Italy’s high-speed Frecciarossa trains get you from Rome to Milan in under three hours. But there’s a slower, older network cutting through the country’s spine that barely makes it onto a tourist map. The Italian Transiberian rail line, also known as the Park Railway, runs just over 100 kilometres through the Abruzzo highlands and the forests of Majella National Park, slipping into gorges and snaking through 58 tunnels. It’s the first of roughly 1,000 kilometres of track reopened under Fondazione FS’s “Timeless Tracks” project, which now carries around 45,000 passengers a year across 13 lines. This article covers what that ride actually feels like, where it stops, and what you need to know before booking a ticket.
For every euro spent by passengers on tickets — which cost between €30 and €70 — up to a further €3 per person is spent on food, accommodation, tours and souvenirs.
– Reuters
This isn’t a luxury Orient Express experience — it’s a diesel locomotive from the 1930s and 1950s hauling vintage carriages through forgotten parts of central Italy. The scenery is genuinely dramatic, but the ride is slow, the schedule is limited, and you’ll want to plan around the stops rather than the train itself. Worth it for anyone who wants to see a side of Italy that mass tourism skips entirely.
What the Italian Transiberian Line Actually Is
Slow travel enthusiasts
Photographers
Families with older kids
The line runs through Italy’s central regions, crossing the Majella National Park and the Abruzzo highlands. It was originally a working railway, and Fondazione FS — part of the state rail company Ferrovie dello Stato — reopened it specifically to draw visitors away from the overcrowded cities. The project was inspired by similar scenic train travel in Switzerland, but the experience here is rougher and more local. You’re not gliding through the Alps in a panoramic car; you’re in a carriage from the 1930s or 1950s, pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive, climbing almost 1,000 metres in altitude.
The train makes its first stop in Palena, a medieval hilltop town. Traditional folk music greets passengers at the station, and local vendors sell lamb skewers, soft pancakes made with an iron mould called pizzelle, and artisan products. It’s not a curated tourist village — Palena is a functioning small town, and the welcome reflects that.
Passengers carried annually across the 13 reopened lines of the Timeless Tracks project.
The Independent
One honest limitation: the schedule is sparse. These aren’t commuter trains running every hour. You typically get one departure per day on select dates, and the season runs from spring through autumn. If you miss it, you’re waiting until the next scheduled run. Fondazione FS expects to open two new lines by 2026, both in Sicily, which suggests the network is growing — but for now, planning around the timetable is part of the experience.
Riding the Train and Exploring the Stops
The journey itself is the main draw, but the stops along the way turn a train ride into a full day out.
The Majella National Park Crossing
The train cuts through the heart of Majella National Park, a protected area in Abruzzo known for its limestone massif and deep gorges. The line crosses huge viaducts and enters 58 tunnels, so the view alternates between wide-open mountain panoramas and sudden darkness. The carriages have windows that open, which means you can smell the pine and hear the engine echo off the canyon walls — something a sealed high-speed train can’t offer. The downside: the carriages aren’t air-conditioned, and summer afternoons get hot inside. A portable handheld fan makes a real difference on the climb up.
Palena — The First Stop
After climbing nearly 1,000 metres, the train pulls into Palena. The station platform becomes an impromptu market when the train arrives. Locals sell pizzelle — thin, crisp pancakes cooked in a patterned iron press — and lamb skewers grilled on the spot. The town itself sits on a hilltop with views over the national park, and the medieval centre is a short walk from the station. It’s not a major tourist hub, so don’t expect English menus or souvenir shops on every corner. That’s the point. If you’re travelling with kids, pack snacks — the food at the station is good but limited, and restaurant hours in small Italian towns can be unpredictable.
Hidden Hamlets Along the Route
The line passes several small settlements that don’t appear in standard Italy guidebooks. These are the “forgotten parts of Italy” the Timeless Tracks project aims to reach. Most of these hamlets have populations under 500, and the train is their only regular connection to the outside world. Getting off at an unscheduled stop isn’t straightforward — you need to coordinate with the crew — but the project’s website lists which stations allow boarding and alighting. A compact Italy phrasebook helps when chatting with locals at the smaller stops, where English is rarely spoken.
The train doesn’t run daily. Check the Fondazione FS schedule before booking accommodation — some departures sell out weeks in advance, especially in October when the autumn colours peak in the highlands.
Planning Your Trip — Tickets, Timing, and Logistics
The practical side of this journey is where most travellers get tripped up, so here’s what the research actually says.
| Factor | Italian Transiberian | High-speed Frecciarossa | Regional train |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ticket price | €30–€70 | €50–€120 | €10–€25 |
| Journey length (100 km) | ~3 hours | ~1 hour | ~2 hours |
| Frequency | Select dates, spring–autumn | Hourly | Several daily |
| Scenery | Gorges, tunnels, viaducts, national park | Urban and flat agricultural | Mixed, varies by route |
| Crowds | Low — 45,000 annual passengers across 13 lines | High | Moderate |
Getting to the Departure Station
The line’s main departure point is in Abruzzo, roughly a two-hour drive from Rome. There’s no direct high-speed rail connection to the station, so you’ll need a car or a regional train from Pescara or Sulmona. If you’re driving, be aware that many Abruzzo hill towns have ZTL (limited traffic zones) that restrict access without a permit. Park outside the historic centre and walk in. A crossbody travel bag is ideal for this — you’ll want your hands free for tickets, water, and a camera.
