The Most Scenic Train Rides In Italy

Here are the most scenic train rides in Italy that you’ll want on your list. From coastal cliffs to rolling hills to alpine peaks, these routes will leave you breathless.

Italy is famous for its art, food, and architecture, but some of its most breathtaking views are found between destinations. If you’re searching for the most scenic train rides in Italy, you’re in the right place.

Italy’s landscapes are diverse, so there’s a wide range of scenic beauty, and Italy by train offers front-row seats to views you’d miss from highways. 

Even better, you can enjoy the views while sitting in comfy seats, without navigating narrow roads or the dreaded search for parking.

In this article, I’ll walk you through:

• Why trains are the best way to see Italy
• The top 5 most scenic train routes in Italy
• Tips for planning train trips in Italy
• The best times for scenic train rides in Italy

Here are the best train routes in Italy and how to plan them.

Why Trains Are the Best Way to See Italy

Italy’s rail system connects major cities and small towns seamlessly.  Unlike driving, trains take you directly from city center to city center.  There’s no traffic stress, no toll booths, and no worrying about ZTL (restricted driving) zones.

Scenic train travel in Italy also offers:

• Elevated tracks with unobstructed views – The train tracks take you to places no other form of transportation can, offering some of the most stunning views.
• Large windows, perfect for photography – Most trains have large windows, and some even have panoramic windows that allow views from above, allowing for the most beautiful photos.
• Affordable regional routes – Another great part about train travel in Italy is that it is affordable, and on regional trains, it’s easy to book last-minute if you have to.
• Comfortable high-speed options between cities – Unless you prefer slow travel and you don’t have a strict schedule, high-speed trains are excellent options. They allow you the same gorgeous views while being time-efficient.

Train travel in Italy, especially on these top routes, are definitely one of the best ways to travel. The affordability, comfort, and breathtaking views are hard to beat.

The Most Scenic Train Routes in Italy

1. Cinque Terre Railway

Route: La Spezia ↔ Levanto

The Cinque Terre train line is arguably the most iconic coastal railway in Italy.  This short but spectacular route connects five colorful cliffside villages along the Ligurian Sea.

Because it is so rugged, walking can be a chore. Taxis are few and not completely reliable, and bus schedules are not exact, to say the least (we found out the hard way 😔).

Trains, on the other hand (as long as there’s no strike…), are reliable, quick, and oh so scenic!

What makes it so spectacular…

• The bright pastel houses stacked against dramatic cliffs are truly straight from a postcard.
• The sudden tunnel openings, revealing sparkling turquoise water is like living in a movie.
• The panoramic views between villages make the journey feel much more like a sublime experience rather than a form of transportation.

Planning tips:

• Use regional trains.  They run frequently, and it’s easy to get last-minute tickets.
• Consider purchasing the Cinque Terre Train Card for unlimited rides.
• Always sit on the ocean-facing side for the best views.

Here are some of the easiest scenic train rides in Italy to add to your itinerary:

2. The Bernina Express (Northern Italy)

Route: Tirano (Italy) → St. Moritz (Switzerland) – Operated by Rhaetian Railway

The Bernina Express is one of Europe’s most famous scenic trains, and it begins in northern Italy.  This UNESCO-listed railway climbs into the Alps without tunnels or rack systems, offering extraordinary views. This scenic train from Italy to Switzerland is one of the most beautiful trains we’ve ever taken. It’s an absolute must.

Here’s what puts it over the top…

• The snow-covered mountain peaks in winter are dramatic and almost surreal.
• The emerald valleys in summer are layered in every shade of green imaginable with wildflowers scattered throughout.
• The Brusio spiral viaduct is a moving architectural wonder that forms a 360-degree spiral that allows you to see the front of the train looping ahead of you.
• In summer, the contrast between the glaciers and alpine lakes is extraordinary with icy glaciers above and jewel-toned lakes below. In cooler months, the palette shifts to silvers and deep blues, giving the entire scene a quiet, otherworldly mood.

Planning tips:

• Reserve panoramic car seats in advance.
• It can be done as a day trip from Milan via Tirano. We did it in a day, spending time in St. Moritz, although we wished we’d had more time there.
• Winter offers snowy magic. Summer brings lush greenery.

Here are some of the most scenic train tours in the Alps:

3. Tuscany Countryside Routes

Best segments:
Florence → Siena
Florence → Pisa
Rome → Florence (partial countryside views)

For me, nothing beats slow travel through Tuscany. It delivers the classic Italian postcard scenery – rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and cypress-lined roads.

