Is it possible to make it from FCO to a tour starting at 4:00, including a stop at our hotel near the Pantheon to drop off our bags? We are sched to land at FCO at 12:45. If not, since we dont have time to move this to another day, if forego a live tour and go the audio route and purchase a ticket direct in advance for 5:00p, do we have to wait in line? TIA
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8591 posts
If flight is on time and all goes smoothly at airport you should make it
I would take a taxi from the airport to speed things up
55 euros fixed rate, go to the official taxi rank, no tip needed
That said I would never book an important paid activity on arrival day
With a ticket in hand you will still wait in security line and any line there may be with others that have tickets
Your previous post indicates this trip is early October- are there actually tickets left on official website for your date?
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/rome-to-tuscany-to-florence-itineary
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
13007 posts
We are scheduled to land at FCO at 12:45.
1- Do you have checked bags to retrieve?
2- Is Rome your 1st encounter with the Schengen zone.?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23943 posts
Personally, I would not do it. Too many variables that you cannot control. I have sailed through immigration in 30 to 45 minutes and once took over three hours. It depends ------
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
13007 posts
You do not indicate what your origin point is so making an assessment of the likelihood of an on time arrival is difficult. Oct is still hurricane season and if you are coming from the Gulf or East coast weather could be a factor.
Anything less than perfect execution of all phases of your travels and your plan is very high risk.
I do hope you have changed your plan of spending your last night in Florence.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
We are on a direct flight from the US so customs is required upon arrival. Based on comments above about variable time to get from FCO, we are not planning an expensive tour due to the risk of being late. What is the best low cost option? For example - buy tickets direct, yes still avail up to 6p, and use a audio tour app or something like GetYour Guide audio tour that includes tickets, avail up to 4:30.
Posted by
170 posts
Your best option is to loosely plan things that don't require advance tickets on your arrival day. Walk around, do an audioguided walk, poke your head into some churches, find a bar/cafe and have an aperitivo, go to dinner.
Posted by
228 posts
I waited like 40 minutes just to get a taxi at FCO in May. When you add border formalities, the fact that flights can be late, I wouldn't take the risk.
Posted by
Washington DC
29570 posts
I wouldn't think there would be any benefit from getting a ticket plus audio guide from Get Your Guide rather than from the official Colosseum ticket source. Get Your Guide will certainly cost more.