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Exactly how to travel from Rome airport (FCO) to downtown

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Hello! I love Rick Steves and all his humor and excellent advice! I also appreciate the FAQ on Rome at the top of this list for May 2014. I also found that Rick wrote somewhere on the his web site,
"Recently, I took a speedy train from Rome’s airport to the train station downtown, then caught a bus from there to my hotel. It took me less than an hour, and while a taxi would have cost me about $65, I paid about $50 — for the train fare and a handy transit pass that lasted me all week."

What I would like to know is exactly where to go to find this "speedy train," once I am in the airport (FCO) and if the train and bus would be safe for a lone small and young-looking female in summer clothes. (And also is the recommendation to pay cash in Euros for the train and the bus and if so, how much for each?) I don't speak Italian and I won't have a cell phone and I may not even have a phrase book or guide book, if I can't obtain them before I leave (and I leave in just a few short days). That is why I want to know EXACTLY what to do for this trip from the airport to my hotel. I have learned that the bus stop for my hotel is called Nomentana/Gorizia. Thank you so very much!

Posted by
15209 posts

I wouldn't call it "speedy" but the Fiumicino train station is in front of the terminal. Just follow the signs.
You will not be the only young looking woman in summer clothes. I heard it was very hot in Rome this week, therefore all local women as well as visitors will be wearing summer clothes. In spite of the presence of the Pope, Italian women don't dress modestly, so you will be in good company.
The train ride to Roma Termini (the main station) takes 32 min on the Leonardo express and costs €14. The slower FR1 or the Terravision bus costs even less. The city bus costs €1.50 and lasts 100 min I think.
Your hotel is a little distance from most sites, so a pass would be good.

Posted by
11613 posts

The Leonardo Express leaves the airport every 30 minutes. You can probably buy your transit pass when you buy your LE ticket - don't forget to validate your train ticket before you board. Your transit pass needs to be validated on the bus, metro or tram only the first time you use it (box to validate is on board).

At Termini, go to the bus info booth to make sure you get the right bus, there is an express bus that goes out to Via Nomentana but it may not stop at Gorizia. All stops are listed on the sign at the bus stop.

RoninRome.com has step-by-step instructions on transportation in Rome.

Posted by
5697 posts

And for heavens sake, get yourself a guidebook before you go !! If you get to Rome (or anyplace) you'll find English-language guidebooks to be more expensive -- or you will be wandering around wondering how to get to what you want to see.
(Yes, I am a mother of a small and young-looking female who travels alone.)

Posted by
16893 posts

Rick's Italy guidebook has all the details to fill out ideas you find on the web site. The Transportation Connections section for Rome has a full page on the train from Fiumincino airport to Roma Termini station. According to Google Maps, buses 60L, 82, and 90 should run to your stop, but confirm the route on signs at the bus stops in front of the station.

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