Hello, first time trip to Italy and Europe. What is the best way to get to my hotel from airport? Is there a car service someone could recommend?
More info would be helpful. Which airport, which hotel in which city, how many people? Does the hotel offer service?
Hi jen,
Do you mean FCO to ... ?
The FCO has the Leonardo Train (about 35 minutes) to take you to Termini to either leave you there in Rome or to transfer to another train to continue on your journey elsewhere.
There are the official, white, Commune di Roma taxis. A fixed price from FCO to Rome is 48€ - one way. Here is a link http://www.adr.it/en/web/aeroporti-di-roma-en-/pax-fco-taxi
- Since you updated to let us know the area, I don't know if it's the same price 48€ to Testaccio. Always good to double check beforehand.
There are also shared shuttles. There is a very good one I used that is across from the Leonard train tracks. You can email them, reserve and pay the day of arrival. So, if your plans change, no investment. But, of course, it would be nice to email them and let them know you've changed your plans. No penalties.
It is a van, so you have to climb up and in. So, if you or someone in your party has mobility issues, that may be a challenge. The drivers do help with the bags from the airport and at drop off at your hotel. *
If you are solo, then you have to pay the solo price - RT is not too bad though - 50€. http://www.airportshuttlexpress.com/ Of course, pricing can vary from year to year. I was a repeat customer, so he gave me a 5€ discount. Hey, every euro counts! lol.
If you have two or more in your party, then of course it will be a better breakdown. If you take the shared shuttle, you may have a few other peeps with you. And, of course, each person is dropped off at their hotel (the best way the driver can map it.) You may be first or last. Both times, I was first since I stayed near Termini.
*added
Let’s see if I am the first to ask you: which airport/city in Italy? And where is your hotel?
EDIT. Darn! Not the first
FCO to Seven Suites in Testaccio. I don’t believe they have a service.
Two people sorry should have provided more details
Take a cab
Fixed rate 48euros
No transfers, simple
jen, adding to my above suggestions:
Testaccio is at the edge of the old city. So, here is a general timetable of how long it will take to get to the neighborhood:
Leonardo da Vinci Airport: 60 minutes by cab without traffic
Cab it all the way from FCO or maybe shuttle it.
Have fun!
As a first tuner I think you would be well advised to take a cab from the airport.
Perhaps it depends on where a person is from and their exposure to taxis vs. mass transit. Also would depend on amount of luggage, fitness and age of the OP, number of people, comfort level/travel nerves, size of budget, etc. I have been to Europe quite a few times now, many different countries. I have never taken a taxi from an airport and never had any difficulty getting to my destination. That said, I've done my research so that I have a clear idea of what I'm doing. I will say that, I've rarely used taxis in the U.S. and have used mass transit in most every major city in the U.S, except New Orleans. I am actually more comfortable with public transportation or driving myself than a taxi. Depending of course on the location of my inn, it is typically faster to take public transportation than to be at the mercy of traffic while riding in a cab, and I usually pick my lodging relative to mass transit options.
If your hotel is in Testaccio, take the regional F1 from FCO and get off at the Ostiense stop. It's about a 30 min ride from the airport and puts you right in the Testaccio neighborhood.
If you take the train to Ostiense station, it’s about a 16 minute walk to your hotel. Do you use Rome2rio.com? It’s a great tool for figuring out transit and walking options By the way, Testaccio is a “real” Roman neighborhood with many great restaurants. Be sure to visit the Testaccio market. We’re staying in Testaccio this fall and are very excited.
One important point to clarify.....
"and you're taking the Leonardo Express, you'd get off at the Ostiense stop"
I'm not sure the Leonardo Express stops at Roma Ostiense as it's an express (direct) train. However the FL-1 train which is another Regionale train serving the airport does stop at both Ostiense and Trastevere. It's important to know which train you'll be using and board the correct train at FCO.
jen,
Given that this is your first trip to Italy and Europe, I'd also suggest using a Taxi in this case. You're going to be tired after a long international flight and possibly a bit disoriented, so the easiest method will be best. You might find this website useful - https://www.romecabs.com/transferservice/airports/ .
If you're not already using it, I'd suggest packing along a copy of the RS Italy guidebook as there's a lot of very useful information there for planning touring, avoiding long queues at popular sites, etc.
Buon viaggio!
You're right, Ken, I stand corrected. The FL1 is the name of the train, not the Leonardo. My original post has been corrected. Apologies to OP for any confusion.
You asked about a a private car service. That's a great idea as, generally speaking, they only cost a small bit more than a regular taxi. When one is sleepy, tired, jet lagged, and on unfamiliar ground, there is nothing better than having a private driver meet you inside the terminal and take you to the hotel. We've used Rome Cabs (not a cab company despite the name) numerous times and have always been pleased. Send them an email detailing your needs and you should get a quote within twenty four hours. Just google them to get their web site.