My son will be studying in Zurich this summer and we are planning a weekend trip from Zurich to Rome while visiting. Questioning the plan of a Friday 2230 arrival vs a Saturday 1030 arrival with a Sunday 1930 departure. We know that this is a very short time frame and that it will be crowded and warm but would like a chance to see some of Rome's quick highlights. Another trip will be in order at a different time. Wondering about safety of a 2230 arrival time. Plan to use a taxi or private hire for transport at that hour as it will be even later with customs. Saturday 1030 arrival seems like possibly not enough time to see the sites as they will already be limited but want to keep safety in mind. Suggestions appreciated.
Posted by
288 posts
Switzerland is not in the EU; it is however, within the Schengen thus you will not have to deal with immigration in Rome.
I would recommend arriving late Friday, which would allow you to get up the next morning in Rome and be seeing the sites when you would otherwise just be arriving at the airport.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Very helpful! Thank you!
Posted by
Bay Area SF & Uppsala Sweden 🇸🇪
1711 posts
I agree, arrive Friday night. You can get your hotel to order a car pickup for you, not that a taxi is a problem, but you may feel more relaxed with the car service. (They're all waiting with signs just outside the baggage claim area.) Rome late Friday night will be hopping downtown. We loved Hotel Smeraldo, RS recommended. Enjoy!
Posted by
288 posts
I am currently looking at trains for our fall trip to Europe…which made me think train travel might be an option for you…
Yes, the train will take you about 7 hours from Zurich hb to Roma Termini, but depending on your starting and ending locations (if you start near central Zurich and stay near Roma Termini) the travel time difference may not be as much as you would think. If you are flying into FCO that is a 45 minute or so car ride into Rome. Depending on where you start in Zurich you then have travel time to the airport. Then add the 2 hours ahead of flight departure time plus the 1:30 flight you then have roughly 5 hours of travel time or more.
For train travel within the Schengen, there is no scanning your passport at the station (although you will have your passport checked by the conductor on the train) going through security and screening your bags etc. There are several high speed trains for travel from Zurich to Rome with one quick change in Milan. If nothing else, it may be an easier option for one-way of your trip.
Happy travels!