How to save on hotel costs traveling Italy in the comfort of its overnight trains

“Traveling by overnight train may seem a bit antiquated, but in reality, taking an overnight train is still an enjoyable, safe and cost-effective way to travel.”

As Boom Buzzers back in the '70s, one of the things we did when visiting Europe on a tight budget, was to travel by train using Rail Passes. Not only was it an inexpensive, safe and convenient way to get around, but it would often be a way of saving on overnight accommodations because we could board the train in the evening and arrive at our destination the next morning.

Today, considering the number of budget airlines and high-speed trains in Europe, traveling by overnight train may seem a bit antiquated, but in reality, taking an overnight train is still an enjoyable, safe and cost-effective way to travel. And just like ‘back in the day’, you will be saving money because the cost of a train ticket will be less than a hotel room.

Plus, what's more fun than enjoying a bottle of wine and a self-packed picnic-style supper bought from a local market with the nostalgia of a train ride, or dealing with the hassle of airport security lines, and sitting cramped with your knees in your chest in a budget airline seat?

Italian Overnight Train Travel

Traveling by overnight train through Italy is relaxing and cost-effective. This form of travel saves you the cost of a hotel room and allows you to avoid driving on crowded streets and highways. All train cabins are air-conditioned and most have a private shower, wash basin and bathroom. They are equipped with power sockets for razors, laptops, and cell phone chargers. Cabins also have an intercom service, and all have a call button for assistance and safe boxes for your valuables. You will receive a complimentary toiletry kit and bottle of water. Some will also provide you with a wake-up call, and a continental breakfast served with the daily Italian newspaper.

Below, you will find some helpful information on Italian over-night train services so you can decide what works best for your traveling needs.

The Excelsior Sleeper

The Excelsior Sleeper is a high style carriage that is made up of Single, Double and Suite cabins. There are 23 beds in 7 twin cabins with an extra bed free of charge for children up to 12 years of age, and 1 double bed cabin. The Excelsior Carriages are found on the following connections: Rome to Palermo; Rome to Siracusa; Naples to Milan; Rome to S. Candido; Rome to Calalzo

The TS3 Sleeper

The TS3 Sleeper carriages are made up of variable configurations, including Excelsior cabins and the MU Classic cabins. Excelsior cabins have 4 beds (2 bunks on each side), the MU Classic cabins offer Single, Double, and Triple cabins. The TS3 Sleeper Carriages are found on the following connections: Milan to Lecce; Venice to Lecce; Bolzano to Lecce; Rome to S. Candido

The MU Classic Sleeper

The MU Classic Sleeper carriages are made up of 12 cabins accommodating 36 guests in Single, Double, and Triple (T3) cabins. Adjoining cabin doors can be opened upon request for groups traveling together.

The Tourist Class Sleeper

The Tourist Class Sleeper carriages have 17 cabins accommodating a maximum of 34 guests in Single, and Tourist Double cabins. Adjoining cabins doors can be opened upon request for groups traveling together.

The Comfort Sleeper

The Comfort Sleeper carriages have up of 17 compartments with 34 to 36 bunk beds. These cabins are economical for groups and some reserve compartments for females only. Cabins are air-conditioned and come with linen and blankets. They offer passengers a night light, a table, and a personal items compartment. All cabins are air-conditioned, can be securely locked, and have a call button for assistance. You will receive toiletry items and the daily Italian newspaper.

Couchette Carriages

Couchette coaches are the most economical way of traveling overnight in Italy. They have10 compartments with variable configurations of either 4 or 6 bunk bed cabins. These carriages accommodate between 40-60 passengers. They are not segregated by sex, and you are expected to sleep in your daytime clothes. All cabins can be locked from the inside. It is possible to reserve a women's only or gentlemen's only cabin. All cabins are air-conditioned, can be securely locked and have a call button as standard.