train travel rome to milan

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Traveling by train from Rome to Milan is an easy and comfortable way to explore Italy’s varied and scenic landscapes. The distance from Rome to Milan is 297 miles and many high-speed trains make the trip in just 2 hours and 55 minutes. 

Enjoy a journey that tracks north through Italy’s breathtaking Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy regions , with a stop in Bologna. Most high-speed trains travel directly from Rome to Milan and you won’t be required to change trains. However, if you’re traveling on a slower and less expensive regional train , you may be required to transfer from one train to another.

Rome to Milan train times

Trains leave Rome Termini station several times per hour for Milan Centrale Station — averaging 65 trains per day. The earliest train leaves Rome Termini station at 6:00 a.m. The last train to Milan leaves Rome at 11:50 p.m. 

Note that weekends and holidays typically mean less frequent service and sometimes longer travel times.

Amenities on the train between Rome and Milan

Many of the high-speed trains make the journey between Rome and Milan in just 2 hours and 55 minutes, traveling up to 155 miles per hour.

Italy’s high-speed trains are equipped with air conditioning and electrical outlets at your seat to charge devices. There is wi-fi on trains , but the signal will drop in tunnels and at stations. Expect a cafe car on every train, as well as food cart that brings snacks, sandwiches and beverages to your seat. At the end of each car you’ll find a restroom and plenty of racks to store large luggage .

Termini is Rome’s large, international train station and the main transportation hub for public transportation in Rome. Located in the center of the city, Roma Termini provides daily service to all major Italian cities as well as many major European cities. From Termini you can also catch the Leonardo Express train to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino airport.  

Located at the northern end of the city center, Milan Centrale is a hub for Milan’s Metro, tram and bus networks. Here you can catch high-speed trains to Italian and international destinations, as well as inter-city and regional trains to smaller cities and towns. Milan Central is also the destination for the Malpensa Express, which goes to Milan’s main airport.  

Find train tickets from Rome to Milan

Good to know, top tips for finding rome to milan train tickets.

• 25% of our users found round-trip train tickets from Rome to Milan for $66 or less.
• You will generally catch the best train deals if you travel in the morning.

FAQs when traveling from Rome to Milan by train

How long is a train journey to milan from rome.

The train journey from Rome to Milan takes 3h 27m on average and covers a distance of 295 miles.

What train companies travel from Rome to Milan?

Trenitalia is the only train operator serving this route.

Book Trenitalia tickets from Rome to Milan (round-trip)

Search by stops, search by train company, book trenitalia tickets from rome to milan (one-way), popular train routes to milan.

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Rome and Milan are two of the most popular destinations in Europe. Traveling by train between Italy's actual capital and its shopping capital is easy, affordable and fast. Let us tell you what your travel options are and how you can have a smooth Italian vacation by rail.

Video train route Rome - Milan

Train options for Rome to Milan

Traveling by high-speed train

The fastest way to travel from Rome to Milan is by taking the Le Frecce high-speed train . This modern and luxurious train will get you to your destination in just under 3 hours. For actual travel times, check out our timetable . If you're traveling with a Eurail Pass, you don't need to buy a ticket and only pay a reservation fee. We recommend you book your seats as far in advance as possible.

Traveling by regional train

Traveling by regional train from Rome to Milan means more travel time than by high-speed train. It also means you don't have to reserve a seat and can get off in charming Italian cities like Livorno and Pisa. If you have a Eurail Pass, you don't need to buy a ticket. You can travel on this train for free and get on and off whenever you like.

Eurail Passes

The Eurail Pass is a train pass that lets you travel on nearly every train in Europe. It comes in all shapes and sizes, so you can pick the one that best fits your vacation plans. Check out our Eurail Passes. If you're only looking to travel in Italy, the Eurail Italy Pass might be just the thing for you. Otherwise you can choose another pass and make this journey part of a larger, exciting European adventure!

