Four of us are flying into Rome on Saturday, May 2nd, arriving at 9:45 am. We'll need to go through customs and catch a train to Termini Station, to then catch a train to Venice. The trains to Venice run about every hour at 10 minutes til the hour. I feel like we need to purchase tickets online before going and am wondering how much time to allow to get to the train station. Apparently you can only make one change (before the train leaves) in your schedule for tickets purchased online. Do you think we could easily catch the 12:50 train or should I play it safe and get tickets for the 1:50 train?
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
You really shouldn't purchase your tickets ahead of time. You never know when your flight may be delayed so I would just book tickets at the station. You can buy them all at the station at the airport and they will book you on connections that you can easily make.
Donna
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15161 posts
There are now 2 trains a day from Fiumicino airport that go directly to Venice without need to change trains at Termini.
The first one departs from FCO at 11:08 and the second much later at 15:08. In all other cases you need to change at Termini.
You probably shouldn't buy anything online because it's hard to predict if your plane will arrive on time and discounted tickets aren't changeable or refundable.
They never run out of seats, so buy the tickets at the station when you arrive. If they have discounted tickets and you want to buy ahead, give yourself a lot of cushion in case of delay. Maybe even take the 15:08 train. If discounted tickets are already sold out, don't bother. Buy on the spot at the Fiumicino airport station.
Posted by
Green Bay
20081 posts
If you really want to save money, there are Super Economy tickets available on the 15:50 for 108 euro for 4. Plenty of things to do to kill a few hours around Termini. If you want get to Venice, ASAP, I'd just go with full fare tickets. It will take time to change Economy tickets, and you'll end up paying full fare anyway. How sure are you that your flight will arrive on time? Its not just about clearing customs and immigration.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15161 posts
In my experience at FCO, retrieving luggage is what takes the longest. Take only carry on and you'll save a bunch of time.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you all for your replies. I was worried that if we waited until we arrived to purchase tickets, being a Saturday, that seats might be sold out, but it sounds like that shouldn't be a problem. Thanks again!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23267 posts
The possibility of being sold out is minor. Delays getting luggage and immigration if coming from the US can be major problems. On a Saturday morning last year it took 2.5 hours to get through immigrations though it is often reported that you can clear immigrations in Rome in less than an hour. You never know.
Posted by
San Diego, CA
3 posts
So my wife and I are traveling on the 7th; ATL to FCO taking the Leonardo Express to Termini and then the 1250 train to Santa Lucia station (Venice). I picked up the Super Economy 1st Class tickets for a song ($139 for 2 adult tickets). See seat61 website for refund of fee. Need to purchase way in advance only 4 seats at these prices.
We land at 0950 on the 8th are traveling with carry on only, we will let you know how it goes!
Cheers,
Gary
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks, Gary. That would be very helpful. Sounds like your initial itenerary is very similar to ours. Hope all goes smoothly for you!