It's been a few years since we've been to Italy so I'd just like some confirmation that we're thinking correctly. Our plane lands on March 6 at 9:10am (assuming TSA is working and planes are flying). We think we should arrive at Termini station around 11 or later. Can we just buy our train tickets to Bologna at that time for the next train? We think we've done that before but want to be sure things have not changed.
Thanks for any advice.
You can, and given the uncertainty of arrival-day timing it may be the right thing to do. However, there may be quite a price difference between the promo non-refundable/non-changeable tickets you would buy today and the full walk-up price you will pay when you get to Rome. Check the fares at trenitalia.com.
I think you can buy the ticket to Bologna at the airport rail station, which is likely to be less hectic and probably also more English-capable than Termini.
Thanks, I have checked the prices but don't know what they would be if we were to walk up shortly before. Since we don't know how long we'll take at the airport, it does seem best to buy on the spot. It's not a savings if we miss the train because we booked it too soon after our arrival or have to sit at the station for a couple of hours while we wait for our train if we err the other way. Good idea to buy at the airport as they will be help to get the best connection. We may have done this a few years ago. Looks like we have a plan!
Thanks again for your response. It was very helpful!
The schedule overview displays "from" prices. Once you select a departure time, you'll see a grid format showing both the lowest rate with seats available on your travel date and the full "Base" fare at the top of each seating-area column, then the same for then next class(es) of service. Prices will never go higher than the Base rate, but it would be possible for the cheapest class of service to sell out, in which case the next category might cost 10 euros more on your example travel distance.
The cost to buy tickets upon arrival is 76 euro if changing at Termini and 70 euro if changing at Tiburtina. You might get tickets for half that price by purchasing in advance but, as you point out, there's a definite risk associated with doing so. Also, if you build in buffer and your flight arrives early, you could be sitting around for a long time waiting for your train to depart.
Thank you all for your information. Since we don't know how long it will take us to get off the plane, get our luggage, buy a SIM card, possibly visit the ATM we have decided it's just best to wait until we're at the Fiumicino train station. If any of these processes takes longer than expected, besides loosing the tickets we'll be under so much stress it just isn't worth it. We have checked the Trenitalia website and have an idea of the cost and when we buy the tickets we can buy to Bologna.
Thanks again for all your help.
Depending on what time you arrive at the FCO train station, consider taking the 11:08 train that requires no change at Termini or Tiburtina. I would only do that if the wait is relatively short and you want that convenience, as there's no cost savings. Note that the direct train departs from one of the side tracks rather than the center Leonardo Express track.
Thanks, Frank. I saw that but considering everything we have to do I'm not sure we can make it. But that would be ideal and who knows, it just might work out!
Thanks.
Considering there is free wifi on Frecciarossa and Frecciargento trains, I'd try to take the direct train even if it means that you'll have to buy the SIM in Bologna.
In the "Fat City" you'll have the opportunity to choose between Tim and Vodafone close to the Centrale station. If you still use text messages Vodafone's may be the best plan for you.
Trenitalia's automatic ticket machines work in English and sell tickets departing from any station served by Trenitalia. You must first push the UK flag and then change the departure station.
Check out the Italotreno.it/en website as well. I prefer traveling on that private company’s trains.
We took the 11:08 from FCO to Bologna. We were pleasantly surprised that going through customs didn’t take as long as we feared. It was about 60 minutes between landing and getting to the trains. There is an ATM right across from the escalator down towards the FCO train station. I agree, waiting to buy a sim card until Bologna makes sense if you can catch a train requiring no change. Good luck and enjoy Bologna. It’s a great city.
An alternative that may be easier: Fly into Bologna's busy airport to start. The frequent shuttle bus to the centre makes several stops, including the central rail station. Enjoy Bologna for several days, then train to Rome and fly home after visiting that city. If you don't already, you can find multii-destination flight itineraries by using a multi-city search function.
Thanks for the responses.
Southam: Plane tickets booked months ago. This trip consists of 5 nights in Bologna; 10 nights in Valletta, Malta; 5 nights in Rome; return to California. So flying to Bologna is not an option for us.
Becky: Your experience would be ideal but only time will tell if the same holds true for us. Regardless, we will definitely enjoy our trip!
Alohalover: Have checked their site. We'll probably get whichever train is easier, hopefully non stop from Fiumicino.
Dario: Will keep that in mind. We may have to call the owner of the apartment and will need a working phone.
To all responders - thanks for your suggestions. We're experienced travelers in our 70s and coming from SFO, which means changing planes in Philadelphia, landing in Rome; either a direct train to Bologna or changing in Termini; taxi or bus to apartment. We're looking to make our arrival as easy and stress free as possible. Whether that means getting a SIM at Fiumicino so we don't have to worry about looking for a store in Bologna, taking a direct train vs changing in Termini, taking the bus vs taxi to the apartment, we won't really know until we land in Rome. What we do know is that being aware of all the options recommended to us makes us feel more prepared for whatever happens.
Thanks again.
