Trenitalia's Intercity trains offer one of the most efficient and convenient ways of getting around Italy. Its network of direct lines connects cities nationwide at speeds up to 124 miles per hour.

As an authorised Trenitalia reseller, booking your Intercity tickets at some of the best prices is a breeze on TrainPal. This useful guide covers all things Intercity, from routes and schedules to booking and policies.

Intercity ticket fares

Whether you're on a tight budget or need the flexibility to rearrange your travel plans, there's an Intercity fare to suit your needs. Here's the lowdown on each fare type.

Fare type Name changes Date or time changes Refunds
Base 󰾅 󰾅 󰾅
Economy 󰾅 󰾅 󱕤
Super Economy 󰾅 󱕤 󱕤

Super Economy tickets

You'll save a lot with this budget-friendly fare - there are just a few conditions to be aware of. You can't change the departure time or dates, nor can you get a refund if you cancel. The tiRimborso add-on is available for a fee, though. This gets you a partial refund if you cancel. You can change the passenger name, too. Seats are limited and available up to 9 days before.

Economy tickets

This fare is perfect for keeping costs down without compromising on flexibility. It's a discounted rate that offers 1 free time or date change (fare difference may apply) and unlimited name changes. You'll get a partial refund with the tiRimborso extra, too. These fares are subject to availability and must be purchased at least 3 days in advance.

Base tickets

Intercity's Base fare is the standard ticket with prices varying according to availability. This fare isn't discounted but allows for maximum flexibility, with unlimited free changes before departure. You even have 60 minutes to change your ticket if you miss the departure. If you cancel, you'll receive a refund minus a 20% deduction.

Intercity classes

There are two classes of travel available on Intercity trains: First Class Plus and Second Class Easy. Here's a rundown of the features and differences:

First Class Plus

Thanks to quiet carriages and seats with power outlets and large tables, First Class - Plus is perfect for business travellers and holidaymakers seeking more comfort. Seats are wide (63cm), roomy and well spaced out in the carriage, while there's ample luggage storage for your bags.

Second Class Easy

Second Class Easy offers a slightly smaller seat (59cm) than in First Class Plus, but still has all the other essentials you'd need for a comfortable journey. There's a foldable table for working or reading and power sockets to keep your laptop, tablet or smartphone charged. There are accessible seats and toilets in carriage 3 for passengers with reduced mobility.

Services First Class Plus Second Class Easy
Seat distribution Seats in rows of 3 Seats in rows of 4
Seat type Spacious seats with tables Seats with tables
Family area 󱕤 󰾅
Seat selection Free
Pets Small pets travel for free, larger pets require a ticket
Bikes Foldable bikes for free when broken down and stored as luggage. Ordinary bikes for a fee.
Free Wi-Fi (FRECCIAPlay) 󰾅
3 pieces of luggage 󰾅
Power sockets 󰾅
Air conditioning 󰾅
Toilets 󰾅
FrecciaBistrò (onboard bar) 󰾅
Live travel monitors 󰾅

Intercity and X-GO Offers

When you book on TrainPal, you'll access all of Trenitalia's amazing offers for Intercity tickets - there's a lot, too. Plus, X-GO members earn rewards for tickets booked through TrainPal.

The Split Tickets best price guarantee means you know you're getting a great deal, while new users receive a special discount on their first purchase. Travelling at holiday times like Christmas? Look out for TrainPal's exclusive deals.

X-GO Programma

The X-GO loyalty programme rewards you with 2 points for every euro you spend. You can use these points to save on future Intercity tickets.

Carta Verde (Green Card)

Teenagers and young adults under 26 can save 10% on their adventures around Italy with Trenitalia's Carta Verde (Green Card), available for an annual fee of €40 (approx. £34).

Carta Argento (Silver Card)

Over 60s get 15% off Base fares for Intercity, Intercity Notte, and Regionale trains with Carta Argento (Silver Card). The yearly cost is €30 (approx. £26) - it's free for over 75s, though.

Bimbi gratis

Children board for free and adults get 40% off the Base price with this offer. Valid for groups of 2 to 5 people with at least 1 adult and 1 child under 15 when purchasing up to 4 days before travel.

IC Young Pass

If you're an X-GO member and under 30 years of age, you're eligible for the IC Young Pass. Take 10 trips on the same route and save 50%.

Me&You offer

Planning a romantic getaway around Italy with your partner? With this offer, you'll save 50%. Just be sure to book at least 2 days before departure to take advantage of the savings.

Young offer

Under 30s who are members of X-GO can save 20% to 70% on Intercity and Intercity Notte trains when booking at least 2 days before departure.

Insieme offer

Plotting a getaway with friends? This offer's for you. Groups of 3 to 5 adults get 60% off the Base price when booking tickets 7 or more days in advance.

Weekend return offer

This offer is perfect if you're planning a quick weekend getaway. Save 40% when you head out on Saturday and return on Sunday. Must book at least 10 days or more in advance.

Senior offer

X-GO members who are over the age of 60 and book their Intercity tickets at least 7 days before departure save up to 50%.

How to book Intercity tickets

You can compare times and prices for Intercity trains in a few quick and easy clicks on TrainPal. Plus, as an official Trenitalia reseller and with our Split Tickets price guarantee, you'll score some of the best prices. Here's how to book Intercity tickets in just a few steps.

