Rome & Termini area safe for solo woman traveler?

She just needs to be aware of the various scams out there, be aware of her surroundings, and keep all valuables tucked away safely in a money belt or neck wallet. Violent crime is very rare in Europe, but pick pockets are very common. So yes, it safe enough. No need to be paranoid.

I agree with Angela. Be sure all her valuables (passport, credit cards, money except for a little day cash) are in a money belt tucked in underneath her shirt/pants. If anything happens, she will be personally safe and her valuables intact. I haven't visited Italy for years, and all I am hearing is about very adept pick-pockets.. if her valuables are secure on her person (not in a pocket) she will be fine. I have traveled a lot, but I find kids are quick learners: my daughters are now 24 and 22, but when we last went to Europe they were 16 and 17. I found that even with all my travel experience, they perceived things more quickly than I did at my then stage in life (I am now approaching 60). I discovered my daughters have eagle-eyes!

Oh, and early evening is social hour in Rome! She will not be walking lonesome streets. People will be out and about, and since it is summer, there will be warm daylight until 9pm. I, too, (in 4 weeks) will be walking from Termini to my hotel about 1/2 mile away in the evening. All will be well.

The area around Termini station is very busy, but I've always found it to be completely safe. She will of course have to be vigilant against pickpockets and scammers, as they will be there. Watch luggage closely and wear a Money Belt. Which Hostel is she staying in?

When taking the Leonardo Express from the airport to Termini, she MUST validate her ticket prior to boarding or risk a hefty fine, which will be collected on the spot! The same is true when riding Buses or Metro in Rome.

Your daughter may enjoy watching THIS video of Termini station, although it's a bit of an "amateur hour" production.

Ken, that video may be "amateur hour" but it is very indicative of the real Rome. Good choice!

@Denise,

That's certainly true! I screened quite a few videos before I settled on that one, and it does seem to provide a good idea what things are like at Termini. Watching the videos really makes me wish I was there!

I'll have to try shooting some videos on my next trip, and hopefully they won't be considered "amateur hour".

I agree with everyone else for the most part. Just like anywhere else I wouldnt wander into any shady places. Termini is soo busy that shouldnt be an issue

Just tell her to put on her confident, city, don't mess with me face and go! As long as she knows where she's headed out of the station and doesn't look lost, she'll be fine.

Thanks for the reassurances and the video. We also found a video her hostel made with directions from termini to the hostel - now she knows what to look for both inside & outside the station. You've helped make a nervous mom much less so!

Just had a thought. Your daughter could virtually 'walk' her route to the hostel beforehand, using Google maps. She will be able to see the area and become familiar with certain landmarks, etc. before her arrival.

I hope she wonderful trip!

See more, similar tips regarding money/pickpockets and traveling solo. With this awareness and strategy, I've had no trouble traveling alone in Rome and other parts of Italy.

She arrives in Rome early evening, and plans to take the train from FCO to Termini, then walk to her nearby hostel.

The question is what time she'll arrive at Termini and how far it is to her hostel and where her hostel is. Termini itself is okay, but if a young woman alone has to walk 3-4 blocks with luggage rather late a night, is she going to be okay? If she lands at FCO at 6 p.m., it could be 9 or 10 p.m. when she gets to Termini. During her stay there, is she going to be safe coming back to the hostel late at night after sightseeing or dinner?

The tourist areas are safe - generally crowded, in fact. But around the train station . . . I don't know, but I think that's the real question that needs an answer.

From my experience, the biggest issue is to have with you luggage you can manage at all times. For most of us gals that means one bag. I say that because on a trip last year I was with a group of friends at Firenze SMN, those with two bags struggled the most. One of the gals accepted help from a well-dressed man, a stranger. No one saw him coming. It just took a few seconds. At the hotel, she discovered her purse had been emptied of its wallet with cash, credit and debit cards.

The times I had two bags on me I was most vulnerable to strangers offering help. Always be in a position where you can manage your luggage at all times. And be ready to say No.

And the station itself can surprise you with obstacles. In December I was alone with 2 bags at the Napoli train station. All elevators were out of order and I could not manage both bags on the down escalator to the bathrooms. A terminal supervisor asked a staffer to help me but he refused loudly.
After that other offers came, but i sat down and waited for the train. Napoli has a lot of different seating areas in the lobby so i could sit down fast.

It's not just at the station. Struggling with luggage while walking down the sidewalk also makes you a target. Just saying. Part of knowing where you are going includes making it easy on yourself to get there.

Update: daughter made it to her hostel with no problems! She did lighten her load before she left (tricky when bringing books & laptop for school) and got everything down to 2 bags - 1 carry on & 1 convertible duffel that she could easily manage. Thanks again for your helpful advice!

And thank you, azhusky, for the update! It's always great to get feedback on a thread.

So glad she made it! What a fabulous experience for her!