Milan to Rome bus

Bus from Milan to Rome

Traveling by bus from Milan to Rome is an affordable and frequent way to travel between these two cities. There are various departures per day out of Milan, more or less once an hour. The direct journey by bus to Rome from Milan can take more or less 8h 20min depending on the time of day and the number of stops the bus route makes. This journey covers a distance of about 296 miles (477 km).

Milan to Rome Bus Time: Daily Departures

There are over about 20 departures per day from Milan, making the journey by bus to Rome. This adds up to over 140 buses from Milan to Rome per week. These Milan to Rome bus journeys are either direct or with one stop over in between. The first part of the day leaving out of Milan is around 5:20 a.m. or 6:05 a.m. depending on the day of the week. As for the latest journey to Rome, buses leave Milan as late as approximately 11:25 p.m. or 2:20 a.m. also varying due to the date of the week.

How long is the journey by bus from Milan to Rome?

The journey by bus from Milan to Rome covers a distance of approximately 296 miles (477 km). The buses operating the routes take from as little as about 6h 50min to about 11h 55min. Difference in duration is due to both the bus provider as well as the time of day and traffic situation. Some of the journeys also require changing buses at some point along the way. However, most of them are direct.

landscape of the outskirts of Milan. Source: Shutterstock

What are the departure and arrival stations for bus from Milan to Rome?

Departure bus station: The main departure station in Milan is the Autostazione Lampugnano bus station. This bus terminal is located northwest of the city center of Milan. To get to the center of Milan there is a direct subway line (the Metro 1 line) that makes the journey in about 16min. This station has a café and kiosk. The other popular departure station in Milan is the San Donato M3 bus terminal, located near the Milan Linate Airport, southeast of the city center.

Arrival bus station: Most of the arrivals to Rome for this route by bus stop at the Autostazione Tiburtina bus terminal. This bus station is approximately 3.5 miles (5.5 km) northeast of the Rome city center. There are various public bus routes that take you to the city center in around 40min. The Autostazione Tiburtina in Rome has a building with a few ticket offices and waiting spaces, as well as public restrooms.

Which bus companies travel from Milan to Rome?

There are various bus providers operating the journeys from Milan to Rome. The ones running with the most frequency are Flixbus and Itabus. Both of these providers have direct trips and Flixbus has some routes that require changing buses. The other bus providers with a couple trips from Milan to Rome are Salemi and Marinobus. The fastest buses from Milan to Rome are generally operated by Itabus. Taking as little as approximately 6h 50min. Flixbus has some trips between these two Italian cities that require changing buses. These stopovers are normally in either Florence, Bologna or Verona.

Itabus buses from Milan to Rome

The Itabus buses operate most of the trips from Milan to Rome. They run more or less once an hour. They depart from Milan as early as about 6:05 a.m. and leave as late as approximately 11:25 p.m. Most of the Itabus journeys from Milan to Rome depart out of the Autostazione Lampugnano bus station and arrive at the Autostazione Tiburtina in Rome. The Itabus journeys are all direct and take as little as 6h 50min.

Flixbus buses from Milan to Rome

Flixbus is another bus provider operating rides from Milan to Rome very frequently. The Flixbus buses depart from Milan more or less every one or two hours, depending on the day of the week and time of day. Flixbus has both direct journeys and trips with one stopover before arriving in Rome. The routes with stopovers require switching buses in either Bologna, Florence or Verona. The fastest Flixbus route takes more or less 7h 25min to get to Rome.

Salemi buses from Milan to Rome

Salemi normally has one ride per day going from Milan to Rome. This route departs from both stations in Milan, the main Autostazione Lampugnano bus station as well as the San Donato M3 bus terminal on its way south towards Rome. The Salemi bus route takes more or less 9h 30min.

Marinobus buses from Milan to Rome

Marinobus is a provider that also offers routes from Milan to Rome. These journeys run once a day and are a night bus option. The daily Marinobus departs from the Autostazione Lampugnano bus station and stops at the San Donato M3 bus terminal as well, before continuing its way to Rome. This is generally the most expensive option for Milan to Rome buses, and it takes more or less 8h 10min.

Traveling by bus is a sustainable journey

All transportation providers nowadays are looking to achieve more sustainable ways of travel. Flixbus is one of these companies that is continuously working towards this goal. They are currently investing in switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy options. As for Itabus, their fleet is equipped with the latest generation of low-emission engines. Itabus as a company, encourages policies to respect the environment and reduce resource use as much as possible.

Bus Milan to Rome: Services on Board

When on a bus from Milan to Rome, no matter the company you decide to travel with, there is only one standard seating class. As for the luggage allowance, your Flixbus, Itabus or Salemi bus fares include one carry-on item that cannot exceed 15.5 lbs (7 kg) and must fit under you seat or in the overhead racks, and a checked bag that goes under the bus that should not weigh over 33-44 lbs (15-20 kg). As for the Marinobus luggage allowance, each passenger can bring on board with them one small personal item that doesn’t weigh over 11 lbs (5 kg) and two suitcases that go in the bus hold that must not exceed 26.5 lbs (12 kg) each.

Pets are not allowed to travel on Flixbus routes unless they are service animals for a person with disabilities. On Salemi and Marinobus buses, small pets are allowed on board if they are in a pet carrier that fits on the floor at the passenger’s feet. All guide dogs are allowed onboard free of charge. They are also allowed on Itabus rides and owners must book the seat next to them to place the pet carrier on the floor. In general all bus companies have a wheelchair platform for disabled passengers.

How to find cheap bus tickets from Milan to Rome?

The best way to find cheap bus routes from Milan to Rome is by making sure to book your tickets in advance. The closer to the date of departure, the more prices tend to go up. Being flexible with your travel dates also allows you to choose the more affordable routes and times of day. Picking to ride with either Itabus or Flixbus normally offer the cheaper trips from Milan to Rome by bus. The variation of prices among the same bus provider can depend on the time of departure and the day of the week.

The streets of Rome at night. Source: Shutterstock

To Rome by bus—travel tips

Rome is Italy’s capital city and one of the most popular destinations to visit in Europe. The city is known for its multiple Ancient Roman Empire ruins as well as its exquisite cuisine and culture. Make sure to visit the iconic Roman Colosseum and the Roman Forum, both sites full of history and ancient architecture. For those who enjoy museums, make your way to the Sistine Chapel or the Vatican Museums. Part of visiting a new city is trying the traditional dishes so make sure to stop and have some Italian food.

• Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain
• Explore the smallest country in the world, Vatican City
• Have a kodak moment on the Spanish Steps in the historic center
• People watch at the Piazza Navona square
• Indulge on some delicious pizza and pasta