I have booked a train leaving at 7:25am and arriving at Rome FCO at 12:07pm (connecting at Roma Termini). It's just two of us, we've traveled to Europe a dozen time and will checkin in online plus have carry on suitcases. If the train is on time I would think we have plenty of time between arriving at FCO and our Alitalia take off to JFK (Terminal 3) at 2:45pm. Wanted some thoughts from anyone who has done either part of this journey. Are the train reliable enough for this gap or should I book the earlier train (1.5 earlier). Thanks in advance!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16235 posts
I don't know where you are looking but I see that you will actually arrive at 11:52.
If the train is on time, you will have more than enough time for a 14:45 flight.
Trains are nearly always on time, more so than airplanes, and without the need of Mussolini as head of the Italian Government.
But since there is also Murphy's law to consider, I generally prefer to spend the last night before a transatlantic flight in the city where I depart from. Therefore in any vacation, I leave the departing city (in your case Rome) as the last destination of my itinerary.
Posted by
Green Bay
21358 posts
Looks like the OP thought the 10 minute connection time at Termini might be too fast, so picked the next one that arrives at 12:07.
You say "I have booked a train", so it seems like it is a done deal already. Otherwise, I'd be in Roberto's camp and go the night before. The last train to Rome is at 19:25 and gets to Rome Termini at 23:10, unless you wanted the night train.
Posted by
Chicago
8244 posts
take earlier train or fly.
Posted by
California 🦋
5301 posts
I agree with Roberto and also prefer to spend the night before my flight in the city where I will depart from.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32402 posts
katie,
My first impression after reading your question is that it would have been prudent to have asked these questions before booking the train tickets.
While the trains are reliable and reasonably punctual most of the time in Italy, I have encountered a couple of occasions when there have been unexpected delays on the high speed lines between Rome and Florence. These have affected both Trenitalia and Italo, and the delays lasted several hours.
Venice is some distance from Rome so I tend to agree with the others, and I would also have spent the final night before a transatlantic flight in Rome. Hopefully the trains will be on time and you'll be able to connect with your flight.
Posted by
Lewiston, Idaho, USA
2092 posts
...and hopefully the trains won't go on strike! That's the reason I always stay the night before in my city of departure.
Posted by
Atlanta, Georgia
451 posts
I agree with getting to Rome the night before.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23661 posts
.... our Alitalia take off to JFK (Terminal 3) at 2:45pm.....
If you are flying directly to JFK (no stops) then you need to start in Terminal 5. The is the process terminal for travelers headed directly to the US. By the time you get to Terminal 5 you should have about two hours and 15 minutes, maybe 30. You should be marginal OK, but any delays along the way could cause a lot of problems. The general recommendation is three hours because the lines inside T-5 at that time of day can get very long and slow. I personally would not do it since there is no margin for any problem. If everything clicks, you OK -- if not who knows.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you for all of the advice! I will most likely take the train the night before to FCO and stay at the airport (Hilton Points) In reference to the comment about terminal 5? I am flying Alitalia straight to JFK, I was reading that they are Terminal 1 and 3? Thanks
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
T5 is a security terminal for all US carriers and El Al. You will be bussed to your departure terminal from there.