What is Frecciarossa?

What is Frecciarossa?

Frecciarossa, which translates to "Red Arrow", is a high-speed train service operated by Trenitalia, the primary train operator in Italy. Frecciarossa is renowned for its speed, comfort, and efficiency, making it a preferred choice for both domestic and international travellers. Frecciarossa trains exist in four types—ETR 500, ETR 600, ETR 700, and ETR 1000 models. Among them, the Frecciarossa 1000 has a maximum commercial speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) and can be tested up to 400 km/h (249 mph), significantly reducing travel times between major Italian cities such as Rome, Milan, Florence, and Naples.

Frecciarossa focuses on luxury and passenger comfort, offering multiple classes of service, including Standard, Premium, Business, and Executive, each providing varying levels of amenities such as spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, and onboard catering. The service's punctuality, frequency, and extensive network connectivity further enhance its appeal, positioning Frecciarossa as a leading choice in Italy's high-speed rail market.

Popular Frecciarossa Routes

Train RoutesJourney TimePriceTickets
Frecciarossa Milan to Rome2h 50mFrom US$46.00
Frecciarossa Milan to Paris9h 4mFrom US$85.18
Frecciarossa Milan to Naples4h 11mFrom US$58.48
Frecciarossa Turin to Rome4h 20mFrom US$55.66
Frecciarossa Milan to Florence1h 45mFrom US$14.07

Check Frecciarossa train status with Trip.com

Frecciarossa On-Board Facilities & Services

Trenitalia Frecciarossa trains typically offer three to four classes: Standard, Premium, Business, and Executive. These trains provide essential services such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, luggage storage, air conditioning, and a catering coach. Each class offers varying levels of comfort and luxury to suit every traveller's needs. Check below for more details.

Standard Class

Standard Class

Low-cost high-speed train services arranged in rows of 4 seats.

  1. Free WiFi
  2. Power sockets
  3. Spacious luggage zone
Premium Class

Premium Class

Travel with comfort, arranged in rows of 4 seats.

  1. Free WiFi
  2. Power sockets
  3. Spacious luggage zone
  4. Leather seats and reclining seats on most trains
  5. Free welcome snacks with water
Business Class

Business Class

Ideal for business trips with more space, comfort, and privacy.

  1. Free WiFi
  2. Power sockets
  3. Spacious luggage zone
  4. Leather and reclining seats with more space
  5. Free welcome food and drinks
  6. Silent coach option
Executive Class

Executive Class

Executive service level is available only on Frecciarossa 1000 and 500 trains. Comfort and privacy are guaranteed by the wide distance between each seat.

  1. Free WiFi
  2. Power sockets
  3. Spacious luggage zone
  4. Leather, reclining armchairs
  5. Fast Track
  6. Free access to FrecciaLounge
  7. A complimentary cold tray meal or snack, plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

Frecciarossa Train Ticket Types

Frecciarossa trains provide various ticket types, including Base, Economy, and Super Economy, to accommodate different travel needs and budgets, ensuring flexibility and affordability for all travellers.

Frecciarossa Train Ticket Types

  • Base

    Advance booking available to purchase right up to the train's departure time.
    Trenitalia's Base tickets are standard full-price tickets ideal for travellers who need flexibility in their travel plans, such as business travellers or those with uncertain schedules. Travellers can change their ticket's date, time, or class as many times as needed without incurring extra costs. However, if you request a refund, Trenitalia will withhold 20% of the ticket price. These tickets are available from six months in advance until the day of departure.

  • Economy

    Advance booking available to purchase up to midnight the day before departure.
    Trenitalia's Economy tickets are discounted tickets designed for travellers looking to save on costs. Travellers can change the date or time of their ticket once, subject to a fee and any fare difference, making them suitable for leisure travellers or those with more predictable schedules. These tickets are available up to six months in advance until the day of departure, but availability may be limited due to high demand. Please note that Economy tickets are non-refundable.

