Roma Termini! The name brings different images to everyone who hears it. For locals, it’s a busy connection point for the two metro lines, multiple bus routes, and Regional, National and International trains. For tourists arriving in Rome for their first visit, it’s often perceived as chaotic, dirty, and “filled with gypsies, rip-off taxi drivers, and beggars.”
Okay, so BOTH images are probably true … and a few more. If all roads lead to Rome, most segments of the transportation system lead to Roma Termini! You can stop there, shop there, eat there, meet there, rent a car there, and leave from there! It’s truly the transportation hub of Rome. It’s been called a few other things too…and some not too kind!
-
Some Help for Riding Trains in Italy
A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Train Tickets
A Description of the Types of Train Tickets Available to You
The Differences between 1st and 2nd Class
Luggage Storage at Train Stations and Airports in Italy
A guide to the current discount fare, the “MINI”
The first Termini station was built in the 1860’s. No, this is not it. The station was named after the ancient Baths of Diocletian, which can be found across the street from the main entrance of the station. The current building was inaugurated in 1950 and has undergone several updates since then (Trust me, it has!). Because of the extremely long, modernist façade in travertine and by the gravity-defying double curve of the cantilever roof in reinforced concrete, it was often nicknamed the “Dinosaur.”
Roma Termini Station runs almost all day… from 4:30 AM until 1:30 AM each day – almost 24 hours! It’s a busy, happening place! Almost 475,000 people pass through Termini EACH DAY – or more than 150 million visitors a year! I’m often through the Station on the metro 2-3 times in a single day.
If you’re arriving into Roma Termini station by train, you’re most likely coming from another city in Italy or on the The Leonardo Express. For many trains, their FINAL destination is Termini. In Italy, tracks are called “Binari.” There are two track “areas “in the Roma Termini Station. The first is the main area and it has 24 tracks. If you’re entering the Station on a train, Binari #24 will be to your far left and track #1 will be to your far right. Conversely, if you’re in the station waiting for a train, the tracks are numbered from left to right, 1 to 24.
The Satellite Tracks
There is also a set of “satellite” tracks. These tracks are numbers 25-29 and they are in the second “area” of the station. These tracks are FAR OUT from the station and adjacent to track #24. In the picture above, we are approaching Track 25, where the Leonardo Express once parked. Now it’s arriving and departing from Track 24 – thank goodness. But many of the trains to and from Civitavecchia, the cruise port for Rome, arrive at these satellite tracks.
Note the yellow validation box mounted on the pole as you head for the train. If you arrive here you will have a 10-12 minute walk into the main area of the station. If you’re departing from one of these tracks, start hiking now! It’s a haul. If you go to the basement level of the station – one floor down from ground level – there are moving sidewalks that will get you out to the satellite tracks. But you’ll still have to walk… and walk… and walk.
Pictured above is the ramp, approaching it FROM Tracks 25 through 29. The ramp will be on your left as you head for the station. And then on the lower level you see these walking sidewalks:
Above is the underground “walking sidewalk.” When working, it can get you out to the satellite gates quicker. Like airplanes arriving at the airport, trains in Roma Termini do not always “arrive” at the scheduled track. Keep an eye on the arrival boards if you’re meeting someone!
Arrival Boards
Here’s an example of one of the many “abbreviated” Arrival Boards through out the station, The Main Arrival board has much more info and trains posted! Note that on this board it is 8:29 AM and many Binari (BIN) – arrival platforms – have not been posted. This is very common. Often trains are posted but the track they will arrive at will not be posted until sometimes as the train pulls in… So you have to watch the boards!
And a departure board – if these are hanging from the ceiling, in a hall for example, usually one side is Arrivals and the other Departures.
Taxi and Bus Options at Roma Termini
Upon arrival, grab all your luggage and head down the platform away from the train. In the main area, tracks 1-24, you arrive almost in the heart of the Station. To get to the taxi stand head straight out the front doors which are directly in front of you but you have to walk through the station.
Once you get to the front, the Official Taxi Stand is to your left. You’ll see many taxis lined up! Head for the far left where the queue starts and get in line. You could be approached by taxi drivers standing off to the side who will ask, “Do you need a taxi – no waiting!” Stay in line. Do not get in a non-official taxi. Most are unmetered and illegal. Taxis in Rome are only supposed to accept fares AT Taxi Stands, so stay in line and you’ll be fine. Again, if you have your destination written down (in Italian!) you can show it to the taxi driver. Most parts of Rome are no more than a 10-15 Euro cab ride from Termini… usually it’s much less.
