What’s in this article
Are you trying to understand the differences between Italo and Frecciarossa train (Trenitalia’s Frecce?) Let me help you out!
When it comes to high-speed trains in Italy, we mainly have these two operators: Italo, run by the private company NTV, and Trenitalia’s Frecce, the fast service of the state-owned railway operator.
Here is a detailed comparison between the two so you can get a clear idea.
I’ve also written a full guide on “How to travel by train in Italy” find it here!
And if you’re planning a trip to Italy you may want to check out my step by step guide on “How to plan a trip to Italy!”
Italo and Frecciarossa train – History and corporate structure
Italo is a private railway company belonging to the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). It started operating in 2012 as Trenitalia’s first real private competitor in the Italian high-speed sector.
Trenitalia’s ‘Frecce’ are part of the Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane Group, the state-owned railway company.
The ‘Frecce’ family includes Frecciarossa train(the fastest), Frecciargento and Frecciabianca.
Fleet and Trains
Italo has a fleet of 51 trains in total:
25 AGV 575 (Automotrice à Grande Vitesse) trains
26 Italo EVO trains (based on the Pendolino platform)
Both models are made by Alstom and can run at up to 300 km/h
They have a more modern design with open-space carriages and very elegant interiors
Trenitalia Frecce
The Frecciarossa train fleet includes mainly two types of trains:
Frecciarossa 1000 (ETR 1000): the flagship of the fleet, this also goes up to 300 km/h
Frecciarossa 500 (ETR 500): the previous generation of HS trains
There are also the Frecciargento (ETR 600/610) that reach 250 km/h
And finally the Frecciabianca: slightly slower trains (200 km/h) that also run on conventional lines
Travel Environments and Classes of Service
Italo offers you 4 travel environments, all with leather seats:
Smart: This is the cheapest option but don’t think it’s uncomfortable!
You have reclining seats with footrests
Free Wi-Fi and power sockets to recharge your devices
There’s also a vending machine for snacks and drinks
First Business: This is the equivalent of first class
Wider seats in Frau leather (yes, that luxury leather!)
More legroom, so you can be comfortable even if you’re tall
They offer you a welcome service with snacks and drinks served directly at your seat
You can use the Fast Track at the station, so you skip the queue
Executive Club: This is the most exclusive environment there is
Super spacious seats
Maximum privacy, no noisy neighbours to disturb you
They serve you food and drinks directly at your seat
You have access to the Italo Club lounges in the station
And of course there’s Fast Track
Club Lounge: This is a reserved area within the Club Executive environment
It has a four-seat configuration, like a private meeting room
Frecciarossa train di Trenitalia offers 4 levels of service:
Standard: The most economical solution
Grey faux leather armchairs with orange trim
They are arranged in rows of 4 (2 on one side and 2 on the other)
Free Wi-Fi and electrical outlets for your devices
Premium: An intermediate level, a bit better than Standard
Located in wagon 4 of the train
Leather seats still arranged in rows of 4
The backrests recline up to 109°, so you can relax
Business: It’s first class with additional services
Antibacterial leather seats 69 cm wide, definitely comfortable!
The rows have only 3 seats with crystal dividers to give you more privacy
Here too, the backrests recline up to 109°
Executive: The most luxurious experience you can expect
Only 10 seats per carriage (8 in the Frecciarossa 500)
Champagne-colored leather seats a full 74 cm wide
There’s a servo-assisted system to adjust the backrest and leg rest
You can also book a meeting area if you need to have a meeting while traveling
Network Coverage and Destinations
Italo
Connects 50 Italian cities with 58 stations, not bad, right?
Operates mainly on high-speed lines from Turin to Salerno and from Venice to Rome
Also has an integrated train+bus service (Itabus) to take you to destinations not directly served by the railway network
Trenitalia’s Frecce
Has a more extensive network with over 100 destinations, practically goes everywhere!
The Frecciarossa travel on the main high-speed lines (Turin-Salerno)
The Frecciargento connect Rome with the northeast (Venice, Bolzano) and the Adriatic coast
The Frecciabianca cover conventional lines not covered by high speed
Prices and Fares
Italo
Generally offers you slightly lower prices compared to Trenitalia
Has a simpler fare structure with Low Cost offers starting from €9.90 (a bargain!)
Offers special deals like 2-for-1 (two travel for the price of one) or discounts for young people and seniors
Trenitalia’s Frecce
Fares are generally higher, especially for the Frecciarossa
Uses a dynamic pricing system that varies based on demand (the more people want that train, the more it costs)
Offers various promotions like “Super Economy,” “Special 2-for-1,” and discounts for young people, seniors, and families
Italo and Frecciarossa train – On-board Services
Italo
Free Wi-Fi (which many consider better than Trenitalia’s)
ItalLive Portal with movies, TV series, and entertainment content so you’re never bored
Vending machines for snacks and drinks if you travel in Smart
At-seat service if you choose Prima Business and Club Executive
Doesn’t have a proper restaurant car, too bad!
Trenitalia’s Frecce
Free “FrecciaRossa Portal” Wi-Fi
Restaurant/bar car with tables and table service, so you can eat properly
At-seat service in Business and Executive
Entertainment screens if you travel in Executive and Business
You can read digital newspapers through the app
Punctuality and Reliability
According to the most recent studies:
Italo arrives late in 26% of cases
Trenitalia’s Frecce do worse, with delays in over 30% of trips
A survey by Altroconsumo found that Italo is more punctual than Frecciarossa in 80% of cases on comparable routes. So if punctuality is important to you, maybe Italo is the better choice!
Comfort and Travel Experience
Italo
Modern interior design with open space, everything very contemporary
The seats are generally considered more comfortable, your back will thank you!
The environments are quieter and brighter, perfect for reading or working
The staff is young and usually very courteous and helpful
The mobile app is intuitive and easy to use, no headaches when booking
Trenitalia’s Frecce
More traditional design with compartments, a bit more classic
There’s more space for luggage, especially on the Frecciarossa 1000 (great if you travel with giant suitcases)
The restaurant car allows you to eat complete meals while traveling
The app and website have more features but are less intuitive
The staff has more experience, you can tell they’ve been working there for a while
Italo and Frecciarossa train – Conclusions
The choice between Italo and Trenitalia’s Frecce really depends on what you need and what you prefer:
Choose Italo if: you’re looking for competitive prices, comfortable seats, a modern experience, and Wi-Fi that works well.
Choose Frecce if: you need to reach more destinations, you like having a restaurant car, you travel with lots of luggage, or you want to accumulate points in the FS loyalty program.
In any case, there’s good news: thanks to competition between the two operators, services have improved tremendously and prices have become more competitive compared to the past.
The presence of two high-speed operators has transformed the train travel experience in Italy, making it one of the best in Europe.
And that’s a great thing for all of us travelers!
