FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesAt the Train StationC'è un treno notturno per Palermo?
A2

C'è un treno notturno per Palermo?

Is there a night train to Palermo?

Pronunciation

not-TUR-no — stress on second syllable. Pa-LER-mo — stress on second syllable.

When to use it

When planning an overnight journey by train to avoid hotel costs or save daytime hours.

What it means

'Treno notturno' (night train) is the standard Italian term. Italy has a well-developed overnight train network, particularly useful for mainland-to-Sicily routes. Options include cuccette (couchettes, bunk beds) and cabine (private sleeping compartments).

Variations

Vorrei una cuccetta per due persone.

I would like a couchette for two people.

Couchette compartments usually have 4 or 6 berths

C'è una cabina privata?

Is there a private cabin?

More expensive but more private — has a door that locks

A che ora arriva a Palermo?

What time does it arrive in Palermo?

Night trains typically arrive early morning

Mini Dialogue

— C'è un treno notturno per Palermo? — Sì, parte da Roma Termini alle 20:45 e arriva a Palermo alle 8:30. — Ci sono le cuccette? — Sì, a quattro e a sei posti. Vuole che la prenotazione includa la colazione? — Sì, con colazione.

— Is there a night train to Palermo? — Yes, it leaves from Rome Termini at 20:45 and arrives in Palermo at 8:30. — Are there couchettes? — Yes, four and six berths. Would you like the booking to include breakfast? — Yes, with breakfast.

Cultural Note

Italy's overnight train (Intercity Notte) network is operated by Trenitalia. The most famous route is the Rome-Palermo sleeper, which crosses to Sicily via ferry — the train is literally driven onto a ferry at Villa San Giovanni. This is one of the most unique train journeys in Europe. Book well in advance in summer.