Flights/arriving in Rome

Well, arriving that late means just getting to the hotel, maybe finding a place for a light meal. (good thing Italians eat late).

I would seriously look at getting a private pickup at the airport to take you directly to your hotel. With 7, you likely would not fit in even two standard taxis, so book something ahead.

If you post your departure city and dates, others on here may have some suggestions on flight for you.

Finally, relax, you have all kinds of time, most would not even book flights for a month or two.

I'm not sure how long your trip is? Arriving in Roma at night is not bad, as you will be tired and ready for a shower and sleep. J

I think you need to share some more info. Where are you coming from? What is set in stone already? Can you get a flight elsewhere into Italy earlier in day and start there? My assumption is this is an issue of connecting flights and a LONG travel day?

I agree about getting some transportation company like Roma Taxi to arrange a van for your party of 7. They can take you directly to your hotel.

It's probably less expensive than 7 tickets on the Leonardo Express to Termini.

Where are you departing from?

You've gotten wonderful advice here.

I can feel your stress because I do the same trying to find the perfect flights and timing. I think arriving at night and taking a private transfer (worth the money with 7, especially arriving later. Without it, you'll have to transfer modes a couple of times... no fun.)

You'll get a jump on the jet lag if you're coming from the US by going to bed right after you get in. By the time you check in, it will be at least 9 most likely.

3 full days is enough to see and do a lot of wonderful things in Rome. I'd say you'll love it more if you do fewer of them.

That is my dream flight, and coming from California, often with a connection somewhere else in Europe, arriving late in the afternoon or early evening is the norm for me.

It is the dream flight because a late arrival usually means (for me at least) an easier adaptation to the time zone. Basically you will get to the hotel in time for a quick dinner and sleep. That is perfect after a long intercontinental flight. Don't worry about not finding open restaurants in Rome at that time, as Romans don't have dinner before 9:30pm, so all restaurants stay open well past 11pm if not much later.

Taxi for 7 probably means having to take 2 taxis. The flat rate from the airport (30 km or 35 min ride) is 50 euro, so two taxi would cost you 100 euro. With a limo service you should be able to save a little bit. This very reputable limo service here, charges 90 euro for 7 people. Don't take the train. At 15 euro per ticket, the train would be the most expensive option, even if your hotel were located at the station.

I just wanted to share my condolences on the loss of your father. I am know that this must be hard.

Thank you all so much for the input! i feel so much better and have gotten the same input from another group of people as well. They also said the timing would be perfect to get back on track the next day.

We went ahead and booked our flights from DC with a layover in Dublin. I also love the suggestion to not take a taxi and hire a limo. Now that we've booked our flights and accommodations, I will now have to do the daunting task of the itinerary!! And then there's the train tickets..
Thanks so much again and also for the condolence.