AetherHello! I’m Ether Biz Traveler, running a blog for cautious travelers like myself.
Today, I am excited to share my actual experience riding Italo during my trip to Italy in September 2025.
If you are planning a trip, you might be worrying about things like:
- “Can I really find space for my large suitcase?”
- “What is the atmosphere like in Business Class?”
To help put your mind at ease, here is a realistic, on-the-ground report—including a few minor hiccups!
On this trip, I took several Italo Prima Business Class trains between Florence, Venice and Rome. Our small group traveled with three large 28-inch checked suitcases plus carry-on bags. As a cautious traveler from Japan, luggage space and security were my biggest worries before boarding, which is why I paid close attention to how easy it was to store our bags.
Italo Prima Business Class Review: Why I Chose It (Only €5 More than Smart)
Traveling all the way to Italy takes over 10 hours from many parts of the world. The last thing you want is to be exhausted by your local travel, especially if you need to be energetic for sightseeing or business meetings upon arrival.
For this trip, I chose the private rail company Italo over the state-run Trenitalia. And, I decided to splurge slightly and book “Prima Business Class.”
You might be thinking, “Wait, Business Class sounds expensive, right?”
I thought so too, until I searched for tickets. I was shocked to find that the price difference between “Smart” (Economy) and “Prima Business” was only about €5 (depending on the schedule).
For the price of a single Starbucks coffee, I could secure a leather seat and—more importantly—safer luggage storage. There was simply no reason not to choose it.
| Class | Seat Layout | Luggage Space | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart (Economy) | 2 + 2 | More crowded, limited rack space |
Travelers with light luggage Budget-conscious solo travelers |
| Prima Business | 2 + 1 |
Wider racks inside the car Lockable racks near the doors Spacious overhead bins |
Travelers with large suitcases Families or small groups Cautious travelers who want peace of mind |
Tip for Travelers: Ticket prices fluctuate dynamically. Sometimes Trenitalia is cheaper, sometimes Italo is better.
You can check live ticket prices on Omio here.
Seat Layout & Comfort in Italo Prima Business Class
Let’s start with the seat environment. I boarded this train at Florence SMN Station.
A Spacious 2+1 Layout
As soon as you step into the car, you notice the space. While the standard Smart class has a 2+2 seat configuration, Prima Business is arranged in 2+1. This means the aisle and legroom feel much more generous.
Amenities and Service
- Seats: Genuine leather reclining seats. The comfort level is excellent.
- Power: Outlets are available at every seat for charging devices.
- Footrest: Yes, there is one (although, to be honest, the one at my seat was broken and wouldn’t move… maybe just a classic “Italy moment”. I simply laughed and moved on.)
- Service: Attendants distribute a welcome drink and a small snack (you can choose between sweet or salty).
Italo Prima Business Luggage Guide: Space for Large Suitcases?
AetherBefore my trip, my biggest anxiety was: “Will there be a place for my luggage? Can I keep it near me?”
I am happy to report that choosing Prima Business was the correct decision. There was ample space, and we stored three large suitcases (the maximum size allowed for airline check-in) without any issues.
In my experience, there are two main types of luggage storage areas. You generally don’t get to “choose” which one you get; it depends on the specific train car structure.
1. 3-Tier Luggage Shelves Inside the Car
This space is located at the end of the carriage (behind the last row of seats).
- The Good News: It is in the same room as the passenger seats.
- Why I liked it: I could see my luggage from my seat. For a cautious traveler, being able to keep an eye on your bags provides huge peace of mind.
2. Lockable Luggage Racks in the Vestibule
This space is located just outside the seating area, near the boarding doors.
- Security Feature: I found a wire lock system here!
- How it works: Even though you cannot see the bags from your seat, you can loop a chain through your handle and lock it (usually with a coin deposit or key system provided).
- Overall, I felt the risk of theft was very low here.
AetherTip: Keep a €1 coin in your pocket just in case. Some locks require a coin deposit to work!
Overhead Bins for Carry-on Size Bags
If the main racks are full, what happens? The overhead shelves in Prima Business are quite spacious. A standard carry-on fits easily. You could probably squeeze a slightly larger bag up there, but realistically, lifting a heavy suitcase that high is tough and not very safe.
Conclusion on Luggage: Because of the extra space in Prima Business, I never had to worry about luggage storage.
Warning: While there was plenty of space on my trip, popular routes fill up fast. If you want a “single seat” or a seat near the luggage rack, booking early is the golden rule.
Boarding Tips at Florence, Venice and Rome
Navigating Italian stations can be chaotic. Here are three things I learned from experience.
1. Platforms are Announced at the Last Minute
No matter which station I was at, the departure platform number was only displayed on the electronic board about 10 minutes before departure.
Before that, everyone stands glued to the screens. The moment the number appears, a “great migration” begins as hundreds of passengers rush toward the platform at once! Be ready to move.
2. Ticket Gate Strictness Varies by City
I visited three major cities, and the security checks were surprisingly different in each:
- Venice: No ticket gates. We walked straight to the platform without any checks (the most relaxed).
- Florence: Ticket gates exist, but some were unmanned. It felt relatively loose.
- Rome: Ticket gates were active, and staff were strictly checking tickets before letting people through.
AetherAdvice: Regardless of the city, always arrive with plenty of time to spare.
Summary: Is Italo Prima Business Worth It for Cautious Travelers?
After actually riding it, I can confidently say that Italo’s Prima Business Class offers value far beyond its price.
- Seats: The 2+1 layout allows you to relax without bumping elbows with neighbors.
- Luggage: Dedicated space and locking options reduce anxiety.
- Price: If you book early, the difference from Economy can be just a few Euros.
If you are traveling with large suitcases or feeling nervous about overseas transit, I strongly recommend spending that extra “coffee money” for Business Class. It frees you from the stress of wondering, “Is my bag okay?” so you can enjoy the view.
Ready to Compare Italo and Trenitalia Prices?
If you’re still deciding between Smart and Prima Business, the easiest next step is to check real prices for your dates.
With Omio, you can:
- Compare Italo and Trenitalia on the same screen
- See how much extra Prima Business costs on your exact train
- Book securely in English on your phone
Note for mobile users: Click “Continue to website” at the bottom of the Omio screen for a smoother booking flow
P.S. What if your train gets cancelled? Actually, during this trip, I was hit by a famous Italian “Transport Strike” and one of my trains was cancelled… In my next article, I will share exactly how I handled that situation and the refund process!
(Note to reader: This article is based on personal experiences from September 2025. Rules and prices may change, so please check official sources before traveling.)
＼ 最新情報をチェック ／
コメント