Roma Termini

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.