Immigrations and customs question

You will go through immigration at your first point of entry into the Schengen area, which is A'dam. You go through customs (usually just walk through, no waiting) in Rome. If you have checked luggage, you shouldn't see it until you get to Rome.

Keep in mind that there is some risk in booking a train tickets to match a plane arrival. If you book a discounted tickets, it will be lost if your plane is late.

jan,

Further to the point that Frank mentioned, could you elaborate on which trains you intend on booking in Rome?

Ken, I am thinking I will have to take the express to the Termini station first then a fast train to Venice. My plane lands in Rome at 4:35 pm so I was hoping to take the earliest train possible. Not sure if Italo or Trenitalia would be better since none of the timetables are out for June 23rd yet.

Thank you Chani and Frank for your replies!

It's not just the discounted fares, even the full price tickets (called base on trenitalia.com) are worthless one hour after the departure of the booked train. Why running the risk of wasting your money? Trains do not sell out and there are tons going north, get a through ticket to Venezia at the airport station. They will make you change in Termini or Tiburtina depending on the time of travel.

Note that Italo has no counters at FCO, you'll have either to buy your ticket on line while at the airport or make a second purchase in Rome.

• Passport control AKA immigration will take place at Amsterdam, as that is where you enter the Schengen Area. So that is not an issue in your time calculations.
• Customs (baggage contents check) takes place once you get your bags back, that is Rome. But it is a random stop only, so no time wasted.

The biggest time loss at Rome airport will be the same as everywhere, de-planing, walking through corridors and the risk of a late arrival.
Best just to buy a ticket for the next train when you get to the station. Full fare is cheap enough.

Was it really that much cheaper to fly to Rome vs Venice?

Hope your bnb host had 'good' news about your late arrival.

You might want to rethink taking the train to Venice based upon your flight schedule. The high speed train from Roma Termini to Venice takes about 3 hours / 45 minutes. That time does not include the Leonardo Express to Rome. You probably need to program at least 5 hours to get from FCO to Venice after you land, get bags etc. Why not plan on spending a night in Rome, plenty of very good hotels near Termini and going to Venice the next day?

Ed, I am considering doing that. Do you have any good suggestions for a hotel/BnB near Termini? I know nothing about that area or where it is safest. Thanks.

Thank you, also Dario, Mark and Chris! Your suggestions are appreciated!

In the Termini area, we frequently used Hotel Sonya and Aberdeen. Sonya is closer to Termini and just across the street from the Opera House -- easy to find on map. For quick one night in Rome we use Hotel Contilla -- just a block or so south of the south doors of Termini. Their breakfast is so/so. But for one night it is fine.

We have used the Hotel Napoleon in the past, clean, helpful staff and a pretty good breakfast. Pretty easy walk to Termini. There are a lot of hotels in the vicinity.

I use www.loco2.com for train tickets- it will show both Italo and Trenitalia with no mark ups. User friendly and you can create a free acct- mobile and print at home tix.

Happy Travels✨💫

Thank you all for all your help. I have decided to take your suggestions and stay in Rome for the night then go to Venice the following day. I will check out your hotels as well.

Jan

Another vote for Hotel Sonya. Stayed there and it was a nice location. Air conditioned rooms. Fantastic breakfast buffet. Lots of places to eat around as well.