FCO to Trastevere and beyond - Four adults getting around in Rome

I'd get a cab. After a long flight you will all be tired. A cab taking you directly to your hotel will be a good value. You can relax and enjoy the view. You can even ask the driver to give you a brief tour of the city without much additional cost.

We have stayed near the Trastevere train station many times. We always take the local train from FCO to Trastevere. Is runs on the track next to the Express train. It’s very reasonable about $10 per ticket and takes about 35 minutes. The tram 8 goes is very easy to get yourselves and luggage into the main part of Trastevere. For sightseeing, we used to walk most places in Rome. Now we buy transit passes and take buses, trams and the metro as needed.

If the weather is nice and you like to walk, I suggest walking. We walked everywhere! From our apartment near the Pantheon to the Vatican, over to the Coliseum, back to the Pantheon: we walked all over the place.

There is transit and we took it one afternoon. Bus was wall-to-wall people, the metro only goes in certain directions.

For about the same money as a taxi (just a few euros more) you can consider a private car service. When you've had a long flight, are tired, suffering jet lag, and being on unfamiliar turf, nothing is 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 an email detailing your needs and you should get a quote within twenty four hours. Their price is only a little more than a regular taxi and is, in our opinion, well worth the small extra cost. Just google them to get their web site.

I guess you can figure out if cost is an issue for you, but your options are basically a Cab/Driver for 48 euro (or more for a driver) or 5.50 euro each (22 euro total) on the FL1 train, which stops at Trastevere. The train is not the fastest, it makes 3 or 4 stops before Trastevere, but basically about a half hour, Cab might be slightly quicker and to your door.

I would consider passes for busy travel days. You mentioned #8 Tram, that is handy for getting to the popular part as you said, but also across the river into central Rome. While able to be walked, if I were staying by the station, I would prefer the Tram. Transport is also handy for the Forum/Colosseum area and up to St. Peters/Vatican. I guess figure how much you will be traveling between those areas, 4 trips pays for a day pass.

Thank you everyone - this is all very helpful! I'm guessing the cab v FL1 decision is something we can certainly play by ear based on how we feel when we land - it helps to know how long each takes and price. I actually thought the train would cost more based on the number of tickets we will need. I'm hesitant to use a private service due to possible unforeseen travel delays. I think based on your advice I'll get transit passes for the tram - just a little easier on my husband's knees! We'll be doing plenty of walking anyway!

I'm hesitant to use a private service due to possible unforeseen travel delays.

All of the car services we've used monitor our flight and adjust the pick up time if there will be delay arriving. That includes Rome Cabs.

Many folks use a car service or driver arraged by their hotel. As said above, they monitor the flight arrival. They typically have a sign with your name as you exit customs. This would be much easier than trying to arrange a taxi after you land.

For Rome we prefer a taxi. They will take you right to the hotel for a fixed and fair price. For four people you should be at 50 Euro.

If you call your hotel they should be able to arrange a car to meet you for the same price without standing in the taxi line que