Getting around Rome is simple. This is in part down to the city’s size, but massively helped by the public transport network Rome‘s got going on. Specifically, the train network is super convenient – you’ll most likely be using one of the train stations in Rome at some point during your trip.
I travel to Rome all the time – I was there last week too – and I often travel to other places from Rome, so I have used most of the stations in the city and I am ready to share my knowledge with you.
With 73 stations across three lines, the Rome Metro is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Rome’s train network.
But how many train stations are there in Rome?
There are two main train stations in Rome (Roma Termini and Roma Tiburtina), and a number of smaller stations situated in the city that not only serve local commuters catching trains in and out of the city center each day, but also play host to regional and high-speed rail services.
Getting to major cities like Pisa or Naples from Rome – or even directly to the Vatican City – from one of Rome’s big transit hubs is a breeze.
Some of the train stations in Rome are grand and historic, others used to be nothing more than countryside stops that have evolved over the years. Some have multiple Rome metro lines crossing beneath their regional tracks.
To help you figure out your train travel in the Eternal City, here are some of the busiest, well known and most useful train stations in Rome.
Thinking of driving in Rome? My post Should You Drive In Rome? shares some useful insights.
Train Stations In Rome Map
Wondering “where are the train stations in Rome?” – I have created a train stations in Rome map for you that you can see below.
How to use this train stations in Rome map: This train stations in Rome map points out the main stations you may need to use or come across during your trip. You can use your computer mouse on desktop or laptop, or your fingers on your smartphone, to enlarge it. When you click on the star next to the title, the map will be savde into your Google Maps account. You can view the saved map by clicking on “Your saved maps” in your account. If you wish to see it in a larger screen, just click on “View larger map” in the top right corner.
Depending on where you are staying, or where you are traveling from or to, the train stations you are most likely to use are Roma Termini, Roma Ostiense, Roma Tiburtina and Roma Trastevere. The others are smaller stations that you are unlikely to use, but if you are a fan of rain travel you may still want to check them out!
The Main Train Stations In Rome
Termini
Roma Termini train station is Rome’s main train station. It’s named after the nearby Baths of Diocletian, which in Latin are called thermae, and from which the surrounding area of Termini takes its name.
A station was first opened here in 1863, but the original building was demolished in 1937. Sadly the turmoil of World War II meant that the reconstruction of Termini Station was delayed. The modern-day station was designed 10 years later in 1947, and inaugurated in December 1950.
The structure is a shining example of Italian modernism. It boasts a large atrium with a vaulted ceiling and an impressive entrance. In fact, it’s the second-largest railway station in Europe after Gare du Nord, Paris.
The station has 33 platforms and provides train transport for over 180 million passengers a year. Both local trains and long-distance journeys are catered for, plus two of Rome’s Metro lines intersect at the station. For example, this is where the Leonardo Express Train from Rome Fiumicino Airport travels too.
With a bus station adjacent, too, as well as nearby tram lines, this really is the main transportation hub in Rome, and the most used of all the train stations in Rome.
Inside, the station is massive. You will find all sorts of shops at the ground level and at the underground level, catering to literally whatever you may need. There is a pharmacy on one side, and a food hall on the upper level, with all sorts of restaurants and eateries.
As the station is very crowded, this is a very active spot for Rome’s pickpockets, so make sure to take care of your belongings! You should also watch out for anyone who offers help using the ticket vending machines or offering to help carry your luggage.
Ostiense
Situated in the southern part of the city, Ostiense – taking its name from the surrounding district – is one of the main train stations in Rome.
Originally the station was built to replace an existing rural railway station, and more specifically commemorated Adolf Hitler’s visit to Rome in 1938. The connections don’t stop there. To welcome the German dictator, a new road was built to the station that was initially named Via A. Hitler (this name changed after WWII, of course).
The building was designed by Italian architect Roberto Narducci, and features a grand marble facade in an architectural style that was favored by Hitler.
