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Considering a trip to the Italian capital and need more information on how to travel by train from Milan to Rome? Start your journey with us.
The train from Milan to Rome usually takes 3 hours and 14 minutes but can take just 2 hours and 50 minutes on the fastest services. As this is such a popular route with locals and tourists alike, there are around 60 direct trains running from Milan to Rome every day.
Both Trenitalia and Italo – the main train operators in Italy – offer high-speed services that come with plenty of amenities on board, including complimentary snacks and drinks, reclining leather seats, and free WiFi.
Trains running between Milan and Rome usually depart from Milano Centrale station and arrive at Roma Termini station, which is only a short walk away from the city’s main landmarks, including the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and the Spanish Steps, so you can start exploring right away.
Ready to book? Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap train tickets from Milan to Rome and we’ll show you how much you can save. Just remember, the sooner you book, the cheaper your tickets will be.
If you’d like to learn more about the train journey from Milan to Rome first, keep reading for more information on:
Alternatively, you can read reviews from our travel writers from one of our travel writers if you want to know more about what it’s like to travel from Milan to Rome by train.
First train | 5:20 am | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 10:13 pm | |
Departure station | Milan | |
Arrival station | Rome | |
Journey time | From 2h 50m | |
Distance | 297 miles (477 km) | |
Frequency | 60 trains per day | |
Changes | Direct trains available | |
Price | From $16.50 | |
Train and bus operators | Marino, Itabus, Trenitalia, Flixbus, Italo, Autoservizi Salemi, BlaBlaCar Bus |
Frecciarossa trains are Trenitalia's flagship high-speed trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The "red arrow" trains are distinguished by their comfort, their ultra-modern design and their reduced impact on the environment. All Frecciarossa trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection and four levels of service – Standard, Premium (with drinks and welcome snacks served on arrival, as well as a morning newspaper), Business (with drinks and snacks, morning newspaper and larger seats) and Executive (with Fast Track, access to FrecciaClub lounges in train selected stations, and gourmet meals served to your seat). From December 2021, you can also travel with Frecciarossa from Milan to Paris via Turin, Modane and Chambéry. The trains are operated by Trenitalia France and have 4 levels of service - Standard, Business, Executive and Meeting Room - and two types of carriages: Silence Area, for those who want to travel in total tranquillity, and Allegro Area, for those who want to chat with their fellow passengers.
Italo is a high-speed train operator that runs services between many of the major cities across Italy. All Italo trains are modern, air conditioned, and have free WiFi available for all travellers. There are four comfort classes, or "ambiances", as Italo like to call them – Smart (the cheapest price), Comfort (with wider seats and extra legroom), Prima (with a welcome selection of food and drink, fast track boarding and extra space), and Executive Club (with all Prima services, extra-wide seats, access to Italo Club lounges and personal entertainment screens at your seat).
Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
Frecciabianca trains operate outside Trenitalia high-speed lines. Offering more than 40 daily routes, they're capable of reaching a maximum speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). Frecciabianca trains connect the centres of northern and southern Italy, running along the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian coasts. All Frecciabianca trains have power sockets and large reclining seats, as well as ample space for luggage. There are two classes of service – First Class and Second Class. In First Class, customers can look forward to a welcome service with snacks and drinks and a morning newspaper.
With Frecciarossa Standard, you’ll enjoy high-quality services including eco-leather reclining seats, folding tables and free WiFi at a reasonable price.
Providing all the perks of First Class for the price of Second Class, Frecciarossa Premium offers more legroom and baggage space, as well as a welcome service supplying a complimentary sweet or salty snack and a drink. You can also order your meal via the EasyBistrò paid service available on board.
If you’re travelling for work, Frecciarossa Business is the ideal option for you – it offers more legroom, glass dividers for more privacy, EasyBistrò meal service and a private 4-seat compartment called Salottino. A free snack box is also served to your seat.
Frecciarossa Executive can accommodate up to 10 single armchairs and offers plenty of legroom, wider reclining leather seats, free entry to FRECCIALounge at the main train stations, an exclusive open bar and Michelin-starred menu by the renowned Italian TV chef Carlo Cracco.
Although Smart is Italo’s standard and cheapest class, you won’t miss out on the fantastic service! This class provides you with the following amenities:
In addition to all the perks of Italo Smart, Italo Prima also provides a little extra, such as a dedicated Fast Track service and a welcome service.
If you want to travel in style, upgrade to Italo Club Executive and enjoy dedicated catering service, personal screens, and free access to Italo Club Lounge.
In Second Class, you'll get to enjoy armchairs with folding tables, reading lights and power outlets. Feeling hungry? Head to the FrecciaBistrò café-bar counter located in the middle part of the train to get food and drinks.
