Is There a Subway in Italy? (2025 Travel Guide)

Short answer: Yes, there are a few Subway restaurants in Italy—but they’re rare. Don’t expect to find one on every corner like in the U.S., but if you’re determined, you might stumble across one in a major city or airport. That said, you’re probably better off exploring local sandwich shops that blow Subway out of the water.

How Many Subway Locations Are in Italy?
As of 2025, Subway operates a handful of locations in Italy, primarily in larger cities like:
- Rome
- Milan
- Naples
- Florence
- Some airports and major train stations

You won’t find them in small towns or residential neighborhoods, and even in major cities, they’re easy to miss.

To be clear: Subway is not common in Italy.

Where to Find Subway in Italy
The most consistent places to check for Subway restaurants are:
- Rome Termini Station
- Milan Central Station
- Fiumicino Airport (Rome)
- Near large American universities or tourist hotels

Search “Subway sandwich Italy” on Google Maps before your trip and save the locations that pop up.

What to Expect on the Menu
The Subway menu in Italy will look mostly familiar—you’ll still see classics like the Italian B.M.T. and Chicken Teriyaki—but there are some regional changes:
- No footlongs – Most sandwiches are served in smaller portions
- No American cheese – Expect mozzarella or provolone
- Different sauces – Less ranch, more olive oil and balsamic
- Italianized meats – Mortadella and prosciutto may show up

Don’t be surprised if the bread tastes fresher—it often is. European regulations don’t allow the sugar content found in U.S. Subway bread.

Why Subway Isn’t Popular in Italy
Italy is the land of sandwiches—just not the American kind. With an abundance of fresh bakeries, meat counters, and made-to-order paninis, the average Italian sees no reason to eat cold-cut sandwiches from a global chain.

Subway has had limited success because:
- Italians value local ingredients and artisanal bread
- The “build your own” model feels impersonal to many
- Subway’s brand image is associated with processed food, which doesn’t appeal in a “slow food” culture

What to Eat Instead of Subway in Italy
If you’re open to trying Italian takes on the sandwich, you’re in for a treat.

Here are local alternatives that’ll satisfy any sub craving:

Panino Shops (Paninoteca):
- Prosciutto e mozzarella
- Porchetta and grilled peppers
- Salami with truffle cream
- Tuna and artichoke hearts

These are real sandwiches—made with crusty, fresh-baked bread and ingredients that were likely sourced from a local market that morning.

Piadina (Romagna region):
A folded flatbread grilled and stuffed with cheese, arugula, and meats. It’s Italy’s soft tortilla wrap—but more delicious.

Tramezzini (Veneto region):
Soft, crustless triangle sandwiches found in cafes and gas stations. Great for a quick, light bite.

Want a DIY Subway Experience?
If you’re desperate to build your own sandwich, go to a grocery store or mini market:
- Grab fresh baguette or ciabatta
- Pick up cured meats from the deli counter
- Ask for sliced cheese like asiago, fontina, or scamorza
- Add lettuce, tomato, and olives from the salad bar
- Optional: Drizzle olive oil and vinegar, or grab packets of “maionese” (mayo)

You’ve got yourself an Italian Subway—just better.

If You’re Expecting $5 Footlongs…
You won’t find them. Even at the few Subway shops that exist in Italy, pricing is closer to €7–€9 for a 6-inch sub.

The idea of a “cheap, fast, and portable” sandwich isn’t really how Italians eat lunch. Many prefer to sit down—even if it’s just at a casual bar—and eat slowly with a coffee or wine.

Travel Tips for Fast Food Lovers in Italy
If you’re a Subway loyalist and want something easy and familiar:
- Use Google Maps to pre-save any Subway locations before you arrive
- Check airport terminals for fast food if you’re transferring
- Try Five Guys or McDonald’s if you need something more American

If you’re open to adventure:
- Ask locals for the best paninoteca in the area
- Order a panino al volo (“quick sandwich”) at the bar
- Embrace the aperitivo lifestyle and graze instead of grab-and-go

Will Subway Expand in Italy?
Maybe—but slowly. Subway has shifted its global focus toward “quality over quantity,” closing underperforming stores in saturated areas.

If demand from tourists rises (especially in cities like Florence and Venice), we could see more shops open. But don’t expect a Subway on every corner anytime soon.

Final Verdict
Is there a Subway in Italy?
Yes—but barely.

If you really want one, you’ll have to hunt for it in Rome, Milan, or an airport. Otherwise, let go of the footlong fantasy and try a real Italian sandwich. You might never look back.