Best Time to Ride
Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the most comfortable temperatures inside the non-air-conditioned carriages. July and August can be hot, especially during the climb, though the altitude does provide some relief. October is particularly popular for the autumn foliage in the Majella highlands, which means tickets sell out faster. The train runs on select dates only, so check the Fondazione FS calendar before booking flights or accommodation.
The carriages lack air conditioning and the windows are manual. On a 35°C July afternoon, the interior temperature climbs fast. Bring water and a fan — the train doesn’t have a dining car or onboard refreshments.
What the Ticket Price Covers
Tickets range from €30 to €70, depending on the route segment and season. A study by Milan’s Bocconi University found that for every euro spent on a ticket, passengers spend an additional €3 on food, accommodation, tours, and souvenirs at the stops. That means the total day out — including the train, a meal in Palena, and a local guide or artisan product — typically runs €50–€100 per person. It’s not cheap for a regional train ride, but the economic impact stays in the local communities, which is part of the project’s stated goal.
What to Know Before You Go — Packing, Etiquette, and Practical Details
A few things I wish someone had told me before I stepped onto that platform.
What to Pack for a Vintage Train Day
The carriages are original — wooden seats, manual windows, no power outlets. You’ll want a portable power bank for your phone, especially if you’re using it for photos or navigation. The windows do open, which is great for photos but means dust and pollen can blow in. A lightweight scarf or buff helps if you’re sensitive to that. For the stops, comfortable walking shoes are essential — the medieval streets in Palena and other hamlets are cobbled and steep. The train doesn’t have a bathroom, so use facilities at the departure station before boarding.
Italian Train Etiquette and Local Customs
On regional and vintage trains, Italians tend to keep conversations quiet and avoid taking up extra seats with bags. Place your bag on your lap or under the seat rather than on the seat next to you, especially if the carriage fills up. When the train stops at Palena, the folk music and food vendors are part of the welcome — it’s polite to at least browse the stalls even if you don’t buy. A simple “grazie” goes a long way. Tipping isn’t expected at the station stalls, but rounding up the price is appreciated.
How the Timeless Tracks Project Differs from Other Italian Train Experiences
This isn’t the Vatican or the Amalfi Coast — there’s no queue, no ticket scanner, no gift shop at the end. The project deliberately targets “forgotten parts of Italy” that mass tourism doesn’t reach. That means the infrastructure is basic, the schedule is limited, and the experience is genuinely off the beaten path. If you’re used to the polished efficiency of Italy’s high-speed network, this will feel like stepping back in time — which is exactly the point.
- Book tickets through the Fondazione FS website — third-party resellers often mark up prices or list incorrect schedules.
- Pack for temperature swings: the carriages heat up in the sun and cool down fast in tunnels.
- Plan for a full day, not just the train ride — the stops are where the real value is.
Frequently Asked Questions About Italy’s Vintage Train Rides
How long does the Italian Transiberian train ride take?
The full journey covers just over 100 kilometres and takes roughly three hours, including the stop at Palena. The train moves slowly through the gorges and viaducts, so the ride feels longer than the distance suggests.
Is the Italian Transiberian suitable for children?
It depends on the child. The lack of air conditioning, no onboard bathroom, and three-hour duration can be tough for younger kids. Older children who enjoy trains, tunnels, and mountain scenery tend to love it — especially counting the 58 tunnels.
What’s the biggest downside of riding a vintage train in Italy?
The limited schedule. Most lines run only on select dates from spring to autumn, and missing a departure means waiting days or weeks for the next one. The carriages are also original, so comfort is basic — no dining car, no power outlets, no Wi-Fi.
Can you get off at stops other than Palena?
Yes, but only at designated stations along the route. You need to coordinate with the train crew, and not all stops allow boarding or alighting. Check the Fondazione FS route map before your trip to identify which stations are active.
How does this compare to other scenic train rides in Italy?
It’s rougher and less polished than Switzerland’s scenic trains, which inspired the project. The trade-off is authenticity — you’re riding through working rural communities, not a curated tourist corridor. The trulli houses of Alberobello offer a similarly offbeat glimpse into regional Italy, but by car rather than rail.
I’ve taken faster trains in Italy, and I’ve taken more comfortable ones. But I’ve never taken one that made me feel like I’d actually travelled somewhere — not just moved between two points. The Transiberian doesn’t get you anywhere fast. It gets you somewhere most people never see, and that’s a trade-off worth making. If you’re planning a trip that includes Italy’s hidden bays or the volcanic drama of Stromboli, consider adding a slow train day to the itinerary. It’s the kind of experience that reframes how you think about travel in Italy — not as a checklist, but as a series of genuine encounters with places that still operate on their own schedule.
Sources and further reading
Italy’s vintage trains lure tourists off the beaten track. Reuters, 2024.
Italy’s vintage trains lure tourists off the beaten track. The Independent, 2024.
Italy’s vintage trains lure tourists off the beaten track. China Daily Hong Kong, 2024.