The Espresso Salento night train, which has been operating between Rome and Lecce for nearly a fortnight, is expected to draw in a significant number of tourists looking to visit the iconic Italian cities. 

Travelling by train is becoming more and more popular among tourists as it offers a more eco-friendly and ‘slower’ pace of travel. 

The resurgence of night trains across Europe is testament to their growing popularity. 

Since July 18, it’s been possible to journey from Rome to one of Italy’s most picturesque regions: Puglia, aboard the Espresso Salento.

The Espresso Salento travels from Rome to the town of Lecce, located in the Salento region, at the heel of Italy’s boot. The trains leave on an evening and arrive at the destination early the next morning, according to local news. 

The new route includes a total of nine stops: Caserta, the centre of Bari, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Fasano, Ostuni, Carovigno, Brindisi and Lecce.

The sleeping cars can be booked as single or double, but there’s good news for families too – it’s possible to book a sleeper train with four or even six beds.

The Espresso Salento offers a more luxurious version of night trains, aiming to provide real comfort for passengers on board. There’s also a restaurant car offering a proper Italian menu and the option of having breakfast and dinner.

Adriana Poli Bortone, the Mayor of Lecce, expressed her excitement for the new route, stating: “The presence of a new night train linking the capital city of Rome to the capital of Salento is an opportunity not to be missed to boost the flow of holidaymakers and the image of an area that demonstrates, year after year, that it knows how to invest in offers and services.”

However, this new night train does not depart every day.

The next departures will be from Rome on August 13 and August 22, and from Lecce on August 14 and August 23. 

The starting price for a Lecce-Rome and Rome-Lecce journey is £37.50 (€44.50). 

It’s expected to be relaunched next Christmas, Easter and summer 2025 with the aim of offering a larger train to improve its range and accommodate for passengers on board.