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Travel by train with Italo, the Official Italian High Speed Train, from Rome to Milan

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Train tickets from Rome to Milan

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From Rome to Milan by train

• Rome Milan offers
• Train schedule from Rome to Milan
• Rome to Milan train stops

Travelling from Rome to Milan by train is a fast and economical journey. The Rome-Milan route is 297 miles  (478 km) long and the journey with Italo takes 3 hours and 10 minutes . The price of this trip starts from [PRICE] €, a convenient price to enjoy a round trip to visit beautiful Milan . The Italo trains offer the possibility to choose between two departures from Rome (Tiburtina and Termini) and two arrivals in Milan (Centrale and Rogoredo) on the Rome-Milan routes

When considering your journey from the historic city of Rome to the vibrant metropolis of Milan, the Italo train offers a host of enticing advantages that promise an exceptional travel experience. Foremost among these benefits is the hassle-free boarding process, which eliminates the need for prior check-in procedures . This not only simplifies your travel arrangements but also affords you more valuable time to relax or explore both cities.

For those with a taste for luxury, the first-class experience on Italo trains is truly remarkable. It begins with the pleasure of a complimentary glass of exquisite Italian sparkling wine , setting the stage for a journey imbued with sophistication and opulence.

Italo trains transcend mere transportation; they epitomize modernity and comfort. Anticipate complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, plush and ergonomic seating, and a comprehensive array of onboard amenities that cater to your every need. Whether you wish to catch up on work, immerse yourself in a captivating movie, or simply savor the scenic views outside, Italo trains provide an all-encompassing travel experience.

To accommodate the diverse schedules and preferences of travelers, Italo has meticulously curated its timetables. The train schedules have been thoughtfully designed to accommodate various travel times , offering flexibility and convenience for early risers, night owls, and everyone in between. This meticulous planning ensures that, regardless of your chosen departure time, there is an Italo train ready to transport you to your destination.

Lounge Italo Club Free Access

Extra-wide armchairs

Dedicated catering

Newspapers and magazines

Personal screen

Free Wi-Fi Internet

A superior experience

Travel in our most exclusive ambience and relax in comfort and privacy whilst enjoying unrivalled entertainment : - Complimentary entry to Lounge Italo Club , where waiting for a train becomes a pleasure, not a bore. (Available in those stations containing Lounge Italo Club) - Dedicated access to your train with the new Fast Track service - Extra-wide armchairs for maximum comfort. - Dedicated catering including expresso coffee and a mouthwatering selection of Italian sandwiches, bakery products and drinks. - Every seat includes a 9” personal screen so you can enjoy the great selection of complimentary onboard entertainment available on our Italo portal, or browse the Internet in total comfort. Service available on the AGV train. - A generous choice of Italy’s favourite newspapers and magazines to read at your leisure as you travel.

Travel in Prima Business Class

Welcome service

Extra space

Reclining leather seats

Your Comfort is served

Maximum relax, unique service. Avoid queues and pass through checkpoints with ease thanks to a dedicated access to your train with the new Fast Track service. Our onboard staff is ready to welcome you with a selection of sweets, snacks, warm drinks and cold beverages. Our reclining Frau leather seats are equipped with soft individual armrests, and they ensure a wide personal space and freedom of movement. And if you select the single-seat option, your trip can be even more comfortable. When you need to stretch your legs, the Break Area is equipped with vending machines with espresso coffee, cold drinks and snacks. Also, a number of small utilities is available for each passenger: a power socket, a reading light control, a glove compartment placed between double seats. Plus, a free Wi-Fi connection is always available.

Travel in Smart Class

Smart journey ambience.

Affordable, comfortable, convenient. Travelling in a Smart ambience means enjoying in a smart travelling experience combining self-service and comfort. Vibrant with colours, this journey ambience provides services such as reclining Frau leather seats, footrests, individual power sockets and independent tables. A high number of seats is available in our 7 Smart coaches, all with free Wi-Fi connection . Snack Area , with vending machines for some affordable espresso coffee, cold drinks and snacks.

Which stops the Rome - Milan route train makes.

Find out the Italo train timetables from Rome and Milan

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Train information from Rome to Milan

Want to know more about your journey? Following you'll find the frequently asked questions by our customers and some tips for your journey.

Can you take a day trip from Rome to Milan?  

Yes, it is entirely feasible to do a day trip from Rome to Milan thanks to the high-speed train services. The early morning trains from Rome can get you to Milan in time for a full day of exploration, and returning to Rome in the evening is just as convenient.  

How far is Milan from Rome?

