Italy Train Travel: Best City Break Combos for 2025

Italy Train Travel: Best City Break Combos for 2025

29th November | Sarah

Italy offers a  huge range of vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and incredible food. Travelling between its cities by train is one of the best ways to experience the country’s charm. It’s efficient, affordable, and allows you to enjoy breath-taking views along the way.

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If you’re wondering, “What cities can you combine in Italy?” or “What is the best way to travel to multiple cities in Italy?” this guide is for you! 

Below, we explore how to combine must-visit destinations, on one unforgettable Italian city break in 2024.

Just a quick note before we begin- some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love or believe will be helpful in your trip planning journey. Thanks for supporting my work and happy planning!

Combining Florence and Pisa

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and Pisa, famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, are just under an hour apart by train. 

Start your day in Florence, exploring the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio. Then, hop on a regional train to Pisa, where you can snap photos at the Leaning Tower, explore Piazza dei Miracoli, and stroll along the River Arno.

How to get from Florence to Pisa:

Route: Florence (Firenze Santa Maria Novella) to Pisa (Pisa Centrale)

Journey Time: 59 minutes

Cost: £8.13 (€9.41 / $10.31)

Florence from Hu Norcenni Girasole

Combining Milan and Lake Como

Milan’s fashion and architecture blend beautifully with Lake Como’s tranquil charm.

Start your morning exploring Milan’s famous Duomo, designer shops, and art galleries. Then, board a train to Varenna, one of Lake Como’s most picturesque towns. 

Spend the afternoon strolling along the lake, visiting charming villas, or taking a ferry to Bellagio for stunning views.

How to get from Milan to Lake Como:

Route: Milan (Milano Centrale) to Varenna-Esino (Lake Como)

Journey Time: 1 hour 4 minutes

Cost: £6.47 (€7.49 / $8.21)

Visit Lake Como from Milan
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Combining Florence and Bologna

Combine Florence’s art with Bologna’s culinary delights in just over half an hour.

Florence and Bologna are an unbeatable duo for your next Italian adventure.

In Florence, soak in the Renaissance masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery and marvel at the Duomo. Then, take a short train ride to Bologna, the culinary capital of Italy. 

Indulge in authentic pasta dishes like tagliatelle al ragù and explore the historic streets and iconic Two Towers.

How to get from Florence to Bologna:

Route: Florence (Firenze Santa Maria Novella) to Bologna (Bologna Centrale)

Journey Time: 38 minutes

Cost: £28.83 (€33.36 / $36.63)

Combining Pisa and Cinque Terre

Combining Pisa and Cinque Terre offers the perfect mix of culture and coastal beauty. 

Start your holiday in Pisa, marvelling at the iconic Leaning Tower and exploring the historic Piazza dei Miracoli. 

Then, take a short train ride to Monterosso, the largest of Cinque Terre’s picturesque villages. 

Spend your days hiking the coastal trails, relaxing on the beaches, and soaking in the charm of the colourful cliffside towns. This duo provides a delightful blend of Italian heritage and seaside relaxation.

How to get from Pisa to Cinque Terre:

Route: Pisa (Pisa Centrale) to Monterosso (Cinque Terre)

Journey Time: 1 hour 11 minutes

Cost: £10.92 (€12.63 / $13.87)

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Combining Naples and Sorrento

Naples and Sorrento offer an ideal mix of bustling city life and coastal tranquillity.

Start your holiday in Naples, exploring its historic streets, ancient ruins, and world-famous pizza. Then, take a scenic train ride to Sorrento, where you can relax by the sea, visit charming piazzas, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast.

Perfect for history buffs and beach lovers alike, this pairing offers the best of both worlds in Southern Italy.

How to get from Naples to Sorrento:

Route: Naples (Napoli Centrale) to Sorrento

Journey Time: 1 hour 9 minutes

Cost: £13.11 (€15.17 / $16.65)

printable italy travel template

Combining Rome and Naples

Rome’s ancient ruins complement Naples’ vibrant energy and pizza culture.

Rome and Naples create an unforgettable holiday combination, blending ancient wonders with vibrant energy. 

Start in Rome, exploring iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain. Then, take a high-speed train to Naples, Italy’s culinary capital and gateway to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.

Perfect for history and food enthusiasts, this route showcases Italy's rich diversity.

How to get from Rome to Naples:

Route: Rome (Roma Termini) to Naples (Napoli Centrale)

Journey Time: 1 hour 16 minutes

Cost: £39.23 (€45.39 / $49.84)

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Combining Venice and Verona

Pair Venice’s canals with Verona’s Shakespearean romance.

Venice and Verona are the perfect combo for a romantic and cultural holiday. 

Begin in Venice, wandering through its enchanting canals, iconic St. Mark’s Square, and Rialto Bridge. Then, take a short train ride to Verona, the city of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Explore Juliet’s balcony, Verona’s ancient Roman Arena, and picturesque piazzas.

This combination is ideal for those seeking history, beauty, and timeless romance in two of Italy’s most captivating cities.

How to get from Venice to Verona:

Route: Venice (Venezia Santa Lucia) to Verona (Verona Porta Nuova)

Journey Time: 1 hour 12 minutes

Cost: £25.34 (€29.33 / $32.20)

Combining Milan and Lake Garda

Combine Milan’s style with Lake Garda’s stunning lakeside views.

Milan and Lake Garda make a fantastic pairing for a holiday that combines urban sophistication with natural beauty.

Start your trip in Milan, Italy’s fashion and design capital, exploring the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and world-class museums.

Then, take a quick train to Lake Garda’s Peschiera del Garda, where you can unwind by the water, enjoy lakeside dining, and visit charming towns like Sirmione.

It’s the perfect blend of city chic and lakeside relaxation.

How to get from Milan to Lake Garda

Route: Milan (Milano Centrale) to Peschiera del Garda (Lake Garda)

Journey Time: 57 minutes

Cost: £23.59 (€27.33 / $30.02)

Combining Lake Garda and Verona

A short ride connects the serene Lake Garda to Verona’s historic charm.

Begin at Lake Garda, enjoying its serene waters, scenic walks, and charming lakeside villages. Then, take a quick train ride to Verona, where you can immerse yourself in Roman history at the Arena and visit Juliet’s famous balcony. 

This easy combination is ideal for travellers seeking a peaceful retreat paired with cultural exploration.

How to get from Lake Garda to Verona 

Route: Peschiera del Garda to Verona (Verona Porta Nuova)

Journey Time: 19 minutes

Cost: £3.41 (€3.95 / $4.33)

Tips for Italian City Breaks 2025

Why Choose Train Travel in Italy?

Italy’s train system is one of the most efficient ways to explore multiple cities. Trains are fast, frequent, and take you straight to city centres. Whether you’re exploring the top 5 cities in Italy to visit or creating your own Italy train travel itinerary, the possibilities are endless.

Plan your Italian city break in 2024 with ease and experience the beauty of train travel in Italy!

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