Hello! I'm curious if anyone has any experience taking the "A" line from St. Peter's Basilica to the Termini Station in Rome? On our final day in Rome, we plan on touring the Basilica in the morning (Monday) but we have a 2:00 train to catch at the Termini. I see the "A" line connects the two, but I'm curious how frequently the A comes in the middle of the day (say around noon or 1:00) and how long it takes to get from the Basilica/Vatican stop to the Termini. Have also heard the 40 express bus is a good option, but I would imagine the "A" line would be faster being that it's a subway. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! -Zach
Posted by
Huntington Beach CA
1116 posts
The A line should go directly to Termini, no need to change lines. The trains should come every few minutes, no need to worry about a long wait. Just remember that from St Peter's to the metro stop (Ottaviano) it's about a 10 minute walk. If I remember correctly, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to get to Termini on the metro. If I were you, I would leave St. Peter's about 1230, be on the metro by 1245, arrive at Termini by 1300. That gives you about an hour to find your way to your train.
Posted by
Land of La
8710 posts
I'd also see if Ron in Rome has info on his website. Not to mention it's just a great website for visiting Rome.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23324 posts
An hour to find your train is over kill. First, it is rare for the platform to be posted more than 30 minutes in advance more likely in the range of 20 minutes. So if you get to Termini an hour early, it will be 40 minutes before you even know where to look for your train. But come early so you know you are there, have lunch, and then look for your train.
Posted by
Detroit, USA
14 posts
As I recall the A line runs every few minutes, but that was four years ago. However line A is under construction as my hotel (for my October Rome trip) points out in their online guide to Rome. They advised avoiding it altogether. Actually your hotel is a good place to ask about this, or check the ATAC Rome web site if your Italian is better than mine.
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Thanks for the kudos Claudia. Zach, the current metro construction (August 2011) is impacting the A line from Termini towards Anagnina. Currently, there are buses moving people through the disrupted areas. (Pain in the butt - did it last week! That work is supposed to be completed by 08/29) In addtion, Line A is being impacted AFTER 21:00 almost every night of the week through April 2012 (see: Metro A closing at 21:00). Neither of these issues will impact your journey from the Vatican Area to the Roma Termini station at 08:00 - 14:00. On Sundays and holidays, the metro does run less frequently, but on a workday (which includes Satudays in Rome), the metro will come every few minutes. Cipro Metro Station does have an elevator (when working!), if you have luggage issues. I'd be more inclined to ride the metro rather than the 40 or 64 bus from the Vatican Area to Roma Termini. For more info on the metro, you might look at The Metro in Rome.
Posted by
OP
Chicago
7 posts
Thanks everyone, appreciate the feedback!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Excellent point about the subway being better than the buses if you have luggage. Ron In Rome once again has the best advice.