Our hotel in Rome is on the east side of the river not far from the Termini Station. What is the approximate distance to St. Peter's and the Vatican Museums? Is it walkable? We are all good walkers and will not have luggage.
Posted by
Meteghan, N.S., Canada
152 posts
As I recall Rick suggests that the walk from Termini to the Vatican will take approximately one hour.
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Sure you can walk it from Termini, probably a little more than 2 miles total.
Or you hop on the metro Line A at Termini and get off at Ottaviano... or you can ride bus #40 (Express) or bus #64 (infamous for pickpockets) to the St. Peter's Area!
There are many different options... If I was walking I would leave Termini toward Piazza Republica, hang a left there and head down Via Nazionale (Great Shopping Street), take a right on Via Delle Quattro Fontane and go on through the tunnel, turn left on Via Dei Giardini just after you exit the tunnel and pass the Supermarcato (on your left) and follow that to the Trevi Fountain... I'd leave there and head to the Pantheon... then over to Piazza Navonna... then across the river on Ponte Sant' Angelo to the fortress Castel San't Angelo... Then left and head down Via Dell Conciliazione and St. Peter's is dead in front of you!
This will take more than an hour or two because there's just too much to see (and as my wife says, too many places to shop!).
If you're into shopping, once you close down the Basilica, you can exit out towards the north (looking out from the Basilica, to the left) and head for Cola di Rienzo, one of the best shopping streets in Rome!
Good Luck!
Ron
Posted by
Sheboygan, Wisc., USA
934 posts
Ron is right as usual on Rome.We have walked the route several times and it takes about 1 hr.However it usally takes longer because there is much to see and a suprise around every corner.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
We are a little like Jack. In four trips have never been able to do it an hour -- too many distractions along the way.
Posted by
Providence, RI, USA
160 posts
Laura and Mary Jean,
They have "hop on, hop off" busses that can be taken all over the city. We caught it right outside Termini. It cost 15 euro and the pass was good for 48 hours. Comes with headphones (in English) to describe what you are looking at. Very good investment.
Posted by
little river
3 posts
I haven't been to Italy in a VERY long time, but "back in the day," no one actually purchased additional bus passes. People hopped off and on all the time after the initial purchase. Have things changed? Can anyone elaborate about this? Also, the subway routes back then were VERY limited. Has the subway been expanded? As mentioned earlier, there were MANY pick-pockets years ago, and I see that hasn't changed. More reason to keep your money in a money belt or something similar.
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
If you ride the city buses (not hop on/off buses) without paying for a ticket you run the risk of being fined for not having a ticket or validating a ticket. The signs on the buses are in English and Italian. The fine is 50 euro is paid on the spot or more if you want to pay later - and it will follow you home. Bus/metro tickets are 1 euro each. Be a good visitor and pay this small amount if you plan on using public transportation. If you can't afford it than walk.
Pickpockets exist but I think the threat of them is hyped up much more than the actual risk. My first trip to Italy I brought a money belt. After 3 days of wearing the uncomfortable, hot thing I ditched it. I've been to Italy countless times and I have never had a problem. Be aware of your surroundings and never carry anything with you that you don't need for the day.
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Sam's correct - an yet so is Phyliis! Unfortuately many folks traveling here do not understand the bus system. Many people think it's free! Sam presents the proper steps - pay the 1 Euro, or buy a daily, weekly, or Roma Pass!
If you are caught without a ticket, as Sam says, it's an immediate 50 euro fine! If you do not pay the fine ON THE SPOT, the penalty is from 100-500 Euros. Many Italians who have been busted have been escorted to ATM machines to get the 50 Euros!
I buy a "mensile" (monthly pass)for 30 Euros every 30 days and so do most locals (or an annual pass). So we DO NOT stamp a ticket each time we got on and off. I think that's what leads many folks to think the bus is free! Ignorance is an unacceptable excuse to the ATAC inspectors when they get on a bus or check you as you leave the metro.
Buy the tickets...50 Euros a head can get pretty expensve!
Ciao,
Ron