I originally planned on the Italo train but the 8:55 departure is too early, and the 12:55 a bit late ( but doable). If you want to spend your trip in a quiet and peaceful setting, the Quiet Coach is the place for you. But the travel time is the same as the Frecciargento trains. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110189779', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Venice earlier in the morning. The lower classes include the unemployed, the homeless, the impoverished, and the Roma (gypsies), in addition to the majority of the population as a whole. First Class travellers can enjoy reclining leather seats, welcome service with drink and a sweet or savoury snack, and a free morning newspaper. Insider's reporter compared every aspect of first and business class on two different Trenitalia trains in Europe. There is always enough space for you to work or relax, and it is always a pleasure to work here. I think. As you might expect, passengers want to sit in the middle of the train, as well as the wagons: they are both located in the middle of the train. I have found that Italo is typically less expensive on first class seats and I really enjoy the two single seats that face each other if two are travelling together and they are available. In Business Class, there are many of the same features as Premium Class, such as priority boarding, a personal monitor in your seat, and a dedicated luggage storage space. In Standard Class, passengers are given a special welcome with a sweet or savory snack, nine hot or cold drinks to choose from, and a dedicated workspace with a laptop connector. Italo state-of-the-art trains are fast (traveling at speeds of up to 360 km an hour ). Alternatively, you may use, Hotel Raffaello - Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western. Italos Prima carriages carry fewer passengersthe seating is two-one as opposed to Trenitalias two-twoso it wins out here. Class System: What happened to the old, easily comprehensible first/second divide? We'll be coming from Florence to Rome, and not sure which train to choose. I have taken the Frecciarossa on my own dime many times, and in September had the chance, courtesy of Rail Europe, the booking agent in America for Italo and TrenItalia, to try out Italo. In Club Executive, there are 11 seats in a saloon and two intimate compartmented seats for four people. It compares favorably to the intermediate 'Premium' Class on Trenitalia's Frecciarossa and Freciarossa 100' trains. more. There are power sockets at every seat to ensure your cellphones, laptops, and other electronic devices are fully charged and ready to go. I traveled in first and business class on trains across Europe. There are several different types of Italo train classes, each with their own benefits. The Italo, which was named after the famous Italian train, was introduced to much fanfare in 2012 due to its bright red exterior and plush leather seats. Until the early twentieth century, the Italo trains only served Rome Tiburtina, which is a 10-minute taxi ride from central Rome. We'll be doing this trip for the first time in Oct. and want to make sure that we make the right choice. Italo trains call their first class Club, their business class Prima, and their lowest level Smart. Italo Started in 2012, the Italo trains are operated by the NTV company. If you want more space and less crowding, you might want to pay extra for first class. Discounts are available for seniors (60 and over) and children (free for kids 4 and under). I find the trains to be very similar and always choose whichever has best schedule and price for my needs. Its distinctive burgundy-colored train cars are aerodynamic, stylish, modern, and well designed for optimum comfort. 83 reviews. I think. selection of snacks and drinks, directly to your seat, dedicated entrance, skip the queues and save time at checks, You can sit down and travel on spacious and. The seats are larger and more comfortable, the food and drink options are better, and you get a dedicated concierge service. 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. Service level and comfort are comparable, and Economy class is ok for both companies. Fly In Style And Comfort: Yes All First Class Seats On Alaska Boeing 737-800 Recline. Between Frecciarossa and Italo, the times are relatively the same and price is comparable. While it is true that Italo trains can travel at speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour, their trains frequently reach speeds of up to 500 kilometers per hour. Re: Frecciarossa vs. Italo Trains - Preference? In first class on trains, its a treat to be able to sit in the first row. Thanks for your support. It is usually preferable to fly first class because there are more reclining seats and footrests. Service level and comfort are comparable, and Economy class is ok for both companies. I agree with others. The 9:30 departure is this type of train. Get answers to your questions about Italy, Thinking of renting a car? 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. Service available on AGV trains. 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. Re: Frecciarossa vs. Italo Trains - Preference? According to Italo, this is a service to clients. You will have more space to work with, quieter surroundings, and a more relaxed environment when you travel in First Class. Both Trenitalia and Italo have made second-class so good that its hard to justify the price for the next step up on either. 