If you plan to ride a bus from Termini, most buses depart from Piazza dei Cinquecento, the square in front of the Station. Again, depart your train, stay on the ground floor, and walk straight out the front doors. Bear to your left and you’ll see many buses lined up. Termini is a major bus stop, the largest in town. As you walk along the “islands” where the buses park look for your bus number. If the bus is there, jump on – but do remember YOU MUST HAVE A BUS TICKET before you get on the bus. Very few (5%????) of the buses have machines to sell tickets on the bus. There are Tabacchi shops in the station and stalls outside where you can buy a bus ticket. We’ll talk about bus and metro riding in another post.
The Metro at Roma Termini
If you’re going to ride the metro, again you will need a ticket before you can do so. The metro is located BELOW the train station, and BELOW the lower or basement level. So you could say it is 2 floors below ground. The B line is probably 2 floors down – the A line is below that!
Look for the signs in the station for Metro A or Metro B (see above). There are probably more signs for B… Coming from the Trains, most folks head downstairs and to the left to get to the Metro… there you can get on Line A or B. There are escalators to get down to the metro but there is, depending on which way you go, one set of stairs (7-10 steps) you’ll have to haul your luggage down.
Renting a Car at Roma Termini
If you’re renting a car – Good Luck! You’re a brave soul to drive in or out of Rome. To get your car, head to your LEFT once you get off the trains in the main section of the station. The Car Rentals counters are in the newer wing of the Terminal, next to the Post Office and the Upim department store. Again, from inside the train station, walk along the tracks following the signs toward Terminal Fiumicino. Look for the yellow sign for the post office (Posta (PT)).
Here you will find the major companies – Avis, Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar, Sixt, Europcar, National, Maggiore and some local agencies such as Targarent Travelcar and Tirreno. Once you get your paper work done, you’ll have to walk east (LEFT from the Car Rental Area) along Via Giovanni Giolitti to the parking garage where most of the rental car agencies park. If you’re returning your car, this will be where you’ll drop it off. There are different procedures in the Garage depending on who you are renting from. Welcome to your first driving experience in Rome… Again, good luck – do bring or rent a GPS!
Left Luggage
Many folks are just in Rome for a day and ask where they can store their luggage. Roma Termini is probably the best option. The left luggage and lost property facilities are located in the terminal on the Lower level. They are downstairs form Track #24 and can be accessed via the moving walkway on the basement level of the Ala Termini wing. If you’re walking towards the tracks from the front of the Station, it will be to your right and downstairs.
The Left Luggage is open 7 days a week from 6 AM – 12 midnight (06.00 – 24.00). Do know that you need to leave yourself PLENTY OF TIME when you are picking up your luggage as the lines can get very long – especially if an International Train has just come in. You don’t want to be standing in line waiting on your luggage when your train pulls out! The Left Luggage is VERY safe, efficient, and convenient!
Charges
•4,00 € the first 5 hours
•0,60 € per hour from 6th to 12th hour
•0,20 € per hour from 13th hour on
•Contacts: +39 06 474 4777
Roma Termini “Experiences”
Roma Termini is an efficient train station. It moves almost half a million folks every day! But it’s probably not the romantic image people have of train stations in Europe. It’s chaotic, but business-like. It’s dirty and grungy, but enthralling! There are two McDonald’s in the station, and one just outside on Via Giolitti, but it also has 100 other stores, restaurants, and a GREAT Conad grocery store.
But you have to be careful here. Like any urban environment: BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS! Some of my experiences… Once I was walking back from dropping off my rental car, headed to the Official Taxi Stand. A taxi driver approached me as I walked back down Via G. Giolitti and offered to take me to my hotel. I’d taken the trip often and knew it would cost me €5-7. The driver said he would take me for €40. Yep, if I had NOT known better I’d been out the money. So always head for the official Taxi Stands…
But even at the Official Taxi Stand you can encounter challenges. As we got into a taxi there a younger gypsy girl stepped up to help me – and the driver – load my luggage into the trunk. I told her I did not need her help but she persisted. I asked the taxi driver to jump in here and “assist me!” At this point the young lady became angry that I would not “allow her to help me” and started to curse me and the taxi driver. Obviously she was planning on me tipping her for this “assistance.”
Also be careful when you are purchasing tickets at the kiosks in Termini. Folks will come up to you and offer to help you buy your ticket – often without you even asking. They will ask you where you’re going and then reach over you to push buttons on the touch screen. Then upon completion they will ask for a tip. Don’t go down this path. First, they really do not care where you are going and there are multiple train stations in some cities… and you could end up in the wrong place.
