By Train to Rome: A Comprehensive 2024 Guide

By Train to Rome in 2024

Rome, the capital of Italy, is one of the most important historical and cultural centers in the world. It is full of ancient monuments such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Pantheon, as well as many beautiful churches, such as St. Peter's Basilica or the Chapel of St. John Lateran.

To visit Rome means to walk through streets full of history and architecture, which include Gothic cathedrals, Baroque palaces and Renaissance fountains. The city is also full of museums, galleries and parks where you can spend your free time.

How to realize your trip to Rome by train and at the same time enjoy the beauty of Vienna? From the Czech Republic you can get to Vienna comfortably by train with Czech Railways or Regiojet, which offer the purchase of tickets through their eShop. From Vienna, as to Venice, you can use the night train to Rome. Traveling by night train offers three options – traveling in a seat, a couchette compartment or sleeping cars. Each of them offers different comfort and price, so you can choose the most suitable one for your needs.

Course of the journey

If you are planning a trip from Vienna to Rome, please note that the departure of night train EN 40233 is at 19:23. With regard to possible delays from Prague (for example due to a collision with a person, which can extend the emergency up to 2-3 hours), we recommend leaving a reserve at the destination station. We therefore recommend not planning your arrival in Vienna later than 3 p.m.

What is the train journey like?

If you decide to travel to Rome by train, you will have a choice of three different travel options. The cheapest option is to travel in a seat, which is suitable for those who do not need extra comfort. The medium-priced option is to travel in a couchette car, which is divided into 4 and 6-seater compartments. These couchette cars are not equipped with a shower, but they provide a relatively sufficient amount of space for passengers. The most luxurious and expensive option is travel in a sleeping car, where you can choose between a 3-bed, double or single bed. These sleeping cars are equipped with a shower and also provide a great breakfast for passengers.

How much do tickets cost and where to buy them?

Tickets can be purchased not only at the ticket offices and the e-shop of the Austrian Railways (ÖBB), but also at the eShop of Czech Railways (ČD). Advance ticket sales start 180 days before the departure date, so there is plenty of time to plan your trip. BUT – prices are contingent, meaning that the number of tickets is determined for each price level. This means that the sooner you buy your ticket, the higher the chance of a lower price.

In general, prices have been increasing in recent years. On the other hand, despite the price increase, the connections are used quite a lot.

If an outage is planned for your chosen connection, it is now possible to purchase a ticket only at www.nightjet.com or at the ÖBB ticket office in Austria. Czech Railways does not sell tickets for such connections either on the eShop or at the ticket office. The reason is the possibility of changing the timetable (arrival or departure time). When purchasing on nightjet.com, you are made aware of this fact and the carrier will ask you (even when purchasing at the ÖBB ticket office) for an email address and telephone contact. If the timetable changes, you will be informed about it.

Cancellation conditions

Sparschiene discount tickets
These tickets cannot be returned or exchanged! The ticket is personal.

Other tickets
Cancellation is possible free of charge up to 15 days before the validity date. Then, until the day before the 1st day of validity, a cancellation fee of 50% of the ticket price is paid per person, but at least EUR 15.

High-speed trains Trenitalia and ItaloTreno

High-speed trains in Italy, also known as Frecce, are a popular and efficient mode of transport for locals and tourists alike. These trains travel at speeds of up to 300 km/h and connect major cities across the country, such as Rome, Florence, Milan and Venice. They offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel with amenities such as Wi-Fi and on-board catering.

The main operator of high-speed trains in Italy is the company Trenitalia. Its Frecciarossa trains, which means "Red Arrow" in Italian, are the fastest and most luxurious option. These trains reach a maximum speed of 300 km/h and offer first, premium and business class services. They also have onboard amenities such as electrical outlets, Wi-Fi and a dining car. Trenitalia also operates Frecciargento and Frecciabianca trains, which are a bit slower but still offer a comfortable and convenient way to travel.

Another operator of high-speed trains in Italy is the company ItaloTreno. It is a private company and runs on the same lines as Trenitalia. Italo trains, known as Italo, are designed to be more comfortable than Trenitalia trains, with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, an onboard portal and more luggage space. It also offers different classes, such as Prima, Club and Smart, and has a more flexible fare system than Trenitalia. Italo trains are a good alternative for travelers looking for more comfort and flexibility when traveling by high-speed train in Italy.

High-speed trains on the Bologna - Rome route

When comparing high-speed train options between Bologna and Rome, Trenitalia and ItaloTreno offer frequent and convenient connections. Trenitalia's Frecciarossa trains are the fastest option with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. They offer different classes and on-board amenities, such as Wi-Fi and a dining car. On the other hand, ItaloTreno Italo trains also offer a comfortable and fast option with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Both Trenitalia and ItaloTreno offer several departures per day, so passengers can easily find a suitable departure time. The choice between these two trains ultimately depends on the passenger's priorities, such as comfort, fare and amenities.