The distance between Rome and Milan is approximately 297 miles. This relatively short distance makes train travel particularly appealing.

How many trains a day between Rome and Milan?

Italo has over 64 trains a day on this route starting at 5 a.m. until almost midnight. More than one train per hour!

How much does the train cost from Rome to Milan?

The price of train tickets can range significantly based on the type of train, class of service and how far in advance you book. High-speed train tickets typically range from 16,9€ to 94.9€ , but early bookings and discounts can reduce this cost.

How to get from Rome to Milan?

The most efficient way to travel from Rome to Milan is by train. Italy’s high-speed trains, such as Italo, offer a comfortable and swift journey.

When to book train tickets from Rome to Milan?

When traveling between Rome and Milan, consider booking tickets in advance to secure the best fares. The  sooner you buy  the ticket the  less you will spend. 

Is there a high-speed train from Rome to Milan?

Italo Train is a high-speed trains can make the journey in about 3:05 hours, while slower regional trains might take up to 7 hours. Other types of trains in Italy, such as the regional train, take nearly 10 hours to travel between these two cities.

When are Rome-Milan train tickets available?

Italo trains are bookable about 6 months in advance.

Italo Travel Pack: flexibility and and savings up to -80%

Choose between Travel Pack 10 valid for 180 days or Travel Pack Special 10 and 20, valid for 30 days!

Italo Family, children travel free of charge.

Children under 14 years of age travel free of charge with their family.

Italo Friends

Travelling together is more convenient!

Let yourself be inspired, travel with Italo Mini guide

What to visit in rome and milan.

Reach Rome by train with Italo, enjoy the convenience and speed of the service and live a unique experience. The Italian capital is one of the most visited cities in the world, with great beauty that makes it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A metropolis that offers you countless experiences to live, many monuments and extraordinary places to visit. Start your visit from the Imperial Fora and the Colosseum, the symbols of the glorious Roman epoch, then head towards St. Peter's and the Vatican Museums, to admire Michelangelo's last masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Continue with the visit to the Pantheon, the oldest and best-preserved monument in the city, and end with the Trevi Fountain, restored thanks to the investments of the historic Italian fashion house Fendi and symbol of Rome . Discover the trendiest area of the city by climbing the Gianicolo to admire the breathtaking view of the roofs of Rome , or immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting Testaccio, the most authentic area, Coppedè and the Garden of Oranges, the most secret places, or spend the evening among the alleys of Monti and the taverns of Trastevere. The capital also offers many unique shopping opportunities, such as the famous Condotti street with its luxury boutiques, or Via del Corso with its international chains. Finally, savor the delicacies of local cuisine, starting from the dishes of the Lazio tradition, such as cacio e pepe or amatriciana, up to the Ghetto to taste authentic Jewish cuisine, passing through the cheap trattorias of the Pigneto and San Lorenzo districts and the trendiest and youngest venues in the area between Garbatella and Ostiense. During your stay in Rome don't miss the opening of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy wanted by Pope Francis on December 8th and traveling to Rome by train to attend papal audiences will be the right choice. What are you waiting for? Buy your Italo ticket to Rome now!

Milan is an exciting city, full of history , art and culture , and offers visitors a unique experience. The city is an ideal place for a pleasure or business trip , and there are plenty of sights and activities to enjoy. To start a tour of Milan, one must start at the Duomo , one of the city's most famous monuments, with its Madonnina overlooking the city. One can also admire the Castello Sforzesco , one of Europe's largest and best preserved fortresses, and the Church of Sant'Ambrogio. Not far away, one can visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II , one of the world's most prestigious luxury shopping destinations . For those who love fashion , the Quadrilatero della Moda is the address to mark on the agenda, with its streets full of shops, including via Montenapoleone, via Manzoni, via della Spiga and Corso Venezia. During the visit to Milan you can not miss a walk in the most famous of the Navigli , the Naviglio Grande, or a visit to the Pinacoteca di Brera or to the Triennale di Milano. Visitors with more time can explore some of the city's most charming neighborhoods, such as Brera and Tortona , where they can find the trendiest places in the city, or the modern Porta Nuova district, with its Unicredit and Bosco Verticale skyscrapers. The cuisine of Milan is rich and varied, and offers something for everyone. Milanese typical cuisine is characterized by dishes such as risotto alla milanese, cotoletta alla milanese, panettone, panzerotti and the famous Easter colomba. But in Milan you can also find a wide variety of international cuisine, from Japanese sushi to ethnic food. To reach Milan , the best choice is to use Italo train, which offers a range of high-level services, including Wi-Fi on board. What are you waiting for? Buy your Italo ticket for Milan now!

