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Last June, I had the chance to take the first trip of the summer season aboard the Espresso Cadore, the new overnight tourist train operated by FS Treni Turistici Italiani, linking Rome to Calalzo - Pieve di Cadore - Cortina, in the heart of the Dolomites.
The experience was simply incredible! Frequency, prices, how to book... I'll tell you all about it below.
The information below is based on experience during the 2024 summer season; as Treni Turistici Italiani's offer changes regularly, timetables and fares may vary.
FS Treni Turistici Italiani is the new branch of Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, which literally means "Italian State Railways". Created in July 2023 through the Fondazione FS Italiane, this subsidiary aims to enhance and preserve the group's historical and industrial heritage. In short, FS Treni Turistici Italiani is part of the same group as Trenitalia (the Italian railroads). It was set up to offer a new range of trains dedicated to high-end tourism, refocusing the travel experience.
To achieve this, the company has undertaken a superb renovation of old cars, giving the impression of a journey back in time while maintaining the highest quality rolling stock.
L'Espresso Cadore before leaving Rome
For now, Treni Turistici Italiani offers several itineraries: two day trains from Milan to Ventimiglia/Nice (Espresso Riviera) and Livorno (Espresso Versilia); and two night trains from Rome, one to the Dolomites (Espresso Cadore) and the other to Lecce (Espresso Salento). I was lucky enough to board the first train of the summer season to the Dolomites...
It's also important to note that the destinations offered by TTI vary according to the season: some routes, such as the Espresso Cadore (Dolomites) or the Espresso Salento, return regularly, while others may appear or disappear from one year to the next. So it's essential to check the site regularly for the latest TTI proposals.
Discreetly launched in December 2023 with only a few round trips, the Espresso Cadore is the first night train of the young company Treni Turistici Italiani. Relaunched for the summer season on June 25, 2024, I was lucky enough to ride this train, and although accustomed to night trains, I was completely gripped by my experience on board...
⚠️ These timetables are subject to change each year (traffic days, times, frequency). For exact dates and availability, please consult the official TTI website.
Example of schedules observed during the summer 2024 season:
The train leaves Roma-Termini station every Tuesday and Friday at 20:58, arriving at Calalzo Pieve di Cadore Cortina the following day at 08:48 (Wednesday) or 07:57 (Saturday). I recommend a Tuesday departure, as this gives you more time to sleep and enjoy breakfast on board.
For the return journey, the train leaves Calalzo Pieve di Cadore Cortina at 20:30 on Wednesdays and Saturdays, arriving the following day at Roma-Termini station at 06:42 (Thursday) and 08:38 (Sunday). Here again, as for the outward journey, I advise you to leave on Saturday evening, so that you can sleep in on Sunday morning on the train.
On the journey to the Dolomites, descent is only possible at two stops: Longarone-Zoldo and Ponte nelle Alpi-Polpet, just before Calalzo. For the journey to Rome, the train also only stops at these two stops.
Please note that TTI charters a special bus service between Calalzo Pieve di Cadore Cortina and Cortina d'Ampezzo to ensure connections to this emblematic Dolomite ski resort. A bus connection is usually offered between Calalzo and Cortina, often included or offered when booking, depending on the train.
As explained above, destinations change frequently. The train generally runs during seasonal periods (summer and sometimes winter), with dates and frequencies varying from year to year. In between seasons, the night train will serve other destinations. I really hope an itinerary to France will be available!
This is the equivalent of first class on board TTI's night trains. The teams have pulled off a real magic trick by renovating old sleeping cars that used to run on the Paris - Venice night train. The cabins are sublimely renovated, with two bunk beds per compartment. Each compartment is beautifully decorated with woodwork, curtains and historic images of Italian railroads. It's very vintage with a modern touch, the perfect mix in my opinion. There's also a refreshment area with sink and mirror. TTI provides each sleeper passenger with a welcome kit including slippers, embroidered hand towels, hairbrush, sewing kit (!), night cream, sleeping mask, earplugs and lots more.
The compartment has 2 USB sockets and 2 L-type sockets that work for most French appliances.
Dinner and breakfast are included in the sleeper ticket (see below).
Sleeping car cabin interior
Washbasin in compartment
Each cabin has 4 or 6 berths (€10 difference). The interior is very similar to that of any Italian night train. However, the decoration is more refined, once again featuring historical images of Italian railroads. There are four USB sockets and four L-type sockets, which work for most French appliances.
If you opt for the basic fare (the cheapest), it's quite possible that you'll have to share your cabin with strangers. Cabins can be privatized at a fairly reasonable price. It's often necessary to double or even triple the initial rate to privatize, but at that price, you might as well pay the sleeper and be sure of being alone.
A welcome kit with mask, earplugs and bottle of water is handed out, but it's not as good as in the sleeper car.
Dinner is not included in the sleeper car, and costs €45 for starter, main course and dessert, excluding drinks, while breakfast is included in the ticket.
Cucette" compartment
On TTI night trains, you'll find a luggage car where you can store bikes, skis, surfboards and much more. This luggage service is included for passengers in sleeper cars and is subject to a charge for those in couchette cars.
The prices below are those observed at the time of launch and may vary according to demand and season.
Despite a fairly high-end positioning, tickets remain affordable compared to other airlines such as Nightjet, even for last-minute deals (maximum price 48 hours):
As in Espresso Riviera TTI's night trains are equipped with a sublime dining car that allows you, as soon as you board the train, to eat a meal with starter, main course and dessert just before going to bed. What could be better? As explained above, dinner and breakfast included if you're traveling in a sleeper car. For the evening meal, if you're traveling in a sleeper, you'll need to budget around €40 to €50, depending on the menu and the season. For drinks, you'll find bottles of wine (37.50 cl) between €9 and €12, as well as a choice of beers (€5.50) and soft drinks. As for drinks, everything is included in the ticket price when you travel in a sleeper car. It doesn't take a mathematical genius to figure out that the sleeper fare is extremely cheap!
Luxury on board the dining car
During my trip aboard the Espresso Cadore, I enjoyed a starter of linguine with sea bream sauce, followed by a delicious chicken with vegetables, and for dessert, a delicious walnut tart. All accompanied by a succulent bottle of wine carefully recommended by the waiter.
Please note that all menus offered on board TTI are seasonal and subject to change depending on arrivals and the chefs on board.
Breakfast on board the Espresso Cadore
Reservations are mainly made via the FS website Treni Turistici Italiani ; some routes can also be viewed on Trenitalia sales channels (unfortunately only available in Italian or English), by e-mail (info@fstrenituristici.it) or by telephone (+39 337 1481776) from Monday to Friday between 9am and 1pm.
Créateur de la chaîne YouTube Simply Railway et ancien cheminot, Thibault Constant est tombé dans la marmite du train quand il était petit. Après avoir été été ingénieur chez SNCF Voyageurs, puis chez Alstom, il a décidé de se consacrer pleinement à sa chaîne YouTube pour vivre de sa passion.
Amoureux des trains de nuit, il a publié “Trains de nuit, 30 trajets inoubliables en Europe” aux éditions Gallimard, a testé tous les trains de nuit d'Europe, et a lancé en 2025 avec Janek Smalla sa propre compagnie de train de nuit, Nox !
