Christmas train

It’s time! Italy offers two festive trains to visit Europe’s Christmas markets

This Christmas season, two vintage trains are bringing back the golden age of festive rail travel across Europe. Christmas markets in the continent already draw millions each year. This winter, travelers can arrive in style aboard heritage trains.

Italy’s state-owned rail operator FS Treni Turistici Italiani has launched two such routes. They are the Espresso Monaco and the Espresso Assisi. The Espresso Monaco will run from Rome to Munich, connecting passengers to Germany’s major Christmas markets aboard restored vintage carriages. The Espresso Assisi will run daytime routes through Umbria. It will link Rome with Assisi, Perugia, and Arezzo. These routes are connected with local Christmas fairs.

Festive trains to Christmas markets: Dates, routes & how to book

The first is the Espresso Monaco, a sleeper service between Rome and Munich running only two weekends this December. The train passes through the Italian countryside. It stops in Verona and Trento before arriving in Munich. This city is home to the legendary Christkindlmarkt. Travelers on the festive night service from Rome have several options. They can choose between single or double cabins. They can also opt for four or six-berth compartments. Alternatively, shared overnight seating is available. A Christmas Market-themed dining car will host live music. Seasonal menus will also be offered. Daytime services from Veneto and Trentino to Munich offer a relaxed and traffic-free festive train experience.

Espresso Monaco (Christmas Market Edition)

  • Outbound: December 5 and 12, 2025
  • Return: December 7 and 14, 2025
  • Itinerary: The Espresso Monaco’s route traces a stunning path through the Italian countryside and the Alps. It stops at Rome Termini, Verona Porta Nuova, and Trento. Next, it proceeds to Bolzano, Bressanone, Fortezza, Vipiteno, and Colle Isarco. It continues through Brennero, Innsbruck, and Kufstein. Finally, it reaches Munich.

Espresso Assisi (Christmas Market Edition)

The Espresso Assisi is ideal if you prefer to travel by day. It runs from Rome to Arezzo every Sunday between November and January. The train itself embraces the mood. Onboard, expect bar service. You can find seasonal gifts for sale. There are elegant lounges with blue velvet seating for travelers seeking privacy and comfort. First Class offers spacious, well-lit compartments with generous luggage space, while Second Class provides a relaxed, informal setting. For night journeys, single or double sleeper cabins and four or six-berth couchettes offer restful overnight travel.

  • Schedule: December 14 and January 4, 2025 (more information on the outbound and return schedule will be released soon)
  • Itinerary: The Espresso Assisi winds its way through central Italy. It stops at Rome Termini, Terni, Spoleto, Foligno, Spello, Assisi, Perugia, and Arezzo. Then it returns via the same route to Rome.

Passengers can have a 25 percent discount on select journeys by choosing the ‘TTI SPECIAL 25!’ offer during booking. The promotion applies to a small number of seats. These are released in batches. It’s worth checking back if they’re sold out. You can find more information and book your tickets on the FS Treni Turistici Italiani website.