Walking at 02.15 in Roma Termini Station

Even in the daytime the train station area makes me nervous. There are shady characters there and I nearly had my purse picked on the train in broad daylight. I realize
the walk to your hostel is very short, but I really don't recommend it. Did you try contacting your hostel and ask them what they think since they must know the area? Can they have someone meet you? Whatever you decide, good luck and have a great trip!

I wasn't aware Buses operated that late but if you've researched that, the Bus will be the cheapest option. As I recall, Taxis have a flat rate into the city, but at that time of night it will be a bit higher. If you do decide to use a Taxi, you'll have to make sure it's an official Taxi and not one of the unlicensed versions.

I've stayed at the Alessandro Palace Hostel and have walked around that area even late at night, with no problems. I'd suggest packing along a map so that you can take the most direct route to the hostel, as it may be a bit more difficult to find at night. If you're really concerned about safety, take a Taxi from Termini to the hostel.

I hear varying things about the area around termini. My French neighbors who return to Europe frequently and have been to Rome advised that we not walk around termini at night. But what they specifically mentioned was prostitution and I was traveling with my thirteen year old. So I don't know how that advice translates for your situation and concerns.

I will say that I was planning to take a taxi from termini to our hotel in Via Couver as a bit of a treat so as not to have to carry our bags the mile or so. I had googled and found a variety of sources saying that fares for that trip would run 6-8 Euros. When we went to the taxi stand outside termini, the very gruff man at the head of the line told me 20 Euros. I was incredulous and questioned him and he got a bit belligerent. So we walked, mostly because I thought he was trying to rip me off and partly because I didn't want to spend quite that much money. So if you want to take a taxi from termini, I would ask the hostel how much it should cost and be prepared to stand firm on that if necessary.

I'm not sure how "firm" you'll be able to stand with the Taxis in the wee hours of the morning, as they won't be as "plentiful" as during the day.

The Bus may drop you on the same side of Roma Termini that's closest to the Hostel. From there it should be about a 10-15 minute walk to the Hostel. You can "walk" the route on Google Maps if you're interested. The Hostel has a large double wooden door, which will probably be locked. There's a door bell button on the right side, and they will "buzz you in". If the Downtown Hostel is the same as the Palace, they only accept cash so be sure to have sufficient on hand.

The day before you arrive, you may want to email the hostel that you will be arriving late so they can buzz you in.

I agree with Ken about standing firm at 2am. Contact the hostel, ask if they can give you an estimate for a taxi at that hour.

True, I wouldn't be able to insist on a particular price at 2am either. But I meant my small story to illustrate that if you are not able to do that, you may pay way more on a cab from termini than you expect. No point in calling the hostel to ask what the fare should be if you can't count/insist on it. And no point thinking you are saving money on cab fare by taking one from termini instead of FCO if you may well end up paying over double what you expect. I have no idea if my experience is a common one--or for that matter if it even was a "scam" as perhaps Google led me astray as to the actual fare. But either way, I shared my experience to point out the possible difficulties with a short cab ride from termini.

So I've been following these replies with some curiosity and I have one question that keeps popping into my head...I assume you're traveling alone....are you male or female?

Especially if you're female, but likely for anyone, this is one of those times I might spring for a cab....right from the airport to your hostel. I know it's a bit of money, but it's faster and, more importantly, safer. I'm female and, even in my home city, I'm just not ambling about by myself at 2am.

Its a tough call - from the airport bus stop it is actually like 300 meters!

https://goo.gl/maps/Rt83TudjWyJ2

I would probably just walk it - the street along the terminal should be well lit - then it is 2 1/2 blocks to your hostel. You can see all the way down the street from the hostel to the terminal.

The best answer would come from your hostel as they would be most familiar with the neighborhood.

We frequently stay in the Termini area - south and to the west. We have been out as late as midnight plus but never around 2am. Not sure where your hostel is in relation to Termini but I would have no problem in the areas south and west of the station. There is a lot of activity and people on the street. I would have more concern about gain access to the hostel at that time. Are you sure you can get in at that time? A few years ago our son caught the 2.15 bus and walked to hotel Aberdeen (due west of Termini) was no concerns.

