If you’ve traveled to Rome, more than likely you’ve made a connection through Rome’s Termini train station or have driven by it. There’s always lots going on in Termini – which makes sense considering it’s Italy’s busiest train station and one of its largest.
As I stepped off the train onto the platform at Termini and began walking toward the main area of the station, I felt like I was on a schoolyard playing a disorganized game of tag. While people around me were running to their binario (track), I was busy trying to figure out which direction they were heading so I could get out of their way; I suspected these passengers received their track information just minutes before their scheduled departure time.
Of course, no public transportation hub would be complete without station attendants wearing their neon reflector vests, the police patrolling the station, and the scammers, which I must say, have gotten quite creative in their schemes.
One piece of advice – be mindful of persons impersonating station attendants. While it may not be apparent right away, you’ll quickly realize something isn’t quite right once they turn around and extend their hands in your direction with their palms face up, expecting some form of compensation for helping you. If you’re not paying attention, there’s nothing to stop them from taking you to the wrong track. At best – you still have to find your track and just pray the train hasn’t left you; at worst – you still have to find your track, pray you don’t miss your train, and you’re out a few Euros.
In my opinion, I would describe Termini as more of a shopping mall that just happens to have a train station attached. If you have some time to spare before your train departs, you won’t be at a loss for things to do. You can find everything here – from handmade cosmetics, fine jewelry, health and beauty products, sportswear, and fragrances, to housewares, department chain stores, and even supermarkets. Of course, there are also a number of places for you to pass the time by burying yourself in a good book. From your run-of-the-mill newsstands where you have your pick of the latest periodicals and magazines, to your full-fledged bookstores, there’s certainly no shortage of reading materials.
Since good shopping and good food go hand-in-hand (actually, good food goes hand-in-hand with just about everything), it’s no surprise that the food options at Termini are equally as expansive. Besides the main food court, there’s the Mercato Centrale Roma where you can dine on artisan chef-prepared foods such as sushi, savory croissants, arancini, pizzas like you’ve never tasted before, and classic Italian and French pastries creatively reinterpreted. And let’s not forget the Coffee Shop – also a featured artisan shop at the Mercato Centrale Roma where you can grab more tasty pasticcini (pastries), accompanied by your choice of coffee beverages, or if you prefer an aperitif to pass the time away. For those who just can’t do without those famous golden arches – you’ll find them at Termini too.
With all the foot traffic, police sirens, train whistles and engines, and the chatter of diners and shoppers, it’s practically impossible to hear any announcements made on the loudspeaker, and sometimes you might want to steal away for some peace and quiet; the Italo Club lounge (also located in Termini) offers you just that and is accessible to all Italo train ticket holders.
There is plenty to explore and enjoy at Roma Termini – Rome’s Grand Central Station. While it’s quite possible to forget you’re in a train station and lose track of time, the crowds rushing past you to catch their train offer a friendly reminder that as you near your departure time, the best place to be standing is in front of the main display board – eyes glued to the track assignments.
Top of page featured image: Roma Termini by Jenni Konrad is licensed under CC by-NC 2.0.