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Popular train routes to and from Rome

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How to Travel from Rome to Milan by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

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Rome and Milan are Italy's largest and second-largest cities, respectively, but sometimes they feel like they are cities in two different countries or eras. Rome is filled with millennia-old ruins and small, winding streets, while Milan is modern and chic with huge thoroughfares and luxury brands. Both places offer a uniquely Italian je ne sais quoi , and the best way to experience that is to visit them both.

Train travel is the preferred method of transportation in Italy, and trains run often and quickly. Tickets are affordable if you purchase them in advance, but just like flying, they get more expensive as your travel date gets closer. You could also fly between the two cities, but the airport hassles make the train a more appealing option. Last-minute planners can save a lot of money by booking a seat on a very long bus ride, or if you want to rent a car, you can leisurely enjoy the Tuscan countryside on your way north.

How to Get from Rome to Milan

Frequent trains run between Rome's Termini and Milan's Milano Centrale train stations. A few fast trains also leave from the Roma Tiburtina station. Trenitalia's high-speed Frecciarossa trains make the trip from Rome to Milan in as little as 3 hours, 10 minutes, although some take longer. Intercity (IC) trains take anywhere from six to eight hours but cost much less. You'll need to reserve a seat but you don't need to change trains to get between Rome and Milan. You can check current Rome to Milan schedules and ticket prices on the Trenitalia website.

Italy's privately owned high-speed rail line, Italo , also offers train service from Rome's Termini or Tiburtina stations to Milano Centrale, with some nonstop trains that make the trip in three hours. If you can plan ahead, Italo offers some great advance-purchase prices online, including for their Prima (first class) and Club (executive class) coaches.

Both Trenitalia and Italo offer dozens of daily high-speed trains from Rome to Milan (and vice-versa), with departures from around 5 a.m. until 8:50 p.m. With so many daily trains, you could just show up at the station and purchase your tickets on the day of travel, but you'll get the best deals if you book in advance online.

Both Rome and Milan have multiple train stations, so if you want to compare the schedules and prices for all stations without doing a new search every time, choose Roma (Tutte) for the departure city and Milano (Tutte) for the arrival city— tutte is Italian for "all" and will show you all available options.

Milan has three airports: the larger Milan Malpensa (MXP) with many international flights, the smaller Milan Linate (LIN) with flights mainly from other parts of Italy and Europe, and Bergamo Airport (BGY) which is outside of Milan and the farthest away. Italian airline Alitalia has several daily flights from Fiumicino Airport in Rome to all three Milan airports. Malpensa is the larger international airport, but Linate is much closer to the city center and a more convenient option for regional flights.

Flights to Milan usually cost about the same as trains, and even though time in the air is just over an hour, once you factor in all of the extra time it takes to commute to and from the airport, check-in, go through security, and wait at your gate, going by plane actually takes much longer than the train. The train takes you directly from city center to city center, and there are so many daily options you should have no problem finding a time that works for your schedule. As an added bonus, going by train is much friendlier to the planet.

If you're making spur-of-the-moment plans to go to Milan, train and flight prices may have skyrocketed, especially if you're traveling on a weekend or holiday. The bus takes much longer—usually between eight and 10 hours—but even same-day tickets could be as low as $20. It's a long ride and you'll lose either a day of travel or a night of restful sleep, so if you must resort to the bus, you might consider breaking up the trip and spending a day or two in one of the cities along the route, such as Florence or Bologna.

The most popular coach company is Flixbus , and be aware that the pick-up and drop-off points are not centrally located in either city. In Rome, the bus stops are either at Tiburtina station or Anagnina, and in Milan, most of them leave passengers at Lampugnano bus station. All of them are connected to their respective city center by public transportation, but don't forget to take that extra time into account.

