Renaissance ideals. And there is perhaps no more delightful way to immerse oneself in its beauty than by taking a journey aboard a heritage train.

This train ride traces its roots back to the days of the historic Asciano-Monte Antico line, which, before being decommissioned in the 1990s, played a vital role in the region’s transportation network. Now revived as the tourist-oriented “Treno Natura,” this 50-kilometer itinerary provides a quintessentially Tuscan experience, linking the provinces of Siena and Grosseto. 

Operating on select dates, the service offers thematic journeys that draw visitors into the vibrant local culture, giving them a taste of the region’s enchanting beauty and an opportunity to engage in unique events, including local festivals and village celebrations. The journey begins in Siena aboard a vintage train that snakes through the stunning landscapes of towns like Buonconvento and Asciano, and past the foothills of Monte Amiata, home to the ancient Abbey of Sant’Antimo.

Along the way, passengers are treated to beautiful views of wheat fields, long cypress-lined roads, and undulating hills dotted with timeless villages. The scenery reaches its zenith in early summer when the countryside is aglow with the golden hues of sunflower fields in full bloom.

More info at:  ferrovieturistiche.it/en/fvo/  

Rural landscape in Tuscany near Pienza, Siena province, Tuscany, Italy

Epic journeys on the Orient Express La Dolce Vita

For a dreamy (and luxurious!) experience, the legendary Orient Express has unveiled its latest indulgence in Italy – the Orient Express La Dolce Vita. Commencing this year, six beautiful trains will embark on captivating expeditions across Italy, providing an exclusive window into the country. 

Primarily departing from Rome, travellers can choose from an array of exceptional routes covering 14 regions, with durations ranging from one to two nights. These itineraries have been designed to showcase Italy’s rich tapestry of landscapes and cultural wealth – from the enchanting canals of Venice and the idyllic landscapes of Piedmont’s Langhe region to the ancient charm of Matera and the vibrant streets of Palermo.

Surely, these journeys rank among the finest train rides in Italy, featuring five-star cabins, breathtaking views, and unique cultural experiences. And the experience is further enhanced by the onboard restaurant, offering a superb dining experience complete with gourmet dishes and specially selected Italian wines.

More info at: orient-express.com/la-dolce-vita/ 

Famous Saint Peter's Square in Vatican and aerial view of the city, Rome, Italy.

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