Night trains from Milan Central Station, Italy [Image by Giorgio Maria Zinno from Pixabay]As train travel continues to grow in popularity, night trains are a more sustainable and less stressful mode of transport in Italy. However, many sleeper trains have high prices, making this option too expensive for many travelers. However, as long as you don’t expect luxury, Italy has some new night trains that cost around half the price of the sleeper trains. While not luxurious, these trains take you comfortably from A to B at much more affordable prices.
Italy launches two new night train routes this summer
Frecciarossa in Milan Central Station [Image by Gisorr650 on Wikimedia Commons]In an effort to offer more cost-effective alternatives for travelers, Italy is launching two new train routes this summer. These new trains will take passengers all the way from Milan in the north, to Reggio di Calabria and Lecce in southern Puglia. Moreover, Italy’s state operator, Trenitalia, is set to offer two new high-speed Frecciarossa trains from mid-June, 2024.
Milan to Lecce
Lecce, Italy [Image by prosalento from Pixabay]The overnight train from Milano Centrale to Lecce will take just over nine hours, leaving the station at 10:45 pm and arriving at 7:57 am in time for breakfast. Along the way, the train will stop at Milano Rogoredo, Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna Centrale, Foggia, Barletta, Bari Centrale, Monopoli, Fasano, Ostuni and Brindisi.
Meanwhile, the return journey leaves Lecce at 9:05 pm, arriving at Milano Centrale at 7:35 am. This new night train service kicks off on June 21 and will be available on Fridays and Saturdays.
Currently, two IntercityNotte sleeper trains run the same route, but the new Frecciarossa train is several hours faster and costs around half the price with tickets starting from €29.90 ($32.50) one way.
Milan to Reggio di Calabria
Reggio di Calabria, Italy [Image by Gianni from Pixabay]Meanwhile, the second new overnight service will also start on June 21, running from Milano Centrale to Reggio di Calabria in the southwest region of Calabria in Italy. This night train will take almost 11 hours, departing at 9:20 pm and arriving at 8:11 am. Moreover, the train stops at Milano Rogoredo, Reggio Emilia, Bologna Centrale, Firenze S. M. Novella, Paola, Lamezia Terme Centrale, Rosarno and Villa S. Giovanni.
While there is no existing night train on this route, there is a similar Freeciarossa service that runs during the day. Prices here start at €39.90 ($43.50).
Is there a catch?
These are both excellent prices but there is one major snag. The trains have no couchettes or cabins, so passengers have to sit upright all the way. Moreover, the trains have no dining car, but they do offer a bar with snacks, sandwiches and drinks.
However, for a slightly higher price, travelers can choose Business class, which offers larger and more comfortable seats, free Wi-Fi and snacks from €44.90 ($45.00) for the Milan-Lecce route and €54.90 ($59.60) for the Milan-Reggio di Calabria route.
Meanwhile, the best advantage of both night train routes is that they allow passengers to wake up (possibly with a stiff neck) in two of the most beautiful cities in southern Italy.
About Lecce in Puglia, Italy
Lecce, Puglia, Italy [Image by Siggy Nowak from Pixabay]Sitting at the tip of Italy’s Puglia region, Lecce is renowned for its gorgeous, honey-colored Baroque buildings in a unique style dubbed ‘barocco leccese.’ Meanwhile, two of the most ornate buildings are the cathedral and the Basilica di Santa Croce, boasting beautiful carvings of religious scenes, foliage and animals.
The local restaurants in Lecce serve a cucina povera, offering dishes like orecchiette pasta with turnip tops and fried aubergine balls.
About Reggio di Calabria, Italy
Main beach in Reggio di Calabria, Italy [Image by Marcus Andersson on Wikimedia Commons]Located near the southwestern tip of Italy, Reggio di Calabria hosts one of the country’s top archaeological museums. Here, visitors can gaze at the Riace Bronzes, a pair of ancient, life-size Greek statues.
Typical cuisine here includes delicious, rich and spicy dishes like piquant pecorino cheese and ‘nduja pork sausage spread. The latter was formerly a meat dish for the poor but has gained popularity with travelers from around the world.
Find out more about the two new Frecciarossa night trains on Trenitalia’s website here.