Transportation in Rome and Orvieto
Jun 8th, 2009, 11:37 AM
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Transportation in Rome and Orvieto
My husband and I will be in Rome and Orvieto in mid July (our first time in Europe). We will not be renting a car, and wanted some feedback from experienced travellers regarding the transportation system. Some blogs say it is a nightmare, but the travel books I have make it sound like a piece of cake. How easy is it to get to Orvieto from Fiumicino airport? Also, once in Orvieto, how easy/convenient is it to travel to different surrounding towns? We definitely want to do Perugia, Florence (I have read that Florence is easy by train from Orvieto, but I can't find anything on Trenitalia's website except for an 8:00 p.m. train), and maybe Gubbio and Spello. Also the Springs of Clitumnus. Would you recommend renting scooters for the day?
Second, while we are in Rome, we are of course doing the colliseum and the major sites. We found a tour company called Viator Tours. They offer a 3-hour english speaking tour of the colliseum, main street in the forum, and the palatine hill for 69.00 pp. Has anyone had experience with this tour company? Seems to me that 3 hours for all of that wouldn't be enough - we really want to take our time. Is it worth it? Lastly, we would like to try a day at the beach as a day trip from Rome. Has anyone tried the trip from Rome to Ostia via bus or train? How confusing is that? I've gotten some excellent and thoughtful advice in the past, and would really appreciate any new info you can give us. Thank you very much for your time!
Second, while we are in Rome, we are of course doing the colliseum and the major sites. We found a tour company called Viator Tours. They offer a 3-hour english speaking tour of the colliseum, main street in the forum, and the palatine hill for 69.00 pp. Has anyone had experience with this tour company? Seems to me that 3 hours for all of that wouldn't be enough - we really want to take our time. Is it worth it? Lastly, we would like to try a day at the beach as a day trip from Rome. Has anyone tried the trip from Rome to Ostia via bus or train? How confusing is that? I've gotten some excellent and thoughtful advice in the past, and would really appreciate any new info you can give us. Thank you very much for your time!
Jun 8th, 2009, 12:20 PM
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Hello, I'm leaving for Italy on Saturday and will be staying near Orvieto. This is my 2nd trip to Umbria and 4th to Italy. It's faily easy to get from FCO to Orvieto by train. There's a train from the airport to the main train station in Rome, which is referred to as either Rome Termini or Statizoni Termini. That's a 30 minute trip and costs about 10 euro. Once at Termini, you will need to walk through the central gallery to the gates for the outbound trains to the countryside. I belive Orvieto lies on the rail line to Chiusi. The train to Orvieto runs frequently and the trip is only about 1 hr 15 min. One important note, Roma Termini is very large, and you will need to walk several blocks to get to the trains that go to the countryside (maybe 7 or 8 blocks). I believe you even go through a department store just before you get to the gate. It can be very strange, because the Terminal is so long, and you feel like you've walked too far.
Regarding Florence, there are several trains a day from Orvieto to Florence. That trip takes about 2 hours. When you are on the Trenitalia website, be sure to change the time of departure, use 7 am for example. That way you will see all the trains, not just the late ones.
Lastly, I found it very difficult to get around to the small towns in Umbria and Tuscany without a car. It can take many hours by train and bus, and then the day is shot. If you plan on trips to many smaller towns/cities, I would suggest renting a car.
Ciao!
Regarding Florence, there are several trains a day from Orvieto to Florence. That trip takes about 2 hours. When you are on the Trenitalia website, be sure to change the time of departure, use 7 am for example. That way you will see all the trains, not just the late ones.
Lastly, I found it very difficult to get around to the small towns in Umbria and Tuscany without a car. It can take many hours by train and bus, and then the day is shot. If you plan on trips to many smaller towns/cities, I would suggest renting a car.
Ciao!
Jun 8th, 2009, 12:43 PM
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We primarily travel by rental car outside the major cities, but I can try to help.
I would guess that to get to Orvieto from Rome, you'll have to get from the airport to the main Rome train station; you could take a shuttle, a cab, or there may be public transportation (I can't remember). From there, you should be able to take a train directly from Rome to Orvieto.
Use trenitalia to check train travel times for Perugia (2 hours each way) and Florence. I'm not sure why you only saw one train from Orvieto to Florence - when I searched, I came up with trains almost hourly (around a 2-hour trip, depending on which train you take). I know there's no train to Spello, though there's a train station at nearby Foligno, and you could probably take a car from there (takes 2 hours, with a change on the way). Gubbio, you probably couldn't get there by train in any reasonable way.
You may notice a theme here - all of these trips involve a 2-hour trip each way. To me, 4 hours of travel time is a big chunk of your day to spend on a train. Consider destinations that are closer to Orvieto, or consider a different base location.
The Springs of Clitumnus are pretty, though I would think not reachable without a car. There's a gorgeous little temple nearby, that was more wonderful than the springs.