  • Super Economy

    Advance booking available to purchase up to midnight 9 days before departure.
    Trenitalia's Super Economy tickets are the most affordable option, designed for travellers who prioritise cost savings over flexibility. These deeply discounted tickets are ideal for those with fixed travel plans and confident their schedule will not change, as Super Economy tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable. They're available to buy six months in advance, and up to midnight on the ninth day before the train's departure. Due to their popularity and limited availability, it is advisable to book as early as possible to secure the best rates.

Frecciarossa train offers

Travel for less with the best Frecciarossa deals. Just enter your passenger details – and CartaFRECCIA loyalty card if you have one – on Trip.com to see all available offers. Book early to secure the best prices, as promotional fares are limited and subject to availability.

  • FrecciaYOUNG

    • Discount: Fixed price fares at US$22.55, US$34.42 or US$46.29, depending on the route.
    • Offer details: Valid for CartaFRECCIA members under 30 for travel in Standard class on Frecciarossa.
    • Available until: Midnight 11 days before departure.
    • Changes and refunds: Not permitted.

  • FrecciaDAYS

    • Discount: Up to 60% off.
    • Offer details: Valid for travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in Business, Premium and Standard classes on Frecciarossa.
    • Available until: Midnight, 24 days before departure.
    • Changes and refunds: Not permitted.

  • FrecciaFAMILY

    • Discount: Children under 15 travel free of charge, while adults can save up to 50%.
    • Offer details: For groups of 2-5 people, including at least one adult and one passenger under 15. Valid in Business, Premium and Standard classes.
    • Available until: Midnight, 15 days before departure.
    • Changes and refunds: One change permitted prior to departure; refunds available before departure with a 20% fee.

  • FrecciaSENIOR

    • Discount: Fixed price fares from US$34.42 (Standard), US$40.35 (Premium) or US$46.29 (Business).
    • Offer details: For CartaFRECCIA members over 60.
    • Available until: Midnight, 11 days before departure.
    • Changes and refunds: Not permitted.

  • FrecciaFRIENDS

    • Discount: Up to 50% off.
    • Offer details: For groups of 3-5 people travelling in Business, Premium and Standard classes.
    • Available until: Midnight, 15 days before departure.
    • Changes and refunds: Not permitted.

  • Same-day Return

    • Discount: 50% off travel on Saturdays; 30% off train journeys from Sunday to Friday.
    • Offer details: Valid for same-day return journeys in Executive, Business, Premium and Standard classes.
    • Available until: Midnight, 3 days before departure.
    • Changes and refunds: Time and class changes permitted up to departure, subject to any fare difference.

  • Speciale AV Notte

    • Discount: Fixed price fares from US$35.49 (Standard), US$41.42 (Premium) or US$53.29 (Business).
    • Offer details: Valid for overnight Frecciarossa services from Milan, Reggio Emilia, Bologna and Florence to Calabria, or from Milan, Parma, Reggio Emilia and Bologna to Puglia (and return).
    • Available until: Midnight, 3 days before departure.
    • Changes and refunds: Not permitted.

CartaFRECCIA - Earn Points when Riding with Trenitalia

CartaFRECCIA is Trenitalia's free loyalty program that allows you to earn points for every euro spent on Trenitalia tickets, including those purchased through Trip.com. By joining CartaFRECCIA, you can accumulate points that can be redeemed for free tickets, upgrades, and other exclusive benefits. This program rewards frequent travellers and enhances their travel experience with Trenitalia.

