What are your business trip expectations? Discover the difference between the Italo Prima and Smart services and select the best for your business trips.
Italo First Class Train in Italy
What are your business trip expectations? Discover the difference between Italo Prima, the first class train service in Italy, and Smart service options to select the best for your business or leisure travel.
There’s not just one way to travel on Italo trains: while comfort, speed and affordable prices are always assured, every time you take the train to work you can choose the features and options you prefer, for a truly enjoyable trip tailored to your needs.
For example, we have already told you about the exclusive Italo Lounge experience, but if you are traveling alone, it may be helpful for you to understand the difference between Italo Prima and Smart.Find out with us the distinctive features of the two services – tell us what you require on your trip, and we will tell you which one is right for you.
On the road for business? Yes, but with the utmost practicality
What is Prima on Italo Train?
If you value privacy and space, Italo Prima is the ideal choice. This first class train service in Italy is designed for those who need a quiet environment to work or relax. Enjoy spacious seating with reclining Frau leather seats, ample legroom, and dedicated luggage storage.
A unique benefit of Italo Prima is access to the Italo Lounge at select stations, where you can unwind before boarding. Additionally, a priority entrance at Milano Centrale and Roma Termini ensures a seamless boarding experience.
What does Italo Smart mean?
Italo Smart is a comfortable and cost-effective service level that suits those who want convenience without sacrificing comfort. The environment is dynamic and colorful, perfect for both solo travelers and those traveling with company. If you are wondering about the difference between Smart and Prima on Italo, Smart provides ample seating and opportunities to socialize, while Prima focuses on privacy and a more serene atmosphere.
“Ambiente Smart in Coda and in Testa“: What Do They Mean?
At the station, just before your train departs, the loudspeaker will announce “ambiente Smart in coda al treno” or “ambiente Smart in testa al treno“.
These two phrases indicate the location of the Smart Class seats on the train:
- “in coda” means the seats are at the rear of the train,
- “in testa” means they are at the front of the train.
Understanding this will help you to find your seat at the time of departure.
How do we handle luggage in Italo Smart?
In addition to using the comfortable overhead baggage racks and luggage racks, you can also use the lockers available in the equipped carriages. However, please note that only baggage with maximum dimensions 75 x 53 x 30 is allowed. For all relevant information, read our article on luggage and suitcases on Italo.
Italo Prima – First Class: What is Included?
First Class on Italo includes various exclusive perks, such as welcome snacks and beverages, Italian newspapers and magazines, and extra comfort with spacious, ergonomic seating. For those wondering what is Prima on Italo train, it’s a service that balances luxury with functionality, ideal for both business and pleasure trips.
One of the facilities offered at Milano Centrale and Roma Termini stations is Priority Entrance, which allows you to skip the queue and go straight to your carriage. The Italo Prima’s ticket also gives you access to the lounge. For those who choose the Club Executive service, one of the benefits is Italo’s First Class – it’s available for a supplement of just €10, payable on the spot.
Italo buys Itabus to combine train and bus service
Italo acquires Itabus, the long-distance bus company to combine its high-speed train network with road transport.
Safety, Comfort, and Fare Options
Of course, one of the main parameters when you decide to travel with high-speed rail is comfort. The Italo train cabin has first-class interiors, with ample space, freedom of movement and soft reclining Frau leather seats with single armrests.
You can take a look at this video to preview the comforts on your next trip and get a more precise idea of the interior and design of the Italo trains:
Snacks and drinks for a tasteful break
Prima staff always welcomes you on board with a sweet or savoury welcome snack, accompanied with hot or cold drinks of your choice.
What about the first-class Italian newspaper service ? Your favorite newspapers and magazines are waiting for you on board: you can browse them non-stop or take a short break, with the excuse of keeping up to date.
What if you’re traveling in a Smart Car and you suddenly feel peckish? Not to worry, in both cases you can have a snack in the Break Areas, located in carriages 3 and 7 of the Italo high-speed trains, and in carriages 3 and 6 of the Italo EVO trains. There, you will find convenient vending machines offering a wide selection of snacks, refreshing drinks, or an espresso coffee for a little kick.
Italo Smart Cinema: what is it and how it works
If you travel in Smart Service on Italo high-speed trains, you may have the opportunity to travel in the Cinema carriage, an area equipped with 39 seats and eight 19-inch high-definition screens, where you can enjoy movies and current affairs programs.
Italo Live and on-board entertainment
Whatever your chosen service level, Italo Live is the onboard portal that offers many entertainment services all free of charge: Wi-Fi, music, e-books and newspapers, movies, news, games and the GiftBox with special offers from our partners dedicated to portal users. Find out more at the Italo Live section of the website.
How many carriages does the Italo train have?
There are 11 carriages, divided into different types of Italo interiors. The Club class is at the front of the train, followed by Prima in the center and then Smart. Bringing up the rear is the Cinema carriage, the flagship of the Italo Smart service levels.
Italo Club Executive Salotto: exclusive experience for your business trips
Italo acquires Itabus, the long-distance bus company to combine its high-speed train network with road transport.
What are Italo’s fares, and how you change your ticket?
Depending on your preferences, you can choose between Italo Flex, Economy and Low Cost rates according to your budget and desired flexibility.
For a change of ticket, you have several options. What happens, for example, if you travel with Italo’s Smart Economy package? With this rate, you can change the date and name on the ticket free of charge before departure (up to 3 minutes before with the Flex rate!). As for refunds, in Smart and Prima it’s just as simple: just make sure that the rate includes free cancellation and the Refund option.
By the way, do not underestimate an interesting advantage of the Smart package: did you know that with the Italo American Express Card you can take advantage of a free service level upgrade?
Prima or Smart? The choice is yours!
If you have followed this guide, you should now have a clear idea of what Prima Class and Smart service levels entail on Italo. No matter which you choose, you can always count on high-quality service, comfort, and reliability. Choose the one that suits your needs, and enjoy your journey on an Italy first class train!
For your convenience, here is a summary of the differences between Italo’s Smart and Prima and services:
| Services | Italo Prima | Italo Smart |
|---|---|---|
| Free WiFi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extra space | ✓ | |
| Fast Track | ✓ | |
| Welcome service | ✓ | |
| Snack area | ✓ | ✓ |
| Newspaper and magazines | ✓ | |
| Cinema Carriage | ✓ | |
| Access to the Italo Club Lounge | ✓ | |
| Video surveillance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Luggage locker | ✓ | ✓ |
| Italo Live | ✓ | ✓ |
