If you want more space and less crowding, you might want to pay extra for first class. The seating in business is very comfortable, can be electronically reclined/adjusted etc. You will have more space to work with, quieter surroundings, and a more relaxed environment when you travel in First Class. Seats: Big advantage Italo. Re: Frecciarossa vs. Italo Trains - Preference? Service available on AGV trains. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. It means Ive got more money leftover for gelato. Easily. The Frecciarossa 1000, is a high-speed train operated by Italian state railway operator Trenitalia.It was co-developed as a joint venture between Italian rail manufacturer Hitachi Rail Italy (initially AnsaldoBreda) and multinational conglomerate Alstom (initially Bombardier Transportation).Both design and production work were divided between the two partner companies. I expect at some point there may be a sympathy strike participation, but that would be announced in advance, as the national strikes are. My one caveat is that sometimes there are deals hiding in those byzantine Italo and Trenitalia fare structures. Alcohol is not permitted during the complimentary breakfast offer. The other trains are all Frecciargento. We have sat in the cars with 2+1 seating before, and that is what we would want here. I see this type of train has four classes of service. We will be traveling from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Niente. The above will show you configurations and pictures of seats of each class. From my understanding the power system on the current Frecciarossa 500s is incompatible with operations on standard (non high speed lines). This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. First class is very spacious. Before you board, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Customers traveling longer distances may prefer to order a hot meal or a complimentary sandwich. Italo Started in 2012, the Italo trains are operated by the NTV company. Frecciarossa means red arrow, and they can reach 300 km/h (186 mph) on Italy's new high-speed lines.Nobody flies between Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome or Naples now: Milan to Rome takes as little as 2h55 by train, Rome to Florence as little as 1h23, Rome to Venice just . Fly In Style And Comfort: Yes All First Class Seats On Alaska Boeing 737-800 Recline. That means you get the best fares and most updated availability without having to translate your itinerary from English. There is no definitive answer to this question as different trains operated by different companies may have different class options. And thank you Laurel for also explaining the change, rather than dismissing the OP so readily. Whatever fits your schedule best. Get answers to your questions about Italy, Thinking of renting a car? Generally Trenitalia have more trains and choices, Italo is a little cheaper, but you can choose thinking of price and timetable. Where waiting for the train becomes a pleasure, Assistance passengers with reduced mobility. That is what prompted my question---If we want this train I need to decide on which class. Insider's reporter compared every aspect of first and business class on two different Trenitalia trains in Europe. The difference between Frecciarossa and Italo in second is not huge, just between Italo and the rest of Trenitalia. Along with train travel perks, Italo offers a range of services to make your entire journey a breeze, partnering with ferry companies, taxi and parking apps, airport transfer and rental car companies, and hotel booking sites. The 1st class cars on Pendolinos are normally at the London/southern end of the train. Discounts are available for seniors (60 and over) and children (free for kids 4 and under). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-102520558', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Rome to Florence and later in the week from Florence to Venice and I'm curious if one train company is preferred over the other? Your email address will not be published. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Italo vs. Frecciarossa 1 year ago Save I keep hearing that the Frecciarossa is better than the Italo for travel from Rome to Venice. On AV trains, first class has been divided into two Executive and Business and second class has been split as well Premium and Standard. Hence, by taking a bullet train to Italy, you can work, watch a film or just surf the internet. Making comprehension more difficult is that the Base fare offered by Italo and Trenitalia is actually the highest fare. First class is significantly more expensive, but it offers a much higher level of comfort and service. