Italy’s high-speed trains may whisk you efficiently from Rome to Milan or Venice to Florence, but to truly savor the country’s soul, you need to slow down. Beyond the famous routes, Italy offers a treasure trove of lesser-known train journeys that wind through vineyards, mountains, lakes, and coastlines. These hidden rail gems connect charming towns and dramatic landscapes, offering window-seat views that rival any postcard. Here are 10 scenic train journeys through Italy you’ve probably never considered—but should.
1. Domodossola to Locarno (Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway)
Route: Piedmont to Switzerland via the Valle Vigezzo
This narrow-gauge journey starts in Domodossola, a sleepy town in northern Piedmont, and winds its way through alpine villages and forested valleys before crossing into Switzerland. The train tiptoes over 80 bridges and past waterfalls, gorges, and chestnut groves. Especially enchanting in autumn when the trees blaze with color, this cross-border ride offers rustic charm and panoramic vistas from every angle.
2. Sulmona to Carpinone (Trans-Siberian of Italy)
Route: Abruzzo to Molise through the Apennines
Nicknamed the “Trans-Siberian of Italy,” this historic railway cuts through some of the most remote parts of central Italy. It climbs through snowy peaks, alpine meadows, and forgotten villages perched high in the Apennines. In winter, snow blankets the tracks; in summer, wildflowers flank the rails. It’s ideal for slow travelers, with themed rides like the “Train of Flavors” that pairs local food tastings with mountain views.
3. Palermo to Agrigento
Route: Western Sicily past olive groves and Greek ruins
This sun-drenched journey across western Sicily meanders past rolling hills, orange orchards, and coastal plains. As the train approaches Agrigento, the silhouette of the Valley of the Temples appears—one of Italy’s most astonishing archaeological sites. Though the train is modest, the scenery is monumental. It’s a forgotten line that delivers ancient grandeur and Sicilian soul in equal measure.
4. Cosenza to Catanzaro (La Ferrovia della Sila)
Route: Calabria’s mountainous heart
This Calabrian route climbs through the wild and rugged Sila mountains, home to dense pine forests, lakes, and stone villages. In summer, a historic steam engine pulls carriages along the most scenic stretch, puffing past beech woods and grazing sheep. It’s Italy at its rawest—untamed, under-touristed, and wildly beautiful.
5. Pistoia to Bologna (Porrettana Railway)
Route: Tuscany to Emilia-Romagna via the Apennines
Built in the 19th century, the Porrettana Railway was once the main line connecting northern and central Italy. Today, it’s a quiet and atmospheric ride through deep ravines, hillside hamlets, and old stone bridges. The slow climb through the Apennines offers gorgeous views of chestnut forests and hilltop bell towers. Ideal for a day trip with a sense of history and solitude.
6. Naples to Sapri (Coastal Campania Line)
Route: Along the Cilento Coastline
This southern Italian ride is a sleeper hit. Departing from chaotic Naples, the train hugs the Tyrrhenian coast, revealing turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, and sleepy fishing villages. As it skirts the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, you’ll see a quieter, more pristine side of the Italian coast—far from the crowds of the Amalfi. Sit on the left-hand side for sea views that rival the best in Europe.
7. Trieste to Udine via Gorizia
Route: Friuli Venezia Giulia near the Slovenian border
This northeast journey begins in regal Trieste and passes through karst hills and vineyards en route to Udine. Along the way, you’ll see dramatic changes in architecture and landscape that hint at the region’s Austro-Hungarian past. The journey weaves through multicultural towns like Gorizia and Cormòns, famous for white wines and Central European charm.
8. Turin to Cuneo via the Alps
Route: Piedmont through alpine valleys
The train from Turin to Cuneo follows the old route to the French border, passing through vineyards, castles, and rugged mountain terrain. At times the track clings to cliff sides and curves dramatically through pine-covered slopes. It’s a breathtaking alternative to the crowded routes around Milan and offers a great base for hiking or cheese-tasting in the Cuneo area.
9. Lecco to Tirano (Lake and Valley Ride)
Route: Lombardy, skimming Lake Como to the Valtellina Valley
This route departs from Lecco and skirts the less-touristed eastern shore of Lake Como before heading north into the Valtellina, one of Italy’s premier wine and skiing regions. Between Morbegno and Tirano, the train passes terraced vineyards, river gorges, and snow-tipped peaks. Once in Tirano, you can continue onto the famous Bernina Express into Switzerland—or just stay and sip Nebbiolo.
10. Rimini to San Marino (Historical Line Revival)
Route: Adriatic Coast to the Republic of San Marino
While no longer in regular use, the old Rimini-San Marino railway is seeing renewed interest for tourism. Parts of the line are accessible via heritage trains or excursions. When operational, the route climbs dramatically from the beach to one of the world’s smallest and oldest republics. Views stretch from the Apennines to the Adriatic, offering a unique combination of medieval stone towers and coastal panoramas.
Italy’s charm isn’t just found in its famous cities or iconic monuments—it lives in the quiet landscapes between them. These ten train journeys showcase the country’s lesser-known beauty, from alpine ridges to sunbaked coastlines. Traveling by train offers a chance to see Italy in slow motion, where every turn brings a new surprise and every village seems lifted from a storybook. So next time you’re planning a trip, skip the express—and let the scenic route show you a side of Italy few get to see.
