Message: Well, our bags are nearly packed and we're rarin' to go - our wonderful Roman Holiday! We are staying at a hotel near the Forum and would like to know the best way to get there. My guess is a taxi but any idea how much that would COST (from airport to downtown attractions?) just so we're prepared! Or is there any good, reliable public transportation (i.e., subway or train) that two Americans who don't read Italian can easily figure out? THANKS!

Thanks Rachel!

Whatever you, don't take the subway, which can be a nightmare. You can find yourself packed in so tight that you literally cannot raise your arms from your sides. And the rumors about Italians not washing are true. Your feel like puking from the stench. If there were an accident or hold up, it could easily turn from horrible to terrifying.

You are most likely to encounte these condition on the train from Termini. The stench is part of taking the subway in Rome.

You might try Limoservice Rome. www.limoservicerome.com. They are very reliable and will pick you up at the airport and bring you right to your hotel. After a long flight, it is nice to not have to worry about the logistics of how to get the right train or bus to where you need to go, and you will still have to walk to the hotel from where you are dropped off. I believe it costs less than a taxi. The website has the costs for the limoservice. You can request a driver that speaks English too if that is a concern. Have a great trip!

Ignore Metellus

Are you going to Rome or Greece? You have two separate posts that begin nearly the same with the exception of the location. Mike

You can take a train from the airport to Stazione Termini (It isn't the metropolitana subway.) I believe it is about $8 one way. From there you can take a cab to hotel. The subway can be extremely crowded making nearly impossible with luggage during the rush hours, so depending when you come in you may want to avoid it, but ignore Metellus' comments about the subway please.

As far as cabs go, be careful to get a cab at the offical taxi stand. Husband and I made ourselves taxi victims at Termini. We were arguing on whether to take the Metro or cab. Arguing Americans make for good targets. We took a rouge cab and were charged double and got caught with the old no change for your large lira trick. Moral being, you will be tired and cranky when you get off the plane. Know how you are going to get to your hotel ahead of time and stick with it.

Get a bus route map from a newstand once you get to town (make sure it is current, bus routes change often in Rome) and your tickets and you will be fine using the bus and Metro as your main transportation. Cabs can be very expensive in Rome. Most attractions are on bus lines or in walking distance. You will also see many street signs that will point you in the right direction and distance to the tourist attractions that you do not need to be fluent in Italian to understand.

Thanks everyone - we are going to Greece first, then Rome, and we are very much looking forward to it (come on, Friday!)