Ostiense has 11 tracks spread across its six platforms, with services that connect travelers with Fiumicino Airport, as well as other intermediate stations around the area. For example, this is where I normally travel to if I am coming from Viterbo, after having visited my family, and where trains to Ostia Antica (a wonderful day trip from Rome) travel to.
The train station is right next to the Piramide Metro station, from where you can travel to many other places in Rome. Bus stops abound in the neighborhood, too.
Much like for Roma Termini, there are scams and pickpockets in Roma Ostiense too – even though the station is not nearly as crowded. When I last traveled here, a woman insisted on helping me get tickets via the vending machines and only left after I told her I was going to call the police!
Trastevere
Named for its location in the Trastevere district on the west bank of the Tiber, it’s one of the major train stations in Rome. There was a station in the area prior to the current iteration: Roma Porta Portese, which opened in 1859 as part of the Pisa-Livorno-Rome Railway.
The new version of the station that you see today replaced Porta Portese in May of 1911, and was designed by Paolo Bo. Various passenger facilities are situated across a number of storeys and different sections.
With six tracks in total, Trastevere Station connects with several urban railway lines, namely the Pisa-Livorno-Rome, Rome-Capranica-Viterbo and the Rome-Fiumicino railways (the FL1 regional train goes to the Fiumicino Airport, for example).
Commuter trains also pass through the station, meaning it can be quite a busy transit hub.
Tiburtina
Located four stations away from Roma Termini on Metro Line B, Tiburtina is the second-largest railway station in the city (after Termini), and one of the busiest train stations in Rome.
Originally constructed in the 1860s as a terminal station, it feeds the northeast part of the city and is also a hub for high-speed rail services.
The station opened only three years after Termini opened; its original name was Portonaccio. At the time of its opening, it was among the largest railway stations in Italy. During the late 1930s Tiburtina Station saw much development, and following WWII it was rebuilt entirely due to damage sustained from bombing.
In the 1990s, the station opened an adjoining subway station for local transit. In short, Tiburtina is super busy. Sometimes greater numbers of passengers are recorded here than at Termini, which shows you how convenient it is for people’s journeys around the city. With that, obviously come pickpockets and scams – so keep your eyes open.
More recently, Tiburtina Station has undergone major upgrades and redevelopment. Today it boasts a shopping center, a railway office, bus terminal, a giant car park among other things.
Aurelia
Aurelia Station serves the western portion of Rome and is part of the Pisa-Livorno-Rome railway line. Construction on this more modest railway station began in the 1930s but was abandoned because of the war. In 1985 works began again with the station finally opening in 1990.
While it may not be one of the largest train stations in Rome, Aurelia still has four tracks, tourist bus services and ticket offices. Overall, this station has a much more local feel to it; for example, during some parts of the day, there’s only one train per hour.
With many hotels in the area, however, it can be surprisingly busy. In addition, tourist buses travel from the bus station adjacent to Aurelia Train Station. It’s a convenient stop – in fact, from here you can be at the Vatican City or Termini in mere minutes.
Balduina
Balduina is a neighborhood of Rome that you probably haven’t heard of. Still, there are old buildings and historical churches scattered around this district of the city, making it a worthwhile stop if you want to visit Rome off the beaten path.
The area has undergone much change in recent years. Until the early 20th century, Balduina was all open fields and had no specific name. Along with Balduina, it was often simply referred to as Monte Mario: the name of the plateau-like hill situated here and, in fact, the highest part of the city of Rome.
In the early 20th century, the area was earmarked for development, with apartment buildings springing up around the district.
When it comes to Balduina Train Station, the railway line here connects to Trastevere and Ostiense on the FL3 regional and urban line. It’s also connected to Metro Line A, and numerous bus lines serve the area too.
Monte Mario
Monte Mario is the name of the tallest hill in Rome. Situated to the northwest of the city center, it is also home to the district of Balduina. With the FL3 railway line running through, there has been a two-track train station at this spot since 1894.
