| Travel distance | 100 miles |
|---|---|
| Fastest time | 1hr |
| Daily trains | 16 |
| Ticket from |
Traveling from the historic capital of Rome to the ancient Etruscan hilltop gateway of Chiusi covers a travel distance of approximately 100 miles. Heading north along the Tiber Valley, this scenic route carries passengers away from the urban energy of the capital and into the peaceful, rolling clay hills of the southern Val di Chiana, right on the border of Tuscany and Umbria. With direct Intercity trains completing the transit in just 1 hour, taking the train is an exceptionally relaxing, affordable, and sustainable way to access this historic region, completely avoiding the stress of highway traffic and ZTL driving restrictions.
Choosing Your Train: Intercity vs. Regionale Veloce
The rail corridor connecting Rome with Chiusi is highly active, with approximately 16 daily departures offering flexible travel options from early morning until late evening. Travelers primarily choose between two main train categories:
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Intercity: These direct trains offer the fastest connection, completing the trip in about 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. They feature air-conditioned cabins, spacious seating, and mandatory seat reservations. Booking in advance via digital platforms is recommended to secure the best rates.
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Regionale Veloce (Fast Regional): These frequent trains are highly economical, with fixed-price tickets starting around $11.00. While they make more stops and take roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes, they offer excellent schedule flexibility, as regional fares do not increase close to the departure date.
Practical Advice for Northbound Travelers
Navigating this route is straightforward when keeping a few key Italian rail procedures in mind:
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Seat Reservations: Intercity and occasional high-speed Frecciarossa bookings automatically include a mandatory seat reservation, which is clearly marked on your digital ticket as the carriage (carrozza) and seat number (posto). Regional trains do not have assigned seating and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Ticket Validation: If you purchase a physical paper ticket at Roma Termini for a regional train, you must validate it in the electronic green or yellow machines near the platforms before boarding. For digital regional tickets, you must complete the "check-in" via your smartphone app before the train's scheduled departure time.
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Onward Travel from Chiusi: The railway station, officially named "Chiusi-Chianciano Terme," is located in the valley area of Chiusi Scalo. To reach the historic hilltop center of Chiusi or nearby destinations like Montepulciano and Chianciano Terme, you can catch frequent local buses directly from the station plaza.
As the primary transportation hub in the capital, Roma Termini is exceptionally busy but highly functional. The station features twenty-four main platforms on a single level. To find your train to Chiusi, monitor the large digital boards (Partenze) for the train number and destination (which may be listed with Florence or Perugia as its final terminus). Be sure to arrive at least fifteen minutes before departure, as regional and northern-bound trains occasionally depart from the outer platforms (tracks 1-3 or 20-24), which require a short walk from the main concourse.
This historic junction station serves as a vital gateway to southern Tuscany and western Umbria. The facility is well-organized and easy to navigate, offering automated ticket kiosks, passenger waiting rooms, and a traditional station bar where you can enjoy an espresso or pastry upon arrival. Immediately outside the main entrance is a dedicated bus terminal with regular connections to neighboring hilltop villages and local taxi ranks.
