Night trains in Italy
Night trains let you travel while sleeping, saving time and hotel costs. The main service in Italy is Trenitalia's Intercity Notte.
Intercity Notte: routes
The main overnight routes connect Northern and Southern Italy:
| Route | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Milan/Turin → Palermo | ~18 hours | Daily |
| Milan/Turin → Syracuse | ~18 hours | Daily |
| Rome → Palermo | ~11 hours | Daily |
| Rome → Syracuse | ~10 hours | Daily |
| Milan → Lecce | ~10 hours | Daily |
| Milan → Reggio Calabria | ~13 hours | Daily |
Trains to Sicily cross the Strait of Messina by ferry: the train is loaded onto the ship. A unique experience!
Accommodation types
Seat
- Reclining seat in compartment or open plan
- Price: from €29
- Cheapest but least comfortable for sleeping
Couchette (4 or 6 berths)
- Bunk bed in shared compartment
- Sheets and pillow included
- 6-berth couchette: from €39 (3 beds per side)
- 4-berth couchette: from €49 (2 beds per side, more space)
Sleeper cabin (1-3 berths)
- Private cabin with wash basin
- Breakfast included
- Single: from €89
- Double: from €69/person
- Triple: from €59/person
- The most comfortable option
Book early: couchettes and sleeper cabins sell out quickly, especially in summer and on weekends. Purchase 30-60 days in advance.
Tips for overnight travel
What to bring
- Earplugs and eye mask
- Snacks and water (the bar may be closed)
- Power bank (sockets aren't always available)
- Small padlock for luggage (shared couchettes)
Safety
- Sleeper cabins have interior locking doors
- Couchettes have a safety latch
- Keep documents and valuables with you
Punctuality
Night trains can accumulate significant delays, especially on long routes. Check the real-time status of your train before departing.
Alternatives
Flixbus overnight
- Lower prices (from €15)
- Less comfort than a couchette
- Covers some routes not served by train
NightJet (international)
- Operated by OBB (Austria)
- Rome/Milan → Vienna, Munich, Salzburg
- High-quality sleeper cabins
Frequently asked questions
Are night trains punctual?
Night trains tend to have more frequent delays than high-speed trains, especially on long routes. Use Treniamo to monitor your train.
Can I bring my car on the night train?
The car transport service has been suspended. It is currently not available.
Is the night train safe?
Yes, Intercity Notte trains are safe. Sleeper cabins have interior locks and onboard staff are present throughout the night.