Getting to airport early.

Kristen--I don't think the subway goes to the airport anyways. I used the train, the Leonardo Express, which takes about 30min, from the Termini. I don't know what time they begin running, but someone on this board will-or how you can find out. However, the bathrooms at the station don't open until 8am (FYI) and of course cost 80cents--wait until you get to the airport. I arrived at the airport 2 hours before departure, and had plenty of time to spare.

The first Leonardo Express train leaves Termini at 05:52 and arrives at Fiumicino at 06:23.

The first regional train leaves Tiburtina at 05:05 and arrives at Fiumicino at 05:48.

The last COTRAL night bus leaves Tiburtina at 03:45, stops at Termini, and then goes to Fiumicino.

Michelle and Tim, Thank you for your replys. They were very helpful. Now I know which direction I need to go with my reseach. Thank you. Will I be facing a mad crush trying to get on the first Leonardo Express?

The first and most important question is --- is the flight DIRECT from Rome to somewhere in the US OR is it a connecting flight to somewhere else in Europe for a direct flight to the US. This is critical to know !!! It makes a big difference in time requirements.

Frank, Flying British Airways so: Rome to London (with 4 1/2 hour layover) then to Phoenix.

Since you've already purchased your tickets, go to Manage My Booking on the British Airways site and see what recommended check-in time you are given for Rome-London.

That is what I assumed. You will be using the domestic terminal and not the international terminal. So taking the first the train and getting to the terminal about two hours ahead of time will be adequate.

Thank you

Well, Maureen, I don't know what "hotel at the airport" in Frankfurt you stayed at, but the Sheraton, which is right there at the airport wants €270 ($380) for a double room without breakfast. Last time I had a 10 AM flight out of FRA, I stayed in a very nice room in a hotel across from the station in Mainz (now charges €82 - $114 - for a double, with breakfast, and I had plenty of time to eat breakfast and get to the airport by about 7 AM. For more than $250 difference I think I would be willing to "worry" about trains.

Kristen--the Leonardo Express wasn't even half full when I was there (around 7:30am). I don't think there will be a mad rush at that time in the morning. Most of the shops and related businesses in the Termini station weren't even open yet (hence my comment about the restrooms). I purchased my ticket at a Newspaper/Book shop within the station, but right next to the departing platform. They were busy unloading and stocking the daily newspapers. I don't remember which platform (20 something), but I do remember it was not the same number in the RS Italy book. I asked the ticket vendor and some nice folks that were also waiting which platform # just to be sure I got on the right train. Oh yea, don't forget to validate your ticket at the yellow boxes. You'll see them all along the platforms.

I don't know about British Airways, but check with them and see if you can check your luggage the night before. We've done that with Lufthansa in Frankfurt, and then have stayed in a hotel at the airport to make our 10am flight. We paid about 20 euros more than to stay elsewhere in Frankfurt, but we just had to walk to the airport in the morning. No worries about trains, taxis, or traffic.

Michelle, I am known to have the weakest bladder around, so the bathroom info is very appreciated. I need to carry alot of spare change. When I was in Frankfurt for a semester my junior year in High Scool, we went on a class trip to Konstanz (sp??). I remember stopping at a rest area and no one had change for the stalls. The first time I ever seen this. We somehow collected enough money to get the door opened and everyone held the door for everyone else. Probably not the proper thing to do, but 20 plus teenage girls on a road trip, we were desperate.

Kristen--Yes, coins are necessary. I took the train from Zurich (8hours) into Venice, the restrooms on the train were kinda scary after that amount of time without a cleaning. At the station, I asked a helpful person where I could find 1: a restroom and 2: a bancomat. Well, first things first, I had to use the restroom only to find out they cost. So, off to the bancomat. I return to the restroom only to find out they only take coins. So, off to get change for the bills--I should have bought a coffee or snack, but I wasn't thinking clearly. The guy at the "change" booth said the machines will make change--back to the restroom. Of course, they make change if you insert a 1euro coin--there is no way to insert a 5euro bill. By this time, my teeth were floating, and I guess anyone could clearly see this, because a very kind elderly gentleman handed me a 1euro coin so I could use the facilities. On my way out, I gave the man his change, he and his wife were laughing at the silly American. My very first friends in Italy!!!

I didn't realize there was such a big price difference! My husband works for an airline, so he gets a discount at the Sheraton, but I didn't realize it was that much of one. Holy cow!