I loved Europe’s trains, until I found a bus better than first-class

Europe’s web of railways has long held a romantic allure for travellers. While occasionally chaotic, it’s generally efficient and can get you from one end of Europe to another for a reasonable price.

At least, that’s what I thought until a Bologna to Rome train ticket slapped me with a €220 price tag for two people. It’s not absurd for Trenitalia, but when I found an option that would save us €200 ($360), I couldn’t pass it up.

There’s a certain prejudice against bus travel. Cramped seats, delayed departures, and questionable hygiene are the stereotypes that might come to mind. But that doesn’t seem to be the case for Itabus, Italy’s newest bus company.

The Itabus website promises “a new travel experience where comfort, quality, and safety are combined with convenience, innovation, and ecology.”

Our departure point at Rome Tiburtina station is anything but “convenient”. It’s mostly outside, has few facilities, and has a weird smell. At this point, I’m reminded of why I prefer rail travel and train stations with mini supermarkets and cafes. Bus stations are not a place you want to linger.

The big red Itabus rolls into the station. We hand our luggage over to the bus attendant and get our assigned seats. Unlike Flixbus, Itabus passengers are entitled to one free hold luggage and one free hand luggage.

Inside, the bus has two decks. The lower deck has spacious seating with a few table seats, which is great for those who need to work on the go or for families. The Wi-Fi is also fast and free, which is relatively unheard of, even for rail travel.

The top deck seats are much larger, with an adjustable footrest and double armrests. Every seat has USB and power outlets. We’d inadvertently booked the panoramic front-row seats, which provide a wraparound window view.

The bus makes its first stop two hours into the journey, allowing for a 30-minute lunch break. The truck stop has the usual snacks and drinks mini-mart, but it also has a gourmet food hall, where pasta is prepared in front of you, roasted meats are sliced to order, and you can load up a tray with restaurant-quality salads and side dishes.

Back on the bus, for the next three hours, the rolling hills and mountain scenery unfold like a cinematic experience from our panoramic seats.

We arrive in Bologna a few minutes late (which I attribute to Italian time), feeling refreshed and ready to explore. While I won’t abandon trains entirely, I’ve gained a newfound respect for bus travel. Itabus has set a new standard, and I’m eager to see if other bus companies can match their level of comfort and service.

Granted, trains are quicker for short distances – the Rome-to-Bologna journey takes just three hours by rail, compared to five-and-a-half hours on Itabus. But I enjoy the slower pace.

The details

Ride
One-way tickets between Rome and Bologna on Itabus from €8.97 per person, depending on season and time. See itabus.it

The writer travelled at her own expense.