I am traveling to Italy in September and would like to fly out of Atlanta through Rome to Venice as my initial arrival city. Alitalia has a flight through FCO with a 1.5 hour connection time - is this enough time to transfer to the flight from Rome to Venice? And do I need only pass through passport control in Rome and then completely through customs in Venice?
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1449 posts
you'll go thru customs completely in Rome, such as it is; on my trips its pretty quick. I suggest you look at the difference between trip times taking the train to Venice (you'd go from the airport to Termini, and then a hi-speed train Termini to the heart of Venice) as opposed to the wait for the next flight, plus the time & cost it takes to get from Marco Polo airport to Venice itself. It might be a wash. Personally I'd take the train even if it was a bit slower because there are plenty of trains from Rome to Venice each day so if my arriving flight was delayed for some reason I don't have to worry about the connection the way I would if I was flying.
Posted by
OP
Murfreesboro, TN, USA
8 posts
Thanks Mike - I am exploring the train option as well!
Posted by
Coraopolis, Pa, USA
1018 posts
Have you considered flying open jaws into Venice and home from Roma? This strategy will save you from time consuming backtracking and maximize your travel time. I do not know the cost differential, but when you travel you either spend time or money, or both. When you compare costs make sure you add in the train fare to Venice, as well. Buon viaggio,
Posted by
OP
Murfreesboro, TN, USA
8 posts
Thanks RB - definitely flying open jaw. I was scheduled for this trip last May but the volcano caused us to cancel. I am flying open jaw into Venice and back home from Roma - but trying to avoid flying to Paris or Amsterdam for the connection. Think I will try Nashville to Philly and on to Venice from there!
Posted by
Madison, WI, USA
153 posts
We were able to fly open jaw Venice/Rome on Delta with connections from Chicago in Atl (Venice) and JFK (FCO). That said, a connection in Rome would be interesting (maybe) - the US departures are screened another random building (I assume to appease US TSA-ish requirements) they then transport you back to the regular terminal for takeoff/boarding I imagine if you arrive from the US in Rome, that won't be the case, but if you are taking off for the US, it could be problematic.
Posted by
Coraopolis, Pa, USA
1018 posts
We always fly on Delta and have been satisfied, as well as one can be satisfied, with an airline. We have flown through Detroit, Atlanta, and JFK. I have never connected through Paris or Amsterdam. I know you do not want to go through Paris, but, Delta does have a Pittsburgh-Paris non-stop and sometimes it's cheaper to attract people to this route. I live near Pittsburgh and have considered this option from time to time. Buon viaggio,