Roma Termini
Piazza dei Cinquecento, Roma, RM, 00185
All roads lead to Rome, so the saying goes—and pretty much all Italian train tracks eventually lead to Termini station, Rome’s newly renovated “grand central” and the chugging heart of the Italian ferrovia (railway) system. Termini is Rome’s premier train station and is among Europe’s largest; it connects travelers to the Italian rail network and is the only Rome station where both the metro A and B lines cross. Rome’s main bus terminal is located just outside.
The basics
The entrance hall facing Piazza dei Cinquecento has enough shops, restaurants, and cafés (as well as currency exchange booths) to fit into a small shopping mall, but the main reason to visit this cavernous train station is to hop on a train headed for somewhere in Italy. Though Termini is the terminus of the national rail system, it draws its name from the Baths (thermae in Latin) of Diocletian, which were once across the street—and today comprise an archaeological museum.
Things to know before you go
- There are post offices at either side of the train platforms (binari), and a tourist information desk and luggage storage office near platform 24.
- Restrooms are on the ground level of the train station.
- Catch the Rome Metro A (red) or B (blue) line on the lower level below the station.
- The station has free public Wi-Fi.
How to get there
Roma Termini is in the heart of the city, directly in front of Piazza dei Cinquecento and Viale Enrico de Nicola, and within walking distance of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain. The piazza in front of the station is a main public bus hub, but the easiest way to go is by taking the metro to the Termini station. Some hop-on, hop-off buses stop out front.
When to get there
The train station officially opens in the very early morning and slows down a little after midnight, but never fully closes. If you’re catching a train, don’t expect airport-like waiting times, but plan to arrive 15–20 minutes before your departure. The Mercato Centrale, home to many of the station’s eateries, is open from early morning to around midnight.
Where to buy a SIM card at Termini Station
If you’re flying into Rome, Termini might be your first stop after the airport, where you may soon need a SIM card to get your cell reception in working order. If you’ve opted to use Italian cell carriers, head to the Vodafone or TIM shop, on the main concourse of the ground floor and the basement level.
Ways to explore
Termini station has recently undergone a major facelift; today, the main entrance hall facing Piazza dei Cinquecento and the internal hall opening onto Via Marsala to the north and Via Giolitti to the south have the feel of an upscale (though busy) shopping center. The upstairs food court overlooks the train tracks, and the lower level has additional shops and eateries, as well as public restrooms. There is also a pharmacy, luggage storage, currency exchange booths, ATMs, tourist information desks, and rental car offices.
The main reason to visit Termini is to hop on a train headed for destinations across Italy, and many day trips from Rome kick off at this cavernous station.
Accessibility
The station is accessible to wheelchairs. The Trenitalia national rail company offers passenger assistance for anyone with limited mobility.
Age limits
There is no minimum age to enter the station, and children can travel for free or with discounted tickets on most trains in Italy.
What to pack
Tissues and hand sanitizer, train tickets, personal ID, snacks and drinks for long trips on Regional trains (Freccia and InterCity trains have dining cars)
What to wear
Layers, comfortable shoes
Not allowed
Crossing the tracks, sleeping overnight, accessing platforms without a ticket
Amenities
Restrooms, eateries, luggage storage, ATMs, currency exchanges, pharmacy, Wi-Fi
Address
Roma Termini is in the heart of the city, directly in front of Piazza dei Cinquecento and within walking distance of many major city attractions and hotels. Piazza dei Cinquecento is a main public bus hub, and both city metro lines stop at the station. Some hop-on hop-off buses also stop out front.
Driving
Roma Termini has a large paid parking lot located below the station with spaces for over 1,300 cars. Access the parking lot from the Via Marsala side of the station, which runs one way east.
Public transportation
With a bus terminal just outside and stops for both metro lines below, Roma Termini is one of the easiest locations to reach by public transportation. There is also a taxi stand and bike-sharing stations.
Best times to visit
Visit the station during business hours to browse the shops and restaurants; most close by 8pm.
Best days to visit
About 850 trains pass through Roma Termini daily, so there is no quiet time to visit the station. Avoid traveling through the station on holidays or transportation strikes, when Termini is typically at its busiest.
Best months to visit
The shops in Roma Termini are particularly cheerful during the Christmas holiday season, when they are decorated and lively with patrons.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!