Stazione Termini is a large train station in the center of Rome. We've used this station a few times over the years and not much has changed. Large open terminal, electronic boards overhead tell you if your train is on time and what track it will arrive/depart on, several places to eat, drink, shop, ticket machines, cash machines, etc. The usual. I see another review that states they had to pay to use the restroom here which is common, but I didn't, so bring a couple of Euro just in case. Paying means the restrooms are kept clean.
The general area around the terminal is very busy. Several public buses stop outside the door making it very convenient. Traffic is heavy here and as a pedestrian be sure to use sidewalks and crosswalk. Be safe out there. You may come across a few homeless people in the vicinity. We've never had trouble with them but you may see someone sleeping out front.
There are eleven platforms at this station and several types of trains. To be sure you are waiting on the right platform, check out the huge electronic Arrivals (arrivi) or Departures (partenze) boards. Look for the *train number*. Just because you are going to Naples, doesn't mean that is the trains final destination- therefore 'Naples' won't show on the electronic board! Different trains go to the same destinations at different times. Be sure you are looking at the correct train by verifying the *train number* on your ticket and the electronic board!
We purchase our tickets online and keep a screen shot to show the conductor as we may not have cell reception at that moment to open the app or email. You may need to show your ticket to get through security between the main terminal and the platforms as well. There are ticket machines in the terminal and manned ticket counters plus the conductor sells tickets onboard. Note that purchasing your tickets a couple of weeks in advance will be cheaper than 'same day' purchase. Supply and demand.
If you plan to travel with luggage, try to keep it small. Some seats have storage behind the seat and all have overhead racks but large bags won't fit in either spot. Many trains have assigned seating. It will show your car number and seat number on your ticket. If you have assigned seating, that means you can't just stack up your luggage on/in front of a seat. Some cars have luggage racks near the door for larger pieces. If the train is crossing a border, you may need to show your passport so keep that handy.
Local trains make a lot of stops. These may not have public restrooms. If they do, they can be gross. From experience, local trains may sell 'first class' tickets, but they either don't have a first class car or the first class car is open to general seating ticket holders. If you are looking for a true first class experience, be sure you are on a train that is not a 'local'. You can tell by how long it takes to reach your destination/how many stops it makes. If the ticket is cheaper and takes longer: it's a local.
High speed and/or more direct (fewer stops) train have restrooms that are cleaned daily, but still, it's a public restroom. Bring your disinfecting wipes. The nicer trains have nice facilities. The fast trains have a café car between the first class car(s) and the general seating cars. Some first class rides include one or more of these: free newspaper (in Italian), 'cleaning service' which is a wet wipe, a free drink could be espresso, wine, soda, a free snack either sweet or salty. They also have 220v plugs under the seat on these trains so bring your charge cord and plug adapter.
On our last trip to Rome we took a high speed train and as there had recently been some issue with the lines, the AV (Alta Velocita-aka fast) tracks were being inspected. AV trains were sharing the slower lines with other trains delaying our arrival. Not a big deal, but if you are making a connection on your route, be sure to schedule enough time between trains to allow for delays. We've been on trains that arrive early too. It's like flying- things happen.
Traveling in Italy on one or more of the many types trains is part of experiencing the Italian life. Give it a go. Just do your homework and you'll be fine. read more