Termini Station in Rome (Arriving Late)

I am never sure how to respond to questions like yours. It is difficult to offer advice without a lot more information. In the US we always associated seedness with high crime. That doesn't always apply in Europe. We have been in and aruond Termini for a total of about two weeks and never felt unsafe BUT the latest was about 10 PM. I am sure I would take a taxi to your hotel from the station. But as far as being safe to walk through the terminal, I don't think there would be a problem as long as the normal precautions are taken. Don't know what two small girls traveling with luggage means. Last summer we saw no gypsies in the area at anytime. Don't think the station is any worse for pickpocket activity than any other public area. At that time of night the crowd should be thin and could be to your advantage because pickpockets work best in crowd and when you are earily distracted. Good luck.

I'd use as much caution at the Termini at that time of night that I'd use at any station in any major city. The Termini is well-lighted; I don't think there's any reason to be concerned about being there at that time of night as long as you're alert and aware of what's going on around you. I've used the station a lot and been there at all hours of the day and never had a problem.

My husband and I arrived at Termini very late on several occasions during August of last year. So late even that the subway was closed. I never once felt unsafe. We walked right off the train and to the taxi cue. No problems. Its just like being in any large city....just use common sense.

I think the station would be ok, as long as you use good common sense, and "walk like you mean it". When you say you are two small girls I assume you mean in your early 20's, rather than children. I am also a "small girl" at only 5’2; however I have traveled a lot and never really had any problems. I attribute it to the walk.

The walk is shoulders back, head-up, almost like your strutting your stuff but not so prissy. Also never carry so much that you don't have at least one hand free, and avoid being on a cell phone and looking distracted. You want anyone you see to know your paying attention. Also I make a point to look right at anyone who makes me nervous, rather than avoiding their eyes, or looking down, it tells them you are aware of them and are NOT an easy target. If anyone does approach you, yell NO, STOP! Sounds silly but if you do it forcefully most common thieves will be caught off guard and wait for an easier victim. Last but not least consider taking a self-defense class. I took one at our local community college and it gave me a few basic skills and tons of confidence! If you look (and walk) like a target you will become one.

I also was there no later than 10, but didn't have any problem. Seedy, yes, dangerous, probably not. If you're walking to your hotel from Termini, I recommend familiarizing yourself with your map relative to the exits before leaving the station, so you can purposefully walk right where you want to go -- rather than standing outside the station trying to figure out where you're going.

I would suggest taking a taxi directly to your hotel from Ciampino, especially if you have never been to Rome before. I think it will save you a lot of undue frustration. Moreover, one of the metro lines closes at 10 and the other around midnight. So, if you were planning on taking the metro, it probably wouldn't work anyway.