What is the Frecciargento
The Frecciargento ("Silver Arrow") is a Trenitalia high-speed train category, sitting between the Frecciarossa (top tier) and the Frecciabianca (faster regional). It uses ETR.485 and ETR.600 trainsets capable of running on both high-speed lines (AV) and conventional tracks, with a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
To check the schedule, delays and stops of a specific Frecciargento in real time, search the train number (e.g. "8807") on the Treniamo home page.
Routes covered
Unlike the Frecciarossa, which focuses on the main AV corridors (Turin-Milan-Rome-Naples, Milan-Bologna-Florence), the Frecciargento serves mixed routes combining AV and conventional lines, reaching destinations where pure AV does not arrive:
Main corridors
- Rome - Venice (via Bologna): the historic Frecciargento route, ~3h45m
- Rome - Lecce (via Bari): connects the South-East across Puglia
- Rome - Reggio Calabria (via Naples and the Tyrrhenian line)
- Rome - Bari (Adriatic line, selected services)
- Milan - Bari / Lecce (via Bologna and the Adriatic line)
- Verona - Rome (some Frecciargento from Bolzano)
Route characteristics
Frecciargento runs on AV where available (Rome-Bologna, Rome-Naples) but then continues on conventional lines to reach cities not served by AV (Bari, Lecce, Venice, Reggio Calabria). This makes journey times longer than the equivalent Frecciarossa.
Frecciargento vs Frecciarossa
| Frecciarossa | Frecciargento | |
|---|---|---|
| Top speed | 300-400 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Lines | Dedicated AV only | AV + conventional |
| Typical routes | Rome-Milan, Rome-Naples | Rome-Venice, Rome-Lecce |
| Classes | 4 (Standard, Premium, Business, Executive) | 3 (Standard, Business, Executive) |
| On-board Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Bar / dining | Yes (Executive) | Yes (Executive) |
Bottom line: Frecciargento is slower but reaches more destinations. If your route has both, Frecciarossa is almost always faster.
Frecciargento vs Frecciabianca
The Frecciabianca is even slower (200 km/h max) and uses only conventional lines. Frecciargento is the middle option: faster than the Bianca with broader coverage than the Rossa.
How to track delays and train status
Frecciargento trains are subject to delays especially on the conventional segments, where they share the line with other traffic. To check status in real time:
- Search the train number (e.g. 8807, 8836, 8623) on the Treniamo home page
- You will see current position, accumulated delay, next stop and ETA at all subsequent stations
- The page refreshes every ~60 seconds with no manual reload required
Example: the Frecciargento 8807 connecting Milan Central with Taranto crosses Bologna, Ancona, Pescara, Foggia and Bari before terminating at Taranto. The train page shows the exact point along the route and the accumulated delay.
Delays and refunds
Frecciargento trains follow the same refund rules as Frecciarossa for significant delays:
- 30-59 minute delay: 25% ticket refund
- 60-119 minute delay: 50% refund
- Over 120 minute delay: 100% refund (with some caps for CartaFreccia holders)
Refunds are claimed on Trenitalia.com within 12 months of the travel date. For procedure details see the delays and refunds guide.
Frecciargento and CartaFreccia
Frecciargento trips accumulate CartaFreccia points like Frecciarossa. Periodic promotions (Voucher, Frecce Promo, Best Saver) often apply to both categories.
In summary
Frecciargento is the right choice for:
- Routes to Venice, Lecce, Bari, Reggio Calabria that Frecciarossa does not reach
- When you want top-tier comfort (Wi-Fi, spacious seats, dining) but accept slightly longer travel times
- Fares often lower than the equivalent Frecciarossa on the same corridor (where one exists)