Rome Train – A comprehensive guide to Rome’s railway system
Rome Train – A comprehensive guide to Rome’s railway system
Tourist Information on Rome Train Travel
The Rome train system, including the railway network and the metro, is an efficient and well-connected transportation option for residents and tourists travelling to Rome’s surrounding regions.
In this article you will find everything you need to know, including how to buy tickets, types of trains and Rome train stations.
Table of Contents
Overview of Rome’s Train System
There are a few types of trains in Rome depending on the area covered, the speed and the price range.
Trying to find information online about them can be a bit confusing and overwhelming so I’ve put together a detailed guide with the essential information below:
1. Leonardo Express Rome
Leonardo Express is one of the most popular trains for tourists that arrive in Rome by air, as it connects Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) with Roma Termini, the main train station in the centre of Rome.
The Leonardo Express Rome takes 32 minutes to reach the city centre and it runs every 15 minutes.
You have the option to buy your ticket when you land in Rome but I suggest planning things ahead since this train is always in high demand.
You can book online your regional tickets on the official Trenitalia website or via the Trenitalia app.
2. Urban trains in Rome
The urban trains in Rome, also called ‘Ferrovie Urbane‘ in Italian, are made of 3 lines that serve as an extension of the metro system.
| Line | Opening Times |
|---|---|
| Roma – Lido di Ostia | 5:30AM – 11:30PM |
| Roma – Civitacastellana – Viterbo | 5:30AM – 10:30PM |
| Roma – Giardinetti | 5:30AM – 10:30PM |
The most popular urban train lines in Rome among tourists are the Roma-Lido one, connecting Rome with the coastal area of Lido di Ostia, and the Civitacastellana – Viterbo one (also called Roma-Nord) connecting Rome with several towns in the north.
Since these urban trains are operated by the same company as the metro system, ATAC, it is possible for passengers to conveniently use the same tickets and passes for both transportation modes without any extra charge, as long as they are used within 12 miles radius from the city. You can check my metro page for more information about tickets and passes.
3. Suburban trains (or Regional trains) in Rome
The suburban trains in Rome, known as ‘Ferrovie Laziali‘ in Italian, are operated by Trenitalia.
They comprise 8 lines: FL1, FL2 and FL3, closer to Rome and used as a complement to the metro system; and FL4 to FL8, typically used by commuters.
These trains were formerly called Ferrovie Regionale so they are often referred to as FR in multiple websites.
You may want to consider using them to access areas not reachable by metro, like Trastevere neighbourhood, or as an alternative to the Leonardo Express train to go to Fiumicino airport.
All the routes are listed below, including the main stops that may be of interest for visitors:
| Line | Route | Main stops for tourists |
|---|---|---|
| FL1 | Orte – Fiumicino Aeroporto | Fiumicino airport, Trastevere, Roma Tiburtina |
| FL2 | Roma Tiburtina – Tivoli | Tivoli, Roma Tiburtina |
| FL3 | Roma Tiburtina – Viterbo Porta Fiorentina | St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums, San Pietro in Montorio |
| FL4 | Roma Termini – Frascati / Albano Laziale / Velletri | Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Termini |
| FL5 | Roma Termini – Civitavecchia | Civitavecchia Port, San Pietro in Montorio, Termini |
| FL6 | Roma Termini – Cassino | Cassino, Subiaco, Termini |
| FL7 | Roma Termini – Minturno – Scauri | Orte, Fara Sabina, Termini |
| FL8 | Roma Termini – Nettuno | Viterbo, San Pietro in Montorio, Trastevere |
Check the map with all the stations for the FL lines in Rome below:
You can buy your tickets for these trains at Rome Termini station or online through the official Trenitalia website or the Trenitalia app.
4. Rome high-speed train
These are the fastest trains in Rome, typically halving the journey time compared to other options like InterCity trains. However, fares tend to be twice as expensive.
There are 3 types depending on the speed: Frecciarossa (‘red arrow’) Frecciargento (‘silver arrow’) and Frecciabianca (‘white arrow’).
Popular day trips from Rome using these high-speed trains include destinations like Milan or Naples.
You can buy your high-speed train tickets at Rome Termini station or online through the official Trenitalia website or the Trenitalia app.
5. InterCity and InterCity Notte
The InterCity and InterCity Notte trains are a slightly slower yet more budget-friendly option to high-speed trains, covering medium to long distances.
Some of the most popular day trips from Rome using these trains are routes to Florence, Naples and Salerno, all with travel times under 2 hours.
You can buy your InterCity train tickets at Rome Termini station or online through the official Trenitalia website or the Trenitalia app.
Important » All Italian tickets, both domestic and cross border must be validated at the machines on the platform before use. Failure to do this will result in a fine of up to 200 Euros. |
Rome Train Stations
The largest and busiest train stations in Rome are Roma Termini and Roma Tiburtina. There are several other smaller stations that are worth mentioning, such as Roma Ostiense and Roma Trastevere.
Rome Termini Train Station
Rome Termini is the city’s biggest and busiest train station, offering lots of amenities like shops, supermarkets, and places to eat. You can also rent a car nearby or left your luggage in its premises.
Rome Termini train station offers a wide variety of trains, including high-speed, regional, intercity, urban services, and the Leonardo Express.
The area surrounding Rome Termini is bustling with transportation hubs:
- Right at the front of the station is Rome’s main bus terminal.
- On the right hand side of the building you can find the Rome tram (Termini stop).
- Below the station travellers can transfer to the metro lines A (orange) and B (blue), connecting to the main tourist attractions of the city.
- Airport buses to both of Rome’s airports depart from the east side of the station.
Rome Tiburtina Train Station
Despite not being as large as Rome Termini train station, Tiburtina train station is a key transportation hub, playing a significant role in Rome’s rail network.
The station is located in the northeast of the city centre and offers a wide range of amenities including shops, restaurants, ticket offices and car rental services.
You can find in this train station high-speed and regional trains, as well as metro and bus lines.
Rome Ostiense Train Station
Rome Ostiense is situated near the city centre and is an important railway station in Rome. It is well-connected to Rome’s public transportation network, including the metro, buses, and trams.
It offers various amenities for travellers, such as ticket offices, shops, cafes, and waiting areas.
The station serves a mix of train services, including regional and intercity trains.
Rome Trastevere Train Station
Rome Trastevere train station is situated in the southwestern part of the city centre, nestled in the lively Trastevere neighbourhood. The station provides a variety of train services, including regional and urban trains.
In addition to trains, the station is well-served by several tram and bus lines, ensuring excellent connectivity.
Travellers at Trastevere station can enjoy a range of amenities, such as ticket offices, automated ticket machines, cafes, shops, and comfortable waiting areas.
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