Rome to Naples train with Frecciarossa

Rome to Naples by Trenitalia 'Frecciarossa' High-Speed Train

Introduction

On a recent vacation to Italy, I traveled by train from the north to the south of the country, which included a high-speed train from Rome to Naples. In my opinion, Italy’s high-speed rail network is among the best in Europe. It’s convenient, fast, reliable, and often surprisingly affordable.

In this guide, I’ll show you what it’s like to travel on a high-speed train from Rome to Naples and share some great tips to help you make the most of your trip.

Route Overview

If you want to travel by train from Rome to Naples, you can choose between a Regionale or InterCity train on the regular rail line or a high-speed train on the dedicated high-speed route. Since the average high-speed train takes just 1 hour and 10 minutes to cover the 222 kilometers (138 miles) between Rome and Naples, it’s the recommended way to travel. Even a Rome to Naples flight can't beat the city center–to–city center time.

Several operators serve the Rome to Naples route. The national railway company, Trenitalia, runs Regionale (regional) trains, InterCity trains, and high-speed Frecciarossa services. In addition, the private operator Italo also runs high-speed trains between the two cities. This competition helps keep ticket prices affordable and ensures frequent departures throughout the day.

Transportation Experience

Booking your journey on Omio is simple, with ticket prices and conditions clearly displayed. One of the biggest advantages of using Omio is that you can instantly compare ticket prices for all train options, whether it’s a slow but cheap Regionale, a Trenitalia high-speed service, or a premium Italo train. I booked First Class on the Rome to Naples Frecciarossa train, operated by Trenitalia, which cost me €30.90. If you’re a budget-conscious traveler, you can also compare train prices with buses from Rome to Naples on Omio. However, I personally wouldn’t recommend this because the bus travel time is more than twice as long as the train.

Route Details

Roma Termini is the main railway station in Rome, while Napoli Centrale is the main station in Naples. These stations are the most useful for most tourists, as they are centrally located and well-connected by public transport, including the metro.

However, note that some trains use secondary stations like Roma Tiburtina and Napoli Afragola, with the latter being especially far from the city center. Unless your accommodation is nearby, it’s best to avoid these stations.

It’s a good idea to arrive about 30 minutes before your train departs, especially if it’s your first time navigating the large and busy Roma Termini station. You must scan your ticket to open the barriers and access the station platforms.

I took the 11:10 departure, and it arrived right on time at 12:23 in Naples. Reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h), the high-speed train from Rome to Naples completes the journey at lightning-fast speeds. There are dozens of daily train departures from Rome to Naples, so simply book the one that best fits your schedule and budget.

Onboard Experience and Services

If you're taking a Trenitalia high-speed train from Rome to Naples, you’ll most likely be on a Frecciarossa 1000 or Frecciarossa 500. While there are some differences between the two high-speed train types, the average traveler won’t notice them, as the travel classes and comfort levels are the same.

• Standard Class on a Frecciarossa train is similar to Second Class, with seats in a 2+2 configuration.
• Premium Class is a slightly upgraded version of Standard and has the same 2+2 seating layout but includes a welcome drink on board. If you're on a Frecciarossa 500 train, Standard Class seats are upholstered in cloth, while Premium Class seats are leather (on the Frecciarossa 1000, both classes have leather seats).
• Business Class on a Frecciarossa is comparable to First Class, featuring larger seats in a 2+1 configuration for more shoulder room and personal space. You’ll receive a welcome drink (coffee, water, juice, a soda, or prosecco), along with a sweet or savory snack.
• Executive Class is a premium First Class product with large leather seats arranged in a 1+1 configuration, offering complimentary drinks and food served throughout the ride.

No matter your travel class, you'll find plenty of space to store your bags on dedicated baggage racks or in the overhead luggage racks, and you'll have access to power outlets and complimentary Wi-Fi.

I was seated in Business Class and found it very comfortable, with plenty of legroom. Traveling alone, I appreciated the solo seat and not having a neighbor next to me. When the train attendant passed by with her trolley offering complimentary drinks and snacks, I chose a mini bottle of Prosecco. After all, why wouldn’t you when you’re in Italy? You can also visit the onboard café-bar to buy drinks and snacks or bring your own. The café-bar sells cold and hot drinks (including beer and wine), along with a range of sweet and savory snacks and light meals, such as salads, sandwiches, and mini-pizzas

Although many high-speed train rides in Europe aren’t especially scenic, often running through tunnels or behind sound barriers, the journey from Rome to Naples is a notable exception. Along the way, you’ll get a great view of the beautiful hills and mountains of the Liri Valley. Keep an eye out for the famous hilltop monastery of Monte Cassino, which was the site of some of the fiercest fighting during World War II.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

In Italy, it's best to book your long-distance and high-speed trains as soon as possible. The same applies to your Rome to Naples train ticket, as the cheapest fares are usually available only if you book in advance. If you wait too long, you also risk that your preferred train might be fully booked. This is especially true for peak departure times during morning and evening rush hours, national holidays, and summer vacations.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Compare ticket prices between Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa high-speed trains and those of the private operator Italo. Both offer similar service levels and travel times, so price may be the deciding factor.
• Compare the different fare types offered by Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa trains. Super Economy tickets are the cheapest but are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, while more expensive base fares are semi-refundable and fully exchangeable.
• Bring your own drinks and snacks on board or visit the café bar to buy something on the train.
• Double-check the departure and arrival stations in Rome and Naples before you book. For most tourists, departing from Roma Termini and arriving at Napoli Centrale will be the most convenient option.

Conclusion

With top speeds of up to 300 km/h, the high-speed train is by far the fastest and most convenient way to travel between Rome and Naples, covering the journey in just over an hour, city-center-to-city-center. Even flying can’t match it for efficiency.

While regional and InterCity trains are available on the conventional line, your best bet is a high-speed service with either Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa or Italo. If you book your ticket on Omio in advance, you’ll often find surprisingly affordable fares for such a quick and comfortable ride.

About the Author: Koen Berghuis

• Job Title: Rail Travel Blogger
• Bio: Koen is a rail expert and passionate train traveler who logs about 20,000 kilometers by train each year, exploring routes across Europe and beyond. Koen shares his travels on his website, where you’ll find dozens of train reviews and trip reports.