Trains and Rail Stations

Roma Termini

Roma Termini is Rome's main train station and one of the largest in Europe. It serves Trenitalia, Italo, regional trains, and the Leonardo Express to Fiumicino Airport. The station is located in the center of Rome and connects to Metro Lines A and B.

Accessibility at Termini

Roma Termini is a terminus station, meaning all tracks end at the same level. You can reach every platform directly from the main hall without using elevators or stairs. This makes Termini one of the most accessible major stations in Italy.

Key features:

• Level access from the main concourse to all platforms
• Elevators connecting the underground metro level to the main concourse
• Accessible toilets in the station (look for signs or ask at Sala Blu)
• Tactile paths along the platforms
• Lowered ticket counters and accessible self-service machines

Sala Blu at Roma Termini

Sala Blu is the disability assistance service operated by RFI (Rete Ferroviaria Italiana) at major Italian train stations. The Sala Blu office at Roma Termini was recently renovated and provides:

• Wheelchair assistance to and from the train
• Platform ramp deployment for boarding and exiting
• Help with luggage
• Information on accessible connections
• A comfortable waiting area

How to book Sala Blu assistance:

1. Online: Through the Sala Blu website on the RFI portal.
2. Phone: Call the free number 800 906060 (from Italian phones) or +39 02 323232 (from abroad). Lines are open 6:45 to 21:30, every day including holidays.
3. In person: Visit the Sala Blu office at Roma Termini.
4. Advance notice: Book at least 12 hours in advance. For the best experience, book 24 hours or more ahead.

Roma Tiburtina

Roma Tiburtina is Rome's second-largest station, located in the northeastern part of the city. It was rebuilt and modernized for the 2000 Jubilee and serves as the main hub for Italo high-speed trains and many Trenitalia Frecce services.

Accessibility at Tiburtina

Tiburtina is a through station (not a terminus), so platforms are accessed via an overpass connected by elevators and escalators. The station is newer than Termini and generally has good accessibility:

• Elevators connecting the main hall to all platforms
• Escalators as a backup option for ambulatory disabled passengers
• Accessible toilets in the station
• Sala Blu office for booking assistance (same service and phone number as Termini)

Tiburtina also connects to Metro Line B (Tiburtina station) via elevator.

Trenitalia Trains

Trenitalia is Italy's national rail operator, running trains across the country from Rome.

High-Speed Trains (Frecce)

• Frecciarossa: Italy's fastest trains (up to 300 km/h). All have wheelchair spaces (typically carriage 3), accessible toilets, and priority seating.
• Frecciargento and Frecciabianca: Also have wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets, though accessible seats are limited.

Booking Wheelchair Spaces on Trenitalia

Wheelchair spaces must be booked in advance. You cannot simply board and find an empty wheelchair space.

1. Through Sala Blu: Call 800 906060 or book online. This is the most reliable method.
2. Trenitalia website: Some wheelchair spaces can be booked online by selecting the "Wheelchair" option during the booking process.
3. At the station: Visit a Trenitalia ticket counter with a "Disabled Assistance" sign.

Trenitalia requires that the wheelchair does not exceed 70 cm wide, 120 cm long, and weigh no more than 200 kg (including passenger).

Regional Trains

Regional trains (Regionale and Regionale Veloce) in Lazio serve smaller stations and suburban areas. Older rolling stock is less reliably accessible. Some trains have steps at the doors and no ramp. If you need to take a regional train, book Sala Blu assistance so staff can provide a portable ramp at the station.

Italo Trains

Italo is Italy's private high-speed train operator. Italo trains depart from Roma Tiburtina (and some from Roma Termini). They serve major cities including Florence, Milan, Naples, Venice, and Turin.

Accessibility on Italo

All Italo trains have wheelchair spaces. On standard Italo trains, the wheelchair space is in carriage 8. On Italo EVO trains, wheelchair spaces are in carriage 3. Each has an adjacent accessible toilet.

Wheelchair size limits for Italo: Maximum width 70 cm, depth 120 cm, height 109 cm, total weight (wheelchair plus passenger) 300 kg.

Booking Wheelchair Spaces on Italo

Wheelchair spaces on Italo must be booked by phone. Call +39 06 0708 and request the wheelchair-accessible seat. Request assistance at least 30 minutes before departure.

Useful Train Routes from Rome

Fares vary based on class, time of booking, and availability. Book early for the best prices.