thereadbaron

Came back just a few days ago. Cab driver drove like crazy. But I'm from NY and used to it, but the weaving through small streets nearly knocking over people - that I wasnt used to. They are experienced I guess at driving like this - close your eyes and enjoy the adventure!

Statia

I've already decided to let my sister sit up front when our driver picks us up at FCO in Rome this spring. Aren't I thoughtful? I'll tell her that I want to sit in the back with Mom since I won't have seen her in over a year.

When I arrive JFK, I tend to slump down in the seat, close my eyes and rest so that I can't see how much the driver speeds and weaves on the trip into the city.

I did once have a limo driver from Manhattan to JFK who scared the dickens out of a friend and I. That is the one and only time that I said something. I basically told him in an aggravated tone that I would like to get there in one piece and asked if he could slow down some. He made some comment about his driving being fine and I told him that if he didn't slow down, he could just stop the car and let us out. He did seem to slow down...at least somewhat.

SeaUrchin

I feel secure with an experienced taxi driver who knows where he is going and what he is doing, so I sit back and enjoy the ride. I can tell if he is a good driver so it doesn't bother me.

But one time in NYC, I just felt the wild driver did not have command of his car, so I spoke up and he slowed down.

And then again there was the time I was in NYC with a more vocal NY'er who started telling the wild driver off, he stopped the cab and told US to get out. As I stepped out of the cab, he said to me "your friend is crazy".

sharkmom

We also used Limoservice.rome. They were great and the price was comparable to a cab. Also, it was nice knowing exactly what the cost was going to be beforehand- no hidden charges for extra bags, etc.

jay

The thing that really shook us all up, besides our driver speeding,was the sight of the fire department spraying down an overturned burned hulk of a car at the entracce to the airport. The driver didn't even slow down.

sylviam

Jay We are staying at Hotel Adler/Bellesuite Rome. This is really out of the way as I wanted to be more central or at least closer to Piazza Navona. Unfortunately, this is the only hotel that I did not check the cancellation policy when I first made reservations. Hotel Adler's cancellation policy is one night regardless of how early you cancel. So we are staying put.

Sharkmom: Regarding limo service, could you charge that or what it cash? There are 3 of us so a limo may be the way to go. Our hotel could make the arrangements for 60 euro so perhaps that is reasonable for 3 people with luggage.

socaltraveler

We have used limoservicerom and were more than happy with their service. Reeservations were made using a credit card, but we paid in cash (per their request). It was 45 E for the two of us and I think it would be the same for 3. That and a 5 E tip. The pick up at the hotel was on time, the ride to the airport in the early am under 30 minutes.

SusanP

I used www.airportshuttle.it to get to the airport. The cost is 26E for the first person and 6E for each additional person, so that would be only 38E, a better price for you. Very efficient.

sylviam

Susan P. I think I read in your trip report that you also had an early flight out of Rome. I assume you made your reservation from the states?

I was also interested in your private driver from Florence. We are traveling with our 14 year old niece. Do you think we could plan something of interest to her and to us in the countryside with the help of the personal driver you toured with?

P_Texas

when i looked at the map and train table, it looked like an hour from central rome to fco. is it easier and quicker in a taxi (not taking in consideration very fast drivers), a lot of stops, or do i not understand the train schedule? if you were wanted to make sure you didn't miss a midmorning flight, how far ahead would you leave for the airport?

rkkwan

FCO isn't that far from Central Rome. The "Express" in Leonardo Express means it's non-stop, doesn't mean it's fast. In fact, it's probably the slowest "express" train I've ridden.

Also, the airport is SW of Rome. Termini is in the SE part of city, adding to the train route.

Finally, the Leonardo Express takes 35 minutes, not an hour.

P_Texas

primal scream...it is so hard to determine the best thing to do. we are spending most of our holiday in tuscany but flying out of rome. we gave up one day at our villa so the flight home would be easier (not having to deal with possible closing of florence airport). anyway, we will have maybe 8 hours in rome. never been there and maybe never will have opportunity again , so it's hard not to try to see some of the beauty there. the hotels near the airport looked pretty pricy, so we decided to stay in town and didn't know exactly where would be best. near the train station, so we can just hop on in the morning, or somewhere else and take a taxi. suggestions?

Nikki

P Texas, I would stay in central Rome and take a cab or limo service to the airport in the morning. You have so little time in Rome, you should stay in the middle of things. When I stayed in a hotel, the hotel had an arrangement with drivers for a reasonable fee, or else you can call one of the limo services mentioned here.

rkkwan

How are you getting into Rome?

If you're on a budget, then you should look for hotels near Roma Termini. They are generally cheaper than "central Rome", and you can ride the Leonardo Express next morning to the airport.

You can walk from the train station to the center area in 20 minutes with lots to see on the way - Santa Maria della Vittoria, Barberini, etc...; or you can take the subway or buses. Spanish steps is 3 stops from the train station. Even taxi is feasible. About 6 Euros from Piazza Colanna to the station.

It's really not that far!

Eloise

PTexas:

With eight hours in Rome, I agree with those who suggest a hotel in the historical center, i.e., within or near the triangle of Piazza Navona/Pantheon/Campo de Fiori. Many of the most important points of interest will be within easily walkable distance. (But do at least look at the Rome pages on "Destinations" here at fodors.com to see if there is anything that interests you in particular.) The area is also full of restaurants where you can have a good dinner; the area around the station is not not.

If you are renting a villa in Tuscany, budget is probably not your first consideration.

If your "mid-morning" flight is at 10:00, you have to be at the airport at 8:00, which means taking the Leonardo Express at 7:22. You need about 15 minutes to get from where the taxi drops you to the track for the Leonardo Express.

Instead, you can reserve at www.airportshuttle.it for 26 Euro for the first person, 6 Euro for each additional person, for a shuttle that will take you from your hotel to the airport. It may leave as early as you would have to leave if you took a taxi to Roma Termini and the Leonardo Express from there, but it's an awful lot simpler and more comfortable for very little more (for two people: shuttle 32 Euro; taxi 8 Euro (about) + 19 Euro train fare = 27 Euro).

sharkmom

socaltraveler is correct about the payment arrangement for limoservice.com. As far comparing it to a shuttle, keep in mind that often a shuttle has others to pick up/drop off and that can add to the travel time. I used a shuttle service in Paris to get to the airport and had to allow an additional 45 minutes, just to save a few Euro. Not worth it, IMO.

socaltraveler

We just used limoservicerome to get our daughter from FCO to her hotel in Rome. She was quite pleased with the service and we were relieved to know that after a very long flight(s) from California that she was not juggling trains and buses. She was delayed in baggage claim and was able to call them; I recommend their service highly.