Trains may not be your most used mode of transportation while in Rome, but it’s still worthwhile becoming familiar with the system.
Whether you want to travel further afield in Italy or simply arrive in the centre from the airport, it’s useful to know more about the city’s train network.
Rome Train Stations
Unsurprisingly, regular train stations in Rome are not quite as widespread as the metro stations. There’s only a handful in central Rome and even fewer that are relevant to tourists.
- Termini Station is the main train station in Rome – more on that later – and the one most visitors will become familiar with, but there are a few others that you may come across.
- Trastevere Station. Rome’s leafy, bohemian neighbourhood of Trastevere has its own station, which primarily operates regional and suburban train services. It’s handy for reaching this popular district, which isn’t accessible via the metro, and is on the FL1 line from Fiumicino Airport.
- Ostiense Station. Close by is Ostiense, just a short distance over the river from Trastevere. Another station, Sao. Paolo is only around the corner. Both operate regional lines and are close to Testaccio and the Baths of Caracalla.
- Tiburtina Station. Tiburtina is one of the larger train stations in Rome but isn’t likely to be on most visitors’ radar. It’s located a bit further out from the centre than most people venture – though high-speed trains and national lines run from here, you’re more likely to be travelling from Termini.
- Porta San Pietro. This is a smaller station than the others listed here, but San Pietro does have some useful transport links. It’s most notable for its location close to the Vatican but is also known for its link to the port city of Civitavecchia.
- Ostia Antica. This small station isn’t technically within the city limits of Rome but is only 30 minutes by train from Ostiense. Ostia is an ancient port city and was a significant hub of trade and commerce in Ancient Roman society. Well worth the short journey.
Termini Station
Termini Station is the biggest train station in Rome and the main transportation hub in the city. If all roads lead to Rome, then all train lines lead to Termini Station (well, close enough.).
It’s a sprawling station, and you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a shopping mall at first glance. There are three floors, though the third is primarily for dining; you can go shopping, lounge outside a cafe, or eat a full meal – there’s plenty to do while you wait for a train.
Reaching Termini from the Airport
While it has connections within the capital, generally for visitors, Termini Station is where you’ll go to travel to other parts of Italy or the airport.
It’s 35km from Fiumicino Airport and about 30 minutes by train. You can arrive at Termini from Fiumicino via the Leonardo Express Train; it’s the fastest way to reach the station from the airport but is twice as expensive as other options. Unless you’re in a hurry, personally, I don’t think it’s worth it.
Though the FL1 regional train won’t take you directly to Termini, it does reach central Rome. You can get off at Trastevere, for example, and wander into the centre from there (or catch a taxi).
Arrive early
If departing from Termini Station, it’s worth arriving around 15-20 minutes before your train is due to depart. This is one of the largest train stations in Europe – if your train platform happens to be on the other side of the station, you’ll need the extra minutes to reach it.
It will also make everything feel less stressful; you need that extra time to get your bearings, check the departure boards, and find your platform. If you need to get your ticket upon arrival, add another five minutes.
Types of Trains
Besides the metro, there are a few different types of trains in Rome. It might look like an intimidating list, but in reality, the differences are minimal; it mostly boils down to speed and the area covered.
- National. For longer-distance travel, like going from Rome to Naples.
- High-Speed Trains. Rome is a major hub for high-speed train services in Italy. Trains such as Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Italo operate from Rome’s main train stations.
- Urban and Suburban Trains. Rome has several urban train lines that connect the city with its suburbs and nearby towns. These trains are mostly used by commuters traveling between residential areas and city centers or passengers traveling shorter distances within the city. There are plenty of stops on these trains, so they’re not the quickest.
- Regional Trains. Regional trains are really a blend of local, suburban trains and lines that go a little further afield – they’re not just for commuters. The majority of these trains are operated by Trenitalia.
- Intercity Trains. Intercity trains cover medium to long distances, connecting major cities and towns. They offer a slightly slower but more affordable alternative to high-speed trains.
