We will be arriving at Rome Fiumicino airport on a Wednesday in September at 8:15am (so my tickets say). I would like to take a fast, non-stop, train to the Milano Central Train Station after landing. (We will have carry-on luggage only.)
1) How long does it take to get from the Rome Fiumicino airport to the train station? (I read the train station is in the airport)
2) Which fast train do you recommend to use?
I thank you in advance for your kind help.
Hi Anna -
There isn't a non-stop/no changes train from Fiumicino airport direct to Milano Centrale. You need to take the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini and a "fast" train to Milan from there. There are many trains which do this run every day so you just choose the one that works best with your schedule. I see that you've already been given the Trenitalia website link, and Italo also makes the Roma Termini> Milano Centrale run several times a day too; I see that you were also provided a link to that website.
Temini to Milano Centrale, no changes, takes abt. 3 hours + 15 to 40 minutes, give or take a few minutes. The Leonardo Express takes 32 minutes from airport to Termini.
https://www.trenitalia.com/en/services/leonardo-express.html
Due the potential of delayed or cancelled flight or other potential snag, I don't advise buying Express tickets in advance, and the same goes for "fast" train tickets from Roma Termini to Milan unless you buy a ticketing fare tier that allows for a change. Otherwise, just purchase them when you arrive at the airport or in Rome.
Thank you, such a great reply with all the info I needed. It's my first time out of the US and I'm so excited. I'm actually overwhelming myself with my overthinking : )
One of the best things about the Rick Steves Tours is that you get the Rick Steve's team as well! - thank you again.
LOL, Anna. you know that the forum folks aren't officially "Rick's Team", right? We're just a bunch of travelers who enjoy hanging out here with others of our ilk. It's nice that Mr. Steve's provides this place for us to do that. :O)
I'm sure you're VERY excited! Just pop back in if you have more questions, OK? I know that the train system can look a little intimidating if one hasn't traveled by rail before. Italian trains are great though, and a fun way to travel without being glued to the center line and signs and parking and whatnot. Just sit back and enjoy the ride!
Anna,
A few further comments to add.....
There is indeed a train station at FCO. It's well marked, just follow the signs. There are ticket offices near the tracks as I recall, and you can buy tickets for both trains there. A couple of important points.....
This video is a bit "dated" but you may find it helpful - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n8rITO1Eek&t=4s .
As you have a few months to go, I'd recommend having a look at the current version of the Rick Steves Italy guidebook. You might be abe to find a copy at your local library or larger bookstores. As this is your first trip to Europe, the book Europe Through The Back Door provides a lot of good information on how to travel well in Europe.
Buon Viaggio!
It's very important that you validate your ticket prior to boarding the Leonardo Express. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines, which are collected on the spot!
That's how it used to be. Now when you purchase a ticket for the Leonardo Express it comes with a QR code you must scan at newly installed turnstiles to get to the train. There no longer are machines on the way to the train to validate your ticket. Hang onto the ticket because on the way to Rome an inspector will come around to scan it again. See the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41fTAUbsAuo for a walkthru of the whole process, go to time 8:25 to see the turnstiles.
This seems to be a special case; when you're riding a train without an assigned car and seat you're on a regionale train and if you have a paper ticket almost elsewhere in Italy you need to validate it. If you're using tickets on the Trenitalia app then regionale tickets need to be validated in the app.
Thank you for all the information and especially the web links. I love the video on the walk from the airport to the train station. Whoever made that video has my heart. They totally get overthinkers. ; )
John,
Thanks for the update on the LE tickets.