I will say renting a car and driving through all the small towns is amazing as well. We spent a month recently doing just that and loved it!

But if you prefer easy, comfortable transport that requires no navigation from you, train travel through Tuscany is the way to go.

Be aware that trains don’t go to all of the tiny hilltop villages, but they go to some of the ones you definitely will want to see, like Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca, and more.

What makes Tuscany so dreamy…

• The golden fields in late summer are like living in a movie.
• The soft green hills in spring are soft shades of green, resembling velvet beneath rows of cypress trees and scattered stone farmhouses.
• The vineyards in autumn turn shades of gold, amber, and crimson across the hills under the golden sun.

Planning tips:

• Regional trains are sufficient for these routes.
• Try to time it so you can take the most beautiful photos in the afternoon light.
• Choose a window seat on either side.  Views appear throughout the journey.

Check out these unbeatable Tuscany train experiences:

4. Naples to Sorrento (into the Amalfi Coast)

Line: Circumvesuviana – Operated by Ente Autonomo Volturno

The Naples to Sorrento line isn’t a luxury panoramic train. It’s a local commuter railway, but that’s part of its charm.

The Circumvesuviana from Naples to Sorrento curves along the Bay of Naples, passing seaside towns and lemon groves. The thing that makes this ride so special is the way the scenery opens to beautiful coastal glimpses, with flashes of blue water against dramatic cliffs.

You’ll see Mount Vesuvius rise in the distance, its silhouette dominating the skyline. It’s not a luxury ride, but the views make it atmospheric and memorable for sure.

What makes it so scenic:

• Coastal approaches near Sorrento – As the train nears Sorrento, the landscape is filled with bright sea views, cliffside terraces, and citrus groves.
• Views of the Bay of Naples – The bay stretches wide with headlands and fishing towns in sight.
• Mount Vesuvius in the background – Mount Vesuvius is unmistakable from every point. It’s a sight to behold in the morning light as well as against a clear night sky.

Planning tips:

• Trains can be crowded in summer, not mention very hot.
• Keep belongings secure. Pickpockets go where the crowds are.
• I highly recommend a stop in Pompeii when you’re in this area.

Here are some of the most practical Italy train tour packages with amazing coastal views:

5. Milan to Lake Como

Route: Milan → Varenna-Esino

In just over an hour, you can travel from the fashion capital of Italy to serene alpine lake views.

While short, it is incredibly scenic. As you leave the city, you’ll see rolling green hills and small villages come into view with mountains in the distance that grow taller as you go.

By the time you arrive, the dramatic alpine backdrop and elegant lakeside towns make it feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. It’s a place we found that we could sit and watch for hours.

What makes this ride so incredible…

• Sparkling water framed by mountains – The contrast between deep blue water and rugged alpine peaks creates a view that feels both serene and grand.
• Charming lakeside villages – You’ll find pastel-colored buildings along the shoreline with balconies draped in flowers and church towers rising above terracotta rooftops.
• Snow-dusted peaks in winter – In winter, the surrounding mountains are brushed with snow, giving the entire area an almost storybook atmosphere.

Planning tips:

• Sit on the lake-facing side when approaching Varenna.
• Ideal for a day trip from Milan.
• Regional trains run frequently and are budget-friendly.

Check out some of the easiest and most beautiful train rides in northern Italy:

Tips for Planning Scenic Train Rides in Italy

Here are some tips to make the most of scenic train travel in Italy:

• Book high-speed trains early for lower fares. Prices increase significantly at the last minute.
• Use regional trains for flexibility and affordability. I prefer to book in advance so it is set, and I have the tickets in my Omio app, but you can also book the day of if needed.
• Travel during daylight hours for views.
• Avoid peak commuter times for a more relaxed experience.
• Always choose a window seat when possible.

With a little planning, these routes can become some of the most memorable highlights of your trip — not just transportation between destinations.

Best Time of Year for Scenic Train Travel in Italy

• Go in Spring if the green countryside and wildflowers are your thing.
• Summer is best for bright coastal colors and long daylight hours, but be aware that temperatures will be high.
• Fall is perfect for golden vineyards and soft light in Tuscany.
• Winter is best if you’re craving snowy Alpine views on the Bernina Express.

Each season offers something different. One of the things I love the most about Italy is its diversity. No matter what you’re looking for, you can find it in Italy at most times of the year.

I hope this post has inspired you to plan your own scenic train rides in Italy. The landscapes in this part of the world are something that should not be missed, and seeing them by train is the best way to do it.