If you are traveling by car, the A1 autostrada , or highway, runs between Rome and Milan and the trip can be made in about five and a half hours—although traffic in both cities can dramatically increase the driving time. Driving in the Rome and Milan city centers is not recommended and in many cases not allowed unless you're a resident. If you're arriving by car, try to choose a hotel that has parking and is not right in the historic center.

Driving in the cities is a headache, but the route itself is easy. Not only are Italian highways well-maintained, but you'll also be driving through the gorgeous Tuscan countryside. If you're in a hurry to get to Milan you can drive straight through, but the best way to take advantage of having a car is to stop along the way and enjoy the road trip. You'll drive right through Florence, Bologna, and countless quaint Italian towns that are worth your time.

Italian highways do use tolls based on the total number of kilometers you've driven, and since the drive from Rome to Milan is almost half the length of the entire country, expect to pay about 40 to 45 euros when you exit. You can pay by credit card, but foreign cards aren't always accepted, so it's a good idea to have euros on hand just in case.

What to See in Milan

Rome is the capital of Italy, but Milan is often considered the economic and cultural capital. Not only is it the center of high Italian fashion—being the home of renowned brands like Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Armani—but it's also seeping with history. Every large Italian city has a cathedral called a Duomo , but when anyone is talking about the Duomo, they're referring to the church in Milan. It's the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and is a must-see site when visiting the city. Another famous piece of history is nearby in the Santa Maria della Grazie church, which houses Leonardo da Vinci's painting, "The Last Supper." Apart from shopping and sightseeing, Milan puts its own spin on Italian cuisine with typical dishes from the area like risotto and veal Milanese. One of Milan's most famous pastimes is aperitivo , the local version of happy hour where locals hang out at a bar, sip on an Aperol spritz, and enjoy buffets of food set out to snack on.

Thanks to high-speed trains, the ride takes three hours and 15 minutes to complete.

Rome is 356 miles (537 kilometers) from Milan.

One-way tickets on the train start at $44 depending on which train you choose and when you purchase your tickets.

To drive from Rome to Milan will take five hours and a half hours.

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4 replies to this topic

High speed trains on that route are run by both Italo and Trenitalia, so you can check your date on both to find the best deal.

Thanks to both of you. I will look at both sites.

Especially if there is any chance you'll want to change a booked ticket, be sure to check the terms and conditions of any discounted fare.

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Laura Itzkowitz is a freelance writer and editor based in Rome. She has been contributing to Travel + Leisure since 2014, when she started as a fact checker before becoming a contributing digital editor in 2015 and going freelance in 2016. She has also held positions as a contributing editor at The Points Guy and the NYC cities editor at DuJour Magazine. In addition to Travel + Leisure , her writing has appeared in Architectural Digest , Surface Magazine , Brooklyn Magazine , T Magazine , The Wall Street Journal , Vogue, GQ, Departures, Afar, Fodor's, Town & Country , Condé Nast Traveler , Robb Report , Hemispheres, and others. When she's not jetsetting around Italy and beyond, she can be found in Rome, enjoying some cacio e pepe or relaxing at home with her husband and two dogs. Originally from the Boston area, Laura moved to New York City in 2011 to pursue a master's degree in creative writing and translation at Columbia University. She also holds a bachelor's degree in French from Smith College. * 10+ years of experience writing and editing * Co-wrote "New York: Hidden Bars & Restaurants," an award-winning guide to New York City's speakeasy scene published by Jonglez Editions in 2015 * Contributed to "Fodor's Brooklyn," published by Penguin Random House in 2015, which won silver in the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism competition * Contributed an essay to "Epic Hikes of Europe," published by Lonely Planet in 2021 * Updated the 2022 edition of "Fodor's Essential Italy"

Planning Your Trip

How to save money on flights, how to find an affordable hotel, transportation in italy, eating on a budget, free and low-cost activities, more money-saving tips.

Evgeniya Vlasova/Travel + Leisure

For many, visiting Italy is a dream trip — one that’s worth saving up for. There are certainly plenty of glamorous resorts, Michelin-starred restaurants, and exclusive experiences that you might want to splurge on, but a trip to Italy doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, according to Numbeo , the cost of living is, on average, 19.8 percent lower in Italy than in the U.S.

I’ve been living in Rome for nearly five years and visited Italy many times before that, so I’ve found some strategies for traveling around the country without overspending. Here's how to plan a trip to Italy on a budget.

