When you think of traveling through Italy, you probably imagine zipping from city to city on high-speed trains… but what about slowing down?
Italy hides some of the most breathtaking train journeys in Europe — routes where the journey itself is just as magical as the destination. No airport stress, no traffic, just the rhythmic sound of the tracks and windows framing postcard-perfect landscapes.
Here are 5 Italian train rides you’ll wish you’d known about sooner.
1️⃣ Bernina Express – Tirano to St. Moritz
Technically crossing into Switzerland, this UNESCO-listed route begins in Tirano, a charming town in Lombardy, and winds its way past glaciers, alpine villages, and turquoise lakes. Every curve of the track feels like a new painting.
2️⃣ The Cinque Terre Express – Levanto to La Spezia
This short but stunning ride clings to cliffs above the Ligurian Sea, hopping between the five colorful villages of the Cinque Terre. Every few minutes, the train bursts out of tunnels to reveal another jaw-dropping coastal view.
3️⃣ Sila Train – Calabria’s “Train of the Sky”
In the rugged mountains of Calabria, this narrow-gauge steam train feels like stepping into the past. It climbs high into the Sila plateau, where in winter you can ride past snow-covered forests and frozen lakes.
4️⃣ Pistoia to Bologna – The Porrettana Line
One of Italy’s oldest railway lines, this route winds through Tuscany’s green valleys, over stone viaducts, and through hand-dug tunnels. It’s a slow, romantic trip into Italy’s 19th-century rail history.
5️⃣ Sulmona to Isernia – The Trans-Siberian of Italy
Don’t be fooled by the name — this is pure Italian magic. Crossing the Apennines through Abruzzo and Molise, the train passes wildflower meadows, medieval towns, and snow-capped peaks. In autumn, the colors are unreal.
💡 Tip: For the most immersive experience, skip first class, bring a picnic, and keep your camera ready — you’ll want to capture every curve.
