Tourist trains comprised of a steam, diesel or eletric locomotive and vintage passenger carriages are very popular in recent years. Heritage trains in Italy run occasionally on many routes. Almost all trains are operated by the Fondazione FS Italiane established in 2013. Railway enthusiast can choose between trains with passenger carriages from 30s, 50s and electric multiple units such as ETR 252, once considered as a luxury train.
Heritage trains in Italy usually run between major cities during the April-October season, but this is not a rule, as some trains also traverse the most beautiful sections of picturesque Italian local routes through villages and small towns. Sometimes, trains are launched on abandoned or unused railway lines, such as Asti – Chiasso.
Reservation is mandatory. A separate tariff applied. Interrail pass and other tickets are not accepted.
Most popular heritage trains in Italy:
Ferrovia dei Parchi: Sulmona to Castel di Sangro
Treno degli Alpini: Treviso to Gemona del Friuli
Festa di Primavera: Trieste to Monfalcone
Trieste e il Mare: Treviso Centrale to Conegliano, Sacile, Pordenone, Udine and Gorizia
Treno Natura: Siena to various villages and towns
Treno del Sacro Monte: Novara to Varallo Sesia
TrEno Langhe Roero e Monferrato: Turino to Canelli and Nizza Monferrato
Tickets are relatively inexpensive.
Heritage trains in Italy are very popular and you need to book your journey well in advance.
The calendar of journeys is available on Fondazione FS’ page. The calendar of train rides is continuously updated with additional trains. Check the website and fanpage.
Fondazione FS – official website
Ferrovie turistiche – additional information about tourist trains in Italy
Very popular is also Il Treno della Sila – a heritage train comprised of a steam locomotive and vintage carriages running in the season between Moccone and San Nicola Silvana Mansio stations (13 km) on a 950 mm gauge line near Cosenza. The route passes through a section of the disused Cosenza – San Giovanni in Fiore railway line. The line is considered one of the most beautiful railway lines in Italy, passing through the famous Camigliati viaduct, 166 meters long. From the train’s windows, you can admire the Crati River valley and the artificial Cecita reservoir. The San Nicola-Silvana Mansio station, located at an altitude of 1404 meters above sea level, is the highest railway station in Italy. The journey takes one hour one way.
Il Treno della Sila – official website
Related articles:
Train travel in Italy
Narrow-gauge railways in Italy
Rack railways in Italy
