19/09/2026
🚆 Which Train Should You Take in Italy?
Italian trains can feel confusing at first—but once you understand the four main types, travelling becomes remarkably simple.
The important thing to remember is that not every train serves every destination. The sleek high-speed train you see travelling across Italy may not stop anywhere near the small town you are visiting!
🚄 Frecciarossa – Fastest for major cities
Frecciarossa is Trenitalia’s high-speed service, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h.
It is ideal for travelling between major cities such as Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Naples and Venice. You reserve a specific train and receive an assigned seat. Tickets are usually cheaper when booked in advance.
At Alanno: Frecciarossa trains do not stop here.
At Pescara Centrale: Yes—selected Frecciarossa services connect Pescara with cities along the Adriatic route, including Ancona, Bologna, Milan, Foggia, Bari and Lecce.
🚅 Italo – The high-speed alternative
Italo is a private high-speed railway company offering comfortable services between many of Italy’s largest cities. It works in much the same way as Frecciarossa: you book a particular departure and receive an assigned seat.
Always compare Italo and Frecciarossa when travelling between major cities because prices and departure times can vary considerably.
At Alanno: Italo does not stop here.
At Pescara: Italo does not currently serve Pescara. Its published station network does not include Pescara, so do not accidentally book an Italo journey expecting to arrive here. Check Italo’s current station network
🚆 Intercity – Slower, but extremely useful
Intercity trains travel longer distances and connect many important towns and cities that the high-speed network does not always serve.
They are slower than Frecciarossa but often cheaper, and you still receive an assigned seat. They are particularly useful when travelling along Italy’s Adriatic coast.
At Alanno: Intercity trains do not normally stop here.
At Pescara Centrale: Yes—Intercity trains connect Pescara with destinations north and south along the coast, including Ancona, Bologna, Bari and Lecce, with other long-distance connections available depending on the timetable.
🚉 Regional – The train you need for Alanno
Regional trains are Italy’s local services. They stop at smaller stations, cost less and are perfect for shorter journeys.
Seats are not normally assigned, and prices generally do not increase dramatically when booking closer to departure.
At Alanno: This is the important one! Regional and Regional Veloce trains serve Alanno station, connecting the area with Pescara, Chieti, Manoppello, Scafa, Popoli and Sulmona. Some services continue towards Avezzano and Rome, although a change may sometimes be required.
At Pescara: Regional trains provide local connections throughout Abruzzo and into neighbouring regions.
🌿 Travelling to Abruzzo Borgo
If you are arriving from northern or southern Italy, you will normally take a Frecciarossa or Intercity train to Pescara Centrale, then change to a Regional train towards Alanno.
If you are coming from Rome, search for journeys towards Alanno via the Rome–Avezzano–Sulmona–Pescara railway line. Depending on the departure, you may have a direct regional service or need to change trains.
Your luggage travels on board with you on all four types of train—but you are responsible for lifting, storing and watching it.
Once you understand this simple system, Italian train travel becomes far less intimidating:
🚄 Frecciarossa: fastest between major cities
🚅 Italo: another high-speed option—but not for Pescara or Alanno
🚆 Intercity: long-distance and excellent for the Adriatic coast
🚉 Regional: local, affordable and the train that brings you to Alanno
Always check the latest journey and stopping pattern on the official Trenitalia website, as services can change by date and season.
