Planning to travel from Rome to Milan by train? Italy’s two main train operators, Trenitalia and Italo, offer a variety of high-speed trains that connect these two beautiful cities. You can easily experience both the grandeur of the Colosseum and the stunning Milan Duomo in a single trip. Travelling on the high-speed train between Rome and Milan is one of the most efficient and relaxing ways to journey through Italy.

Rail Europe takes the guesswork out of planning your trip, so you can sit back and enjoy the smooth ride. Here's everything you need to know for your next Italy trip.

How to get from Rome to Milan by train

There are two train operators that run along this route, giving you more options to choose from when planning your travel.

Frecciarossa

Operated by Trenitalia, Frecciarossa trains offer a fast and efficient option for travelling between Rome and Milan. With the Frecciarosssa, you can depart from Rome Termini and arrive in Milan Centrale in just over 3 hours. Trenitalia's high-speed train from Rome to Milan reaches a velocity of up to 300 km/h, offering travellers shorter travel times while still getting the top-tier amenities they expect.

Frecciarossa trains are designed for optimal comfort, offering perks such as:

• Power outlets at your seat

• Onboard Wi-Fi

• Entertainment

• Ample luggage space

• LED lighting

• Screens in each carriage to provide real-time updates

• Infant changing area

• Designated, comfortable spaces for people with disabilities

Italo

While Trenitalia is a government-run operation, Italo trains are privately operated. This train system is operated by Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori (NTV). Like the Frecciarossa trains, Italo trains connect Rome Termini to Milan Centrale via efficient high-speed trains.

Italo offers a wide range of amenities, providing a top-tier experience for its passengers:

• Sleek, comfortable seats

• Ample legroom

• Snack area with vending machines

• Onboard espresso machines

• Wi-Fi

An added benefit of choosing Italo is that you can book your tickets up to six months in advance. Additionally, American Express cardholders can take advantage of the Italo ambience upgrade, which includes a first-class travel experience with access to the exclusive Lounge Italo Club.

Rome to Milan train schedule details

Travelling between cities in Italy has never been easier. With an excellent high-speed rail network, Travellers can visit the Trevi Fountain in Rome in the morning and dine at a world-class restaurant in Milan in the evening.

The Rome Termini to Milan trains have many convenient daily departure times, ensuring customers can always find the right train to suit their busy travel plans.

Fastest travel times:

Your itinerary is packed with exciting activities, so you want to get to your destination as soon as possible. The fastest train from Rome to Milan makes the trip of 475 kilometres in 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Earliest travel times:

For those who want to get an early start to their day, the earliest weekday train from Rome to Milan departs at 05:10, and on the weekends at 05:10.

Latest travel times:

Both Italo and Frecciarossa offer several late-night travel options on their schedules. On weekdays, the latest train departs at 21:00, whereas the weekend’s latest departure is at 21:00.

Number of daily departures:

Italo and Frecciarossa provide 91 trains from Rome to Milan daily with departures every 10 minutes.

Rome to Milan train price information

Train tickets from Rome to Milan can be quite affordable if you utilise a platform like Rail Europe to book your trip. This ensures you are getting the best deals on all your train fares. Here’s what you need to know before purchasing tickets for your journey.

Ticket prices

The Rome to Milan train cost depends on several factors, such as departure day/time and the fare class you choose. That said, Rome to Milan cheap train tickets are possible to find. You can find ticket prices as low as US$3.60 on this route.

Booking in advance also greatly affects your Rome to Milan high-speed train cost. Other factors to consider are the route's seasonality and popularity.

When you are ready to find the best deal for your Rome to Milan train ticket, check out Rail Europe for exclusive discounts and deals. Our website allows you to compare ticket prices, browse train station information, view current and future schedules, and quickly enable booking alerts.

Options for booking in advance

Tickets for travel along this route go on sale 11 and a half months in advance. Booking your train ticket in advance is always a great choice, no matter what your budget looks like. Reserving your ticket at least 30 days in advance guarantees the best pricing and availability for your trip.

A ticket booked 30 days in advance costs US$82, while a ticket booked seven days in advance will cost US$68.

If you want to get the best price for your train from Rome to Milan, we highly recommend booking early. This gives you better seat and fare class options. Last-minute bookings are possible, but booking in advance is definitely your best option.

Stations serving trains from Rome to Milan

Rome and Milan are two of Italy’s most majestic destinations. Both cities have central train stations in convenient locations that allow you to enjoy everything these places have to offer.

Rome Termini

The Rome Termini Train Station (Roma Termini) began construction in 1931 and was completed in 1950. As the largest train station in Italy’s capital city, it sees 150 million passengers each year with over 850 trains running every day.

Rome Termini is the premiere station in Rome, servicing travellers arriving and departing from the city centre. It was named after the nearby Roman Baths of Diocletian and is a prime example of Italian modernism.

With its many amenities, it is a great place to spend some time before your train journey to Milan begins. Here are some of the benefits and amenities of Rome Termini:

• Connections to taxis, rideshare and regional trains

• Car rental

• Information booths

• Ticketing machines

• ATM and currency exchange

• Fast food, restaurants, bars and coffee

• Retail concourse

• Comfortable waiting rooms

• Luggage storage office

• Wi-Fi and charging outlets

• Mobility assistance

• Safety and security

• Executive and Club Class lounges

Milan Centrale

Milan Centrale is not only one of Europe’s most magnificent and beautiful train station, but it is also the largest train station in Italy. Its imposing façade on the Piazza Duca d’Aosta adds to its spectacular presence, making this station a worthwhile destination in its own right.