Want to visit Italy in the summer? So does everyone else — and increased demand drives up the prices on flights, hotels, and even tours. If you want to save some money, plan your trip for the low season (November through March), when you’ll find better rates and fewer crowds. Just keep in mind that while cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan are year-round destinations, coastal destinations like the Amalfi Coast all but shut down in the winter.

It’s a good idea to start planning your trip to Italy about three to six months in advance, or even longer if you’re planning a trip in the high season and want to be sure you’ll have plenty of options. According to Attilia Avino, who together with her sister Mariella runs Palazzo Avino , a member of the Leading Hotels of the World on the Amalfi Coast, they’re already getting bookings for 2025.

Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure

There’s no denying that flights are more expensive now than they were in the past — and flights to Italy are no exception. According to Priceline , the average cost of a round-trip flight to Rome in May 2024 is $1,183, while in May 2023 it was $977. That’s an increase of 21 percent in the span of a year.

“The two months with by far the highest number of cheap flights to Italy are January and February,” Scott Keyes, founder and chief flight officer of Going.com , told Travel + Leisure . “Aside from winter travel, shoulder season (March through May and September through November) is known for cheap Italy deals,” he said.

When looking for ways to save money on flights to Italy, it’s important to be flexible. Try using the “anywhere” feature on Google Flights to compare flight costs to different cities in Italy. If, for example, you want to visit Rome but find that the cheapest flight is to Florence, you could save hundreds of dollars by flying to Florence and then taking the train to Rome.

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According to Priceline, the average price of a hotel room in Rome rose from $180 in spring 2023 to $301 in May 2024 (that’s a whopping 67 percent increase), but there are still deals to be found. Accommodations in Italy run the gamut from historic grand dames with white glove service to spartan bed-and-breakfasts or hostels with shared dorms. And in many Italian cities, monasteries run guest houses that offer affordable rooms but might have a curfew. Sites like Booking.com will give you plenty of options that will likely fit your budget.

If you want to stay in the countryside, consider booking a room at an agriturismo . The word comes from " agri" for agriculture and " turismo" for tourism, so staying at one is essentially a form of agricultural tourism. Some have working farms that provide fresh fruit and vegetables and produce cheese or charcuterie, which they serve at their restaurant or sell at local markets. Better yet, they’re often more affordable than hotels or resorts.

Airbnb is an obvious choice, but it isn’t always more affordable than staying at a hotel, especially in in-demand neighborhoods in major cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice. It’s a good idea to compare the prices of Airbnbs with budget hotels or hostels when deciding where to stay. And consider that accommodations in neighborhoods outside the historic center will usually cost less than staying near the major monuments.

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

Italy has an extensive network of trains and buses that transport people around the country, and most cities have public transit (metros, buses, and/or trams) to move around within them. The key to saving money when traveling between cities is figuring out which train you need to book and booking it at the right time.

High-speed trains like the Frecciarossa travel at speeds up to 300 kilometers per hour. From Rome, you can be in Naples in 70 minutes, Florence in 90 minutes, Milan in three hours, and Venice in four hours. Tickets on the high-speed trains should be booked in advance because the longer you wait to book, the higher the price will rise. There are also intercity trains and regional trains, which cost less but take longer than high-speed trains. If you want to visit small cities such as Parma or Tropea, you might need to transfer from a high-speed train to a slower intercity or regional train. Use Trenitalia.com or Italiarail.com to search for and book the best train routes.

To get around cities like Rome, Milan, and Bologna, the metro is often the cheapest and fastest way to go. In Rome, for example, a single ticket costs €1.50 and is valid on the metro, buses, and trams for 100 minutes. (The price is set to rise to €2 in July.) For €7, you can buy a 24-hour pass that grants you unlimited rides. Tickets can be purchased at ticket booths in some metro stations, at the automatic machines in all metro stations, or at a tabaccaio (look for a sign with the letter T) or at some newsstands. You can use Google Maps to plan your route or download the app Moovit , which has updated information about metro, bus, and tram lines and will warn you about service changes and strikes.