Always make sure you get your ticket, change, credit card, etc. from the kiosks when you purchase a ticket. Folks will walk behind you flicking open the ticket depository and change areas and grab whatever you leave. If you forget to grab your tickets… then they will take them and cash them in. It cost them a few Euros to do this but they’re just taking that from the price of your ticket! Also, gypsies and homeless folks will stand by waiting for you to complete your transaction and ask for the change. Be careful and alert.
If there’s a place to take security the a higher level, it’s in Roma Termini. For inexperienced travellers, an anti-theft shoulder bag
Another scam at Termini is the “lost student.” Folks will approach you claiming they just need ten more Euros to get home (or whatever amount they think you will give them). They sometimes will even let you buy them a ticket – then go cash it in! I’m through the ticketing area maybe two-three times a week and I always see these same “students.” Trust me, they live in Rome…
That said, Roma Termini is a safe area. The crimes committed are not violent crimes, mostly pick-pocketing and petty theft. Be alert and you’ll be fine. When in doubt just say “NO” forcibly or walk away. I enjoy traveling though Termini and it now feels like a small station!
Recommended Safety Procedures for Roma Termini might include…
A Map of Roma Termini
There are many questions on travel boards about maps of Roma Termini train station. Until recently, there has not been a “proper map” of the Terminal. Thus I created my own. To create this map, I took a photo of a map mounted on the wall in the train station and added MORE numbers to give you some reference points and information.
Any of the numbers in RED are on the main floor of the train station. Any numbers in yellow are DOWNSTAIRS on the lower floor of the train station. Between my numbers and the numbers on the map, this should give you a fairly good orientation to Roma Termini Station. NOTE – #’s 13-20 are not really to scale. They are actually much further from the station than this map allows me to show (just ran out of room). To make it easier, I’ve blown up the map in LEFT and RIGHT sections… see below.
The LEFT side of the above MAP
The RIGHT side of the above MAP
This is the front of the train station. Visualize yourself standing out front looking directly at the train station. The bus stops are behind you, Via Marsala is on your left, and Via Giolitti is on your right. Here, you’re standing on the sidewalk facing the entry doors of the train station.
#2 represents the primary taxi stand located on the right, front side facing the train station. Make sure you get INTO the queue and INTO a registered ROMA taxi.
#3 is Pizza dei Cinquecento. This is where the bus stops are. It is a large piazza directly in front of the Train Station.
This is a CONAD grocery store. As the map number is yellow, this grocery store is located downstairs in the lower level of the train station. Here you can get food, drink, beer, wine, and “to go” items for the train. It is a well-stocked, fairly large store geared to the traveler.
#5, also downstairs, are bathrooms. Current price is 80 cents and there are machines outside that can make change from a €2 or €1 coin.
This is Via Marsala, located on the left (north) side of the station. On this side of Termini you can get on/off the Terravision and SITBus buses. There is also another “official” taxi stand located on this side of the station.
#7 is where track #1 is located. All the 11′s on the “Roma Termini” map represent train tracks. The track numbers in this section run from 1 to 24, and from left to right.
#8 is where track #24 is located. It’s on the far right side of the train station. Opposite track 24 is a cafe, and further right are the rental car desks and tourist info booth.
Both #9′s are McDonald’s. This is not to suggest you eat there, but to give you reference points. The red 9 is upstairs, the yellow 9 is downstairs… and there’s also one out on Via Giolitti!
This is the Borri bookstore. The very top floor is the English section. They sell many Engish language guide books on this floor.
#11 is the main old-style “clacker” board that shows all departures and arrivals. There are a many boards in the staton and they are all linked. The yellow circles you see near the tracks are electronic display boards.
The yellow #12 is another bathroom. This one is older and smaller than any other in the station. It is located downstairs, just at the start of the moving sidewalks.
Again, #’s 13-20 are not to scale. The map is just not big enough for all to fit. #’s 17-20 are at about an 8 to 10 minute walk from the main part of the station (From #11).
This is the Left Luggage. It is downstairs and located about halfway to the satellite tracks (#20). If you leave your luggage, do give yourself time to pick it up as lines can sometimes get long!
Next to the Left Luggage is another set of bathrooms. These are probably the most modern in the train station. Again, there are change machines as you will have to pay to enter!
Back on the main level this is where the Tourist Information Booth is. Here you can pick up your Roma Pass and get assistance.