IMHO check out one of the flat rate car services you can reserve to pick you up at the airport. I don't think walking around Termini at 0230 is the best idea, especially if you're wearing luggage and not exactly certain of your destination. I'm sure I'm older than you -- past the hostel days -- but my least desirable travel moments have involved some combination of dark and lost. I'm also thinking about how a 3 AM hotel arrival will affect your next day's travel enjoyment. There are times when spending the money is just smarter and better. I'm not fearful, just older and wiser now.

I agree that arranging for a car pickup at the airport is the best bet for this situation. Contact your hostel for recommendations. They may even arrange for a driver and just add the fee to your bill. It's worth it at that time of day (night)!
I've learned from experience on this one. Call it the convenience tax. Other advantages:
* It's faster. The driver is usually waiting for you at the airport. No delays due to train schedules etc.
* it's easier on your body. You're already jet lagged. You get to the hostel sooner and you get to bed sooner.
* it's safer. The driver meets you at the airport holding a sign with your name on it. No mix ups with the wrong driver. The driver takes you to the front door of your destination.
My experience with hostel hired drivers has been nothing but positive. The vans are clean, the drivers pleasant (they usually want to practice their English on you).
This is one of those times where splurging money gives a great return on convenience.

Can any of you suggesting the splurge give the OP an idea of the cost?

I think it will be about 60 Euros for a meeting with a person holding a sign at that hour.

I do not think I suggested a car service, but I can try to help. In June 2016, I paid 48 Euros for a car reserved by my hotel front desk. We paid the hotel desk. Transportation was for two people from a hotel in Monti to FCO.

I don't know if taxis from the airport are more tightly regulated than elsewhere in Rome? They are at my nearby US airports. I also have no idea what a taxi from the airport costs. It might be a cheaper than a car service, more predictable in cost than a taxi from termini and just as safe option as a car service? I honestly don't know.

Staying at the airport Hilton would be great (it is what we did). But it must be substantially more expensive than a hostel and in some ways it seems a shame to pay that much for such a short night.

I almost wonder about hanging out at the airport until about 5am? Then catching a bus? Not pleasant but it seems that would be safe and cheap?

Thanks for the reply. Just got off work and able to sit in front of the laptop. It's my first time in Europe and have no idea what Europe is like. I have contacted my hostel for alternatives and options, they gave me the information about the bus. It costs me around 7 euro comparing to 60 euro for a cab (both are recommended by the hostel), that's why it concerns me. However, reading through all your replies, i'd think i'd probably catch a cab at the airport. How do i differentiate official cab and unofficial cab? Doest it cost me 40 euro for the flat rate cab?

This company will meet you at the airport with a sign with your name on it for 60 Euros: http://www.romecabs.com
You can also just go to the taxi stand and hire one of the 48 Euro flat rate cab (not 40 Euros). The cab stand should be easy to see with a yellow sign, I think....but here's a little information as far as what to look for :

Licensed taxis are painted white, have "taxi" lights on the roof, and have Comune di Roma decals (with the taxi's license number) on the doors.

Here's a link to a website discussing this: http://www.romefile.com/tourist-information/taxis-in-rome.php

I take it that the hostel has a 24 hour reception desk?

I wouldn't think that if the flight is from Manchester in northern England there would be much jet lag.

Thanks valerie for the info :) i'll make sure to get the official cab. Yeah i know right, it's a 5 hours flight. perhaps fatigue more than jet lag.

....You can also just go to the taxi stand and hire one of the 48 Euro flat rate cab (not 40 Euros). ....

That is the day time rate. There is a night surcharge but I don't remember the amount. But it is fixed so the starter can tell you before you get in the taxi. I am guessing mid-50s euro.

With this set of facts, I would bite the bullet and take a taxi from FCO to your hostel.