Train service
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s national railway company, operating long-distance, regional, and international train services across Europe.
SNCF
SNCF is France’s state-owned rail operator, running high-speed, regional, and international TGV services across Europe.
Train tickets
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Omio connects you with over 1,000 transport providers - trains, buses, flights, and more - to simplify your travel planning.
Trainline
Trainline sells rail and coach tickets worldwide on behalf of major UK and European transport companies.
Raileurope
Rail Europe is a leading travel tech company specializing in European train bookings for over 15,000 travel professionals worldwide.
Rail pass validity
The Interrail Global Pass and the Interrail One Country Pass are not valid for residents of Italy when traveling by train from Milan to Rome because they are for international or intra-country travel for non-residents in the same country. Eurail is valid for non-EU residents traveling within Italy, so it can be used for a train journey from Milan to Rome by those who qualify.
Getting around
Upon arriving in Rome by train, you'll likely enter via one of its major stations such as Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina. From these points, you have various local transportation options to explore the city.
Rome’s Metro system is a convenient and cost-effective way to navigate the city. It comprises three lines: A (orange), B (blue), and C (green). The Metro operates from 5:30 AM until 11:30 PM on weekdays, extending until 1:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Key stops include Termini, Spagna (for the Spanish Steps), Colosseo (for the Colosseum), and Ottaviano (for the Vatican).
Trams offer scenic routes through some of the city's historic parts, with daily operation times similar to the Metro. Popular lines include Tram 8, which runs from Piazza Venezia to the Trastevere neighborhood.
Buses cover a wide area of Rome and run from the early morning until midnight, with some night bus services. Tickets for buses, trams, and the Metro are interchangeable and can be purchased at ticket machines, newsstands, or via mobile apps like MyCicero.
For a more flexible and private commute, taxis are readily available but ensure they are licensed (white color with a "TAXI" sign and a meter). Taxi stands are located throughout the city, especially near major squares and transport hubs. Avoid hailing taxis on the street.
Ridesharing apps like Uber are present but typically more expensive; they might be more convenient for direct routes or at night.
Each mode of transport offers its own experience, so choose based on your schedule, budget, and preferred convenience level.
Onward connections
Rome, with its central location in Italy, serves as a key hub for train travel, offering efficient connections both domestically and internationally. Domestically, one of the most popular connections is the high-speed train service from Rome to Florence. Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa and Italo's services offer frequent daily departures, whisking passengers to Florence in just over an hour and a half. Another prominent route is Rome to Venice, with high-speed trains completing the journey in approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. The route from Rome to Milan is also heavily trafficked, showcasing cutting-edge high-speed train services that take around 3 hours.
For those heading south, the connection from Rome to Naples is notably frequent and fast, with high-speed trains from Trenitalia and Italo completing the journey in about 1 hour and 10 minutes. This connection is ideal for travellers heading to the Amalfi Coast or further south to Sicily. Additionally, Rome offers connections to Bari in the southeast, reachable in approximately 4 hours, providing access to the scenic Italian region of Puglia.
Internationally, while direct train services are not as comprehensive, Rome is well-connected thanks to its links with Milan. From Milan, travellers can catch direct international trains to destinations like Paris, with TGV services taking about 7 hours, or to Switzerland with the EuroCity trains reaching cities like Geneva and Zurich in about 4 to 7 hours. While direct trains from Rome to these international destinations are rare, the seamless connections through northern Italian cities ensure efficient travel. These rail connections highlight Rome's pivotal role in both Italian and broader European rail networks, facilitating convenient travel throughout the continent.
Best time to visit
The best months to visit Rome are generally April to June and late September to October. During these periods, the weather is pleasant with mild temperatures, making sightseeing enjoyable without the oppressive summer heat. These are technically shoulder seasons, which often means fewer tourists compared to the peak months of July and August, potentially leading to slightly lower accommodation and travel costs. Additionally, spring welcomes the bloom of flowers and various events, such as the Rome Marathon in April, while autumn features food festivals and cultural events. The influx of tourists is moderate, which means less crowded trains and easier access to main attractions. Visiting during these months offers a balance of favorable weather, vibrant local events, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Frequently asked questions
What affects the cost of a train ticket from Milan to Rome?
According to EveryRail, train ticket prices from Milan to Rome are dynamic. Prices vary based on demand. Ticket type affects cost. Peak travel times increase prices. Booking in advance lowers costs. Flexible tickets cost more. Discounts influence prices. Rail operators impact pricing. Special promotions adjust prices. Seat class affects expense.
What trains run from Milan to Rome?
Trenitalia operates trains from Milan to Rome.
NTV runs trains from Milan to Rome.
Flixbus operates buses from Milan to Rome.
How long does the train from Milan to Rome take?
According to EveryRail, the train from Milan to Rome takes 3 to 3.5 hours.
When is the best time to travel from Milan to Rome?
Avoid peak travel times for fewer crowds. Mid-mornings on weekdays typically have lower demand. Prices are generally higher during holidays. Early afternoons often see less passenger congestion. Off-peak hours can offer quieter journeys. Book in advance for better pricing.
What’s the best route or train to take from Milan to Rome?
NTV runs direct train services from Milan to Rome. Trenitalia also offers direct train services on this route. Flixbus operates direct bus services from Milan to Rome.
What rail passes can I use to travel from Milan to Rome?
According to EveryRail, the One Country Pass covers the route from Milan to Rome because both cities are in Italy. Interrail would apply for EU residents, while Eurail would apply for those who are not EU residents. The Global Pass does not apply because the journey is within a single country.