Although Antwerpen Central Station in Belgium is often named the most beautiful train station in Europe (at least in English and Dutch studies), Italy is considered to have the largest diversity in train stations in Europe. Traveling by train through Italy allows you to see all kinds of train stations; from small, romantic railway platforms to immense, industrial buildings. Never a dull moment.
Traveling by train in Italy
Compared to other Mediterranean countries, traveling by train is relatively reliable and affordable in Italy. The Eurostar and Intercity lines can take you to most of the larger cities in Italy, especially in the north and near Rome. Reserving a seat is mandatory, but this also guarantees that you have a place to sit.
Traveling by train can be a very fast way to move across the country, but it depends on where you want to go. For example, traveling from Rome to Florence (around 200 miles) takes about an hour and a half, but a trip from Rome to Venice (just under 350 miles) will cost you almost five hours. Plan well before you leave, but as you can purchase your train tickets up to 60 days before departure, this is very well possible.
Regional trains
Another option to travel through Italy would be to take the regionale or interregionale, the regional train lines. If you can avoid taking the train during rush hours, you will most often have a comfortable place to sit. Otherwise, taking prima classe (first class) might be a better option.
Taking the regionale is the only way to travel by train on Sardinia and Sicily, as the faster trains do not service these islands. The small provinces Molise and Valle d'Aosta also don't have lots of train stations, so it's probably better to plan your trip well, if you want to visit these regions.
Tourist routes
Are you just taking the train for fun? Then one of the famous tourist train routes might be a good option. From Torino to Trieste, in the north of Italy, will take you about 7 hours, and offers stunning views and allows you to visit beautiful cities.
Will you be traveling to Sardinia? Then taking one of the trenino verde, the green trains, is a must. These trains will bring you to beautiful small towns, like Nulvi, Nuoro, or Palau. The train route along the Amalfi Coast is also highly recommended.
Train stations
Just like the Italian cities you will visit, the Italian train stations are very diverse. From the apparently beautiful (I think it's a matter of taste) station of Florence to the imposing Milano Centrale, and anything in between - every single one of them is amazing in its own way.
