My husband Glen and I will be arriving in Rome on Delta Airlines from the U.S. He has recently been diagnosed with AFib and his walking will be limited. We have planned for a year, and it involves our children and spouses, so we have decided to continue, but are trying to minimize transportation walking distances. Questions:
1) We will spend one night at an airport hotel when arriving in Rome. The hotel is offering a shuttle, the Leonardo da Vinci. Does anyone know how extensive the walking distance to the shuttle area? Would taking a taxi involve any less walking? Are there wheelchairs available? If so, how do you commandeer one?
2) We are flying out the next day for Croatia, and when we return to the Rome airport the following week, we will go from immigration to the train area, and our time will be limited.
So when we ORIGINALLY arrive in Rome, and we have lots of time to check in at the airport hotel, I would like to walk from the arrival area to the train area to familiarize myself with the directions. Would I need to leave the arrival area? Is there a coffee shop or rest area where Glen could wait while I check out the route to the trains?
Thank you!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23652 posts
- You request wheelchair assistance through the airline. Call today. You will be met at the gate. The airport has the typical airport walking distance. It is about average. You will go through immigration and customs on arrival at Rome. The train station is attached to the airport but you walk through the luggage and it some distance. In part it will depend on the luggage area you are using. There are chairs, lounges in the area.
Posted by
613 posts
I don't remember why. but on my last 2 trips to Rome & opted for a shuttle service (Viator) rather than the train even though Viator is borderline incompetent-- first time they gave me the wrong directions on how to meet them at the airport and the driver dropped me off a block from my hotel instead of delivering the promised door to door service. I later figured out that he was too lazy to drive the extra 6 blocks needed to drive to the hotel door. Second time, no problems. Termini Station is very big & you will then have to take a taxi.
Some hotels provide a good price on a limo return to the airport, cheaper than taxi.
I too have afib. T used to do medical reseasrch & my heart MD is the head of the Cardiology Dpt. at a major medical school. and here's what I understand about afib-- it is what it is (I've always wanted to use that stupid expression). That is, whatever Gren's symptoms are, he cannot make it worse no matter what he does. If he gets seriously out of breath when walking, stop walking and breath for a while until he gets enough oxygen into his muscles to reset them for walking. Then walk some more & repeat. Yes, this can be very slow walking compared to what it used to be, but it's workable (check with Glen's MD to be sure I got it right).
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23652 posts
One reason Viator can be a problem is that they do not provide any service. They are simply a third party vendor or go between. They are operating any shuttles. If you want a private drive then call someone direct like Roma Cab. Their fee will be higher than a taxi but not substantially so. The taxis in Rome are good and reliable. The fixed rate from the airport to the city is 48euro. Just use a taxi via the taxi starter and you will be fine.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Second franks suggestion, my sister used it last November. Claims it's the only way to travel.
You'll have help with your luggage from airport arrival to your destination, then on arrival from the plane thru immigration and retrieving luggage to the taxi. Same on flight to Croatia.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thank you! Croatia Air has confirmed assistance from check in to plane, and from plane to baggage claim. We only have carry on luggage, but if baggage claim is in the direction of the trsin, that will help.
However, will now also contact airport to see if their is assistance from immigration all the way to train area.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
There's a Hilton attached to the airport, connected by a fairly long enclosed walkway (1/4 mile?), should be easy enough with a wheelchair. When I stayed there last year I think I saw a shuttle van at the lobby entrance which might be available to connect you with the arrivals area. This hotel is unquestionably the closest and most convenient to the airport (with price to match).
I don't know what shuttle the Leonardo da Vinci is. The Leonardo Express is a fast nonstop train between FCO and Termini station in the center of Rome. If I understand your original post, you're staying at an airport hotel, so the Leonardo Express won't be any use.
This map might help answer some of your questions. It shows the Hilton (with logo) on the bottom.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Make the request to Delta too.
Edit: hilton rome airport. Connected to airport via covered walkway.
Posted by
California 🦋
5298 posts
Make sure you request wheelchair assistance from your inbound airline too. (Delta)
Years ago I requested wheelchair assistance for my elderly mom. The assistant wheeled my mom through immigration (as I followed along) then all the way to the train platform.
Have a wonderful trip!