In Venice, the vaporetto is the name for the public water buses that ply the Grand Canal and ferry passengers to the outer islands — and they are significantly cheaper than taking a water taxi. If you just want to cross the Grand Canal, look for the gondola traghetto . These gondolas operate in points where there isn’t a bridge nearby — like between Piazza San Marco and Punta della Dogana — and cost €2 to ride.

Eating out in Italy can put a dent in your wallet, but it doesn’t have to. There are many different types of restaurants in Italy , ranging from casual take-out spots to fine dining restaurants with elaborate tasting menus. According to Numbeo , the average cost of a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant in Italy is €60, while the average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is €15.

When I want to sit down for a casual meal of local specialties with affordable prices, I book a table at a trattoria or an osteria . Eating at a pizzeria is also a good option that’s usually more affordable than eating at a restaurant. Sit-down pizzerias are usually only open for dinner, but sometimes I like to get pizza al taglio (by the slice) for a quick lunch. Popping into a friggitoria (a place that specializes in fried food) is also a good option for a quick bite. And most bars have a selection of pastries and sandwiches.

To save a bit of money, join the locals eating and drinking their espresso standing up at the bar counter instead of sitting down and getting table service. In my experience, an espresso taken standing at a bar usually costs around €1.20, while a cappuccino and cornetto might cost €3 or €4.

Visiting museums, archeological sites, and other cultural attractions in Italy is generally quite affordable. Tickets sometimes cost just a few euros or at most about €25. For popular attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Galleria Borghese in Rome, the Uffizi Galleries and Pitti Palace in Florence, and the Doge’s Palace and Galleria dell’Accademia in Venice, it’s best to book tickets in advance. At the Colosseum, for example, tickets might sell out, forcing you to fork over a lot more money to join a guided tour. If you want to save money, book a basic entry ticket in advance and listen to one of Rick Steve’s free audio tours .

State-run museums throughout Italy are free on the first Sunday of every month and on some holidays, like the Festa della Liberazione (Liberation Day) on April 25, but in some cases,  you’ll still need to book tickets online in advance.

There are also lots of things to do in Italy that are totally free all year. Most churches are free to enter — and some of the most incredible Renaissance and Baroque art you’ll see in Italy is inside them. I have found that Italy’s churches can also be a cool, quiet place to rest my feet if I’ve been walking around for hours. Public parks such as Villa Borghese in Rome are also free. And of course, strolling around and simply admiring the beautiful piazzas, fountains, and monuments doesn’t cost a cent.

If you’re visiting Italy in the summer, you’ll probably want to soak up the sun on the beach, but prices at the beach clubs range wildly from about €15 to upwards of €100 for a sunbed and umbrella — not including food and drinks. While prices tend to be higher in touristy areas like Capri, Positano, the Italian Riviera, and the Costa Smeralda, you don’t have to fork over a fortune to enjoy the beach. Instead seek out free public beaches (called spiaggia libera ) — just make sure to bring your own towel.

You might also want to consider visiting secondary cities, such as Parma, Modena, Siena, Perugia, Orvieto, Tropea, and Lecce, where accommodations, experiences, and even meals are often less expensive than in major cities.

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Trains Are Easy To Navigate, Be Careful Not To Lose Your Luggage, And More Things That Both Delighted And Surprised Me About Traveling To Italy

L ast month, my boyfriend and i traveled to italy for a wedding. luckily, i had already visited italy with my family during high school, so this was my second visit to the country., i was around 14 when my family and i traveled on our nine-day trip to rome, florence, and a few other cities. there is something to say about traveling at a younger age with your family and them handling all the planning and logistics of the trip..

I n the past, I would simply go with the flow and never really thought about how we ended up at our destination. During that family trip to Italy, we relied on a tour group to handle a lot of the planning. However, when it came time to plan my own trip to Italy, I felt overwhelmed. Despite this, we managed to plan the entire trip on our own.

We were invited to a friend's wedding in Florence in early September and knew we wanted to extend the trip to be able to travel elsewhere in Italy. Although I had ample time to plan, I procrastinated and planned just about everything pretty last minute for an out-of-the-country trip.

