I'm looking to go from Milan to Rome in September. Looking at the train schedules, both Trenitalia and Italo have very similar schedules, but the ticket on Italo is cheaper. I'm also looking at the different classes and exchange policies. Just wondering if either train company has more delays or cancellations or any other considerations. I'm reading some bad reviews about customer service on Italo.
Thanks!
According to a 2020 report by CODACONS (The Italian Consumers' Association similar to Consumer Report) which compared the two companies, Italo and Trenitalia Freccia are overall equivalent in terms of comfort and cleanliness. Italotreno appeared, on average, the winner on the fares price comparison. Trenitalia rated higher in the ability of choice of seats. I would choose based on price and/or convenience of schedule for your specific travel dates.
Youtube is full of reports from train vloggers who have ridden all the Italian trains on all the major routes and they will have definite opinions about this.
There's also some internal distinction in Trenitalia I believe between red and silver and something. And four different classes to choose from.
Man in Seat 61 probably has an opinion as well.
hey hey na'alehu
couple years ago we use both, trenitalia and italo, plus trainline.
we did it on cost and make sure you get the senior rate plus if picking what car you are in. forget what train company, ended up in a family car with young toddlers running up and down aisle and 3 crying babies. not my idea of relaxing travel for 3+ hours. so many bad reviews on many transportation issues, buses, planes, trains, airports so i go with what saves me money to spend elsewhere.
how long you staying in rome? what a fun and exciting trip, enjoy
aloha
Using often both for internal travel, centered on Florence. I have a slight preference for Italo that is often a bit cheaper; but it has a downside, that its services are a little less frequent. So when traveling on business, often going and returning in the same day, return with Trenitalia offer more possibilities of changing plans if I am delayed or I am in advance on my schedule; if reserved with Italo, is is often difficult to switch reservations at the very last moment.
If you want to try the emotion of top speed you need a Trenitalia Frecciarossa 1000 trains. Italo trains are a little slower (this translates in just a few minutes more).
I’m an Italo fan, having used that company for the majority of my high-speed train travel during the two years that I lived in Rome. When booking far in advance (and often even a couple days in advance), I always found Italo less expensive. I’ve ridden in both first class and standard and found both fine. I never had a problem with Italo’s customer service and, actually, have found most of the people I’ve interacted with very pleasant. I also find its website easier to navigate than Trenitalia’s.
I haven't ridden Italian trains for over 3 years (guess why) but I have always preferred the Italo service, their trains, their prices and their lounges, particularly at Bologna and at Roma Tiburtina.
Thanks everyone for your input. Very much appreciated! I will move forward with my ticket buying today and then focus on my next project -- packing light.
Miss Pupule - Aloha to you. I will send you a private message through the TA forum.
FWIW, I have found it very easy to change the date or time of travel on Italo trains on two occasions, one just couple of weeks ago.
In 2018, I traveled from Milan to Turin and back. One way Trenitalia the other Italo. On purpose. In business class.
As to which I preferred......flip a coin. On the trip to Turin on Italo, my coach was half full. On my Trenitalia return, there were two of us in the coach--each at a different end. Comfort and service were about the same. Crowds and noise had nothing to do with the train companies.
If I had to choose, I'd take the one with the best times.
