Historic trains represent a unique heritage of our country: vintage convoys that allow passengers to relive the atmosphere of the past while immersing themselves in an authentic experience of landscapes, culture, and tradition. In Italy, historic trains are increasingly at the center of tourist and cultural journeys, often chosen as original day trips. Thanks to enhancement initiatives promoted by foundations and railway associations, they have found new life as a tool for promoting local areas and sustainable mobility.
In this article, we will explore the world of historic trains: their history, the experiences they offer, the main Italian routes, and their current role as a greener means of transport.
The history of historic trains
The birth of Italian railways dates back to the first half of the 19th century, with the Naples–Portici line (1839), the very first Italian railway. This 7 km connection marked the beginning of an infrastructural and cultural revolution. In the following decades, key lines such as Milan–Monza (1840) and Turin–Genoa (1853) were built, progressively uniting the country and boosting trade. Steam locomotives thus became symbols of progress and modernity, connecting cities and regions while accelerating the economic and social development of a newly united Italy.
The golden age of steam locomotives
Between the late 19th and the first half of the 20th century, steam trains dominated both passenger and freight transport. Alongside the main lines, secondary railways were developed to connect rural and mountain areas, reducing isolation for many communities. Some models, such as the “Gr 640” and “Gr 740” locomotives, became legendary for their power and elegance. Equally iconic are the “Centoporte” carriages and the 1930s “littorine”, which still hold great fascination today. Many of these trains, now restored, form the heart of historic train experiences.
From dismissal to revival
With the advent of electric and diesel traction, steam trains were gradually replaced, leading to near-total dismissal by the 1970s. However, cultural and tourist interest sparked their revival: foundations such as Fondazione FS Italiane launched restoration projects and recovery of historic lines, creating true “travelling museums.” Thanks to these initiatives, today it is once again possible to travel aboard historic locomotives and carriages, reliving a piece of Italian history while supporting the promotion of local territories.
Experiences on board historic trains
Travelling on a historic train means stepping into another era: polished wooden carriages, velvet seats, handcrafted details, and the unmistakable puff of the steam locomotive accompanying the ride. The experience is not just transport, but a true sensory journey engaging sight, hearing, and smell. The vibrations of the carriage, the rhythmic sound of the wheels on the tracks, and the scent of metal and coal evoke memories of a distant time. For many passengers, boarding a historic train means becoming a child again, rediscovering the wonder of slow travel and the beauty of landscapes rolling by the window. It is a moment of suspension from the present, where technology gives way to the charm of tradition.
Slow tourism and local promotion
Historic trains often follow scenic routes through villages, countryside, and natural parks. Speed is not the goal—experience is. Time slows down, allowing passengers to enjoy landscapes in a more authentic way. Many journeys are enriched with events such as on-board dinners, tastings of local products, musical performances, or guided tours at the destinations. This makes them a complete experience, blending transport, culture, and entertainment.
Main historic train routes in Italy
Before diving into specific routes, it is worth noting that Italy has a strong demand for historic train journeys. According to Fondazione FS Italiane, in recent years tens of thousands of passengers have chosen vintage convoys for unique cultural and tourist experiences. Italy is one of the countries with the richest offerings of historic trains in Europe, thanks to its extensive railway heritage and growing recovery initiatives. These journeys help discover areas less impacted by mass tourism and support local economies.
Among the most famous historic routes in Italy, one cannot miss the Bernina Red Train, a UNESCO World Heritage line that connects Tirano to St. Moritz, celebrated worldwide for its breathtaking Alpine panoramas. Equally fascinating is the Centovalli Railway, which links Domodossola to Locarno through deep valleys and suspended bridges, offering a truly evocative journey between nature and tradition. Finally, the Val d’Orcia Railway, managed by Fondazione FS, runs through the rolling Tuscan landscapes dotted with medieval villages and enriched by food and wine events, representing a slow and immersive travel experience in the very heart of Italy.
Historic trains and Discovera
With Discovera, you can book packages combining historic train rides with special activities and experiences on board. These trips recreate the atmosphere of the past with curated details and dedicated entertainment, making the journey itself a central part of the adventure. Thanks to Discovera, it’s easy to book vintage trains in Lombardy and beyond, enjoying a complete, stress-free experience: train ticket and activities in a single package.
Historic trains as a symbol of sustainability
In the past, steam locomotives were powered by coal—a highly polluting energy source that generated CO₂ emissions, fine particulate matter, and heavy resource consumption. While revolutionary for its time, early train travel carried a strong environmental impact. With 20th-century technological advances, Italian railways introduced electric and diesel locomotives, gradually reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency. This shift marked a turning point: from being symbols of heavy industrialization to becoming a cleaner form of mobility.
From emissions to sustainability
Today, the railway system largely relies on electric locomotives or modernized diesel trains with lower-impact technologies, sometimes powered by biofuels or renewable electricity. This transformation turned trains, once associated with high emissions and heavy resource use, into an efficient, sustainable mode of collective transport. Restored historic carriages fit into this scenario as witnesses of technological and cultural evolution, showing how a vehicle born in the industrial age can today support green mobility. The commitment of railway foundations and institutions is precisely this: keeping historical memory alive while minimizing ecological footprints.
The train as a green mode of transport
According to the European Environment Agency, trains are now among the most sustainable modes of transport in terms of CO₂ emissions per passenger/km: around 14 g of CO₂, compared to 104 g for private cars and 285 g for airplanes. This means that travelling by train—even a historic one—significantly reduces climate impact compared to other forms of mobility. Train travel also promotes energy savings and eases road congestion. Another key factor is Italy’s high level of railway electrification, exceeding 70% according to FS data, making it one of the most advanced countries in Europe in this field.
Furthermore, innovation projects now include the introduction of hydrogen-powered trains and the use of renewable energy to power lines. This highlights how trains, once high-impact vehicles, have progressively become a cornerstone of sustainable mobility, supporting the EU’s climate goals.
Conclusions
Historic trains are not just a dive into the past—they are an opportunity to experience slow, authentic, and sustainable tourism. From the Alps to Sicily, each route tells a piece of Italian history, offering unique experiences that combine culture, landscapes, and tradition. With platforms like Discovera, booking and enjoying these experiences is simple, accessible, and stress-free. Travelling on a historic train today means not only rediscovering the magic of the past but also contributing to a greener future.
