France vs. Italy: Which Has Better Train Travel?

Published on May 15, 2025

by William King

Planning a rail trip through Europe often comes down to one big question: France or Italy? Both countries offer extensive train networks, high-speed options, and scenic regional lines. But each delivers a distinct experience shaped by culture, geography, and infrastructure.

Whether you’re looking for speed, flexibility, or romantic countryside charm, this guide breaks down what train travel looks like in both France and Italy—so you can choose the best fit for your journey.

Why Travel by Train in France

France’s rail system is built around speed and centralization. The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) is one of the fastest in the world, reaching up to 320 km/h and connecting cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille in hours. Routes radiate from the capital, meaning most journeys involve Paris.

For travelers wanting speed and sleek stations, France delivers. Even regional trains (TER) are punctual and clean, and local transit connections are generally reliable.

France stands out for these rail features:

TGV network links all major cities quickly and comfortably.
Online booking tools and apps are English-friendly and smooth.
Clean, modern stations with clear signage.
Rail passes (e.g., France Rail Pass) simplify multi-leg travel.
Stunning routes like Paris–Nice and Bordeaux–Bayonne.
Good integration with local transport networks.

Why Embark on a Train Trip in Italy

Italy’s trains may not win every speed race, but they excel in connectivity, affordability, and flexibility. The high-speed Frecciarossaand Italo trains connect major cities, while the regional network makes spontaneous detours to hill towns and coastal villages easy and cheap.

Though the trains may be older or less punctual, they often pass through picturesque settings you won’t see from highways. It’s a more relaxed, open-ended way to travel.

Italy is ideal for rail explorers due to:

Competitive pricing, even on high-speed routes.
Strong network of regional and intercity trains.
Italo as a private competitor to Trenitalia’s Frecce trains.
Easy access to smaller towns like Lucca, Assisi, or Lecce.
No reservations required on many regional services.
Frequent trains on major city pairs like Rome–Florence or Milan–Venice.

France vs. Italy: Side-by-Side Rail Comparison

Here’s how the two countries compare across key travel factors.

Aspect	France	Italy
Speed & Efficiency	TGV is world-class fast, central hub system	Fast Frecce/Italo, more flexible point-to-point
Ticket Price	Higher on average; €50–€120 high-speed	Cheaper: €25–€70 for high-speed routes
Regional Access	Good TER system, but Paris-centric	Excellent regional web, connects smaller towns
Scenic Routes	Alps, Provence, coastal lines	Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Dolomites
Booking Experience	Easy online, consistent UX	Varies by region, some older systems
Station Experience	Modern, organized, strong signage	Mixed quality—major hubs vs. small stations

Which Country Fits Your Travel Style?

Choosing between France and Italy depends largely on how you like to travel. Here’s a guide based on lifestyle and priorities:

Time-sensitive travelers: France is more punctual and direct.
Spontaneous explorers: Italy’s regional options offer freedom.
Budget-minded tourists: Italy has more affordable daily rates.
First-time rail riders: France’s system is easier to navigate.
Cultural detour seekers: Italy’s small-town access is unbeatable.

Common Mistakes

Travelers often make these assumptions when booking France or Italy rail trips:

Assuming all tickets include a seat—Italy’s do not on regional trains.
Thinking all trains run on time—Italy’s don’t always.
Expecting every station to have English signage—true for France, not all Italy.
Not validating regional tickets before boarding in Italy.

Beginner’s Guide to Booking French & Italian Trains

If you’re new to either system, here’s how to get started without stress:

Use SNCF Connect for France and Trenitalia/Italo for Italy.
Validate tickets at machines in Italy—especially regional ones.
Book French TGVs early for best prices—Italy has more same-day flexibility.
Double-check your departure station—some cities have more than one main terminal.

Further Tips for Mixed-Country Trips

Planning to travel both France and Italy? These tips help you bridge the gap:

Use a Eurail or Interrail pass that covers both countries.
Cross borders via Nice–Ventimiglia or Lyon–Turin routes.
Expect slower border segments but stunning scenery.
Keep snacks handy—train food is limited on regional lines.

Takeaway

France and Italy each offer an incredible rail experience—but in different flavors. If you prefer precision and structure, France might win. If you love charm and discovery, Italy is irresistible. Either way, you’ll find that train travel is the best way to absorb both countries—scenery, culture, and all.