One of the main areas I'm interested in staying is at the back of the Vatican's walls, out in literal "left-field" when you look at the map. To make life simple, I plan to utilize the "Valle Aurelia" metro stop out there. I've found that while Rome is a marvelous walking city, when I have two kids along who may get tired at the end of the day it'll be nice to have a budget way to zip back to accommodations. Has anyone had any experiences yay or nay as far as the Metro goes in the last year or so? I speak Italian and I'm a pretty large person who doesn't get intimidated easily. You think we'd be OK?
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
What do you mean by "Bad?" There's nothing wrong with the Rome metro, except that it can get super busy at times. You can always wait for the next train to come if one's so full you wouldn't feel comfortable with your kids. Last May I was in Rome and took the Metro several times. Had no problems or any experiences I'd consider "Bad." I'm not sure if there are still the early closures but the first time I was in Rome the most stressful thing was that I went to the Spagna stop to get back to my hotel and the metro had shut down for the night. But I got a cab back, no big deal. There's always buses too. I love taking public transportation in rome (and i've always been there alone - female late 20s) and never had a problem. It's one of the only ways to encounter locals in the city LOL. Just watch out for suspicious looking types and keep an eye on your kids and a hand on your purse and I don't think you have anything to worry about.
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
Well, You certainly got my attention. Carry an empty wine bottle in you purse, just in case.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23310 posts
Don't know about bad. But it is limited, doesn't really go anywhere, and can be super crowded with some problems related to overcrowding. We never use preferring the buses and trams as a better alternative.
Posted by
OP
Lawrence
32 posts
I wonder if anyone has ever ventured from Fiumicino airport all the way out to that Valle Aurelia stop by Metro. I know it can be done but I'm wondering if it's going to be a pain after a 9 hour flight. It might be worth it though just to save the Euros. It'll cost a lot to take a taxi all the way from the airport to behind the Vatican. Also, we only carry 1 backpack so it's not like we'll have tons of stuff.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23310 posts
Not sure how you would do it other than going into Termini and back out on the A line. I don't think there is any connection between an FM 1 train or the FM 3 and the A line. It would be time consuming and not a lot cheaper than a taxi, maybe save 10 to 15E. Second the A line is not that close to major attractions so it will be a long walk to a station. Think you would do better using the buses.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
Andrea, no offense, but I think your understanding of the Rome Metro is lacking. First of all, I'm not aware of any serious safety issues and never have felt uncomfortable riding it. It does get VERY crowded and expect at times to be jammed in with people - but that is true for most every system. The other is it's limitations on access throughout the city. Much of the tourist-oriented parts of the city are nowhere near a metro stop. So your ability to zip back and forth to your hotel will be very limited. You can get to Termini and to the Colossuem, but that's about it. As others have suggested, learn which bus routes go past your hotel and use them for most of your transit back and forth.
Posted by
winston salem, nc, usa
1078 posts
First of all, you can get to the Valle stop from FCO-take the train that stops at the Testevere station, and connect to the line that goes to Valle Aurelia-it's 1 stop further than the stop we have used several times while staying in Rome, San Pietro; when you get off the train from FCO, you have to zip to the station and buy your Metro ticket. It's pretty easy and painless, just ask the attendant at FCO which train makes the stop.
We were in Rome last May with our grandson and rode the metro several times with no problems or hassles-early-late, rush hour during our visit.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
I have two problems with Rome's metro. It has only two lines and limited coverage. If you rely solely on the metro, you will still do a lot of walking. We experienced unscheduled service outages (for repairs). We went to dinner and came back to a metro that closed early - so we had to take a taxi. Other than that, using the metro was fine (sometimes crowded).
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Andrea, I've never found the Rome Metro to be "as bad as previous posts make it sound". The service has always been reliable, however: > It can be very crowded at times. > Pickpockets do "work" the Metro (and just about anywhere else in Rome where there are crowds, including the infamous #64 Bus). > I've also experienced early closing times on some routes, due to "construction". I'm not too familiar with the Valle Aurelia area, so can't offer any comments on it. One thought that came to mind is what the atmosphere will be in that area at night, especially for your two kids? Happy travels!