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Mostly Rome transportation questions, but open to other input about my trip

Hello everyone. With my Puglia/Rome trip coming up in March, I thought I’d touch base. I’ve changed my plans a bit, leaving Lecce for another trip and staying in Monopoli a little longer to allow for more relaxation. I start with a train to Trani for 2 nights, then I’ll pick up a rental car in Bari before heading to Matera for 2 nights and Martina Franca for 3 nights, then I’ll return the car and spend 5 nights in Monopoli and 1 in Bari.

From there I’ll head to Rome for 4 nights. My train will arrive at Roma Termini around 1p so I’ll have the rest of the day to wander and stretch my legs after a long train ride, then 3 full days before heading to the airport the next morning. I’m staying in the Testaccio area. For the most part, I plan to avoid the touristy areas that I’m thankful I was able to see on previous trips.
This time I’m interested in walking on the Appian Way and I’m hoping to finally get a ticket to see the Borghese Gallery. I may try to do a day trip to Tivoli if I have time, but other than that I plan to just wander various neighborhoods and see more of Rome away from the crowds. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them.

As far as transportation in Rome, is there a specific ticket you’d recommend for me? So far, it looks like the 7 day CIS might make the most sense since it’s only a few dollars more than the 72 hour, which wouldn’t cover anything the day I arrive or my trip to the airport. Does that sound right? I can do Tap pay, but honestly I'd rather just have an actual card if possible.

I appreciate any helpful advice or ideas you can offer. :)

Posted by
6410 posts

For the Puglia part, I’d still want the car while in Monopoli, but of course it depends on what your plans are.

Posted by
9222 posts

Hi KRS, wishing you a wonderful trip in such a beautiful & interesting part of Italy!

While you’re in Martina Franca, there’s a fantastic small pizza restaurant that’s decorated very nicely. And I’m sure you’re probably planning to go over to Locorotondo- one of my favorite Puglia inland small cities.

I’m happy to see you’re beginning in Trani. I am heading back there to stay at the same location, same room at the B&B.

In case this helps with ideas/details:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/my-1-month-independent-trip-to-southern-italy-tribute-to-my-husband

Posted by
574 posts

Yes, for Rome, the 7-day pass would make the most sense. Although some like the tap/pay option, I like having the pass. It has always been the least expensive (and most convenient) way for me to go and I visit regularly. One disadvantage of the tap/pay is that you can't just hop on and off buses, but have to find the machine to pay. You can't use the pass to get to FCO.

Posted by
886 posts

Thanks for the replies. Driving in a foreign country makes me nervous, but it seemed the most efficient way to get to all the places I want to see, so I’m doing it, but the days in Monopoli will help me decompress from any stress it causes. It looks like I can get to Cisternino and Ostuni as well as PaM easily by train from Monopoli which will give me more time to wander through the area around MF when I’ve got a car.

Yes, I definitely plan to see Locorotondo and Alberobello (I’ll go early in the morning to avoid crowds) as well as other small towns. I’m so excited about this trip!

Good to know that the 7 day pass doesn’t include a train to the airport. I seem to remember that there was a flat fee rate, maybe 50 euro, to get a taxi from Rome near the Trevi fountain to the airport. I wonder if it’s the same from Testaccio. It looks like I can catch a train in Trastevere, but it will take longer.

Posted by
9222 posts

The train does go from Monopoli to Ostuni. The train station is at the base, so there’s a bus to take you up most of the way up into the old center. But the train station at Cisternino isn’t as close to the town. I had to skip going to that one.

Lecce is just an hour by train from Monopoli, so that’s a great option, too.

Posted by
1130 posts

Flat rate taxi from Rome to FCO applies to all locations within the Aurelian Walls, so would apply from Testaccio. If it appeals, the Roman city of Ostia Antica is an easy 30 min train journey from Ostiense train station in Testaccio.