I've never heardof Viator Tours. If you want to spend more time in those locations, either skip the tour and go yourself, or return to those places after the tour's over.
We took the train to Ostia Antica - it was very easy. I don't know how to get to the beach from there, though.
I would guess that to get to Orvieto from Rome, you'll have to get from the airport to the main Rome train station; you could take a shuttle, a cab, or there may be public transportation (I can't remember). From there, you should be able to take a train directly from Rome to Orvieto.
Use trenitalia to check train travel times for Perugia (2 hours each way) and Florence. I'm not sure why you only saw one train from Orvieto to Florence - when I searched, I came up with trains almost hourly (around a 2-hour trip, depending on which train you take). I know there's no train to Spello, though there's a train station at nearby Foligno, and you could probably take a car from there (takes 2 hours, with a change on the way). Gubbio, you probably couldn't get there by train in any reasonable way.
You may notice a theme here - all of these trips involve a 2-hour trip each way. To me, 4 hours of travel time is a big chunk of your day to spend on a train. Consider destinations that are closer to Orvieto, or consider a different base location.
The Springs of Clitumnus are pretty, though I would think not reachable without a car. There's a gorgeous little temple nearby, that was more wonderful than the springs.
I've never heardof Viator Tours. If you want to spend more time in those locations, either skip the tour and go yourself, or return to those places after the tour's over.
We took the train to Ostia Antica - it was very easy. I don't know how to get to the beach from there, though.
Jun 8th, 2009, 12:45 PM
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The Trenitalia website has just been recently updated with the summer schedule so try searching for your trains now. In any case, the new schedule is never shown for more than 60 days in advance.
I don't know if you've seen it before, but this site explains Italian trains very well.
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/trains/index.htm
Just be sure you know the departure time and train number for the train you want. Most trains to Orvieto are going somewhere else and so will list the final destination on the departures board, not Orvieto.
Some of your day trips may be easier to do than others, depending on if they are on direct trains lines or not. For example Perugia is not on a direct line, but Florence is. Gubbio is a one-hour bus ride beyond Perugia, so I don't think it's a good possibility for a daytrip. This map may be helpful to you. You can zoom in and see the area around Orvieto. Strangely enough, it doesn't show all stations, including Orvieto, which is between Chiusi and Orte.
http://www.viaggiatreno.it/viaggiatreno/
The following bus line serves the area outside Orvieto and might offer access to some of your interests.
http://www.atcterni.it/
There is a train that goes directly from Roma Ostiense station to Ostia.
I don't know if you've seen it before, but this site explains Italian trains very well.
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/trains/index.htm
Just be sure you know the departure time and train number for the train you want. Most trains to Orvieto are going somewhere else and so will list the final destination on the departures board, not Orvieto.
Some of your day trips may be easier to do than others, depending on if they are on direct trains lines or not. For example Perugia is not on a direct line, but Florence is. Gubbio is a one-hour bus ride beyond Perugia, so I don't think it's a good possibility for a daytrip. This map may be helpful to you. You can zoom in and see the area around Orvieto. Strangely enough, it doesn't show all stations, including Orvieto, which is between Chiusi and Orte.
http://www.viaggiatreno.it/viaggiatreno/
The following bus line serves the area outside Orvieto and might offer access to some of your interests.
http://www.atcterni.it/
There is a train that goes directly from Roma Ostiense station to Ostia.
Jun 8th, 2009, 12:45 PM
#5
Can you be talked into renting a car?
Or why not stay in Perugia instead of Orvieto? Rome to Perugia by train is 2+ hours. Perugia to Florence is 2-2.5 hours.
Orvieto to Gubbio by public trans will take too long. Train to Perugia (2+ hours, one change) and then bus to Gubbio (1+ hour, many stops).
Orvieto to Assisi and/or Spello by train is also long at 2.5-3 hours with one change. When you arrive at either town, you still have to take a bus from the station to the city center.
Check train schedules at:
http://www.ferroviedellostato.it/homepage_en.html
Check bus schedule Perugiato Gubbio at:
http://www.apmperugia.it/canale.asp?id=23
Or why not stay in Perugia instead of Orvieto? Rome to Perugia by train is 2+ hours. Perugia to Florence is 2-2.5 hours.
Orvieto to Gubbio by public trans will take too long. Train to Perugia (2+ hours, one change) and then bus to Gubbio (1+ hour, many stops).
Orvieto to Assisi and/or Spello by train is also long at 2.5-3 hours with one change. When you arrive at either town, you still have to take a bus from the station to the city center.
Check train schedules at:
http://www.ferroviedellostato.it/homepage_en.html
Check bus schedule Perugiato Gubbio at:
http://www.apmperugia.it/canale.asp?id=23
Jun 8th, 2009, 01:11 PM
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I assume that you mean you are staying in both Orvieto and Rome, but no other places.
In that case, you need to rethink your day trips. They are all just too far, unless you have an endless amount of time in Italy, and don't mind 4+ hours on a train each day.
