Trenitalia is Italy’s national train operator and part of the FS Italiane Group[1]. It runs high-speed Le Frecce services—led by Frecciarossa—plus Intercity, night and regional trains[1]. Trenitalia was constituted in 2000[24].
Italo (NTV) is a private operator focused on high-speed trains. It started passenger service in 2012[25] and competes mainly on the same fast city-to-city routes, often with strong promotions[11b][4].
Key takeaways
- Operators & scope: Italo runs only high-speed services; Trenitalia runs high-speed (Frecciarossa, plus some Frecciargento/Frecciabianca), Intercity/night and regional trains nationwide[1][9][10].
- Fares: Trenitalia offers Base, Economy, and Super Economy on Le Frecce; Italo offers Flex, Economy, and Low Cost (with frequent promotions)[2][4].
- Classes: Frecciarossa has Standard, Premium, Business, and Executive; Italo offers Smart, Prima Business, and Club Executive[1][3].
- Amenities: Both typically include free Wi-Fi and power sockets; each has an onboard portal for entertainment and journey info (Trenitalia FRECCIAPlay; Italo Italolive)[7][19].
- Routes: Frecciarossa links major Italian cities and also runs in France (Paris–Lyon–Milan and Paris–Lyon–Marseille on selected trains); Italo remains domestic-only and focuses on core high-speed corridors[8][11][13].
- Loyalty: Trenitalia’s CartaFRECCIA and Italo’s Italo Più reward frequent travelers with points and benefits[21][5].
- Accessibility: Help for passengers with reduced mobility is organised through RFI’s Sala Blu network for both operators; Italo also provides dedicated PRM contact channels[16][14][18].
- On-time: FS Group publishes periodic punctuality snapshots for the network, and Italo publishes service-quality reporting (methodologies can differ)[12][13].
Ticketing and pricing
Both operators sell tickets on their websites and apps, and prices change a lot by date and demand. On Trenitalia’s Le Frecce, the main fare families are Base (most flexible), Economy (discounted), and Super Economy (lowest price with the strictest rules)[2].
On Italo, fares are typically Flex, Economy, and Low Cost, with the rules shown before you pay[4]. Trenitalia also supports ticketless travel and mobile ticketing on many services[15].
Loyalty programs—CartaFRECCIA (Trenitalia) and Italo Più (Italo)—let you earn points and, in some cases, status benefits[21][5].
Onboard amenities and comfort
Trenitalia (Frecciarossa): four service levels—Standard, Premium, Business (often with an Area Silenzio quiet option), and Executive[1][26]. Wi-Fi and the FRECCIAPlay portal cover entertainment and trip info on high-speed services[7].
Frecciargento trains run on select routes, mixing high-speed and classic lines, with speeds up to 250 km/h in service[9]. Frecciabianca runs on conventional lines on selected long-distance routes[10].
Italo: three travel classes—Smart, Prima Business, and Club Executive[3]. It offers Wi-Fi, power at seat, and the Italolive portal for films and trip info[19]. Club Executive can also include perks such as lounge access and Fast Track at some stations[3].
Train routes and destinations
| Train route | Departure station | Destination station | Fastest time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rome ↔ Milan (Frecciarossa) | Roma Termini / Roma Tiburtina | Milano Centrale | 2h 50m[8] |
| Naples ↔ Rome (Italo, non-stop) | Napoli Centrale | Roma Termini | 55m[20] |
| Venice ↔ Florence (Frecciarossa/Italo) | Venezia S. Lucia / Venezia Mestre | Firenze S. Maria Novella | ~2h[23] |
Frecciarossa links many major Italian cities and also runs in France on selected routes (including Paris–Lyon–Milan and Paris–Lyon–Marseille)[11]. Italo focuses on main domestic high-speed corridors[13].
Customer service and support
Both companies offer support via web, app and phone, plus live train updates. For changes or refunds, check the fare rules printed on your ticket/receipt. Trenitalia also offers ticketless and mobile ticketing on many services[15].
