Italy’s New Overnight Trains Connect Rome to Enchanting Mountain and Coastal Destinations

Italy is transforming the idea of beauty sleep. Ferrovia dello Stato (FS), the national railway of Italy, has introduced three breathtaking overnight sleeper routes through its FS Treni Turistici Italiani (Italian tourist trains), linking Rome with stunning landscapes like the Dolomites, Puglia, and soon, Piedmont. These vintage-style trains, rich in history, provide travelers the unique opportunity to sleep through the journey and awaken in beautiful mountain and seaside locales.

The Espresso trains

Launched in 2023, the Treni Turistici offers three service categories: Lusso (luxury), Espresso e Storici (express and historic), and Omnibus–Regionali (regional). Each category is part of a nationwide network utilizing older trains on fresh routes that blend popular and hidden gems for both day trips and overnight adventures.

The newly introduced sleeper trains to popular vacation spots belong to the Espresso fleet, featuring refurbished trains from the mid-20th century to the 1990s. These historic trains have been carefully restored to provide modern amenities while retaining their nostalgic appeal. Train enthusiasts will be particularly thrilled by the revamped FS E444 Tartaruga, an electric locomotive from the 1960s known for its distinctive rounded design and aerodynamic shape.

The overnight routes

Craving a coastal getaway? Some fresh mountain air? Or perhaps a taste of barolo? From Rome, you can now set off on overnight Espresso adventures to the tranquil peaks of the Dolomites, the sun-drenched beaches of Puglia, and, starting in October, the picturesque hills of Piedmont—just in time for truffle season.

The Espresso Salento train runs from Rome to Lecce, Puglia, until August 31. The Espresso Cadore, the sleeper route to the Dolomites, began in December and will operate through August, with plans to resume during the upcoming ski season. The Espresso Langhe Monferrato train will launch overnight service from Rome to Alba in northern Piedmont starting in October; it's the latest addition to the Treni Turistici's Espresso overnight offerings. FS is also set to introduce more routes to various regions of Italy in the coming months.

Winter sports lovers should secure their seats on the Espresso Cadore as soon as ski season kicks off in mid-December. This overnight train swiftly transports travelers from Rome to Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of Italy's premier ski resorts, famously featured in the 1980s spy film For Your Eyes Only. Departing Friday evenings, the train arrives early Saturday in Calalzo-Pieve di Cadore, followed by a dedicated bus transfer to Cortina. It returns to Rome on Wednesday evenings, arriving at 7 a.m. the next day. (Check out our full review of the Dolomites Espresso train experience.)

Daytime routes

If an overnight trip isn’t what you’re looking for but you still want to discover popular Italian destinations, Treni Turistici provides Espresso day trips. For example, the Espresso Riviera connects Milan to the Riviera, reaching Nice every Saturday and Sunday until September 1, with stops along the Italian coast at Varazze, Savona, Albenga, Alassio, Sanremo, Bordighera, and Ventimiglia every Sunday through September 30. The Espresso Versilia runs from Milan to Livorno (including stops at Cinque Terre and Forte dei Marmi) every Tuesday and Thursday until September 26, and features lunch for first-class travelers. Launching this fall, the Espresso Assisi will connect Rome to the medieval city of Assisi every Saturday and Sunday from October 5 through November 30.

The experience

On the evening of departure (usually Friday nights for weekend getaways), passengers are welcomed at Roma Termini train station by uniformed FS attendants who guide them down red-carpeted hallways to their cabins. The overnight Espresso trains feature modern sleeping cars with various accommodations, including single and double-berth sleeper cabins as well as four-bunk cabins. Each cabin comes equipped with FS-branded linens, blackout curtains, and a welcome kit containing earplugs and slippers. Rooms include interior locks, air conditioning, volume control for announcements, ample overhead storage, and a wash basin. While there are no en suite bathrooms, communal facilities are available at the end of each car.

Meals are included in the sleeper cabin fare for overnight journeys and in first class on the Espresso Versilia daytime route. The dining cars evoke a nostalgic atmosphere with 1980s decor—diner-style four-top tables adorned with red vinyl chairs and white tablecloths. The menu features a prix fixe selection (starter, main, and dessert) alongside à la carte options showcasing regional specialties such as tortelloni with porcini mushrooms and saltimbocca alla romana. A children’s meal of tomato and basil pasta and grilled chicken breast is also available. Breakfast is a lavish spread, offering everything from cornetti to gluten-free choices, ensuring all passengers start their day with plenty of energy.

The pricing

You can purchase tickets for any of the Espresso trains online at FS Treni Turistici Italiani. The round-trip fares for exclusive-use sleeper cabins on the overnight trains range from approximately 300 to 500 euros (US$333 to US$555, depending on current exchange rates), varying by route. Couchettes (bunked cabins) cost about 200 (US$222) to 400 euros (US$444), also based on the route and occupancy (the price increases if you reserve the entire couchette). Espresso day trips begin at 88 euros (US$98) per person for a second-class round-trip ticket.