What are the main train stations in Rome and how do I choose which to use?

Roma Termini is Italy's busiest station and the main gateway for international travelers. It acts as a "terminus" (end of the line) for many routes, meaning trains stop here and reverse direction.

• Unbeatable Connectivity: It is the only station where Rome's two main Metro lines (A and B) intersect, allowing easy access to the Vatican, Spanish Steps, and Colosseum.
• Airport Speed: It is the exclusive home of the Leonardo Express, a dedicated train that runs non-stop to Fiumicino Airport (FCO) every 15 minutes during peak times.
• Amenities: The station functions as a major shopping mall (Forum Termini) with extensive food courts, grocery stores, and luggage storage.

Roma Tiburtina was redeveloped into a modern glass bridge structure to serve as a high-speed through-station. Because trains do not need to reverse direction here, it is often favored for efficient North-South travel (e.g., Milan to Naples).

• Less Chaos: Tiburtina is significantly less crowded than Termini, making it a stress-free option for travelers anxious about navigating large crowds.
• High-Speed Focus: Both Trenitalia (Frecciarossa) and Italo high-speed trains stop here. It is often the preferred station for travelers heading directly to other Italian cities without staying in Rome.
• Cost-Effective Airport Link: While it lacks the express train, it connects to Fiumicino Airport via the FL1 regional line, which is cheaper (~€8) than the Leonardo Express (~€14).

While Termini and Tiburtina handle the vast majority of long-distance traffic, two other stations may be relevant for specific itineraries:

• Roma Ostiense: Located in the south of the city, this station is a key stop for the FL1 airport train and is walking distance to the Testaccio neighborhood and Eataly Rome. It connects to the Metro B line (at the Pyramide stop).
• Roma San Pietro: A small station located near the Vatican. It does not serve high-speed trains but is useful for regional connections to the cruise port at Civitavecchia.