Enjoy more comfortable seats in Frecciabianca's First Class. In car 3, you'll also find a bar service as well as baby changing facilities, if you're traveling with your baby.
Travel in Second Class Easy and enjoy seats with folding tables, power outlets and a bar carriage in the middle of the train.
In addition to all the amenities in Second Class Easy, you'll get to enjoy more spacious seats and legroom in First Class Plus.
If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets you can find at your seat.
While there’s no bar or restaurant car on Italo trains, you can use the vending machines on board to get snacks and drinks during your journey.
Priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility are available on Italo trains. They’re usually located next to an accessible toilet. All accessible toilets also have tactile and Braille signs.
Air-conditioning is available on all Italo trains, as well as power outlets at every seat.
At the moment, Frecciabianca trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.
If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60 which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
Air-conditioning is available on all Frecciabianca trains.
You can get snacks and drinks from the vending machines available in car 3. Gluten-free and lactose-free options are available too.
At the moment, Intercity trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.
If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60 which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
Air-conditioning is available on all Intercity trains.
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Milan to Rome by booking early.§
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Still got questions about your train trip from Milan to Rome? We've got answers.
Flying into Milan and not sure how to get from the airport to the city center? Read on for more information on how to get to the heart of the city from each of Milan’s airports.
There are three airports in Milan:
Conveniently located in the heart of the city, Milan Central station can be easily reached by several modes of transport:
Waiting for your train has never been so relaxing! Both Italo and Frecciarossa welcome you into dedicated First Class Lounges with everything you need to sit back and relax before you travel.
Italo Club Lounges are for Club Executive passengers, as well as Italo Più Privilege and Platinum holders and Italo Più Corporate Privilege and Corporate Platinum holders. You’ll find the following amenities at the Lounge in Milano Centrale station:
This service is for Prima or Club Executive ticket holders, as well as Italo Più Premium, Privilege, Platinum, and Italo Più Corporate loyalty card holders. You can make use of the free Fast Track service at Gate C in Milano Centrale station.
You can get free access to the FRECCIALounge at Milano Centrale station if you have:
At FRECCIALounge, you’ll get to enjoy a Working Area with power outlets and free WiFi, as well as a Bistrot Area offering a wide range of snacks and drinks.
If you have a Trenitalia loyalty card (CartaFRECCIA Platino, CartaFRECCIA Oro or CartaFRECCIA Argento), or you have a ticket to travel in Frecciarossa Executive or Business Class on Frecciarossa 1000, you can use Frecciarossa’s Fast Track service at Milano Centrale station (Gate E) to skip the line and board your train fast.
Looking for luxury? Why not travel First Class on one of Trenitalia’s Frecce trains?
On Frecciarossa trains, choose Business or Executive when booking to benefit from Trenitalia’s First Class offer. For starters, you’ll be greeted on board with a welcome service and a welcome drink. First Class also means more spacious cars, solo seats and an at-seat meal service. Plus, you’ll be able to access the FrecciaLounge at Italy’s main train stations, such as Roma Termini and Milano Centrale.
On Frecciabianca and Frecciargento trains, go First Class and you’ll get a welcome service when you get on the train, including a welcome drink. Then, once you’re on board, you can enjoy real leather seats and more legroom.
Trains departing from Milan arrive at Roma Termini station, which is in the city center. From the station, you can easily walk to the city’s main landmarks, including the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.
There's a wide array of transport options to get you around the city, including metro, buses, and trams. Keep reading for more details.
Taking the metro in Rome
Rome’s metro has 3 lines (A, B and C), of which the first two reach the city’s most important landmarks:
Taking the bus in Rome
Rome has over 350 bus lines, which can be divided into:
Taking the tram in Rome
The tram network in Rome has 6 lines:
All lines run from 05:30 am to midnight every day. At night, the trams are replaced by night buses. It’s worth mentioning that most of these lines do not hold a lot of special interest for tourists. The best line for travelers is Line 8, which connects Trastevere with Largo di Torre Argentina.
One of the most glorious cities in the world, Rome boasts a unique history and exciting modern culture, which means every visit is a treat. Whether you’re planning your first trip or are traveling to visit family or friends, check out some of our ideas for things to see and do in the Eternal City:
After visiting Rome, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead.
If Rome is the last stop on your tour of Europe, you might be heading back home by plane. Read on for more information on how to get to each of Rome’s two airports by train and bus.
Rome has two major airports:
Each airport is well-connected with the city center thanks to Rome’s extensive rail and bus network. Trains are usually the quickest way to get from the city center to the airport.