Step 1:

Enter your trip details in the search bar

Step 2:

Compare timetables and prices in the search results. Click the travel duration to view more information.

Step 3:

Complete the booking form with the passenger details and enter any promotional code you may have.

Step 4:

Pay for your e-tickets using your preferred method of payment and receive them via email or through the TrainPal website.

Intercity route map

With routes along the Tyrrhenian, Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, Intercity trains offer some of Italy's most scenic railway journeys. Here's a summary of the most popular routes:

Bologna to Trieste

Crossing Emilia-Romagna, Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, the scenic Bologna to Trieste line opens up cultured cities and Adriatic beaches. With stops at Ferrara, Padua, Venezia Mestre and more, it's one of the best Intercity routes for tourists.

Bologna to Rome

This Intercity route links northern and central Italy, making it a key line for both local and international holidaymakers. Between Bologna Centrale and Roma Termini, it passes through Tuscany and Lazio, stopping at Arezzo, Terontola-Cortona and Chiusi-Chianciano Terme.

Milan to La Spezia

As it reaches major industrial centres and popular resort towns along the coast - including Cinque Terre - the Milan to La Spezia line is an important route for tourists and business travellers. Crossing Lombardy and Liguria, it connects Milan to the Ligurian coast with stops in Pavia, Genoa and Sestri Levante.

Bologna to Lecce

Passing through Emilia-Romagna, Marche, Molise, and Puglia, the Bologna to Lecce line runs nearly the entire length of Italy. The main stops are Rimini, Pesaro, Pescara Centrale, Termoli and Bari. Passengers on this route are typically tourists exploring the south of Italy.

Naples to Reggio Calabria

On this route, you can explore some of the most amazing corners of the south aboard the Intercity trains, from Paestum to Gioia Tauro. Let yourself be captivated by the panoramic views of the coast and the Mediterranean landscapes!

Intercity route map

Intercity travel tips

Travelling around Italy on Intercity couldn't be easier thanks to its vast network and helpful onboard policies. Here are some Intercity train tips to know before you board:

Intercity Bar
󱒃
Feel a bit peckish or simply want a break? Then head over to car number 3 where you'll find the Area Ristoro (refreshment area) where you'll find vending machines serving a selection of sweet and savoury snacks - including gluten-free and lactose-free options. These machines accept cash and cards for your convenience and there's also a seating area.
Family Area
󱒃
Your kids will love the Family Area - a dedicated carriage for little ones with colourful Disney-inspired interiors and table games to help them pass the time. You can reserve seats in this carriage by choosing Second Class Easy and selecting carriage 3 when booking your Intercity tickets.
Accessibility
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Passengers who use a wheelchair and those with reduced mobility will be pleased to know there is reserved seating for them and their companions onboard Intercity trains. You'll also find accessible toilets. Special assistance is also available - just be sure to call the Trenitalia call centre before you travel to reserve.
Intercity luggage allowance
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One of the greatest things about travelling on Intercity trains is that there's no weight or piece limit for your luggage. Your bags simply need to fit in the designated space and not obstruct the aisles. Remember to keep an eye on them, too - you are responsible for your belongings at all times.
Children
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There's a 50% discount on Intercity tickets for children under 15 years of age. Plus, if you have a child under the age of 4 and you're happy to share a seat with them, they travel for free. Don't forget to look out for other Trenitalia specials for families - they're all available and automatically applied here on TrainPal.
Pets
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Pets are allowed on Intercity trains - they're welcome with open paws. Small furry friends can travel for free as long as they fit in a carrier of 70 x 30 x 50 cm. Bigger pets can also board, but their humans will need to pay a fee of €1 (approx. £0.86) on Saturdays and €5 (approx. £4.30) on other days. You'll need the registration certificate and health booklet, too.
Bikes
󱒃
If you're planning to explore Italy on 2 wheels, you'll be thrilled to learn that you can travel on Intercity trains with bikes. Foldable bikes are free. You just need to break it down and store it in a bag with your luggage. For ordinary bikes, there's a fee of €3.50 (approx. £3) that you add when booking. Keep in mind that availability for ordinary bikes is limited.

Differences between Intercity and Regionale

Trenitalia runs both Intercity and Regionales trains around Italy. While they offer similar services, there are some key differences. Here's more insight:

Trains Intercity Regionale
Operator Trenitalia Trenitalia
Max. speed 124 miles per hour 99 miles per hour
Classes
  1. Prima Class - Plus
  2. Second Class - Easy
  1. Second Class (Only 1 class available)
Ticket types
  1. Super Economy
  2. Economy
  3. Base
  1. Uniform
Key features Connects small, medium, and large cities with moderate speed, balancing coverage and efficiency Slower but highly frequent and affordable, ideal for short-distance travel

Intercity trains serve cities of all sizes and reach up to 124 miles per hour. They're an ideal choice for business and leisure travellers seeking comfort on long-distance trips. Trains have 2 classes (First and Second), a dedicated family carriage, and seats with power outlets. There's ample luggage space and room for bikes. A seat reservation is required.

Regionale trains are a practical and convenient way of travelling locally in Italy. No seat reservation is required and there are frequent departures stopping at local stations, making Regionale a popular choice among students, commuters and weekend daytrippers. There's just one class onboard and an easy-to-understand fixed fare.

Other train operators in Italy