  1. Eligibility: Open to individuals aged 18+; under 18 must register at assistance offices or ticket counters.
  2. Limitation: All FRECCIA Cards are nominative, personal, non-transferable and can be used exclusively by the Card Holder.
  3. Validity: Points expire after 24 months.
  4. Membership Levels: Base, Argento, Oro, Platino.
  5. Personal Information: Provide and update accurate information.
  6. Family & Friends: Points are non-transferable.
  7. Fraud Prevention: Membership can be suspended or terminated for fraud.
  8. Cancellation: Cancel anytime; unused points are forfeited.
CartaFRECCIA - Earn Points when Riding with Trenitalia

Frecciarossa FAQs

  • How far in advance can I book Frecciarossa tickets?

    Frecciarossa tickets are generally available from 6 months before departure until the train departs or sells out. If you book at least 3 weeks in advance on Trip.com, you can access significantly cheaper fares, which can be up to 50% less than last-minute prices.

  • How do I cancel a Frecciarossa ticket?

    If you decide not to travel, you can cancel your booking before the train's scheduled departure time and request a partial refund.

    In the Trip.com app or website:

    1. Go to All bookings in your account.
    2. Select the journey you wish to cancel.
    3. Confirm your cancellation request.

    If you cancel before departure, you'll receive a refund of 80% of the ticket price.

    Please note, Super Economy and Economy fares or tickets booked with a Trenitalia promotional offer may not be refundable.

  • How much do children pay on Frecciarossa trains?

    Children up to the age of 3 do not require a ticket on Frecciarossa trains and can travel free of charge in an adult's lap. Children aged 4 to 14 need a ticket and seat reservation, but are eligible for a 50% discount on the Base fare.

    Families travelling with children on Italian high-speed trains can also take advantage of dedicated offers such as FrecciaFAMILY.

  • Can I take a bicycle on a Frecciarossa train?

    Passengers may bring one dismantled or folding bicycle onboard Frecciarossa trains for free as long as it is packed in a closed bag. The bag must not exceed 80x110x45 cm and should be stowed in the luggage areas provided.

  • How early can I board a Frecciarossa train?

    Frecciarossa trains are typically open to passengers immediately after cleaning and once any boarding checks have been completed. You can usually board up to around 1 minute before departure.

  • Can I change a Frecciarossa ticket?

    If you have purchased an Economy or Base fare, in most cases you can change the date, time, route, class, number of passengers or passenger names before departure free of charge.

    To change a Frecciarossa ticket booked on Trip.com:

    1. Log in to your account on the Trip.com app or website
    2. Select your journey in All Bookings.
    3. Choose the Change option.
    4. Make any changes and save. A fare difference may apply if the new ticket is more expensive.

    Please note:

    • Tickets booked with Trenitalia promotional offers or a Super Economy fare may not be changeable.
    • After the train has departed, changes can only be requested at the station ticket office within one hour of departure.
    • Passenger names cannot be changed once the train has left its departure station.

  • How much does it cost to change a Frecciarossa ticket?

    Online ticket changes are usually free prior to departure. A fare difference, however, may apply if the new ticket covers a more expensive train or service than the one originally booked.

  • What is the difference between classes on Frecciarossa?

    Frecciarossa trains offer four travel classes, each with a different level of comfort and service:

    • Standard has comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, power sockets and access to the FrecciaBistrò bar carriage.
    • Premium offers wider seats with more legroom than Standard, plus all the same onboard services.
    • Business provides a more premium experience with spacious reclining seats, a wider seat pitch, and a meal served at your seat on select services.
    • Executive is Frecciarossa's top tier, with large armchair-style seats, enhanced privacy, a dedicated welcome service and meals included.

  • How do I validate a Frecciarossa ticket?

    Frecciarossa tickets booked online via Trip.com, Trenitalia's official partner, do not require check-in or validation. Your seat reservation is included and your ticket is valid from the moment of purchase. There's no need to print it either, simply show your ticket to the conductor on your smartphone.

  • Are there security checks before boarding Frecciarossa trains?

    No. Unlike air travel, there are no security checks or bag scanners before boarding Frecciarossa trains. Simply go to your designated platform, board the train and find your reserved seat. Your ticket will be checked onboard by the conductor.