Discover the Gentle Charm: Train Travel to Rome for the Over-60s
Are you tired of the hustle and bustle that often accompanies air travel? Yearning for a more leisurely journey that allows you to soak in the scenic beauty and enjoy the journey as much as the destination? If you’re over 60 and planning a trip to Rome, consider the allure of train travel. It’s a timeless and serene way to reach the Eternal City, providing a host of benefits that can turn your journey into an integral part of your Roman adventure. Italy boasts two main operators: Trenitalia and Italo Treno with Trenord running some regional routes in the north. As the Man in Seat 61 (an excellent resource) says, “If you use Trenitalia.com or Italiarail.com you’ll only see Trenitalia’s trains, but if you use Thetrainline.com or Raileurope.com you’ll see both operators’ trains and can compare prices. This is worth remembering!”
The Relaxing hum of Train Travel
Train travel to Rome offers a tranquil alternative to the often hectic experience of flying. Picture yourself comfortably seated in a spacious train cabin, gazing out at the picturesque Italian countryside as it unfolds outside your window. The smooth hum of wheels on modern welded tracks sets a soothing tempo, allowing you to unwind and savour the journey.
Fast Intercity Links
One of the key advantages of train travel to Rome is the efficiency of the fast intercity links. High-speed trains, such as the Frecciarossa, whisk you from major cities to Rome in no time. For the over-60s traveller, this means less time spent in transit and more time to explore the wonders of Rome.
InterCity versus High-Speed
InterCity trains were among Trenitalia’s faster trains until the rail operator introduced the Frecce trains on certain routes. They still connect more destinations than the Frecce or Italo Treno high-speed trains, so they can be either an economical option (they’re usually less expensive than the high-speed trains) or the only option.
InterCity (IC) trains travel at speeds of up to 100-125 MPH (160-200 km/h), and there are first and second class cars. While reservations for IC trains are required, if you purchase a ticket online or at the train station the reservation is included automatically. Rail pass holders, however, are not required to have a seat reservation before boarding IC trains, though seat reservations can be purchased in advance.
There are currently 86 daily InterCity connections throughout Italy, reaching more than 200 stations.
Local Trains for a Truly Authentic Experience
To delve into the heart of Italy, consider incorporating local trains into your itinerary. These trains offer a more authentic experience, allowing you to witness the charming Italian countryside and the quaint villages that dot the landscape. Local trains provide a slower pace, inviting you to embrace the beauty of the journey and the cultural richness that surrounds you.
Enjoy the Journey, Arrive by Train and not Plane
Unlike air travel, which often involves long security lines and crowded airports, train travel allows you to board and disembark with ease. No need to worry about cramped seating or the pressure changes that can sometimes affect well-being during flights. Instead, enjoy the journey, savour a meal in the dining car, or simply relax in your seat as the Italian landscapes unfold outside your window.
Embrace the Romance of Rail Travel
Train travel has an undeniable romantic allure, evoking a bygone era of elegant journeys and timeless adventures. For the over-60s tourist, this nostalgic charm adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the travel experience. Embrace the romance of rail travel as you traverse the Italian landscape en route to Rome.
Rail Connections to Rome’s Airports
Even if you fly into Rome, I would suggest that taking the train to get you into the centre is a great option to consider.
Train travel seamlessly connects you to and from Rome’s Fiumicino (FCO) airport, offering a stress-free transition between modes of transportation. Arriving or departing from Fiumicino by train ensures a smooth continuation of your journey without the hassles often associated with airport transfers. This convenience is particularly valuable for those who prefer a more straightforward and relaxed travel experience.
The tourist is spoilt for choice. There are several train options that will get them from Termini Station in the centre of Rome to Fiumicino, thus making it easy to travel between the two locations. The various alternatives are to take one of the regional trains, jump on the Leonardo Express, or take an intercity rail route that all connect Rome with FCO airport. Passengers arriving or departing from Fiumicino Airport will find they have numerous trains at their disposal that run at frequent intervals, heading to and fro from the city centre, as well as other Rome train stations and elsewhere in Italy.
Ciampino Airport (CIA), the other airport serving Rome, lacks a direct connection to Roma Termini due to the absence of a train station at the airport. Consequently, travellers must make their way to Ciampino’s Train Station, from where they may board a train bound for Termini. Fortunately, it is not that difficult to get from the airport to this station as the introduction of the Ciampino Airlink offers a relatively straightforward, rapid, and cost-effective means of commuting from Ciampino Airport to Rome Termini.
This Airlink service is a combination of bus and train travel, with buses departing every 20 minutes from the designated airport bus stop outside the CIA Arrivals hall and transporting passengers to Ciampino Train Station. After a brief 13-minute journey, passengers disembark and can then board one of the regional trains operating from 05:25 am to 11:19 pm at intervals of 10 to 30 minutes. The train journey to Roma Termini takes just 15 minutes and the total duration of the approximately 34-minute trip is priced at a reasonable €2.70£2.35/£2.35/$3, with no additional charges for children under 4, small pets, or excessive luggage. Tickets can be conveniently purchased online or from the automated ticket vendors.
In conclusion, train travel to Rome is not just a means of transportation; it can be a journey that invites you to unwind, enjoy the scenery, and arrive in the Eternal City with a sense of tranquillity. As you plan your trip, consider the gentle charm of train travel – an experience that transcends mere transit and becomes an integral part of your Roman adventure.