Italotreno vs Trenitalia

One is private and partially owned by the owners of Ferrari. The other is government.

Same tracks, similar speed. I prefer Italo personally, but you can choose by price and schedule.

I think that Trenitalia service is more frequent and if some unforeseen circumstance arises, it is easier to find a way around it on Trenitalia than on Italo. But Italo services are perfectly acceptable and I have often traveled with them.

Italotreno is more upscale and probably less crowded and more expensive. Trenitalia is more like a public bus. There are some first class (fresco-rossa - something like that) trains that are very nice from trenitalia. I took the trenitalia (fresco-rosso) train from Venice to Florence, splurged on first class, and enjoyed it. I took trenitalia "regular" trains elsewhere around Italy. The crowded ones leave you wanting to splurge for first class. It's not anything bad to be on a crowded train. I'm just getting older and am liking fewer crowds. The Friday afternoon train from Orvieto to Rome is crowded. That one, I would splurge on italotreno based on past experience. The Saturday morning train from Rome to Assisi is crowded. I think I would splurge for an upgrade on that one as well. The train from Assisi to Florence is not bad - I would just get a regular ticket for that one. (And, that's one My family and I went first class on.). Live and learn. Seems we did first class when regular class was fine and regular class at peak crowding.

Of course, Italotreno does not compete with Trenitalia on Rome-Orvieto, Rome-Assisi, or Assisi-Florence. Those are either IC or Regionali, and Regionali do not take reservations. If you can fit your body on the train, you're good. And only a few Regionali offer 1st class.

On Regional trains, if you travel on a Regionale Veloce service with the deep blue square seats, there is often a former first class carriage or two on the train which is now declassified for use by normal passengers. Same big blue three-across seats as in First, but even we as the great unwashed are welcome to use it. Instant added width for super-sized passengers and legroom for tall ones.

Either line will offer you comfort and a nice train. Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa 1000 is our favorite. In prima classe you’ll get a small snack and a beverage. Trenitalia also has a bar or dining car. Italo trains are very nice as well. Last time I rode an Italo train there was only a coin op coffee machine, so if that matters you might prefer Trenitalia. Otherwise select based on schedule and price. FYI, using www.trainline.eu is nice ina case like this as they will give you the available trains for both lines.

The train to Orvieto that Sun-Baked wrote about is not a high-speed Freccia. You will fine Regionale trains as well as Regionale Veloce and Intercity trains on that line. You do NOT want one of these older, slower trains from Rome to Salerno, although they are available.

Italo runs only fast trains on a few selected itineraries, where they can hope to make money running trains. You can't make money on short runs like Roma-Orvieto, this means the service is subsidized by regional governments. If you do not like that service, remember that in any case you are paying only part of its cost and the rest is financed by the mighty Italian taxpayer.

Some of the prior descriptions of the difference between Italotreno and Trenitalia is a bit off. I certainly would not describe one as more up scale than the other. And Trenitalia is not like a public bus in any matter. Trenitalia is the national railroad system operating all classes of trains for 100% of Italy. Italotreno is an attempt at some privatizing of popular routes and limited to the high speed trains. Since most of the Italotreno equipment is a little new it can be a bit nicer. But Italotreno is not as frequent and is not available everywhere and sometimes does not always use the main train stations. Pricing is similar and sometimes cheaper. Personally I think there is little difference so I would go with price and schedule.

The Trenitalia Fresco Rosso is great, although I prefer the Fresco Rosè, especially in Summer.
The Italo has a ruby color, some say it has more body and it pairs well with the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, if you happen to travel to Florence.
If you need a train to the French Riviera and like cold cuts, consider taking the CulaThello.

Have used both train companies and found them to be very similar re. comfort. We usually do 2nd class on the arrow trains and first class on InterCity trains. Haven't checked the ITALO schedule lately from Rome, but in the past many of their trains departed/arrived at Roma Tiburtina station if that makes a difference to you--at least the Rome to Naples circuit.

A feature of Italo trains is the many stop at Milano Rogoredo station, that is very periferic so not interesting to the average tourist; but if you have a business meeting or an hotel room in the southern zone of Milan, arriving or departing from that station may easily save half an hour travel time. As Rogoredo is served by a large number of regional trains including those riding the underground railway line "passante" (Porta Vittoria - Dateo - Porta Venezia - Repubblica - Garibaldi - Lancet - Bovisa), it may be a way of reaching some zones in Milan in a fast and efficient way.

Roberto you are too funny LOL.

Scott,

I have a few thoughts to add to the others.....

Trenitalia ( Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane) is the state-run railway network and operates both high speed trains as well as other types (Intercity, Regionale). Italo Treno (Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori) is a privately owned firm that competes with Trenitalia only on the high speed routes.

Trenitalia uses three types of high speed trains - Frecciarossa, Frecciaregento and Frecciabianca. These use slightly older technology similar to the TGV trains in France, and operate at different speeds with Frecciarossa being the fastest at up to 300 km/h. It's possible the top speed might be increased to 350 km/h in future. The Italo trains use newer AGV trains, which have the propulsion motors installed in the wheel bogies (along with several other refinements).

From a passenger standpoint, I've found the furnishings and comfort between the Freccia and Italo trains to be quite similar and either one provides a very comfortable (and fast) ride. Each train has different classes of service, so if you want really comfortable and are willing to pay for it, the first class options are nice. I don't mind second class service as it's perfectly comfortable, and paying more is not going to get me to the destination any faster.

Both train networks have seat sales at times, and the Super Economy or Economy tickets with Trenitalia provide a great discount. However, keep in mind that the discounted tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable once purchased, so choose carefully as you must take the train that you've booked.

Bottom line.... take whichever train has the best prices at the time, and best fits your schedule and desired time of departure. Depending on where you're going, you may have to use a combination of Freccia / Intercity / Regionale.

Thank you for the laugh Roberto. You put a smile on my face. I am paying the price for being lazy and not looking up proper train names. I have been on a number of trains in Italy. Some were painted in spiffy colors - others were more utilitarian and worn-down looking.
I simply use hotel wi-fI the night before I train out and select the train I want. I write the info. down and hand it to a ticket clerk at the station. I just go to the station a short time (30-60 minutes) before the train leaves. This gives me enough time to purchase a ticket, validate it, and board a train without stressing. The exception is the frecciarossa trains. I purchase those longer distance runs far in advance. (i.e. Venice to Florence)

Thank you all. I appreciate the feedback.
Scott

I'm on Italo right now....primo class. It's roomy and clean. Each seat has a trash bin, tray table, and seat back pocket. The snacks are a choice of olive oil rosemary crackers, peanuts, or cookies.

This is much nicer than US based airlines.