Travelling by train with a disability in Italy
The Italian railway system offers assistance services for travellers with motor, sensory or cognitive disabilities. Assistance is free of charge and available at most stations and on all long-distance trains.
Sala Blu: the assistance service
Sala Blu is the assistance service by RFI (Rete Ferroviaria Italiana) for travellers with disabilities or reduced mobility.
What Sala Blu offers
- Accompaniment from your arrival point to the train
- Boarding and alighting with ramp or lift
- Service wheelchair if needed
- Luggage assistance
- Information on timetables, platforms and connections
How to book assistance
- Online: on the RFI Sala Blu website (salablu.rfi.it)
- Phone: 800.906.060 (toll-free, active 6:45am-9:30pm)
- Email: salablu.[city]@rfi.it
- In person: at Sala Blu offices in major stations
Important: Book assistance at least 12 hours in advance for major stations and 24 hours for smaller stations. Without a booking, assistance may not be available.
Stations with Sala Blu
Sala Blu offices are located in 14 major stations:
- Roma Termini, Milano Centrale, Napoli Centrale
- Torino Porta Nuova, Firenze S.M.N., Bologna Centrale
- Venezia Santa Lucia, Genova Piazza Principe
- Bari Centrale, Palermo Centrale
- Verona Porta Nuova, Padova, Reggio Emilia AV, Ancona
Over 250 additional stations provide assistance via phone booking.
Accessibility on Trenitalia trains
Frecciarossa and Frecciargento
- Wheelchair spaces in a dedicated car (car 3 on Frecciarossa)
- Accessible bathroom with appropriate fixtures
- Visual displays for announcements (helpful for deaf travellers)
- Space for companion in the same compartment
- Reduced ticket price for companion (with Carta Blu)
Intercity and Intercity Notte
- Dedicated wheelchair spaces
- Accessible bathroom
- Seat-side assistance available on request
Regional trains
- Newer trains have low-floor access from the platform
- Wheelchair space near doors
- Older trains require ramp or lift (available with Sala Blu booking)
Tip: New-generation regional trains (Rock, Pop, Jazz) provide platform-level access at stations with raised platforms. Look for these trains for greater independence.
Accessibility on Italo trains
- Dedicated spaces for wheelchair users (car 5, Smart class)
- Accessible bathroom with larger dimensions
- Assistance bookable via Italo customer service (06.07.08)
- Companion discount: companion travels free if the traveller has 100% certified disability
Carta Blu
The Carta Blu from Trenitalia allows the companion of a disabled traveller to travel for free.
Who can get it
- Holders of attendance allowance (indennita di accompagnamento)
- Civilians with 100% certified disability
- Blind persons
How to apply
- At any Trenitalia ticket office
- With ID and disability certificate
- Valid for 5 years, renewable
Practical tips
Before travelling
- Book assistance well in advance
- Communicate your specific needs (wheelchair type, companion, etc.)
- Check accessibility of departure and arrival stations
- Arrive early: at least 30 minutes before departure
During the journey
- Go to the Sala Blu or agreed meeting point
- Staff will accompany you to the train and help with boarding
- At arrival, destination station staff will assist you with alighting
Stations: what to check
- Lifts and escalators: verify they are working
- Raised platforms: make boarding modern trains easier
- Tactile paths: present in major stations for visually impaired travellers
- Audio signals: sound-equipped traffic lights and voice announcements
On Treniamo you can search your station to check real-time departures and plan your journey. Use the stations page to find your station.
Frequently asked questions
Can I travel with an electric wheelchair?
Yes, but check dimensions: the maximum width accepted is generally 70 cm. For wider wheelchairs, contact Sala Blu in advance.
Is assistance free?
Yes, the Sala Blu service is completely free for all travellers with disabilities or reduced mobility.
Can I bring a guide dog on the train?
Yes, guide dogs for blind persons always travel for free on all trains, without a muzzle.
What if the station lift is out of order?
Report the issue to Sala Blu or the toll-free number 800.906.060. Staff will assist you with alternative routes.