rome distance

I went to Rome for the first time last September. I arrived at the Termini train station. I passed by the people who approached me offering a taxi, (which you should always refuse - even in the US) and went to the official taxi stand out front. My driver was very friendly, and the first thing he did was point out the meter and explain this is how he would charge us. I never felt uneasy, in fact the opposite! (PS. I am a woman and was traveling with my sister)

Amanda- no worries! The taxi stand just outside the Termini is probably the BEST place to catch a taxi, just make sure you get into the "queue" and use an official taxi.

I'm not sure where your hotel is in reference to the Vatican but you're probably looking at a 14 - 18 euro ride...

You really DO NOT want to try and walk this with luggage. You can also ride the metro (line A) from Termini to Ottaviano (the St. Peter's stop) and then walk from there... or you can ride bus #40, or #64 from Termini to the Vatican Area!

Plenty of options but if I was new and just coming into town (tired?) I'd take the taxi!

Ciao,
Ron

If I were carrying more than one bag, I'd take a taxi rather than a tram or bus. That way you won't have to keep track of a lot when you are already fatigued.

When I use a taxi (in the U.S., Europe or Asia) I take only legitimate taxis. As Ron said, use the taxi stand and ignore random "offers".

Also my conversation with the driver always begins with, "How much will it cost to take us here?" That way I know what to expect before I get in.

We found the walk from the train to the Vatican very short and walkable. Like 5-10 minutes.

The Taxi is the best bet. And you have some hills between the Vatican and Termini which would make the walk a bit more demanding with luggage. Clearing write off the address on a slip of paper to give to the driver. And if you have marked it on a map show him on the map were you want to go. It isn't that the driver does not know where to go but you are showing him, indirectly, that you have a good idea of where you want to go so that you do not get the circle route. Of course, you just highlighted the reason we always stay in the Termini area.

Randy - you're probably referring to coming from the San Pietro Train Station on the FR3 line. You're right, it is only a 5-10 minute walk- I take this train often coming in from the Cassia Area... The directions we are all referring to are from the main train station downtown, Termini.

Not sure where Randy is walking from, but it's not Termini station. The walking distance is about 5 kilometers, a little over 3 miles....too much of a hassle with luggage, especially with the ups and downs. Taking one of the official taxis outside of Termini should be fine.

Take the taxi, but be sure to ask the price. We didn't ask, and even though our taxi had a meter, I feel our driver tacked on a surcharge. The reason I believe this is that was cheaper taking a taxi back to the train station from our hotel. Our hotel ordered up our taxi for us when leaving.

Amanda,

Echo the comments of others--take the taxi! Also, assume since you are staying near the Vatican, you intend to visit? If so, and the Pope will be in town and you are planning to see him, go VERY early or he will be a dot on the big screen. We had tix for a 10:00am papal audience in Jul 07, and people who got there at 7:00am did not get in the Bascillica. We ended up blowing off that and going to the Vatican Museum instead, which was a shorter line, as Rick says in his Rome book. Also, the road leading into the Vatican/Bascillica is lined with fresh water fountains, highly recommend filling up your water bottles at every one you see, if you are going inthe summer, it is safe to drink and free versus 2-3 eiuros for a small bottle sold all over by local venders.

We often take taxi's in Rome. No fear as long as it is an official taxi.

Thank you all so much, you have laid my worries to rest. I heard all the horror stories and got really worried. Nice to hear there are honest taxi's out there too!