Ciao fellow travelers! 🌞 Rome is full of surprises – ancient ruins around one corner, buzzing cafés around another – but even its transportation hubs have a way of stopping you in your tracks. On what was supposed to be a simple travel day, just catching a train from Roma Termini to Milan, I found myself unexpectedly captivated. From the moment I stepped inside, the grand scale and sweeping lines of the building drew me in. There was history in the name, modernist artistry in the architecture, and an undeniable sense of motion and energy in the air. It felt less like a station and more like a gateway to new adventures, one of those travel moments that reminds you to slow down and take in the unexpected beauty right in front of you.
A Brief History & Architecture 🏛️
Termini Station, named after the nearby Baths of Diocletian (Thermae), is Rome’s main railway station and one of the largest in Europe. Its current structure, completed in the 1950s, is an icon of modernist architecture. The famous curved cantilevered roof nicknamed the “Dinosaur Spine”, arches dramatically over the entrance, while the main hall is a vast open space bathed in natural light from large glass walls. Marble floors echo underfoot, and artful details like mid-century fixtures and signage give the building a sense of style often missing in modern transit hubs. Standing in the middle of the concourse, you can feel the rhythm of Rome: history at your back and the future waiting on the platforms.
Energy & Atmosphere 🌍
The station is like a city within a city. Commuters rush toward regional trains, sleek high-speed Frecciarossa and Italo trains arrive and depart, and tourists wheel suitcases toward metro connections or airport transfers. The smell of fresh espresso drifts from coffee bars, mingling with the soft hum of rolling luggage and the occasional announcement over the PA system. There’s an electricity in the air, a feeling of motion and anticipation, that makes you feel part of something bigger. Whether you’re traveling for work, adventure, or a bit of both, Termini hums with possibility.
The Italo Experience: Rome to Milan in Style 🚄
From Termini, we boarded the Italo high-speed train bound for Milan, choosing the Salotto seat, which offers a private, elegant cabin with just four plush leather armchairs arranged for conversation and comfort. Even before stepping on the train, the experience felt elevated thanks to access to the exclusive Italo Lounge at Roma Termini. The lounge offered cozy seating, complimentary drinks and snacks, free Wi-Fi, and a peaceful retreat from the bustling station. Sipping cappuccino in a quiet, stylish space before departure set a tone of relaxed luxury.
Once onboard, the Salotto experience delivered exactly what it promised. The seats were wide and deeply cushioned, with generous legroom and a sliding door that provided privacy from the rest of the train. Attentive staff offered drinks and light refreshments, and the train itself glided smoothly through the Italian countryside at speeds up to 300 km/h. Watching olive groves, vineyards, and small hill towns blur past while relaxing in such comfort was the perfect bridge between the ancient streets of Rome and the cosmopolitan energy of Milan.
Personal Reflections 💭
There’s something inspiring about standing in a place that connects so many journeys. I expected a busy train station and instead found myself appreciating its architectural details and vibrant vibe. From the polished marble floors to the grandeur of the sweeping roof and the seamless transition to the luxurious Salotto cabin, every moment felt intentional. It reminded me that travel isn’t only about monuments and museums, it’s about the small details and experiences that move us forward, literally and figuratively.
Tips for Your Visit 🗺️
- Tickets & Navigation: Buy tickets online in advance to secure the best fares and avoid last-minute stress. Use the self-service kiosks for quick printing and keep an eye on the digital departure boards, as platforms can change.
- Safety: Like most large stations, keep your valuables secure and be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- Quick Bites: Termini is packed with options, from quick espresso bars to full-service restaurants. Grab a panino or pizza al taglio if you’re on the go or relax over pasta at one of the sit-down eateries.
- Lounge Access: Consider upgrading to a fare that includes lounge access if traveling on Italo, it’s worth it for the comfort and amenities.
- Nearby Highlights: Explore the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore or visit the Baths of Diocletian, now part of the National Roman Museum, both just steps away.
Final Thoughts & Invitation
Termini Station may not be on every traveler’s must-see list, but it’s an unforgettable part of the Roman experience. It’s where adventures begin and end, where architecture meets purpose, and where you feel the pulse of a city constantly on the move. And if you have the chance, riding an Italo speed train in a Salotto seat is the perfect way to continue that feeling of style and excitement beyond Rome.
Have you passed through Termini or experienced a high-speed train in Italy? Share your stories in the comments, I’d love to hear them!
Until next time, keep exploring and appreciating every step of the journey, even the ones that happen between destinations.
xoxo,
Bubbly ✨
