Termini Area and Metro

I have stayed at Hotel Aberdeen which is near Termini. The metro is very easy to use, however, due to the old Rome still existing under the current Rome, the metro has a limited scope. I found the buses in Rome to be a better choice. I live in a rural/suburban area and there is no public transportation, so I watched a few youtube videos on how the buses work.

1. buy tickets at a Tabacci shop (like a small seven-eleven). You can spot them because they have blue signs with a big "T". Tickets can be used for the metro and/or the buses.
2. Find the nearest bus stop, if you don't see one ask the nearest shop keeper.
3. There will be several signs (one for each bus line that stops there) mounted on tall poles. You have to look up at them.
4. Find your destination on the list of stops and identify the number of the bus that stops there. When that bus stops, get on, run your ticket through the validation machine. Get off at desired stop.

Since I was solo and I am a super planner, I mapped out each journey I though I would take and put it in my travel notebook that I carry with me always. I did that by using Rome to Rio. Then, I was familiar with the general system and was able to take some spontaneous trips without looking them up.

I don't think you will be able to walk to every place you want to see in Rome, so having a plan up front will save you time on the ground.

That area is fine.

We've used the metro couple of times and didn't have any issues with it. Do be aware that there's no line (or not yet) in a good-sized section of the most-visited part of the historical center. That's very roughly from the Colosseum on the South to the Spanish Steps on the north, and Termini on the East to the Vatican on the West. People desiring to take public transit in that area use buses or sometimes taxis but we've always just walked it; more fun anyway!

The metro will be useful for trips from Termini (or Republicca, if that's closer to you) to the Vatican, and Termini or Republicca to the Colosseum, if you don't want to walk. Again, we've done much more on foot than by transit in the center, I'd use means other than your feet sparingly if at all possible.

The metro, in many ways, is nearly useless for seeing old Rome. It just doesn't go anywhere super convenient. The buses and tram are much handier. We almost always stay in Hotel Sonya that faces the Opera House across the little plaza. We like the area for it's convenience to local transit and you can easily walk to nearly everything except the Vatican -- that is closer to an hour walk. Several good restaurants in the area. We prefer that area but some will knock it because it is more commercial and busy.

It was easy to use. We bought tickets using cash in the vending machines. We went from Termini to Spagna and then spent a whole afternoon wandering along Rick's suggested path and on another day we rode again from Termini to Ottaviano to go to the Vatican Museum.

everytime they try to build a new line of the metro in Rome...they run into ruins from 2000 years ago...and have to stop...don't let that ruin your stop in Sorrento...great views...food...wine...all things good

If anyone is interested, while browsing something else, this http://www.hotelgiuliana.com/rooms.php popped up on the side. It looks quaint and cozy by the pictures. It's considered a 2* hotel but more in line as a 3* because of what is offered.

Hi Leens,

Some thoughts and personal experience.

People like to stay in or near certain Piazzas for convenience or time constraints, and that's fine.

Both of my trips to Rome, I stayed near Termini. I had no problems or fears. I found it very quiet actually. I loved to leave the hotel after breakfast and "walk the streets." Oops, that came out wrong, lol!

I enjoyed just marveling at the buildings. I always like to say that "Rome is a walking museum in itself." Every corner you turn is "something beautiful"; never mind then, actually, going into a church, museum, or other official, historical building; which are all awe-inspiring and mesmerizing. When we think about it, the men who created some of the frescoes, built the churches and buildings back then with such precision, thoughtfulness and articulation -- just wow!

Because I'm a city girl, I fell in love with Rome right away. No city is perfect, it's just I choose to look past the (small) negatives, if any. It could also lend the time of year I went. Perhaps big, big crowds, heat and humidity can be temper-testing at best. I don't know. People handle things differently.

I met so many nice and wonderful people my first trip two years ago -- a few became my friends I kept in touch with and visited this past year. That is what I focus on and have great memories. My friends and I are on WhatsApp, lol.

*added

In answer to your OP, I took the metro (once) last year. It can be an experience. Hustle bustle of locals and travelers alike. I had a cross body bag and had no issues. It was crowded, but I am used to that anyway at "home."

Keep all your valuables in a security conscious bag in front of you. If you must use a backpack (as preference), zip it up and don't keep anything of value in a pocket or on top in the pocket where it can be easily accessed by itchy fingers.

Also, it depends on the time of day you're riding the metro. But, I'm sure it's busy packed most of the day. I would think peak times to be the most congested.

Metro tickets can be used only once when scanned. The bus tickets (1,50€) can be used for 100 minutes with a transfer within (once validated < very important.)

Oh, and wandering around, you never know what little surprise awaits...

It's a little side topic, but, as an example, last December, I was walking around; I think I was heading toward Trevi Fountain.

Anyway, I heard "marching band" music in the near distance. I hurried up to see where it was coming from. As I got closer, or they did, lol, I saw a band, all dressed as Santa, blaring their horns and banging drums to jazzy renditions of Christmas music. It was a lot of fun. People were clapping, dancing and singing along. They made their way around a few streets where I was and then moved on. It was great!

The Termini station is not my favorite area. The station itself is very busy during the day and a bit seedy at night, but not dangerous.

As you get closer to the Opera house it’s ok. The Viminale Palace, the seat of the Ministry of the Interior, which controls law enforcement and immigration is there, so the seedy people stay away from that building (too many surveillance cameras and law enforcement officers, especially after Matteo Salvini became the Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister).

It’s convenient for the metro which can get you easily to Piazza di Spagna and the Vatican and also the Colosseum/Forum.