How to get from Milan to Rome quickly and inexpensively: by train, bus or car? Distance, travel time, schedule, ticket prices 2026. Why few people get to Rome from Milan by plane, what an independent tourist should know – in the Eurotraveler material.
Milan is the second most important city in Italy. And, apparently, the first in terms of shopping opportunities in brand stores.
But when it comes to what is worth visiting in Milan, most tourists are a little lost. And right off the bat he will confidently announce the only landmark – the carved Duomo, Milan Cathedral.
Apparently, this is the main reason that tourists rarely devote more than 2 days of their precious time to the capital of Lombardy. And that is why the flow of those who intend to soon continue their journey through Italy is so impressive.
For example, by going on a short visit somewhere else – or at least to its capital?! Why not, if you can get from Milan to Rome in just over 3 hours? Without resorting to the help of an airplane, by the way!
How to get there by train
Anyone who has ever ventured to travel around Italy by car has seen fast, caterpillar-like silhouettes flying along the expressway. And he only had time to sigh enviously, watching the train instantly turn into a dot on the horizon.
Yes, Frecciarossa trains plying the Apennine Peninsula in all directions, very fast. And they cover the distance of 500 km between Milan and Rome in just over 3 hours.
Tickets can hardly be called cheap, but it’s not a sin to overpay for convenience, comfort and speed. Fast trains run at intervals of 10-40 minutes; detailed schedules and prices can be found on the official website of the Italian state (!) Railways www.trenitalia.com.
If you are not in a hurry, you can take the long-running direct Intercity train. It covers the distance in a long 6.5 hours, but tickets are sometimes 2 times cheaper.
Note that the Intercity arrives at Rome’s Tiburtina station, and not at Termini like Frecciarossa. Both of these key transport hubs, however, are installed in the metro system (how to use the Rome metro), and are located 4 stops from each other.
Note!
Trenitalia offers a discount for children under 15 years of age, giving them free travel on the Frecciarossa and Intercity (Bimbi Gratis) trains. To take advantage of the offer, please read the information carefully: www.trenitalia.com/en/offers/bimbi_gratis.html.
Where to stay overnight
Living near Termini Station is a completely natural desire for a traveler arriving in Rome for a few days from Milan. After all, firstly, you will be located almost within walking distance from the main attractions of the “Eternal City”. And secondly, pay reasonable money for placement.
However, everything has its downside. In the case of Termini, this is the general troubled areaand an abundance of dubious personalities – not everyone will risk walking here in the evening.
Actually, that’s why we advise you to stay at a distance from the station. For example, in the not too expensive and cozy B&B hotel Alle Porte di San Giovanni near Piazza San Giovanni and the metro station of the same name.
The Colosseum and the Roman Forum are a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Take your time…
- Prices for excursions in and from Rome
Bus
If you think this is the cheapest way to get to Rome from Milan, then think in the right direction. Since the ticket price for an adult passenger starts from 14-15 €.
Departure is from Autostazione Lampugnano near the metro station of the same name. It happens that flights depart from San Donato or Assago – other Milan metro stations.
Buses arrive at Tiburtina in Rome or directly at Anagnina bus station. Travel time: from 7.5 to 11 hours – depends on departure time.
Car
The minimum distance between Milan and Rome by highway is 570 km, travel time is from 6 to 7.5 hours. You will have to pay from 40-45 € for travel on toll roads, another 70 € will go to pay for fuel.
Add to this the cost of renting a car and estimate the labor costs. And then think – do you need it This?
Only locals who know their way around their own metropolis can find free parking in the Italian capital. Most experienced tourists prefer to leave their cars in intercept parking lots near metro stations – this is the most convenient and cheapest.
Airplane
The flight duration from Milan Linate Airport to Rome Fiumicino is about 1’10. A ticket for a regular Alitalia flight can be found for ~40 € if you consider the issue a couple of months before the trip.
To get to Linate Airport, which serves domestic flights, you can, for example, take bus number 73 from the Milan Duomo M1 stop. The duration of the trip is about an hour. Planes arrive in the capital Fiumicino.
The most progressive way to get from Fiumicino to Rome is the Leonardo express train. Running every 15 minutes and traveling in just over half an hour.
The ticket costs 14 €, children under 12 years of age, no more than one per accompanying adult, travel for free: www.trenitalia.com/it/treni_regionali/lazio/leonardo_express.html.
If you’re not in a big hurry, you can save money. Since from Fiumicino airport to Termini or Tiburtina station, as well as other stations of the Rome metro, there are also a lot of regular bus services. Tickets for them cost from 7 € one way, and from 12 € if you buy both “there” and “return” at once.
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