Train Tickets and Fares
Like the other public transportation tickets, the fares for trains in Rome are very reasonable. They’re also easy to purchase – you can buy tickets at the station, from a machine, or, at larger stations, the counter. But it’s arguably easiest to buy tickets online beforehand.
Most trains are operated by Trenitalia; you can download the app and show your ticket on your phone. Visit the Italo website for high-speed train tickets. If you’re planning a longer journey, it may be easier to book through Rail Europe or ItaliaRail.
As for ticket options; it will depend on the length of your journey. For longer-distance trains, like a trip from Rome to Milan or Naples, you should buy tickets in advance; both for price and availability.
There are discounts available for people aged under 26, seniors and students, and deals for families travelling together. Check the train company’s website for exact details and prices, as they’re subject to change.
A single or return ticket bought on the day will be common for short to mid-length travel. And while most beyond the city won’t, for journeys that do fall within the right parameters, the classic B.I.T, or 100-minute ticket, will work. At only €1.50, it’s a really cost-effective way to travel over short distances.
A few examples of destinations included in this coverage are Lido di Ostia, Viterbo and Giardinetti.
Train Passes
As mentioned, a limited number of train lines are included in the Atac, city of Rome public transport network.
Most train lines are not included in the main tourist passes, barring a few shorter journeys into the suburbs; if they fall within the transport network of the city of Rome they should be included. It’s always worth double-checking before you embark on any journey, however.
For the eligible lines, a Roma Pass will allow you unlimited travel. This tourist card grants access to a few different tourist sites, and gives you unlimited access to Rome’s public transport network (buses, trams, metro, and some trains). The three-day pass is €52, while the 42-hour Roma Pass is available at €32.
Visitors looking to explore beyond Rome and travel the country by train may be interested in the Eurail Italy Pass. This pass is only valid on the Trenitalia network, but offers unlimited rail travel in Italy for 3, 4, 5, or 8 days, which can be used over the course of a month.
A Trenitalia Pass is aimed at foreign visitors travelling around Italy; prices start from €129. The exact pass can be selected to suit your needs; choose from Easy, Comfort, and Executive options, pick the number of journeys, ranging from 3, 4, 7, or 10, and the type of passenger; Adult, Senior, or Youth. You can travel on Frecce, FrecciaLink, Intercity, Intercity Night, and EuroCity Italy-Switzerland trains (only on domestic routes within Italy).
Accessibility
Rome doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to accessibility – though it is improving.
Practically all mid to long-distance trains are accessible, including Intercity lines. It gets a little less predictable for local and regional lines. The majority of trains have designated wheelchair spaces – but you do have to notify the train company 24 hours in advance to reserve one. Last-minute travel isn’t really an option.
The train lines have phone lines for passengers with accessibility needs to call with any queries. Getting in touch in advance to guarantee accessibility and allow them to make any necessary arrangements is your best bet.
There are wheelchair lifts in many stations and accessible toilets on many trains. Braille can be found on all signage in accessible trains, and stations take extra steps to make sure they are suitable for the hearing or visually impaired. While the train network in Rome and Italy isn’t perfect, it is a lot better than it used to be.
FAQs
What is the train system in Rome called?
Not to be confused with the subway system in Rome, which is simply the metro, the train system doesn’t have a name as such. Train lines will have names, like FL1, or be referred to as ‘local’ or ‘regional’ – most are operated by Trenitalia, so some may refer to them by the company name.
What is the best train station in Rome?
‘Best’ is subjective, but the largest station is Termini, and it has the most amenities in quite some way.
How do you pay for a train in Rome?
You can purchase tickets at the station, either at a ticket machine or from the counter. You can also buy your ticket on the app, which is easy and generally cheaper if purchased in advance.
What are the different train stations in Rome?
To see all the train stations in Rome, take a look at a map on one of the train companies’ websites. The most relevant train stations to tourists in Rome are Termini, the largest by far, and Trastevere, Ostiense, and San. Pietro.