Hello--
I'll be traveling with my family to Rome in April. We need to be at FCO at 7-8am on a Wednesday. My question is, would it be better to take a train, or a taxi from the Centro? Would a taxi get stuck in traffic at that time of day?
Many thanks,
Chuck
If you are staying walking distance from Termini station, the train is an option. €14 per person and 32 minutes journey on the Leonardo Express.
The taxi from anywhere in the city center takes about the same time. The cost is an all inclusive flat fare of 48€. You are going against the commute traffic, so no issues getting stuck. Even with traffic it’s a 45 min taxi ride.
If you are not staying near the station, then taxi plus train may be not much less than the 48€ taxi fare all the way to FCO, especially if there are two or more of you traveling together (2 train tickets are 28€) and/or with bulky luggage.
You know about the €48 fixed price rate from city center to the airport, right?
I would not think there would be heavy traffic going OUT of the city at that hour. We caught a taxi in Trastevere at 8 am and there was very little traffic.
Thanks. But if you were say near Campo de Fiori on the other side of the river would that add time?
Depending on the size of your family, consider an airport transfer with a car service. Rome Chauffeur (http://www.rome-chauffeur.com/) offers airport transfer service for 50 euros, and the majority of their fleet are vans. Might offer more room than a taxi. I've used Rome Chauffeur on 2 trips to Rome so far, and booked services again with them for my upcoming trip to Rome. Highly recommended.
No, from Campo de’ Fiori it’s about the same time or less, since the distance is shorter than from the station. In that case the taxi travels via Viale Trastevere e Via della Magliana straight to the A91 freeway to the airport.
If you decide to use a car service, another one to consider is romecabs.com. It is a car service - not cab company - despite the name. Used them a number of times and have always been pleased.
I've had my hotel arrange for a taxi in the early morning. No traffic that early and you can split the 48 euro amongst the party. I prefer that then walking back to Termini to take the train. Little extra cost is worth it for me that early in the morning.
Assuming you family and your bags can fit in 1 normal size car, a Taxi or private car like Rome Cabs is the way to go here.
Set rate and so much better than dealing with Termini and Public Transit with your bags.
Arrange with a company or have your hotel do it for you, just make sure everyone is aware of your flight time and let them decide when you should get picked up ; then relax.
