Night Trains in Italy

Given the rise of budget airlines and high-speed trains in Europe, traveling by overnight train might seem a bit antiquated. For some destinations, however, taking an overnight train can be a cost-effective way to travel, considering you probably would be spending a similar amount as booking a hotel room.

Where will I sleep on the night train?

Overnight trains often have regular seating, but for maximum comfort, we recommend booking either a couchette or a sleeper compartment. These come in different variations, depending on how many bunks you need and whether you want an entire compartment to yourself. They sometimes come in both first- and second-class options.

What is the difference between a sleeper compartment and a couchette?

Sleeper compartments are usually the nicer option. Some of them even come with en-suite washbasins and private bathrooms. Couchettes tend to be the most economical choice, with 4-6 bunks per compartment, but are often not segregated by gender. Bed linens, blankets, and towels are provided in almost all sleeper and couchette compartments.

Unless you're traveling alone and booking an entire compartment for yourself, there will typically be regular train seats in the cabin when you board. These can be made into another bunk for sleeping.

The Italian vocabulary around the different overnight train options isn't necessarily intuitive, but we've tried to take the confusion out of the booking process so you know exactly what you're getting.

Taking the night train in Italy

Traveling by train through Italy at night can be a relaxing and cost-effective way to get between several locations in Italy. Night trains offer economic and comfortable sleeping carriages getting you to your next stop by train.

Is taking the nigh train cost-effective? 

Yes, this form of train travel saves you the cost of a hotel room and allows you to avoid driving on crowded streets and highways, all while relaxing throughout the journey. We've tried to simplify this information on the Italian night trains and sleeper accommodations so you will know what to look for as you book your sleeper train reservations.

Accommodation coaches or carriages offer both 1st and 2nd class and are divided into sleeper style and couchette style cabins. Although not all services will have all accommodations types, the more popular routes are outlined below with the description of the carriage.

What amenities will be in my cabin on the night train? 

All cabins are air-conditioned and some even have a private shower, washbasin and water closets. They are equipped with power sockets for razors, laptops and cell phone chargers. Cabins can also have intercom service and all will have a call button for assistance and safe boxes for your valuables. You will receive a toiletry kit and a bottle of water. High-end trains will also provide you with a wake-up call and a continental breakfast served with the daily Italian newspaper while on board.

Below, we have compiled helpful information on what trains services are available so you can decide what works best for your traveling needs.

Do I need to make a reservation on sleeper carriages?

When you book your train ticket and you are booking your sleeper reservation, you will be asked several questions about the types of accommodation you will want. What is important to know, is that some trains are not gendered specific. In other words, you could end up in a cabin sharing with the opposite gender.

What are the different types of sleepers on the night train?

More Info

• Many overnight services operate a Trolley Mini-Bar.
• Children until 4 years of age travel free of charge, as long as they share the actual bed with an adult, or with another paying child.
• On all overnight services, it is possible to carry your own bicycle free of charge, as long as it is in a proper bike-carrying bag.
• Proper Id (passport or identity card) is mandatory and required when traveling by overnight train in Italy and Europe. Please have this documentation readily available upon request from the conductor.
• Please feel free to ask any questions by emailing sales@italiarail.com

If you're travelling beyond Italy, be sure to check out the International night train and Thello services.

Rules:

• All Italian tickets, both domestic and cross border must be validated at the machines on the platform before use. Failure to do this will result in a fine of up to 200 Euros.

Book your train tickets now with ItaliaRail! 

Photo credits: faungg's photos