10 Most Scenic Train Journeys in Italy

Last updated on April 5th, 2024 at 07:57 am

10 Most Scenic Train Journeys in Italy

If you want to spend your next holiday surrounded by art, culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly people, going to Italy has to be your top choice! Not only that, the country is perfect for traveling by trains, instead of flying to one particular place and settling for several days.

If you choose to explore Italy on a railway, not only will you get the opportunity to see many different cities, towns, and villages – you will also be rewarded with numerous scenic routes in between. These are our top 10 best train journeys here!

10 Most Scenic Train Journeys in Italy

1. Venice to Florence

Taking a train from one of the most popular places in Italy to another will probably come naturally once you set up your itinerary, but just in case you were doubting!

The ride is only two hours long, and once you leave Venice, you will get to see several equally impressive cities along the way. For example, Bologna, Prato, and Ravenna; all famous for their splendid architecture and colorful corners. You will also get a glimpse of Tuscany – a fairytale-like and the most picturesque region in Italy!

2. Verona to Bolzano

Once you leave Romeo and Juliet and head to the beautiful town within the Alps, you should definitely do it on a railway! You will get to admire Renaissance architecture and numerous landmarks and the greenery of the Italian countryside. The train goes through several villages that reveal the authenticity of Italian terrain. There are also high-speed trains available! 

3. Rimini to Bari

Italy trains are great for admiring the green landscapes of flora and fauna and the immense blue coast the country is famous for. If you take the train from Rimini to Bari, you will come across many cozy and vibrant fisher towns, lovely towns, and the overall stunning Adriatic Coast. You will also travel through Umbria and Lazio!

4. Rome to Venice

A must-see for first-time travelers, this specific journey is as rewarding in its trip as it is in the finale! One of the truest “enjoy the process” rides in Italy takes you approximately four hours to complete, and the views along the way are to die for. Going through the scenic Apennine mountain rage, it stops at the most popular cities, such as Bologna, where you might have to change the train if you wish to explore more. However, if you do not want to step out and enjoy your Rome to Venice train in peace, there are options for that as well! 

As it cuts diagonally through the country, you will see cities, coastlines, and greenery, all packed together in one to ensure you have a feast for the eyes! 

5. Rome to Sicily

Now this one is for the toughest ones! So often overlooked by the intimidating number of 11 hours, the train from Rome to Sicily is a great choice to see many stunning places, even if just catching a glimpse! 

These places include the tail of Mount Vesuvius, Calabria, and the Bay of Naples. The most exciting part about this particular journey is that this is one of the few ones in the world where the train gets on to the ferry to reach Sicily’s island. Downright bizarre and exciting! 

6. Milan to Bolzano

The journey from Milan to Bolzano usually takes 3 to 5 hours, and while some might say that it is a while, you will not be bored for a moment! The first part of the trip will take you through several impressive towns filled with medieval culture and aura. In between, you will find many scenic villages with farms and wineries – all typical to the Italian countryside. 

However, you will have to get off and change trains at Verona to continue with your journey. Do not take it as an inconvenience, though! You will get to explore beyond what you planned! 

7. Tirano to St. Moritz

With this one, we are traveling a bit further than the borders of Italy. This two-hour journey is considered to happen on one of the most scenic railway routes globally. You might have even heard the name of the most important train crossing these lines – the Bernina Express. It was even recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Routes, making it even more interesting to try out! Starting in Tirano, the train swooshes all the way to the resort of St. Moritz, Swiss Alps. The closer you get to the mountains, the more marvelous it gets! 

8. Florence to Rome

While some think that having both of these cities on their itineraries is impossible for a single journey, often due to lack of time to explore them – you simply must! Especially when there are excellent trains waiting to take you, with the most romantic and fantastic sights along the way. 

Think about medieval towns and artsy cities, clean and lively piazzas, and a buzzing lifestyle. This is what awaits you. On the trip, you will cross the towns of Arezzo, Cortona, Montepulciano, and several more. 

Keep in mind that even though the journey itself is only 1.5 hours, the prices for tickets are a lot steeper. So, be prepared for that! 

9. Abruzzo to Molise

The perfect route for nature lovers, Transita Line between Abruzzo and Molise crosses several famous national parks and reserves, covering about 70 km of wildlife and flora. Not only will you get a glimpse at the sites like the Majella National Park, but you will also get to enjoy the mountains looming over you as you look through the window. The journey is extremely short and relatively cheap, so even if it ends up an impromptu trip, it will still be convenient and comfortable! 

10. Trenino Verde of Sardinia

Last but not least, we have an interesting choice for you! While the Trenino Verde never leaves the majestic region of Sardinia, it is quite possibly the best way to explore the island! Though you might enjoy the crowds and the buzzing of the most popular places here, sometimes it is quite important to explore something in peace and serenity. And jumping on Trenino Verde will offer you access to secure and remote areas that are otherwise unreachable for tourists, so think outside of the box and take in as much as Sardinia offers.

Here! Hopefully, you’ll find something suitable for you, so your Italian holiday is everything you hope for! Purchase train tickets as early as possible. It will guarantee you a seat and save money. Have a nice ride!