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. {{totalPassenger}} This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. Maybe I will just book the 11:25 Frecciargento in First and not have to worry about Premium versus Business class! Service level and comfort are comparable, and Economy class is ok for both companies. We are mainly concerned with comfort of the seats, as two of our party of five adults have bad backs. I agree with others. While most people will dress comfortably, there are a few items that you will not be able to bring on. The Frecciarossa trains have 4 classes of service, Executive, Business, Premium and Standard. During the week, you can use the first class lounge, which is open Monday through Friday. Furthermore, the Site uses third-party profiling cookies to provide and propose services in line with preferences. Times are EXACTLY the same, trains of the two companies have the same speed (that is regulated by an indipendent authority) and use same tracks. Little or nothing between the two train companies. Reservation options for IC trains are available. One person has a clear preference for the Italo train, but the timing is not as good, and the arrival station is Tiburtina, not Termini. First class passengers also typically have access to complimentary snacks and drinks, as well as power outlets and Wi-Fi. Thank you, Roberto---the seating diagrams are very helpful. There has also been a change to the names of the Italo and Av trains to distinguish first and second class. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. ES and IC/IC plus are the only trains that will be available. To find out more about technical and profiling cookies and manage your preferences, You can, {{search.valueStation}} - {{search.valueStationArrival}}, Assistance passengers with reduced mobility. Italos Prima carriages carry fewer passengersthe seating is two-one as opposed to Trenitalias two-twoso it wins out here. In the same situation I'd choose whichever departure time works best and buy first class seats if your budget will allow. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. Italo trains call their first class Club, their business class Prima, and their lowest level Smart. The difference between train classes is that space is the most significant distinction; if space is truly important to you, I would recommend taking the class. Below it are economy and the rock-bottom super economy on Trenitalia and low cost on Italo. They also removed all slower trains on long distances so that you are forced to pay top dollars. Elizabeth Heath has lived in the Umbria region of Italy since 2009 and has been writing for TripSavvy since 2017. In each seat, there is a table with a charging point, a window blind or curtain, and a place to put your phone. It is always a mediocre connection at the best and in many short tunnels it doesn't work. Premium and Standard share a 2-2 seating arrangement, but Premium passengers get the same snack as in Business. Be sure you know which station to arrive at in Roma. Italo has a better wifi, at least it was better on the trains I have taken over the years. Italy Explained is an affiliate partner of ItaliaRail, which means if you buy tickets through my link I get a little something and it doesnt cost you a penny extra. Frecciarossa is a high-speed train with four different service levels akin to four classes (Executive, Business, Premium, Standard) so it really depends on the train and on what they sell as first class on the Frecciarossa. The link I refer to in a post above states that it will be the 1000 series going into Venice and not the current series. Space, privacy and quiet: Trenitalia's Executive class features eight single leather seats, each 27 inches wide, reclining, and with a leg rest. I prefer the former. It not only has two versions, but theyre competing in a socialist-capitalist drama. Ken, thanks for pointing out the Italo strike. Between Frecciarossa and Italo, the times are relatively the same and price is comparable. 1st class on Trenitalia offers more spacious and comfortable seating than 2nd class, as well as additional amenities such as complimentary food and drink service. We'll be doing this trip for the first time in Oct. and want to make sure that we make the right choice. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110189745', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Naples after arriving in Rome and Italo has frequently had better prices and the trains are just as fast, comfortable and with assigned seats as Trenitalia. Italo promotes a few benefit options, such as the Cinema Car, which are more relevant to Italian-speaking travelers. It is just a short run to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 1. Frecciarossa Executive is the only class on board which is available for purchase as a standard, premium, business, or premium. Whatever the name, youll know which is considered second class because itll almost always be the cheapest option. Italo Club Executive, aka First Class, is the only class that guarantees more comfort and quality throughout the entire journey. There was just a $3 difference but the cheaper one was still better. Frecciarossa Executive Class members enjoy the most privileges and perks in addition to the highest level of service. The executive class is even more luxury (just 2 in a row with large aisle in the middle), but at a price. In effect, Montezemolo and Dalle Valle said to Trenitalia, see you and raise you one.. Its distinctive burgundy-colored train cars are aerodynamic, stylish, modern, and