Someone mentioned that the walk through Termini from the FCO train to the main part of the station is 7 or 8 blocks. That information is outdated. The Leonardo Express, from FCO to Termini, now arrives and departs from the main terminal area. This website can help:
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...003f16f90aRCRD
You might want to add a third overnight to your schedule, that would allow you to see some of the places you are interested in.
Or trade Orvieto for Assisi, which is close to both Spello and Perugia. Or Perugia, and see things from there, as suggested above.
Renting scooters to travel distances is not a good idea. It won't cost you much less than a car, will take a long time, and in Italy, road signs indicate the next town on your way, so one of you has to be checking a map.
Also, the Italian word for station is stazione.
How long will you be in Italy?
In that case, you need to rethink your day trips. They are all just too far, unless you have an endless amount of time in Italy, and don't mind 4+ hours on a train each day.
Someone mentioned that the walk through Termini from the FCO train to the main part of the station is 7 or 8 blocks. That information is outdated. The Leonardo Express, from FCO to Termini, now arrives and departs from the main terminal area. This website can help:
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...003f16f90aRCRD
You might want to add a third overnight to your schedule, that would allow you to see some of the places you are interested in.
Or trade Orvieto for Assisi, which is close to both Spello and Perugia. Or Perugia, and see things from there, as suggested above.
Renting scooters to travel distances is not a good idea. It won't cost you much less than a car, will take a long time, and in Italy, road signs indicate the next town on your way, so one of you has to be checking a map.
Also, the Italian word for station is stazione.
How long will you be in Italy?
Jun 8th, 2009, 01:14 PM
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Forgot to mention Viator. They are basically a tour consolidator, or clearing house, or whatever the term might be. They represent touring concerns all over the world.
The price is too high. You can easily see those things on your own, and use the money for a two day car rental.
If you are determined to have a tour guide, Context is wonderful but expensive. Otherwise search here and you will see many recommendations.
The price is too high. You can easily see those things on your own, and use the money for a two day car rental.
If you are determined to have a tour guide, Context is wonderful but expensive. Otherwise search here and you will see many recommendations.
Jun 8th, 2009, 01:19 PM
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Oh, the beach. I forgot that.
How long will you be in Rome? Is a day at an urban Italian beach worth the time away from seeing Rome? The beach at Ostia is crowded; it isn't particularly gorgeous, and full of a zillion teenagers. But yeah, it is easy to get to.
Do you have a good guidebook? I wouldn't rely on blogs or that type of information. At least one person here has given you bum info, so be sure to check things for yourself.
How long will you be in Rome? Is a day at an urban Italian beach worth the time away from seeing Rome? The beach at Ostia is crowded; it isn't particularly gorgeous, and full of a zillion teenagers. But yeah, it is easy to get to.
Do you have a good guidebook? I wouldn't rely on blogs or that type of information. At least one person here has given you bum info, so be sure to check things for yourself.
Jun 8th, 2009, 04:27 PM
#10
If you decide to rent a car, pick it up in Orvieto but consider another base town closer to the places you want to go.
I missed your comment on a day at the beach. If it were my trip, I'd forget the beach day. There isn't anything particularly charming near Rome, and you're going to be busy with just 10 days. Just my 2 cents.
I missed your comment on a day at the beach. If it were my trip, I'd forget the beach day. There isn't anything particularly charming near Rome, and you're going to be busy with just 10 days. Just my 2 cents.
Jun 9th, 2009, 09:47 PM
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Ciao JohnandJackie!
Sounds like you've got some great advice. We live in Rome and travel to Orvieto by train often... only about an hour. I second the suggestions on renting a car to see Tuscany, Umbria, etc. Picking one up in Orvieto is a great idea. It's quite easy to drive here --- as long as you don't go into cities such as Rome, Florence, Naples, etc! You will need to get an IDP if you drive, so here's a link on that: http://www.roninrome.com/2009/04/08/the-idp-question/
Orvieto is a wonderful town. Here's a great trip report with pictures and some train info on getting to Orvieto: http://www.roninrome.com/2009/05/09/...rip-from-rome/
For train riding, this link may help clear it some confusion: http://www.roninrome.com/2009/03/10/...ains-in-italy/
Sounds like you've got some great advice. We live in Rome and travel to Orvieto by train often... only about an hour. I second the suggestions on renting a car to see Tuscany, Umbria, etc. Picking one up in Orvieto is a great idea. It's quite easy to drive here --- as long as you don't go into cities such as Rome, Florence, Naples, etc! You will need to get an IDP if you drive, so here's a link on that: http://www.roninrome.com/2009/04/08/the-idp-question/
Orvieto is a wonderful town. Here's a great trip report with pictures and some train info on getting to Orvieto: http://www.roninrome.com/2009/05/09/...rip-from-rome/
For train riding, this link may help clear it some confusion: http://www.roninrome.com/2009/03/10/...ains-in-italy/