Just down from the Information Booth, #16 is the rental car desk.The car rental garage is further down Via Giolitti – a 10 minute walk, far above #20 on this map.
#17, downstairs on the lower level is another bathroom. This one is NOT always open, but is convenient for the Leonardo Express or satellite tracks.
The yellow 18, also on the lower level, is a Despar grocery store. Great for grabbing something if you’re headed to the airport or to Civitavecchia.
#19 is back on the main level and represents Track #25. It is further “down” from Track 24 and it is where the Leonardo Express arrives and departs from. Be sure to budget yourself plenty of time if you are arriving or departing from here – especially if you are making connection.
#20 represents the satellite tracks, #’s 26-29. This is the farthest point from the main station and just around the corner from Track 25. It is where the Civitavecchia trains primarily arrive and depart from. Again, give yourself plenty of time!
More Photos of Roma Termini Station
Bori Bookstore
A “clacker” board – departures and arrivals
Main floor Shopping at Roma Termini
One of the many electronic display boards in Roma Termini
A regionale train parked, and another arriving
Ticket validation machines
Another electronic display board. On the far right you see 1 CL Testa and 1 CL Coda. The Coda means that the 1st Class section of the train will be arriving closest to you, at the start of the platform. The Testa signage means that you will be walking and walking, as the 1st class section of the train is farthest away, at the far end of the platform.
Cafe near the start of Track 24
The entrance to the Conad grocery store
Photos from inside the Conad grocery store
A busy lunch at the downstairs McDonalds
The satellite tracks (#’s 26-29). About 10 minutes walking from the main section of the station
The mantra of the Pacsafe company is Smart. Safe. Secure. Travel. And their bags live up to this mantra. Pacsafe bags are among the most durable and most SECURE bags you can travel with. On travel boards, they are the #1 recommended bag for security against pickpockets! For USA guests, see more Pac-Safe bags, and other luggage options and travel-related suggestions at our Travel Store, Magellan’s Travel Supplies, or look in amazon.com. Non-USA Guests can search for packing tips and luggage at amazon.co.uk.
The mantra of the Pacsafe company is Smart. Safe. Secure. Travel. And their bags live up to this mantra. Pacsafe bags are among the most durable and most SECURE bags you can travel with. On travel boards, they are the #1 recommended bag for security against pickpockets! For USA guests, see more Pac-Safe bags, and other luggage options and travel-related suggestions at our Travel Store, Magellan’s Travel Supplies, or look in amazon.com. Non-USA Guests can search for packing tips and luggage at amazon.co.uk.
Let Me Coach You, if you’re looking for travel assistance or some help creating an iitinerary! If you want to build your own vacation, please feel free use the information in the articles of the Ron-in-Rome website to help plan your next trip. If you need consulting, head to the Coaching page; For a list of all articles on this website, head to the Postings page. Or use the SEARCH Box, on the top right of each page!
Header: FCO – Photo by micmol
Thanks Keith,
Check out this link for a map of the Giardinetti railway line: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mappa_ferr_Roma-Giardinetti.png
You’ll see your stop. To get to this line, it’s just outside the Termini train station on Via G, Gioletti – down near the car rental garage. It looks like a metro line… The high speed trains usually arrive on Tracks 1 – 12 and then you’d have to walk past the car rental booths and just keep walking! There is no good map of the Termini station unfortunately!
Here’s my link on metro lines. Hope that helps!
R.
Ron…as others have stated, many thanks for the effort and expertise put into this site. My wife and I are going to Rome next year and will be using Termini a lot, so I appreciate the information. One question: if we are arriving from Genoa by train, what platform would we be arriving at, and how do we get to the platform that has the ‘trams’ going from Termini to Sant Elena station, (4 stops along the Roma-Giardinetti railway line)? No amount of web searching seems to come up with an answer. And out of curiosity, is the a site that has a PDF map of Termini and the non-Metro train / tram service? Many thanks, again.
Keith
Going from Leonardo Express to Metro A line at Termini was a piece of cake this year compared with last. There were the customary dozen or so steps entering the Metro station area, and after that all of the ups and downs were provided by working escalators!
UNfortunately, there is still construction work being done beneath Roma Termini… it WAS better the last time I went through, but not complete.
Ron, Thanks so much for all of this helpful information. Last December we took the Leonardo Express to Termini… then on to Metro Line A. Because of construction, it was up and down and up and down a lot of steps with the luggage to get to the Metro. Do you know if that situation is better yet? We have a return trip to Rome planned for next month. Grazie.