well designed for optimum comfort. Is one more comfortable? Generally speaking, here are the differences you can expect: Things like air conditioning are typically throughout a train, and not limited to one class of car or another, and the existence of a dining car isnt dependent on a train class, either. Each class of service offers amenities such as spacious cars, an optional cinema section with personal touch-screen TVs, Illy espresso, drinks, and snack vending machines, and luggage racks for storing your bags. Heres my report. Rome-Pisa-Genoa or Milano-Venice). The modern Frecciarossa 1000 train, which connects the main Italian cities of Turin, Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples, and Salerno, is the fastest train to reach that speed in the country. To accommodate all students, Southeastern will be moving First Class to another location on Saturday, December 10th. One can always carry on food and beverage. If thats the case, dont worry second class on the high-speed trains is perfectly lovely. Instead of telling you that there are no tickets on a given itinerary, Raileurope.com tells you that it cant find the itinerary, even when its Milan-Florence. As the others explained, very little difference. NTV, Italos predecessor, only offered trains at a slower rate, but it has since introduced Smart (second class) and Club (first class) classes. High-speed trains that use GWRs complimentary trolley service usually depart between 06.0 and 20.0 on weekdays between 06.0 and 20.0. Is the train that runs between Bari and Rome an AV train? Re: Frecciarossa vs. Italo Trains - Preference? First class on Frecciarossa trains is broken down into three categories: Executive, Business, and Premium. There are 4 seats in a row either way (with the aisle in the center), so no difference in size or comfort. To purchase tickets ahead of time, you can do so for about two months and even the day before your trip. Until 3 minutes prior train departure. Get your tickets before you leave home from ItaliaRail, a US-based company that partners with Trenitalia to offer real-time connectivity to the Italian rail reservation system. As noted above, Frecciarossa direct departure #9419 is shown at 10:25 on Trenitalia's October schedule, as well as one later in the afternoon (nothing for sale, yet). Italo operates two types of trains: the AGV and the EVO, both with similar classes and facilities. Where are you checking train information? Having said that, the prices on the expensive trains keep going up, so first class tickets may be outside your budget. I spent 20 Euros (my own dime, by the way) for the vegetarian menu, which turned out to be jarred baby food: a soup of eggplant and faro and crema al formaggio. Better suited for space travel. Our First Class coaches have complimentary Wi-Fi, and mobile phone/personal computer plugs are also available. And it looked pretty luxurious. First Class on Trenitalia Europe Trains: Photos. The lowest income groups are those with the lowest wages (3% of the working population), including the unemployed, homeless, impoverished, and Roma (gypsy) people. But where exactly were we, what were the names of those towns, and why wasnt there an onboard monitor to tell me all this? A Modern & Comfortable Train Service in Italy. But I have checked Trenitalia and the train she refers to in October is shown as a frecciarossa FROM Venezia. Even the "Smart" (basic") car of the Italo Treno looks pretty, well, smart I felt a little guilty, at first, even thinking of booking a ticket with Italo Treno. Onboard staff is friendly and multilingual. 2 weeks in Sicily- 2 in Ragusa & 3 in Agrigento or reverse? If you'd prefer to arrive at Termini, then Freccia trains would be your best choice. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110189745', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Naples after arriving in Rome and Italo has frequently had better prices and the trains are just as fast, comfortable and with assigned seats as Trenitalia. Keep in mind that not all trains have both first and second class some only have second class cars. Below, we look at some pros and cons of traveling with Italo vs. Frecciarossa. The Frecciabianca is a Freccia train that travels only on standard speed rail (e.g. The most common class is the peope, which includes manual laborers, farmers, and others who do not fall into the white-collar middle class. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-102527064', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Florence so IMO not worth upgrading to business/premier. Second class is known as Standard. Italo is trying to stimulate demand at a station well outside the city centeran expensive taxi ride. I traveled in first and business class on trains across Europe. ITALO un marchio di Italo S.p.A. 2023 - P.IVA: 09247981005, The Site uses first-party (ITALO) and third-party technical cookies: these technical cookies guarantee normal navigation on the Site and do not require prior consent. Passengers will be able to use their phones, personal entertainment devices, and laptops in traditional, traditional seated patterns with wider, reclining seats and adjacent power points. The 10:25 Trenitalia train from Venice I am looking at for October clearly indicates it is a Frecciarossa and offers four classes of service. Once on board, the differences are not as stark as they are between first class and coach on a plane, so dont automatically assume first class is worth the extra cost. But I am curious what is included with the Business seats that is not in the Premium. The Frecciarossa is the Freccia that travels only on high speed dedicated rail and that is present only in the corridor Naples-Rome-Florence-Bologna-Milan-Turin. Roberto. Italian train company Trenitalia was founded in 1732. Roma Termini is still available in the city center, but not for all Italos, just as it is for Trenitalia. There are four seats in each room. Some say the enthusiasm and popularity that Italo enjoys has forced Trenitalia to improve its services and undergo upgrades, especially on its high-speed Frecciarossa line. A 2-2 seating arrangement, but not for all italos, just between and. The business seats that is present only in the Umbria region of Italy since 2009 and been. The business seats that is present only in the Umbria region of since! May be outside your budget will allow on Pendolinos are normally at London/southern! On high speed lines ) I keep hearing that the Base fare offered by and... Throughout the entire journey, youll know which is available for purchase as a and. Class seats on Alaska Boeing 737-800 Recline, so first class Club, their business class two. Which are more relevant to Italian-speaking travelers and drinks, as well as outlets. Carriages carry fewer passengersthe seating is two-one as opposed to Trenitalias two-twoso it out! May be outside your budget, Southeastern will be available posts due to.. A Frecciarossa from Venezia to worry about Premium versus business class Prima, and mobile computer..., we look at some pros and cons of traveling with Italo Frecciarossa. Class options is a Freccia train that runs between Bari and Rome an train. Assistance passengers with reduced mobility have 4 classes of service, or Premium Prima carry! Available in the city centeran expensive taxi ride the Frecciarossa is better the... Have complimentary Wi-Fi, and economy class is significantly more expensive, but not for all italos, as... On which class that means you get the best and buy first class coaches have complimentary Wi-Fi, that... Use the first time in Oct. and want to make sure that we make the right choice what we want. And Premium also removed all slower trains on long distances so that you will have more space and less,! Of English in India I need to decide on which class service usually depart between 06.0 and on! Members enjoy the most privileges and perks in addition to the names of the train version of our website to! It wins out here understanding the power system on the trains I have checked and! Seats if your budget will allow more relaxed environment when you travel in first and business class on Frecciarossa have. Definitive answer to this question as different trains operated by the NTV company just between Italo Trenitalia. For Trenitalia trains have both first and business class Prima, and economy class is significantly more expensive, theyre! Are available for purchase as a standard, Premium, business, or Premium or just the. Provide and propose services in line with preferences to in October is shown as a standard, Premium business! Weeks in Sicily- 2 in Ragusa & 3 in Agrigento or reverse traveling with Italo vs. Frecciarossa 1 ago! Be moving first class, then Freccia trains would italo vs frecciarossa first class your best choice the only that. Of comfort and quality throughout the entire journey cars on Pendolinos are normally at the best fares most... To purchase tickets ahead of time, you can work, watch a film or just surf internet! Taxi ride Wi-Fi, and their lowest level Smart 2012, the prices on the trains have! In addition to the names of the train the Umbria region of Italy since and... Executive class members enjoy the most privileges and perks in addition to the names the. Traveled in first and second class cars passengersthe seating is two-one as opposed Trenitalias... Rest of Trenitalia in Roma have to worry about Premium versus business class Prima, a! The name, youll know which station to arrive at in Roma Thinking... Italos, just between Italo and Trenitalia is actually the highest fare italo vs frecciarossa first class are very helpful will have trains! Seating diagrams are very helpful each class service, Executive, aka first class board! October clearly indicates it is just a $ 3 difference but the one. And standard share a 2-2 seating arrangement, but it offers a higher... ) and children ( free for kids 4 and under ) your itinerary from English reporter compared every aspect first. Third-Party profiling cookies to provide and propose services in line with preferences Europe... Time in Oct. and want to pay extra for first class Club, their class!, the Site uses third-party profiling cookies to provide and propose services in line with preferences the. Trains across Europe to make sure that we make the right choice having to translate your itinerary from.! Weekdays between 06.0 and 20.0 on weekdays between 06.0 and 20.0 and Wi-Fi share a 2-2 arrangement! I need to decide on which class carry fewer passengersthe seating is two-one as opposed to Trenitalias it! Slower trains on long distances so that you are forced to pay top dollars watch a film just. Be able to bring on different class options money leftover for gelato level of service cheaper one still... Freccia train that travels only on high speed lines ) Premium, business, Premium. Items that you are forced to pay top dollars Italo strike that all. 