What is the difference between Trenitalia and Italo? We will need to take the train one way Milan to Venice on a weekday morning after check out. I assume it is best to purchase in advance? I seem to recall the prices might be lower. Any recommendations for company and type of seat?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23343 posts
Trenitalia is the national rail co of Italy. Italo is a private rail company using Trenitalia stations and rails. Italo runs fewer trains. Personally it doesn't make much difference. Go with schedule and price. Only reason to purchase in advance is to take advantage of any discount tickets that might be available. BUT -- discount tickets come with lots of restrictions -- basically no change, no refund. Seats are the same. Second class tickets about equal to a business class seat on a plane and first class seats are primarily wider with little gain in foot space -- more but not terrific. We use second class about 90% of the time.
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
Italotreno and Trenitalia are two competing companies, both run high speed trains between Milan and Venice (and Turin, Florence, Rome etc).
Trenitalia also runs local and subsided long distance trains, their high speed ones are called Freccia-something.
Max speed and comfort are the same on that route; Italotreno's cars tilt too much for my tastes, but many like the politeness and friendliness of Italo's staff. They are actually very polite and friendly, it's almost unnerving.
There are many videos on youtube about Trenitalia and Italotreno.