Centrally located near many of Milan’s popular sites, Milan Centrale is a great spot for high end designer shopping and dining. Built in 1864, this gorgeous station is full of history. In fact, it was originally intended by Benito Mussolini to convey the power and bravado of his regime.

Take a moment to explore the station’s many impressive murals, including one that famously features a young Mussolini greeting the King of Italy on horseback. Insider tip: the mural can be found on platform 21 on the eastern side of the station.

Milan Centrale offers all the modern amenities travellers need for a comfortable trip:

• Connections to taxis, rideshare and regional trains

• Information booths

• Ticketing machines

• ATM and currency exchange

• Restaurants, bars and coffee

• Retail and dining concourse

• Comfortable waiting rooms

• Luggage storage office

• Wi-Fi and charging outlets

• Mobility assistance

• Safety and security

• Executive and Club Class lounges

What to know before boarding your Frecciarossa or Italo train

Travelling from Rome to Milan by train does not require you to cross any country lines. Therefore, the security and customs procedures are minimal.

Security procedures

Frecciarossa

Trains operated by Trenitalia do not require check-in prior to boarding. Tickets and IDs will be checked once you have boarded. Try to arrive for boarding at least 15 minutes prior, as train doors will close one minute before departure.

Italo

There are no check-in or security procedures required before boarding an Italo train. ID checks may occur once you're on board, so make sure you are prepared.

Tips for navigating the station and boarding

To make your journey as smooth as possible, we encourage you to use all the resources available at the train station to help you navigate the boarding process.

• Check the carozza/coach number on your ticket

• Use the screens on the platform to find the place to board your coach

For Frecciarossa trains, the door indicates which class the coach is in. Number one indicates First Class seating and two indicates Standard seating. Your seat is reserved, so make note of the number on the wall and the letter above the seat.

Italo trains use a similar process, where train track numbers are posted on monitors within an hour of boarding. From there, you’ll show your tickets at the pre-boarding checkpoint on the platform. The conductor will scan your ticket and then you can find your designated seat.

Frecciarossa and Italo train classes available from Rome to Milan

When travelling from Rome to Milan by train, travellers with Frecciarossa and Italo can choose the fare class that suits their unique needs.

Frecciarossa

Frecciarossa offers Standard, Business and Executive classes on all of their trains, each of which provide exclusive amenities for you to enjoy on your journey from Rome to Milan.

Standard Class

Frecciarossa's Standard class provides a comfortable journey for a budget price, with the carriage offering free amenities that give you the best value for your fare:

• Comfortable, reclining chairs

• Ample legroom

• Free Wi-Fi

• Luggage storage

• Varied options for meals and snacks

• Quiet carriage upgrade (welcome drink, access to onboard library and a complimentary sleeping mask and headphones)

• Use the screens on the platform to find the place to board your coach

Premium

The Premium service option offers a more upscale experience for travellers. In addition to the features from the Standard Class, you're treated to the following additional amenities:

• Sleek leather reclining seats

• Glass dividers for privacy

• Power plugs at your seat

• Complimentary drink and snack service

• More legroom and luggage space

• Complimentary face masks and hand sanitizers

Business

Business Class takes the travelling experience to the next level. In addition to the amenities from Standard and Premium Class, passengers will experience:

• Wide, reclining leather armchairs

• Extra space between seats

• Added privacy

• Glass dividers

• Complimentary earphones and newspaper service

• Private four-seat compartment for important business meetings (can be reserved on Frecciarossa ETR 500 trains)

Executive

Frecciarossa's Executive offers the highest level of luxury:

• Five seats per carriage

• 32-inch TV screen that can be connected to your laptop

• Gourmet at-seat meal service complete with a main course, snack and dessert

• An executive meeting room is available

Italo

Italo trains offer Smart Class, Prima Business Class and Club Ambiance to ensure an enjoyable journey from Rome to Milan.

Smart Class

Italo's Smart Class is the baseline service, offering all the standard amenities you need for a comfortable journey:

• Free Wi-Fi

• Entertainment

• Luggage storage space

• Snack area with coffee, cold drinks and food

• In-seat power outlets

Prima Business Class

Italo's Business Class offers a more premium experience for travellers. In addition to the amenities for Smart Class, passengers can expect:

• Wider reclining chairs

• More legroom

• Free welcome snack and drink service delivered to your seat

• Skip the queue via the Fast Track entry service

Club Executive Class

Delight in the supreme comfort of this elite service tier. Travellers who purchase Club Executive Class get the following amenities in addition to everything included in Standard and Prima Business Classes:

• Access the Italo Club Lounge

• Enhanced privacy and seating,

• Onboard catering service

• Personal 9" TV screens with onboard entertainment

Necessary train travel documents and custom procedures

Travelling between cities in Italy does not require passport control or customs procedures. Everything you will need for your trip is listed below:

Train tickets

Be sure to print your tickets prior to arrival or have them loaded on your electronic device to check once onboard.

Personal ID

All passengers will be required to present a valid photo ID (driver's license, government-issued ID card, passport or visa) before boarding.

Train passes for tourists in Italy

The Italy Eurail/Interrail Pass allows you to explore the best of Italy via all-inclusive train passes. Travellers can take advantage of this pass and traverse the whole of Italy.

The main benefit of the Eurail/Interrail Pass is that it is highly flexible and convenient, allowing passengers to travel multiple times per day and choose from first or second-class tickets. You can decide where and when you want to go while enjoying all the benefits of Italy's high-speed rail system.

However, if you’re only planning to go from one place to another, such as Rome to Milan, a point-to-point ticket may be the best option.