Italy’s biggest train station is surprisingly well-planned and easy

Food + drink

Sweet breakfast at Roma Termini.Credit: iStock

Gelato. Sushi. Polpetta panini. You name it. Roma Termini is a dining destination unto itself. As well as casual venues serving up pizza (Alice Pizza) and Neopolitan street food (Rossopomodoro) on the ground level of the terminal, there’s well-known chain Eataly and a selection of bars and cafes upstairs, including Numa Al Banco Cafe for bologna and mortadella paninis and Sushi Daily if you couldn’t possibly fathom another pizza.

Retail therapy

Buyers beware. There’s not much you can’t purchase here. As well as a large bookstore (Borri Books) for long train journeys, you can splash cash at Levi’s, Nike, Moleskine and pick-up streetwear at Snipes and on-trend slides and sandals at Espradilles. For emergency euros, a Forex Exchange can be found among the retail stores on the ground level.

Passing time

There are few things better to do in Italy than eat, and the same applies here in the unlikeliest of places. The upper level has plenty of sit-down restaurants to pass the time, while the large book shop onsite is a useful time-killer. If you’re busting to use the toilets on the upper level, you’ll need to pay for access at the automated gates with a €1 coin.

Boarding

All trains depart from the ground level of the station, and passengers must scan their tickets to gain entry. Platforms are clearly signposted and if you’re lost, staff are kind and eager to assist. Boarding is all very civil on this particular journey, with most passengers visiting the destination on a day-trip and travelling without the nuisance of luggage.

The verdict

It might facilitate nearly 500,000 passengers every day, but it doesn’t feel like it. This station is well-planned, spacious and with excellent facilities. The sometimes tortuously slow platform updates can be anxiety-inducing for pre-planners, but there are plenty of friendly local folk around to answer questions and the dining options will make you want to arrive at least an hour before your train.