The train course between Rome and Milan is one of the most popular and frequent in all of Italy. There are dozens of trains leaving from Rome to Milan every day, making getting from one city to the other a relatively simple task. Still, a little preparation can save time and also allow travelers to relax and enjoy transportation in a classic European style. It’s nearly always preferable to purchase Italy train tickets ahead of time.
What to know about the Rome train station
Rome’s central railway station, Roma Termini, is one of the busiest transit hubs in all of Europe, hosting around 150 million travelers every year. It is also quite expansive, with both an underground entrance connecting to Rome’s metro system and a main platform entrance at surface level. The architecture is spectacular, with a huge central hall in the front section of the building featuring an angled concrete ceiling pierced by dozens of skylights. Like all areas of Rome, the location is surrounded by history, most obviously represented by the length of Servian wall outside the station dating back to approximately the early 4th century BC.
Automated ticket kiosks are available on both levels of the station, but the bulk are situated at the platform level along with ticket counters staffed by personnel who can guide one through the ticket purchasing process. A tourist information desk is located on the platform level near the car rental area, and a smaller information booth is also outside the building in Piazza dei Cinquecento close to where buses and taxis transport passengers to and from the station.
Large boards displaying arrival and departure times are positioned in various areas throughout the station, generally in the central ticketing location on the primary level as well as near the actual train area where the rail lines leave. Signage and directions are plentiful, and navigating the station is fairly simple despite its measurements and frequently hectic environment.
Roma Termini railway station generally has a fair amount of security, though any major transport hub will have its share of opportunists and thieves. Keep a close watch on your bags at all times, and remain vigilant of your surroundings while using the ticketing machines.
How do I get to Roma Termini station?
Despite its large size as a city, Rome has a limited number of options for public transportation. However, preserving the sprawling historic center and ancient architectural treasures does come at a cost. Two metro lines cross through the areas, both connecting at Roma Termini. Central Rome additionally maintains a decent network of buses, so contingent upon one`s lodging location, those may be a possibility too. Inquire with your hotel`s concierge regarding a bus map or surrounding metro alternatives, or you can try the (not very user-friendly designed) ATAC website for more details (ATAC is the organization managing Rome`s public transportation system). Most frequently, it is simplest to merely opt for a taxi, or a pre-arranged vehicle service like Welcome Pickups. If selecting a taxi, be certain the driver understands your destination is specifically Roma Termini, as Rome has a smaller secondary train station, Roma Tiburtina, on the city`s northeastern side. (Although Roma Termini tends to be the prevalent departure point for Milan).
Buying train tickets from Rome to Milan
It’s straightforward to obtain train tickets directly at the station, and I’ll illustrate the process below. Trains between major destinations do reach capacity, however, so if your trip will happen during a busy travel period (summer, fashion weeks, and holidays), it’s a wise choice to book ahead. We advise exploring routes and purchasing train tickets on ItaliaRail.com. ItaliaRail is the most inclusive option, providing a full timetable with both the high-speed Alto Velocità (AV) trains as well as the slower regional trains if you are not in haste (or seeking to save a few bucks). It’s common to discover cheaper possibilities buying in advance than on the actual day of travel, even though that varies depending on demand.
When selecting train transportation, be sure to carefully examine the destination and departure location to ensure arriving at the intended location. For example, to reach Milan Centrale, Milan`s central train station, the trip should originate from Rome Termini. Some trains travel directly while others may stop in other cities along the way, but the duration typically indicates the route. You can also view slower, non-direct options by adjusting the pricing options. More data regarding pre-booking Italian train tickets can be found here.
If choosing to make a purchase at the station, the self-service machines are rather simple to navigate for English speakers. There are different terminals available for various ticketing services, but the Trenitalia kiosks are most common, providing tickets for the state-operated Frecciarossa lines. Italo, a privately-run transportation line, is another selection, maintaining its separate ticketing service. Both services and terminal types are largely similar, but for the purpose of this walk-through we used the Trenitalia machine.
- Begin by selecting English as your language (you’ll click on the British flag at the bottom of the screen), and then select “Purchase Your Ticket.”
