I am so nervous about taking the train from Rome to Milan. I am only in Rome 2 1/2 days and want to get the most out of it. I have to be in Milan by 6pm for a business meeting, but don't want to waste the day dealing with trains. What do you recommend? I read that I should buy my train tickets as soon as I get to Rome since you can't reserve seats via the web while in the US.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23281 posts
I don't know what there is to be nervous about. There are frequently trains along that route. I am guessing more than one an hour. Just check the schedule. You didn't indicate when you are going to be in Rome but should have no problem buying a ticket the day. It is not like using the American airline system.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
You shouldn't have any problems. Buy your tickets when you arrive in Rome. There are trains about once an hour. Note, however, that the Rome Milan train journey takes 4.0hrs on Italy's fastest Eurostar Alta Velocita train (ESAV). This high-speed stops only in Florence and Bologna.
CLICK HERE for a typical mid-day/early afternoon train schdule.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
kathleen,
No need to be nervous about the trains. There are lots of trains on that route, so the only question is which one to take.
As you have to be in Milano at 18:00 for a business meeting, you might consider a train departing Roma Termini at 11:30, arriving Milano Centrale at 15:29 (direct via EuroStar Italia #ES9436, travel time 3H:59M, reservations compulsory). There is a later train departing at 13:30, however this doesn't arrive in Milan until 17:29, so that might make you late for the meeting.
I'm assuming you're staying in Milan following the meeting and not returning to Rome?
Your best bet is to decide which train you want to take and buy your ticket when you first arrive in Rome. There are lots of ticket windows at Termini, and automated ticket machines as well. If you check www.roninrome.com, there's a good tutorial there on how to use the ticket machines.
Note that for travel on the fast trains, you'll be buying a reserved seat so you'll need to note the Carozza (Car No.) and Posti (Seat No.) - there should also be a "1" or "2" on the outside of the Car to indicate first or second class. You'll also need to note the Binario (Track No.) that your train is departing from.
When you arrive at Milano Centrale, be prepared for the chaos! It's a busy place (also, WATCH YOUR VALUABLES). You'll need some change if you need to use the WC. To get to your meeting, the easiest option is probably via Taxi (you might have the address printed on a small piece of paper to show the Driver).
Happy travels!