We have non-stop flights from IAD to FCO with arrival at 8:10 am. We are then headed to Venice via train since we figure we'll be sleepy and figure its best to sleep on the train. Should we book trains ahead of time or just wait till be get to Rome to take the next train available? Or if we decide to book trains, would 12 noon train - sound reasonable. How much time should be allow for customs, baggage and getting to train station. Also are there trains from the FCO direct to Venice? Any help is appreciated !
Posted by
Green Bay
20081 posts
There is a direct train at 10:53 and you can probably make it, but I would not book it in advance. It is 106 EUR pp and you save about 50% booking ahead, but if you miss it for any reason, even if your inbound flight is late arriving, you'll just have to buy a new full fare ticket. Just whether or it not you're feeling lucky.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
There are now a few direct trains from Fiumicino Aeroporto station, yes, but not many. Looks like there is one at 10:53, but there isn't much point waiting around for it. It's not going to save you any time - just the inconvenience of changing trains. Most likely, you'll need to change trains in Rome.
I did this connection to Venice years ago, before I (or anyone else) had a smart phone. I bought the next ticket to Venice once I got the Leonardo Express to Rome Termini - just paid the last-minute price. Today I might use my phone to buy tickets once I landed at FCO. If you buy in advance, you can save money but you either risk your flight being late and missing the train (and buying new tickets at full price) or building in some wait time in Rome instead of getting to Venice sooner. It's up to you how much risk you are willing to tolerate vs. how much money you want to save or how much inconvenience you are willing to endure of may be getting into Venice a few hours later because you played it safe and built in more layover time for the train to Venice.
Personally, I don't believe in sleeping during the day on my first days in Europe after an overseas flight - I've found it best to follow the "stay up all day and go to bed at the local sleep time" to try to get over jet lag as quickly as possible. Everyone has their own preference. I still recall trying to stay awake on that train north and only dozed a few times. But if you like day time naps after an overseas flight, then yes, this is a great opportunitity to take one.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
thanks for the advice. Is the Leonardo Express a train from the FCO to Termini?
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11176 posts
Is the Leonardo Express a train from the FCO to Termini?
yes
Posted by
Prior Lake, MN, USA
393 posts
Did you look at flights from FCO to Venice?
I bought tickets for about $100 each.
Posted by
871 posts
"Today I might use my phone to buy tickets once I landed at FCO. "
The Trenitalia app; Fiumicio Aeroporto to Venezia S Lucia. Tickets after retrieving your luggage. Changing trains downtown, look for the platform [binario] number on the departure board.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
67 posts
The suggestion to look at flying as an alternative is a good one, though you won't really know how viable/economical it is until you hit the ground. The train, though pleasant, is long.
Above all, and regardless of which way you go, don't buy your train/plane tickets to Venice in advance. While the discount can be tempting, a delay in your landing/luggage can result in eating the cost of the ticket. A discounted ticket you can't use is no discount at all.