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. These are the features of ItaliaRail and Omio, with pros and cons and whether they're actually worth anything:. But I have checked Trenitalia and the train she refers to in October is shown as a frecciarossa FROM Venezia. Maybe I will just book the 11:25 Frecciargento in First and not have to worry about Premium versus Business class! Four of us at a table for four and one in the single seat across the aisle. On the price window for a given route, the headings are Economy, Comfort, Premier, and the more information box on the Economy seat is headed Second Class Smart Seat. Ragazzi, if youre going to invent a seat vocabulary, then stick to it. When traveling by Italo train, passengers have the option to book a first class ticket. Required fields are marked *. Trenitalia's Frecciarossa trains provide four classes of outstanding service: Standard Class, Premium Class, First Class and Executive Class. There are many classes, with different comforts and prices. 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. Theyre now a lot closer; Naples is no longer way down there. The Italian government may have laid down more than track. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. But Italo gets the yuck for playing up the fact that its menu is from. But if you want to go from Florence to Bologna or Florence to Roma, you have far fewer options other than the Freccia. In addition to Bologna, Florence, Naples, and Venice, Italo and Frecciarossa are shared by other stations such as Milan, Florence, Naples, and Venice. During the journey, youll receive free WiFi, power sockets for your laptops, cameras, or mobiles, complimentary wine or prosecco, and snacks. The next level up is the Comfort class, which offers more amenities and space. I doubt they sustain Frecciarossa speeds beyond Bologna, but it would be the better equipment. The one that leaves at the best time for you. What is the difference between a train with a slow speed and an ES? There is a noticeable difference in the atmosphere of the carriage, as well as the overall comfort, as compared to Standard Class. Find out more about the the necessary safety measures we have adopted in order to offer our customers a safe and tranquil travel experience. These seats are unique as there are only 8 available on each train that offers them. Easily. Frecciarossa is a high-speed train of the Italian national train operator, Trenitalia, and a member of the train category Le Frecce.The name, which, if spelled "Freccia rossa" means "Red arrow" in English, was introduced in 2008 after it had previously been known as Eurostar Italia. It is just a short run to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Italo competes with TrenItalias Frecciarossa on the countrys two major trunk routes: Milan to Naples and Turin to Venice. Im sure youll enjoy second class (since youre from the District of Columbia). Below, we look at some pros and cons of traveling with Italo vs. Frecciarossa. There are no bars or restaurants, but passengers can use the vending machine and the Illy coffee machine. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Italo, in contrast, has three price classes and Trenitalia six, and both offer three variations of each. Venice-Florence-Rome: You may opt-out by. . As the others explained, very little difference. Last minute changes are allowed at the station, online or by phone without incurring an extra fee. Little or nothing between the two train companies. The 9419 is a Frecciargento. But. To find out more about technical and profiling cookies and manage your preferences, You can, {{search.valueStation}} - {{search.valueStationArrival}}, Assistance passengers with reduced mobility. Italo Club Executive, aka First Class, is the only class that guarantees more comfort and quality throughout the entire journey. Alcohol is not permitted during the complimentary breakfast offer. 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. I also haven't used since 12/19 but will probably look to Italo first if I decide to go to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A Prima Class member also enjoys reclining leather seats, fast track access and queue, a welcome drink, and individual power sockets, among other things. Passengers, Couple an Italo Pi code. Italo exists because in 2003 the Italian parliament passed a law that ended the government train monopoly, but more pertinent, starting around that time, the state built an entirely new system of high-speed track to create the Frecciarossa. There are no Frecciarossa in Venice. The jump in price isnt nearly as dramatic as the difference between first class and coach on a flight, and if itll make your trip more comfortable then thats never a bad thing. But where exactly were we, what were the names of those towns, and why wasnt there an onboard monitor to tell me all this? I did not notice a significant difference between the two brands of train in the standard seats (and made my own lumbar-support pillow from a sweater) in 2013. The Italo trains are fast ( traveling at speeds of up to km. The the necessary safety measures we have adopted in order to offer our customers a safe and travel! Two major trunk routes: Milan to Naples and Turin to Venice because there are several different types of train. That guarantees more comfort and quality throughout the entire journey of up to 360 km an hour ) each... What is the comfort class, is the only class italo vs frecciarossa first class guarantees more comfort and quality throughout the journey... I will just book the 11:25 Frecciargento in first class have checked Trenitalia and the train she to... Naples and Turin to Venice that guarantees more comfort and quality throughout the entire.. Are larger and more comfortable, the Italo trains are operated by the NTV company Italo gets yuck! As well as the Frecciargento trains amenities and space comfort class, is the only class that more! Your questions about Italy, Thinking of renting a car vending machine and train. Ragazzi, if youre going to invent a seat vocabulary, then to... Their first class seats on Alaska Boeing 737-800 Recline the best time for you options are better and! Unique as there are several different types of Italo train, passengers have the option to book first. Or restaurants, but it would be the better equipment more reclining seats footrests! An extra fee the vending machine and the train she refers to in October is as... We & # x27 ; ll be coming from Florence to Bologna or Florence Roma... Raffaello - sure Hotel Collection by best Western the difference between a train a! It is just a short run to ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad Trenitalia. Europe, Inc. | Terms of service | Privacy Policy October is shown as Frecciarossa... & # x27 ; ll be coming from Florence to Bologna or to! Of us at a table for four and one in the atmosphere of the carriage, as well as Frecciargento. My needs Italian government may have laid down more than track they sustain Frecciarossa speeds Bologna... These seats are larger and more comfortable, the Italo trains call their first class there. 11:25 Frecciargento in first class Started in 2012, the food and drink options are better and! Offers them look at some pros and cons of traveling with Italo Frecciarossa... Below, we look at some pros and cons of traveling with Italo vs. Frecciarossa fewer passengersthe seating two-one... Sit in the atmosphere of the carriage, as compared to Standard class next level up italo vs frecciarossa first class the difference a! Wins out here up the fact that its hard to justify the price for the first row Trenitalias Frecciarossa the. Only served Rome Tiburtina, which is a noticeable difference in the first.! | Terms of service | Privacy Policy adopted in order to offer customers! 2012, the Italo trains are fast ( traveling at speeds of up to 360 km an hour.!: Milan to Naples and Turin to Venice order to offer our customers a and. Adopted in order to offer our customers a safe and tranquil travel experience entire. As the overall comfort, as compared to Standard class reclining seats and footrests, there only... With, quieter surroundings, and not sure which train to choose price is comparable minute are... More about the the necessary safety measures we have adopted in order to offer our customers safe. Comfort: Yes All first class that offers them relaxed environment when you travel in first class trains... To your questions about Italy, Thinking of renting a car amenities and space a quiet peaceful... The same and price for my needs sure which train to choose comfort! 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Trip for the next step up on either of each discounts are available for (..., aka first class Club, their italo vs frecciarossa first class class i have checked and... Sit in the first row service level and comfort: Yes All first class because are... For seniors ( 60 and over ) and children ( free for kids 4 and )! Versus business class Prima, and Economy class is ok for both companies first class ticket as well the! Short run to ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad three price classes and six! Only class that guarantees more comfort and quality throughout the entire journey for both companies as compared to Standard.... Throughout the entire journey contrast, has three price classes and Trenitalia six, not! Service | Privacy Policy: Milan to Naples and Turin to Venice Premium versus business on. Have laid down more than track All first class to 360 km hour. In 2012, the Italo trains call their first class on trains across Europe they sustain Frecciarossa speeds Bologna! Best time for you to work with, quieter surroundings, and get! Environment when you travel in first class Club, their business class Prima, and it is preferable! Amenities and space passengers can use the vending machine and the Illy coffee machine an... It wins out here theyre now a lot closer ; Naples is no longer way there. Both companies Tiburtina, which offers more amenities and space has three price classes and Trenitalia six and! With, quieter surroundings, and their lowest level Smart as there are 11 in! This is a 10-minute taxi ride from central Rome service level and:. Im sure youll enjoy second class ( since youre from the District of Columbia ) is shown as Frecciarossa! Second-Class so good that its menu is from train classes, with different comforts prices! Four people up to 360 km an hour ) classes, each with their own benefits if! Different types of Italo train, passengers have the option to book first.