Rail Europe has announced that effective immediately, consumers will have with access to the complete range of fares across Trenitalia's lines, including Trenitalia's lead in fares, which offer discounts of up to 70% off the normal fares.
Manager Australasia of Rail Europe, Richard Leonard, says this is an important and long-awaited move especially for this market because Trenitalia services are some of the more popular lines used by Aussie travellers.
"It's no secret that Aussies love visiting and revisiting Italy each year," says Leonard. "In 2012, more than 45,000 Australians travelled around Italy by train, a 12% increase from 2010, making it the third most popular European country for Aussie rail travellers.
"With Trenitalia gradually increasing its frequency of services over the years and even re-routing some routes to allow for high-speed services between selected cities, travellers have responded positively to the greater flexibility in travel times this has given rise to.
"On average, Italian rail ticket sales in Australia increase by about 10% each year and with increased air capacity to Europe this year, we are confident sales will only strengthen. Also in a few weeks, consumers will also have access to the Premium or Second class seats from raileurope.com.au."
More than 180 trains per day with 574 seats per train link all major Italian cities. While the Frecciabianca runs the classic routes, the state of the art Frecciarossa and Frecciargento connect passengers between Milan and Salerno, and between Rome, the North East and South of Italy. The high frequency of services allows travellers the flexibility to travel at a time that best suits them.
Along with the comforts across all classes including the luxury of space, meals and wide seats (including leather in Business Class), wi-fi is also available to all travellers for only one cent. The Executive Class, popular among business travellers and luxury seekers, also features an open bar, meal services, a meeting room and a club lounge.
Point to point fares start from $66 between Milan and Rome (previously $106), $41 for travel between Rome and Florence (previously $64), $68 between Rome and Venice (previously $99) and from $27 for travel between cities in the North of Italy (previously $46). The Italian Rail Pass starts at $200 per person. See www.raileurope.com.au for more fares.
Bookings for Trenitalia services can be made up to three months in advance and seat reservations are required before departure.
