We are visiting the Amalfi coast for a week in early October and were staying the first two days in Rome. We have free lodging available at the Hilton Airport Hotel, but were wondering if using public transportation (trains or metro)from the airport would be a practical way to visit the city? Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

I would get to the city center anyway you can. By cab, it's only a 30-40 min drive from the city center to the airport. I'm sure someone on this board can tell you which bus to take to get you there, if you don't want to take a cab.

If it's in your budget, it would be so much nicer to stay IN Rome. Pick a hotel near the Piazza Navona/Campo dei Fiori/Pantheon area and you will be much happier. Rome is wonderful at night, and much better if you don't have to go back out to a hotel at the airport each night. Plus, it's convenient to be able to stop back at the hotel during the day or before dinner, much more difficult and time-consuming if you have to get back out to the airport.

The Hilton airport hotel has a complimentary shuttle service for their guests into the city (stops around Piazza Venezia) and back to the hotel.

We stayed at this hotel (were comped by the airline) and I have to admit, the spacious rooms with 2 double beds were very comfy - of a standard (if you subtract character from the equation) we likely couldn't afford downtown.

If you choose not to be tied down to hotel shuttle times, it is now about € 11 apiece to use the airport train, each way. (Allow 30 minutes or so for the journey to Termini station.) SusanP's point is a good one, but even at € 44 rt for two, I'd take the free rooms. Rome, she-a no cheap.

the 11 euro train ride from the airport to rome is on the Leonardo Express which goes to the Termini main station. there is also a local train marked Fara Sabina that leaves from the platform opposite the Leonardo Express track and stops at the Trastevere and Ostiense stations in rome. It costs 5 Euros. From these stations you would switch to a tram or metro to go farther north in Trastevere or to the central city. We used the Trastevere stop plus the #8 tram to largo Argentina.
I agree staying right in Rome would be more convenient and allow you to enjoy walking around in the evenings and early mornings but a free hotel room is worth some extra trouble.

I would rather enjoy the experience of staying in Rome. I would consider it worth the $$ -- and I'm a budget traveler.

Buon viaggio!

Dayle, have you noticed that we always seem to agree on both itineraries and other suggestions?

Thanks for all the great advice. It definiteley looks ogistically lpossible, but would detract from the experience a good deal. We will probably take another look to try to locate some affordable lodging in the city center, and if we find something, save the free nights for another trip.

SusanP, Yes I've noticed. Too bad we didn't get to meet during my last trip in Sept 05! Just keep up those trip reports, you get to go much more often than me!

Bob, I stayed at Hotel Giardino Rome, a little 2*. I was very happy with the location, room, and the owner Katy and staff are super friendly and helpful. Great little place.

Buon viaggio!