- The following screen shows your itinerary; Trenitalia trains bound for Milan all go to the Milan Centrale station:
- After you`ve opted for Milano Centrale, a calendar will then be shown to select the date of travel along with the available time frames for departure.
- Once you’ve selected that, a screen will display listing all accessible trains and destinations; pick one to continue through the pay-by-card instructions. The machine will then provide a paper ticket.
Present your ticket to the ticket agent when proceeding through the entrance gate on your way to the train platform. If you`ve purchased online, you can indicate the ticket number on your mobile device to them (ItaliaRail will email this to you). If any part of the process confuses you, helpers wearing uniforms from Trenitalia (or Italo) can assist you. You can go to one of the ticket purchasing counters to obtain your ticket from an attendant, though there will likely be a line. If an individual approaches you while buying a ticket attempting to “help” you and they are NOT wearing a uniform, say “no thank you” and disregard them. You will see machines around the station asking you to “validate” your ticket, but you only need to validate tickets for regional trains. If traveling on Italo or Trenitalia/Frecciarossa lines, your ticket is already validated so you don`t need to bother.
A few other important notes:
- Seats on the trains are reserved when purchasing tickets. You`ll have the option to pick your seat but check your ticket closely upon receipt and note the assigned car and number. It`s possible your assigned seat may NOT be the one selected; the system doesn`t update instantly, so you could end up seated nearby instead.
- Machines at Metro stations only accept cards with a personal identification number (PIN). Therefore, in some cases a credit card cannot be used. A debit card or credit card linked to a PIN is required to purchase tickets.
- Note also that on Trenitalia, children under four years of age can travel free with no ticket required, while children under 15 travel at a reduced rate.
How early do I need to arrive at Roma Termini?
While navigating Roma Termini can be done intuitively, allocating extra time is advisable to orient oneself. If holding a ticket already, arrive at least an hour before departure to pinpoint the platform and check for delays or complications. Without a ticket, arrive sooner to grasp the purchasing process (explained below) and evaluate options. The high-speed rail journey from Rome to Milan takes around three hours, so plan travel accordingly if intending to reach Milan by a certain time.
How do I figure out what platform my train is on?
The ticket number is printed on the front along with departure and arrival listings. Large display boards throughout the main station floor provide helpful data, like destinations and estimated leave and come times, platform numbers, and updates on delays. Compare the information printed on your ticket to the numbers posted on the signs.
Making use of this usually up-to-the-minute data, you’ll be able to determine all you need to know regarding your train, such as the platform to which you’ll direct yourself when the time comes. The platforms are numbered and showcased in the railway departure area by each set of tracks
After arriving at your station, another sign there includes info about your train; this should align with the details on the signs elsewhere in the station, but may have slightly more updated information.
In this example, for instance, you are situated at platform 13, waiting for an Italo train (AV 9964) scheduled to depart for Milano Centrale (abbreviated as “C.LE”) at 9:10am. Regrettably, there is also a ritardo, or delay, of 55 minutes.
What services and food options are available at the station?
Should you face a delay, or if you simply arrive early and have some free time, you have no deficiency of eating and service choices available. Both aboveground as well as beneath the station, you’ll locate shopping options of all kinds, ranging from grocery stores and pharmacies to clothing outlets and toy shops. You can even find a McDonald`s with a piece of the ancient Roman 4th Century B.C. Servian wall protruding inside the restaurant interior. If you’re seeking food, there is no lack of possibilities, from grab-and-go selections to proper sit-down restaurants. There’s even an open-air market called Il Mercato Centrale that sells high-end snacks and meals alongside small taverns and fancy wine bars. The Roma Termini website has the full information on what’s surrounding and where to find it; be certain to check there for more details.
Picking up and dropping off rental cars at Rome train station
Vehicles for hire are available at Roma Termini, with clearly marked signs leading to the pickup locations and rental counters. It’s a wise idea to reserve a car ahead of time, especially if you require an automatic transmission. We suggest pre-booking through RentalCars.com; the website is straightforward to utilize, you can usually find a fairly good deal, and they collaborate with reputable international brands.
