Turin is an excellent starting point for exploring northern Italy. The elegant city offers grand squares, historic cafés, museums, and beautiful architecture. Porta Nuova station is conveniently located near the center, making Turin easy to explore on foot after arriving.
Verona
Romantic Verona is perfect for a short train trip. The city is famous for Romeo and Juliet, but it has much more to offer. Visit the impressive Roman Arena, Piazza delle Erbe, and the beautiful streets surrounding the historic center.
Bologna
Bologna is one of Italy’s most convenient railway hubs.
Its central location makes it ideal for travelers exploring Italy by Train. The city itself deserves attention too. Walk beneath its famous porticoes, see the Two Towers, and enjoy traditional dishes such as tagliatelle al ragù.
Genoa
Genoa offers something different from Italy’s classic tourist cities. Its historic center is filled with narrow streets, old palaces, small restaurants, and hidden squares. The city’s main stations also provide useful connections to destinations along the Ligurian coast.
Milan
Milan is one of Italy’s most important rail hubs.
High-speed services connect it with Turin, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Venice, and many other destinations. Don’t leave immediately, though. Visit the magnificent Duomo, explore the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and discover the lively Navigli district.
Naples
Naples is chaotic, energetic, historic, and unforgettable.
The fastest trains from Rome reach the city in just over an hour. Once there, explore the historic streets, eat authentic Neapolitan pizza, and enjoy views across the Bay of Naples. Pompeii is also easily accessible by local rail.
Pisa
Pisa works perfectly as a train destination because you don’t need a car to see its famous attractions. From Pisa Centrale, travelers can walk through the city toward the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli. Pisa also has convenient connections with Florence and other Tuscan destinations.
Venice
Few train arrivals are as memorable as Venice.
Trains reach Venezia Santa Lucia station directly on the historic islands. Step outside and the Grand Canal is immediately in front of you. From there, explore bridges, canals, St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, and countless atmospheric streets without needing a car.
Florence
Florence is almost made for train travel.
Santa Maria Novella station sits within walking distance of the city’s major attractions. The Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, and countless Renaissance treasures are nearby. High-speed trains also make it easy to reach Rome, Milan, or Bologna.
Rome
Rome takes first place because it combines incredible attractions with excellent railway connections. Roma Termini connects the Italian capital with almost every major city in the country. Once you arrive, ancient history is everywhere. Visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and Vatican City.
You could easily spend several days exploring and still have more to see. For anyone planning to discover Italy by Train, Rome is an essential stop.
