happy_traveler

Seasoned travelers please advise...will be arriving in Rome FCO at 11:35am on a Monday. Would like to schedule connection to Venice leaving FCO at 1:30pm. Is 1hr 55 minutes enough time to make the conection if we utilize carry-on only?

Thanks in advance. A new fodorite and big fan!

Grinisa

Yes, almost two hours is plenty of time to make a connection at FCO even if you had to collect checked luggage.

ira

With all due respect to Grinisia, It took 1 1/2 hr for our luggage to arrive at FCO.

However, with just carryons, you should be able to make your connection.

I suggest, though, that you get tickets for the 2:30 train. That way you can take a break at the FCO terminal. Have a lunch and a glass of wine, people watch and get used to being in Italy and a slower pace of life.

Grinisa

Did I miss something? What train? I thought this was about a connecting flight. Yes, luggage is notoriously slow at FCO but the most I've ever had to wait is 45 min. It is usually out in 20 to 30 minutes.

ira

OOOPS,

I didn't read carefully. Forget everything following "...your connection".

happy_traveler

ira: Sorry I wasn't clearer. I was actually looking at a connecting flight found on volareweb.com (as recommended here). Not only is it cheaper - about 7USD - it appears to take just 1hour as compared to 4 hours by train

Or...is the train ride something not to be missed, and should I reconsider?

happy_traveler

Sorry if this a a double post, just didn't want to miss say "thanks"

Thank you Grinisa. I thought it would be, but needed to be sure. Wanted to avoid the vision I had of my traveling partner cursing me as we raced through the airport and demanding to know..."what were you thinking?"

Can't wait to go, and know we will benefit from all the expertise shared by the great travelering fodorites!

rex

Your idea of flying volareweb is much smarter in my opinion - - and it is not just four hours for the train. Probably more like 6 hours from touchdown at FCO to SMN in Venice.

I do not know if baggage forwarding onwards from your trans-atlantic carrier to Volare is possible or not.

Best wishes,

Rex

Grinisa

Considering you would have to take a train or cab from FCO to Termini and catch a Eurostar, which may be even more than your current plane ticket, it will be closer to six hours between your flight landing and you arriving in Venice if you take the train. No, the train trip isn't all that exciting, certainly not worth all that extra travel time after just completing a transatlantic flight.

ira

Hi HT,

My fault for not reading carefully. I think you have it right. The train ride is not something you need pay extra for.

happy_traveler

Thanks rex. Good intel. Hadn't thought about the additional transit time from airport to train. Seems like air is the clear winner, and we'll still be able to enjoy the countryside later, when we motor back on the Venice-Florence route.

rex

You're welcome.