How long it will take you to get through the airport and to the FCO Train station may depend on where you are coming from (Schengen or Non-Schengen), whether you have checked baggage, time of day, and day of the week… Your tickets from the FCO airport to Termini will need to be validated – and if you book a Regionale train (non-reserved seating) then you will again have to validate your ticket. Note – You can only book Regionale tickets online 7 days in advance of your travel date.
Hey! I’m travelling to Rome soon alone, and I’ve been pretty nervous after reading a couple of things about Roma Termini! This was really helpful, and I feel a little more confident about going
I was just wondering how long you think I should give myself from getting off my plane at FCO and getting on a train at Termini, (I’m travelling to Ancona).
Also, if I book my ticket from the airport, and to Ancona online, do they need to be validated at the station?
Thanks for the great info!
P.
This is so great, but SO overwhelming from someone not at all familiar with public transportation! (we don’t have any public transport!) I’m hoping maybe you can help.
We arrive at 10:00am next Wednesday 10/26 at FCO, and I think we can take the FR1 to Trastevere, then the FR5 from Trastevere to Civitavecchia. (bypassing Termini?) We can also buy our return train ticket from Civitavecchia to Rome at the same time? (I think I read that from one of your posts!)
Thank you, thank you for so much great information & photos for those of us who are “big city” illiterate!
Andy, Glad the Termini posting has helped you. I’m sure your driver will be holding up a sign with your name on it. If he knows your train number, he’ll probably be standing at the end of the track, where it meets the main station, waiting on you. The drivers are very experienced in meeting and finding folks. Trains from Florence usually come in on Tracks 1-12.
But if you need a more specific spot, just pick a track number between 1 and 12 and tell him you’ll meet him there at the end of the platform… Like Track 6. Good Luck!
Hi.. I will be in Rome in October. I have an arrangement for a driver to pick me up at the Rome Termini. How should I tell him about the pick up point? if i just indicate Rome Termini, it will be very confusing and unclear.
Where is the best pick up point in the Termini?
FYI, I will be arriving from Florence by train.
Thanks and awaiting your further advice. Your description of the Termini has greatly helped thus far.
The metro station is UNDER Roma Termini, so when you get to the main section of the train station, you’ll head downstairs. Currently there is construction in the accessways to the Metro. Thus, getting to Line B may take only 1-2 minutes (depending in where you are starting in the main station). Metro Line A, perhaps 3-5 minutes as currently you have to walk through Line B access to get to the Line A stations. Hopefully they will have the work completed in the next few months.
Metro Line A is currently closing at 21:00 each night (except Saturday) … projected through April 2012. There are replacement buses until about 23:30, but I’d suggest a taxi or shuttle if you plan on taking the Metro Line A after 21:00. If you’re staying near Roma Termini you can probably walk to your hotel.
From Track 25 to main area is 10min. How long is will take from main area to Metro A/B’s track? Our flight arrive FCO on 20:40, with a stop in Paris so I presume we’ve been checked visa in Paris. Just want to figure out if it is ok to take a metro by 11:30pm. Than we could book hotel in other area , rather than hotel near Termini which seems either expensive ( over $300) or not good enough……….
Martin – Yes, you can get train tickets, (FM1 and Leonardo Express) AND metro tickets at the small Tabacchi shop as shown in the photos in this article: FCO Train Station
HI
I have a question. I am flying into FCO from Los Angeles. I want to go from FCO to the Termini train station, and from there onto the A line. Would I be able to get the ticket at the airport FCO?
Thanks
Martin
HI
I am going back to Rome for two weeks. I leave in a few days. This is a great web page.
Thanks!
Martin
Just a comment about getting to/from the buses to Termini station. As of the end of May, 2011, there is A LOT of construction going on outside of the station and it can be difficult or confusing to get from the bus stops to the station (and the other direction). My wife was unable to see the train station from the bus H platform, so she couldn’t meet me at the bookstore in the station.
Hi Ron,
Your blog is extreeeeeemely helpful. I will be visiting Rome next month with my husband and I can already tell that I’ll be coming back to this site more than once. Thank You for making me feel I have a friend guiding me through the Eternal City.
Best Wishes, all the way from New Delhi, India
What an AWESOME site and service, especially for the virgin traveler arriving/departing Roma via train. Navigated Termini 5 years ago, will be doing so again in two weeks and your information was super in refreshing my orientation.
LOVE seeing the new kiosks!!
Robert
thank you, I almost feel like I walked through the termini.
Our journey begins March 17, and we appreciate all the tips…