Tiburtina Railway Station

Tiburtina Station (Roma Tiburtina) is the second largest and most significant railway hub in the Italian capital after Termini. This modern transport complex, which has undergone massive reconstruction, serves as the main gateway for high-speed trains connecting Rome with the north and south of the country. Thanks to its futuristic architecture in the form of a bridge-gallery suspended over the tracks, the station not only performs a transport function but also connects two urban districts: Nomentano and Pietralata.

It is important for passengers to know that the main waiting hall and shopping gallery are located on the upper level, accessible by numerous escalators and elevators. The station is integrated with the Metro Line B station of the same name and a large bus terminal, from where international and intercity buses depart. Navigation here is intuitive: digital screens are located everywhere, and platform exits are clearly numbered, making it easy to find your way even during peak passenger flow.

• Official website: rfi.it (Stazioni section)
• Address: Piazzale della Stazione Tiburtina, 00162 Roma RM, Italy
• Information phone: +39 06 44101 (general RFI contact) or 89 20 21 (Trenitalia)
• Opening hours: The station is open 24/7, but most services operate from 06:00 to 22:00.
• Luggage storage: The KiPoint service is located inside the station, usually open from 08:00 to 20:00.
• Accessibility: The Sala Blu service operates to assist passengers with reduced mobility (booking 24 hours in advance is recommended).

Getting to Tiburtina station is very simple, as it is a major transfer hub. The fastest way from the city centre or Termini Station is to use the Metro (Line B). The trip from Termini takes only about 10–15 minutes (4 stops); you need to get off at Tiburtina station.

If you are travelling from Fiumicino Airport, it is most convenient to take the regional FL1 train, which departs every 15–30 minutes and takes passengers directly to Tiburtina in approximately 45 minutes, bypassing the busy city centre. From Ciampino Airport, you can take a bus to the Anagnina metro station, and then transfer to reach Tiburtina.

Near the station, there is a large taxi stand and the Tibus bus terminal. Many ATAC city buses arrive here (for example, routes 71, 163, 409, 490). For those who prefer walking, please note that the station is located at some distance from the historical centre (about 3–4 km), so walking with luggage may be tiring.

Tiburtina Station offers a modern level of comfort. The main bridge-gallery houses ticket offices of the main operators (Trenitalia and Italo), as well as numerous self-service machines operating in several languages. For waiting, there are both general seating areas and exclusive lounges like Freccia Club and Italo Club for business class passengers and loyalty card holders.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the complex (registration is usually required). Passengers can use paid restrooms, which are noted for their cleanliness and modern equipment. The station also features:

• Luggage storage (KiPoint);
• ATMs and currency exchange points;
• Pharmacy and newsstands;
• Police station (Polizia Ferroviaria) for safety.

Special attention is paid to accessibility: the station is fully equipped with elevators, tactile paving, and ramps for citizens with reduced mobility.

The dining area at Tiburtina Station is concentrated primarily in the suspended gallery above the tracks. Here you can find options to suit every taste and budget. For a quick snack, chain cafés offering sandwiches, panini, and pizza (such as Chef Express) are perfect. The average bill for a coffee and croissant will be around 3–5 Euros.

If you have time for a full meal, you can visit restaurants serving Italian cuisine or fast-food outlets like Burger King. Coffee lovers should visit one of the numerous coffee bars for an espresso before their journey. It is important to remember that most establishments close around 21:00–22:00, so for a late-night snack, the choice will be limited to vending machines.

The history of the station began back in 1866, when it was opened under the name Portonaccio. For a long time, it remained a secondary station, mainly serving freight transport and suburban destinations. The significance of the facility increased in the 1930s after the first major reconstruction.

A turning point in modern history was the devastating fire in July 2011, which damaged a significant part of the infrastructure. This accelerated the implementation of an ambitious project to create a new transport hub, designed by the ABDR Architetti studio. The new station was inaugurated in November 2011 and dedicated to Camillo Benso di Cavour.

Today, Tiburtina is a key element of Italy's high-speed rail network, designed to relieve Termini Station and ensure the transit movement of trains without the need to enter the dead-end tracks of the central station.

Arrive at the station at least 20–30 minutes before your train departs. Tiburtina Station covers a large area, and the walk from the entrance to the required platform (especially distant tracks 1–5 or 20–25) may take time. Watch the screens carefully: the platform number usually appears 10–15 minutes before the train arrives.

Tickets and Validation: If you are travelling on a regional train (Regionale), do not forget to validate your ticket in the green or yellow machines before boarding. For high-speed trains (Frecce, Italo) with a specific seat and time assigned, validation is not required.

In terms of safety, Tiburtina is considered a calmer place than Termini, but you should not lose vigilance: keep an eye on your luggage and pockets. If you have a night transfer, it is better to wait inside the main glass hall, where there is security and lighting, as the surrounding streets can be deserted at night.