We decided that we wanted to explore a beach town in italy (something that had a different feel from a populated city like florence). the island of ischia — which is off the coast of naples, not far from amalfi coast — was recommended to me by a travel agent friend, so we decided on that., overall, our trip was amazing and i cannot wait to go back to italy — or another part of europe. the experience taught me a lot, and i would love to share some of my takeaways whether you're looking for inspiration for your next trip or just have a passion for travel., 1. english is spoken in some parts of italy more than others., although english is the second-most spoken language in italy, that doesn't mean you'll find all italian citizens speaking it fluently..

After attending a wedding in Florence, we headed to the underrated, beautiful island of Ischia. Although it's not as popular as nearby islands like Capri and Amalfi Coast, it's equally stunning. 

During our stay in Sant' Angelo, a quiet, small fisherman's village in Ischia, my boyfriend and I had to rely heavily on Google Translate to communicate. Living like a local was a wonderful experience, as we were not surrounded by American tourists all the time. However, there were instances where it was difficult to communicate certain things, especially my boyfriend's nut allergy when we were out at a restaurant. 

Most people assumed that we spoke Italian, so we had to quickly type out what we were trying to convey on the Google Translate app. It didn't really bother us, but it was one of the disadvantages of traveling to a non-touristy area of a country.

2. Do your research and familiarize yourself with the vibe of the city or village you want to visit before getting there.

It turns out that although ischia isn't a very big island (it's only 18 square miles ), each village offers something a little bit different. upon booking where on the island we would stay, i honestly didn't do a ton of research so it wasn't until we got to sant' angelo and settled in did we find out that it's a very quiet fisherman's village with stunning beaches — but not much nightlife..

Honestly, this was fine for us because it made for the perfect, most relaxing vacation.  Depending on the vibe you're looking for while on your vacation, I recommend doing extensive research first especially if it's in another county .

3. If you're in a city like Florence, it's worth carrying around a reusable water bottle to refill at drinking fountains.

It was particularly useful when walking around in the heat. additionally, in italy, you have to pay for water at restaurants, so waiters do not refill your glass as frequently as they do in america. as a result, i was always left thirsty after our meals., 4. if you purchase a ferry ticket online in italy, you must validate it before boarding., on that note, make sure to give yourself enough time to validate your ticket because the lines get long and those ferries seem to leave right on their scheduled time..

The port in Naples from where our ferry was departing had several other ferries going to popular destinations such as the Amalfi Coast and Capri. As a result, the lines of people waiting to validate their tickets before boarding their respective ferries were quite long.

5. Traveling by train is an easy and quite enjoyable experience.

After boarding the train, a conductor came by to validate our digital ticket (you can also print a hard copy if preferred). despite the crowds, the italian train stations were not as chaotic or confusing as i had anticipated., 6. utilize public transportation to save some money., 7. compare the prices of an airbnb versus a hotel., 8. wear (or bring) something that covers your shoulders and knees in churches., 9. if you're traveling in italy using multiple modes of transportation, add unique identifiers to your luggage to easily differentiate it., when my boyfriend got off the train in a hurry, he mistakenly grabbed a black hard-shell suitcase that looked similar to his black away bag. since he hadn't put anything to distinguish his bag, he ended up taking someone else's bag, and they took his..

To cut a long story short, to swap the luggage, it turned out to be quite the adventure, that we now call "luggage gate." The lesson we learned here is to always put something on your luggage that makes it stand out from similar-looking bags.

10. It's helpful to carry extra euros for situations where cash is needed.

To avoid paying hefty conversion fees at an international atm, i recommend you order euros from your local bank a few weeks before your trip. most banks don't have euros on hand, so you'll need to call or visit the bank and ask a teller to order them for you. the euros will be delivered to your home once they arrive. unfortunately, i didn't know this and had to pay conversion fees at the airport in rome., 11. a typical breakfast in italy is very different from an american breakfast., 12. small shops close during the day at lunch and will reopen later in the afternoon — or in our experience, not reopen at all., unfortunately, every time i went back to it to shop, it was either closed for a long lunch break or it was just completely closed, we asked our airbnb host (who also owned her own boutique in the village we were staying in) and she said for the most part, shop owners make up their own hours of operation. i was kicking myself for not knowing this sooner because i just assumed the boutique i wanted to shop in would of course be open the next day at the same time., 13. there's so much more to italian cuisine than just pizza and pasta., have you been to italy what regions did you love the most what tips would you give to others planning a trip share it all with me in the comments below.