For passengers with reduced mobility, both operators work with RFI’s Sala Blu station-help network, and Italo also provides dedicated PRM contacts[16][18].
On-time running
High-speed trains in Italy are often on time, but results change by month and by how “on time” is measured. FS Group publishes punctuality snapshots for the network, and Italo publishes quality reporting[12][13].
Accessibility
Help for passengers with reduced mobility is organised through RFI’s Sala Blu network. Services can include meeting you at the station, helping you reach the platform, and assisting with boarding and alighting. Booking rules and lead times vary by station, so arrange help early for busy dates[16][14][18].
Overall comparison and conclusion
Trenitalia is often best if you need broad coverage (regional legs, night trains, or international routes) or want Frecciarossa’s four-tier setup[1][11]. Italo is a strong pick on core high-speed routes, with a simple three-class model and frequent promotions[3][4].
For trips such as Rome–Milan, compare the exact trains on your date—departure time, price and fare rules usually decide.
FAQs
What is the difference between Italo and Trenitalia?
Italo (NTV) is a private operator focused on high-speed services. Trenitalia is the national operator (part of the FS Italiane Group) running high-speed, Intercity/night and regional trains. Both compete on core high-speed routes[1][25].
Which one is better, Italo or Trenitalia?
Neither is categorically “better.” Italo may have sharper promotions and a simpler three-class offering; Trenitalia offers a wider network and four Frecciarossa service levels. Choose based on schedule, price, and the flexibility you need[1][4][3].
What are the main differences in service between Italo and Trenitalia?
Onboard, both typically provide free Wi-Fi and power at seat. Frecciarossa has Standard/Premium/Business/Executive, while Italo offers Smart/Prima Business/Club Executive. Entertainment is via onboard portals (Trenitalia FRECCIAPlay; Italo Italolive)—there is no dedicated “cinema car”[7][19].
Which one is more expensive, Italo or Trenitalia?
Prices vary by date, time and fare type. On Le Frecce, Base is usually pricier than Economy/Super Economy; on Italo, Flex generally costs more than Economy/Low Cost. Compare both operators for your exact trains and rules[2][4].
Are there loyalty programs?
Yes. CartaFRECCIA (Trenitalia) and Italo Più (Italo) award points and status benefits; check official terms for the latest rules[21][5].
What passenger rights apply?
Rail passenger rights in the EU are governed by Regulation (EU) 2021/782, applicable since 7 June 2023, covering delays, help and accessibility, among other topics[6].
References
- Trenitalia — About Trenitalia / Frecce overview (official).
- Trenitalia — Fare families on Le Frecce: Base, Economy, Super Economy (official).
- Italo — Travel classes (Smart, Prima Business, Club Executive) and related services (official).
- Italo — Fares and conditions (Flex/Economy/Low Cost) (official).
- Italo — Italo Più loyalty programme (official).
- European Commission — EU rail passenger rights (Regulation (EU) 2021/782).
- Trenitalia — FRECCIAPlay entertainment portal (official).
- Trenitalia — Frecce destinations (includes Rome–Milan timing) (official).
- Trenitalia — Frecciargento overview (official).
- Trenitalia — Frecciabianca overview (official).
- Trenitalia France — timetables and served lines (official).
- FS News — punctuality snapshot / governance publication (official).
- Italo — quality reporting (official publication).
- Trenitalia — passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility (PRM) information (official).
- Trenitalia — ticketless and mobile ticketing information (official).
- RFI — Sala Blu assistance overview (official).
- Italo — assistance for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) (official).
- Italo — Italolive portal (official).
- Italo — Naples–Rome route information (official).
- Trenitalia — CartaFRECCIA programme rules (official publication).
- Italo — Venice–Florence route information (official).
- SIUSA (Italian archival system) — Trenitalia constitution date (official record).
- Italo (NTV) — company history / first passenger service date (official).
- Trenitalia — Business level (includes Area Silenzio details) (official).
- Italo — company overview (official).
Target audience: International leisure and business travelers. Region focus: Italy. Accuracy as-of date: 2026-01-22.
