Arriving at FCO on a Tuesday at 11AM after red eye. My hotel is 8 min walk from Roma Termini. We are first timers to Rome. I see I can take an express train (€14 per person), the Leonardo Express train, non-stop service between FCO and Rome Termini. I can also get hotel arranged car service at airport for €55 for door to door service for us both. Always like to save €27 - but, more interested in time - which would be faster at that time of day - car service or if you hit it well the train. If I go the Leonard train is that much of a hassle to find from United Terminal - after being up all night, is it a hassle on that Express train to start the journey? I typically like to take public transport if good option.
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
This is the hassle of finding the airport station, faced by a brave traveller with a good camera and a terrible taste in music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dI2eWTw1P2E&t=96s
In short: follow the yellow "TRAIN" signs for 10 minutes, use the ticket machines, time-stamp your ticket before getting on and get on the train to Termini. If your train makes a lot of stops and eventually calls at a station called Roma Tiburtina... it means you got on the wrong train.
If my hotel asked 55 € when the fixed fare is 48 €, I'd call Romacabs as a matter of principle.
Posted by
OP
Fairport NY
14 posts
Looks like that saves about €20 for the journey - nice. Any idea what is the fastest travel time from FCO to downtown (private car/van/cab/train) or are they all about the same? If one takes an hour longer (or is more hassle - trying to figure out an automated train ticket machine and working your way thru a station, or a van that drops off others on the other side of the city first) than the € saving is not as important in the "what should I do" equation (I am spending this much, so what is a few more). I just can't figure in the travel time / ergs of hassle of each option. Thanks for the link and option- good to know, and maybe the best option so far!
Posted by
OP
Fairport NY
14 posts
Nice, that YouTube made it look pretty straightforward and also showed the travel time at about 32 minutes, so figure you have to wait for the train (no more than 30) - you are looking at about 1 hr. Get lucky on time and faster. I used Google Maps for date and time if you were driving and FCO to Termni and came up typically 35 minutes - but, estimated it at 1hr 45 min for my approximate travel at that time. So looks like the Train wins if I am not feeling too weary (I got to say the pick pocket thing is pretty annoying! I see the warning even comes up on the ticket screen - so at least I am forewarned!). Thank alls.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16205 posts
If your hotel is near Termini the time of travel is:
TRAIN (14€ per person)
- Walk from T3 to FCO station and buy tickets:10-15 minutes max
- Wait for the train: from 0 to 30 minutes (there is one every half hour so it depends when you get there)
- Train journey to Termini: 32 min
- Walk from train to hotel: 10 min
TAXI (48€ all inclusive up to 4 people)
- walk from T3 to taxi stand: 1 min (it’s in front)
- dive to hotel at midday: about 35 min (+ or - 5 min depending on traffic)
Your choice. When I stay near Termini I generally take the train. But I don’t stay at Termini anymore (prefer Trastevere, as it is closer to family).
Posted by
Coraopolis, Pa, USA
1018 posts
Since we are now in our 70s we always use romashuttle.com. We've used them many times and will continue to so so. They charge 48€ for two people and they meet you just past the customs section past the frosted glass.
Buon viaggio,
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32398 posts
Fairport,
I normally stay in the Termini area, and always use the Leonardo Express. Travel time is 32 minutes, and €14 PP is quite reasonable. Mid-day traffic could be a problem, so I'd prefer the train.
Note that there are two different trains serving FCO, the L.E. and the Fl-1. Be sure to board the correct train as Dario mentioned. Also as mentioned, don't forget to validate (time & date stamp) your ticket prior to boarding the train, or you'll risk hefty fines which will be collected on the spot! Validating tickets applies to any Regionale train, as well as Bus, Metro, etc.
Given your arrival time, your hotel room should be ready for check in which is always nice. I often like to have a short "power nap" before getting organized.