Cross Italy On A Stunning Sleeper Train Connecting Two Of Its Most Iconic Cities

Italy looks small on the map, but its unique shape makes its cities further apart than you might think. And while we'd all love to have unlimited time to spend immersed in the otherworldly sights Italy has to offer, this is not the case for all travelers. Plenty of Italy's points of interest are perfect for an unforgettable scenic road trip, but driving from place to place can be time-consuming. Thankfully, Italian cities large and small are well connected by trains, and these trains have routes that can help you maximize valuable sightseeing time.

With Italy's InterCity Notte (Intercity Night) operated by Trenitalia, you can get from Rome to Venice overnight. Trenitalia's InterCity Notte sleeper trains leave the Roma Termini station in the evening and will have you waking up to the beautiful countryside of northeastern Italy as the train approaches Venice. Given that Venice is an island about 2.5 miles from the mainland, the train tracks even go over the water to reach Venice's Santa Lucia train station on the Grand Canal. 

Throughout Italy, trains are the most eco-friendly method of transportation. Trains from Rome to Venice emit about 154 pounds of carbon dioxide less than planes do and about 66 pounds less than cars do over the same distance. A train between these two cities might take longer than a plane would, but it is the most affordable travel method in Italy. In addition, a night train means you don't have to sacrifice any daytime sightseeing by sitting in an airport or driving.

There are four types of accommodation on InterCity Notte trains. The cheapest is a traditional train seat rather than a bed, but they are less than 30 euros each. Sleeper cabins range from bunk beds at around 45 euros to private cabins for around 80 euros (as of 2024). However, all InterCity Notte passengers have access to plenty of on-board breakfast options, including quintessential Italian breakfast favorites like cappuccino and bread with jam or Nutella. To make night train journeys from Rome to Venice even better, they do not subject their passengers to the annoying extra luggage fees that so often come with flights. Within reason, bags ride free.