Interestingly, near the station you’ll find the Parco Lineare dell’Antica Via Collantina. This takes up the former route of the Rome-Viterbo railway line. This large park features walking and cycling paths, running for 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) and linking up to Monte Mario train station.
Keep in mind that at the time of writing, the park is temporarily closed.
Nomentana
The residential neighborhood of Nomentana can be found wedged between the districts of Trieste and Monte Sacro. This attractive area, with its grid-like streets, is set away from the city center, but is easily accessible and connected to the rest of the city, also thanks to the Nomentana Train Station.
The station, is fairly new having opened on the 25th November 1983. It’s an unfussy local spot with four platforms. Tracks 1 and 2 are stopping services on the FL1 line; tracks 3 and 4 are closed to passengers and are only used for freight trains.
Don’t be surprised if you see fast trains passing through: the Florence-Rome railway direct train passes through, but cannot be accessed. If you like watching trains, then seeing this high-speed service – as well as freight trains – could be of interest to you.
The station is mainly used by the numerous commuters who call Nomentana home. However, it could be useful for your trip to Rome if you’ve booked an apartment in the area, thanks to trains running from here to Fiumicino Airport (every 15 minutes in peak time).
Prenestina
Prenestina Train Station was originally built in 1887 in what was then countryside. The building that is now used for the railway station dates from 1936 and was designed by architect Paolo Perilli.
In 2008, the functional structure underwent much reconstruction to modernize the station for contemporary use.
With its four tracks, Prenestina Train Station sits at the junction between the Rome-Pescara line and the Rome-Naples high-speed line. The first two tracks are for local trains on the FL2 line, while tracks 3 and 4 are used for regional services.
From Prenestina you can reach places like Tivoli (famed for its gardens), Mandela and Avezzano. There’s also a bus service to Pescara, as well as nearby urban bus stops.
Casilina
Casilina is the only station in Rome operated by the Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI, the state-owned train company) that is actually closed to passenger traffic. Despite this, the station hosts 9 tracks and is a major railway junction. A variety of regional and urban lines pass through.
Until 1941, Casilina was known as Rome Mandrione station. Later, the station was closed to the public on the 13th December 2003 due to lack of passengers. At this point, it had already stopped a number of its train services.
However, the train station does come into use at certain times. For example, when Rome received heavy snowfall in February 2012, Casilina was uses temporarily. Other events, such as accidents on the line, have also called Casilina into use other times.
San Pietro
Situated close to the Vatican, and taking its name from the nearby St Peter’s Basilica (just 300 meters – less than 0.2 miles – away), Roma San Pietro is a major railway station. The station opened up in 1894 as a stop on the Rome-Viterbo railway line.
Once a countryside station, San Pietro Train Station was actually a popular location for directors and filmmakers. Many famous actors have shot scenes at the formerly picturesque train station.
At this point, it was something of a secondary train station in Rome, with the majority of passengers being pilgrims to the Vatican City.
Later, in the 1990s, the station underwent much reconstruction. The number of tracks increased, tripling from two to six, with new railway lines connecting the papal destination to cities such as Pisa.
So passengers looking to get directly to the Vatican without having to stay nearby can easily reach via San Pietro, traveling from other Rome stations such as Ostiense and Termini. FR3 and FR5 commuter lines also pass through.
The station famously has a short single track that connects right into the Vatican City. Named the Vatican Railway, this opened in 1934 and holds the accolade for being the world’s shortest national railway system.
Tuscolana
Tuscolana is another major station in Rome. It first opened in 1890 and features an attractive original facade. Located in the southeast of the capital, specifically in the Tuscolana area, the station is part of the Pisa-Livorno-Rome railway line and the Rome-Fiumicino railway.
Roma Tuscolana train station features nine tracks (one of which is reserved for freight) and is also just 400 meters (0.2 miles) from the entrance to Ponte Lungo station, which is situated on Metro Line A. Numerous bus stops also connect the area.
There are a fair few passenger services located within Tuscolana Station including toilets, a cafe-bar, a waiting room and a physical ticket office.
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