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Termini train station (Stazione di Roma Termini – Giovanni Paolo II) is Rome’s central transport gateway.
Every day, trains departing Termini station deliver passengers to all major cities in Italy, as well as to Paris, Munich, Geneva, Brussels, and Vienna. Twenty-nine railway platforms, located on 225 thousand 2m, allow Termini to handle over 150 million travelers yearly, which makes the station one of the largest transport hubs in Europe.
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The history of the construction of the central station in Rome
Termini got its name from the area of Rome in which it is located. And the area, in turn, inherited its name from the baths of the emperor Diocletianus (Latin Diocletianus), located in this area earlier. In Latin, “thermae” means – “Terms”, “baths”. The antique baths were located across the street from the modern station.
On February 23, 1863, Pope Pius IX (Latin Pius IX) inaugurated the first railway station in Rome – Termini. At that time, trains could take passengers from Rome to Frascati, Civitavecchia, or Ceprano. In contrast to the Parisian model, which has several stations distributed throughout the city for using different branches of the railway, Termini was endowed with a single starting point for all available lines.
Villa Montalto-Peretti (16th century) was chosen as the building of the railway station. Termini’s first historical name was Stazione Centrale delle Ferrovie Romane – Central Station of the Roman Railways. Serious development of the station began in 1868 and was completed in 1874 under the flag of a united Italy. Salvatore Bianchi handled the architectural appearance of the building. The façade overlooked Via Cavour, one of the longest streets in Rome.
In 1937 it was decided to reconstruct the old station building. Before World War II, the Roman authorities managed to dismantle the old train station and partially erect new buildings. In 1943, after the fall of Benito Mussolini’s regime, construction work under the direction of Angiolo Mazzoni was frozen. American aircraft launched massive attacks on the railways of Rome and adjacent territories. For some time, the railway communication between the north and the south of Italy was paralyzed.
Modern look of the Termini Railway Station
Termini acquired its present appearance thanks to two teams of architects who won a competition for restoration works held in 1947. A large spacious hall distinguished the new building with a high ceiling and monumental decor. It was presented to the general public in 1950. The front of the station is decorated with a glass wall covering the building from floor to ceiling. Above, the undulating roof flaunts a modern interpretation of the architecture of Ancient Rome. Long visor, ending almost above the roadway, protecting passengers from bad weather.
The back of the hall is equipped with ticket offices and ticket machines for trains. The front of Termini is decorated with an aluminum frieze from the Hungarian modernist sculptor Amerigo Tot. The author wanted to show the dynamics, sound, and speed of passing trains in his works.
On December 23, 2006, Termini was dedicated to Pope John Paul II (Giovanni Paolo II). On the Cinquecento square, opposite the railway station, there is a monument depicting the pontiff, ready to take everyone in need under his “wing.”
Just a 10-minute walk from Termini is one of the landmarks of Rome – the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Internal organization
Termini Station in Rome is equipped with the high standards of the European Union. On the territory of the station, there are services: ticket offices, car rental, luggage storage, toilets, currency exchange offices, bank terminals, post office, law enforcement agencies, travel agencies, information terminals, and found things bureaus.
- Ticket offices (Biglietteria) are open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. without interruption. You can get to the ticket offices from the entrance from Piazza dei Cinquecento and Via Giolitti. There are also 60 ticket vending machines distributed throughout the station.
- Luggage storage (Ritiro bagagli) works from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. without a break. Storage cost: € 6 per bag for the first 5 hours, from 6th to 12th hour: € 0.90 / hour, and an extra € 0.40 for each additional hour.
- Toilets are located on the underground floor and are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The cost is 1 EUR per person.
- Also, inside the station, there are many shops, cafes, pharmacies, and even a gym.
Security at the train station
The Railroad Police Office looks at Platform 13 alongside Platform 1. For security issues inside the station or trains, please call 06 46203401.
There are many CCTV cameras in the station building, and law enforcement officers are on duty, which is not easy. Considering the considerable passenger traffic, Termini is a tasty place for all kinds of scammers and asocial elements. So be careful with your documents, wallet, and luggage. The station has a good level of security, but it will never be superfluous to be on the alert.
How to get to the Termini Station
- Address: Piazza dei Cinquecento
- By metro: Under Piazza Cinquecento, metro lines A and B intersect (Termini station), making it easy to get from Termini even to a remote corner of Rome.
- By bus: No. 105 carries directly to the station, No. 16,38,40,50,60L, 64, 75,82,85,90,92,170,223,310,590,714,910, H, N1, N12, N18, A10, B10, L80 will take passengers from anywhere The eternal city to the Cinquecento square.
- By tram: no. 5.14 (Termini station).
- From Fiumicino airport to Termini there is a high-speed train of the first class “Leonardo Express.” Travel time: 30 minutes, departs every half hour, the ticket price is 14 EUR. See instructions on how to get from Fiumicino to Rome.
- Official website: www.romatermini.com. Railway station map, service opening hours, train schedule, and other helpful information.
- You can check the train schedule and buy the tickets in advance on the websites: www.Italotreno.it and Omio.com – I personally always use ItaloTreno.
Hotels nearby Termini Station
There are many cheap and not-so hotels near Termini Station – see all options nearby. The area is one of the most dangerous in Rome and locals bypass it, but many travelers are not intimidated by this. If you are staying in Rome for more than 2 days and your goal is to fall in love with the Eternal City and enjoy the Great Beauty, then look for a hotel in another more prosperous and beautiful area. If you need a train, it is better to pay 10-15 EUR and come here by taxi or 1.5 EUR by public transport.
People (managers in travel agencies) who “recommend” you a hotel near Termini, most likely have never been to Rome or are pursuing other interests. Living next to Romanians, Bangladeshis who came here out of despair is not the best idea. We warned you.
Please pay attention to the Trastevere area with its fantastic atmosphere and restaurants. Before planning your trip, keep in mind the following:
- 4-star hotels in Rome are reasonable deals for adequate money;
- 5-star hotels in Rome – for the most demanding tourists. We strive not to save but to earn more;
- The cheapest hotels in Rome – if the budget is limited, then at least so;
- 3-4 star hotels – in the range of 80-100 EUR per day – conveniently located, but not in the very city center;
- Apartments in Rome near attractions can be a good alternative to hotels, suitable for large families with children.