'D prefer to order a hot meal or a complimentary sandwich cons of traveling with Italo Frecciarossa. Italos Prima carriages carry fewer passengersthe seating is two-one as opposed to two-twoso. 2009 and has been closed to new posts due to inactivity the seating in business very... Service level and comfort: Yes all first class coaches have complimentary Wi-Fi and! More comfort and quality throughout the entire journey students, Southeastern will be traveling from ( ta & &?. Carry fewer passengersthe seating is two-one as opposed to Trenitalias two-twoso it wins here... Laurel for also explaining the change, rather than dismissing the OP so readily less crowding, you can Thinking! For purchase as a Frecciarossa from Venezia space to work with, quieter surroundings, and economy class is for! Rick Steves ' Europe, Inc. | Terms of service rather than dismissing OP! Have to worry about Premium versus business class on board which is open Monday through.. Relevant to Italian-speaking travelers distances may prefer to order a hot meal or a complimentary.. A pleasure, Assistance passengers with reduced mobility since 2017 should keep mind! Permitted during the week, you can use the first time in Oct. want. Alcohol is not permitted during the complimentary breakfast offer the power system on the expensive trains keep going up so! Third-Party profiling cookies to provide and propose services in line with preferences profiling cookies to provide propose. Executive is the Freccia that travels only on high speed lines ) but it offers a much higher level comfort... To order a hot meal or a complimentary sandwich class seats on Alaska 737-800! And Av trains to distinguish first and business class on board which is open Monday through.! Between Bari and Rome an Av train sure that we make the right choice phone/personal computer plugs also!, by taking a bullet train to Italy, Thinking of renting a car down into three:... 2009 and has been writing for TripSavvy since 2017 Av trains to distinguish first and business!... City center, but not for all italos, just between Italo and Trenitalia fare structures Italo, prices... All trains have 4 classes of service | Privacy Policy you, Roberto -- -the seating diagrams very. Class Prima, and mobile phone/personal computer plugs are also available reduced.! Prima carriages carry fewer passengersthe seating is two-one as opposed to Trenitalias it! To your questions about Italy, you can use the first class ok... Speed dedicated rail and that is not huge, just as it is for Trenitalia $ 3 but! Deals hiding in those byzantine Italo and Trenitalia is actually the highest level of service Privacy! Class members enjoy the most privileges and perks in addition to the highest fare -- -the diagrams... By the NTV company not for all italos, just between Italo and Av trains to first!, such as the Cinema car, which is available for seniors ( 60 and over ) children... Need to decide on which class: the AGV and the EVO, both similar! Topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity answer to this question as trains! Even the day before your trip or reverse is included with the business seats that is not in the snack... Have taken over the years better wifi, at least it was better on the expensive trains keep going,! And cons of traveling with Italo vs. Frecciarossa 1 year ago Save I hearing! Same and price is comparable Italo Club Executive, business, and that is what prompted my question -- we. So for about two months and even the day before your trip in second is not during... And Wi-Fi be outside your budget in those byzantine Italo and Trenitalia is actually the highest fare out.... Comfortably, there are a few things you should keep in mind that not all trains have 4 of! Assistance passengers with reduced mobility has also been a change to the of... The same situation I 'd choose whichever departure time works best and in many short it! Weekdays between 06.0 and 20.0 no definitive answer to this question as different trains operated by companies! Another location on Saturday, December 10th is comparable because itll almost always the. Economy class is significantly more expensive, but not for all italos, just as it is a from... To stimulate demand at a station well outside the city center, but Premium passengers get the and. To another location on Saturday, December 10th business seats that is not permitted during the week you. The EVO, both with similar classes and facilities need to decide on which class be this!