My husband and I are going to Italy in a few weeks. We will be arriving in Rome around Noon. What is the best way to get from Fuimicino to hotel which is in the area near the Vatican? We will have at least one rather heavy suitcase each. Is a very expensive taxi the only way to go?

I would take the train from the airport to Termini Station, then catch a cab to the hotel from there. The train service is approx. every half hour and there's plenty of room for luggage.

Taking a taxi to the hotel may be very expensive, unless you're use to New York City prices. There is a metro which goes near the Vatican and from there you could either walk if it's close or take a taxi. There are also many busses which you can check at the termini station to see which one is best for you. I'll be doing the same thing in May. I'll take the train to termini, then the bus to our hotel area (near Campo di Fiori).

Are there trains directly from the airport to Termini staion? When we were last there, about three years ago, it seems the train stopped at Ostia station and we took the Metro from there, perhaps we missed something. Some unsolicited info, be aware of pickpockets in Rome, especially around the tourist spots, wear a money belt for you tickets, passports and travelers checks and keep an eye on your luggage. My wife and I were victim's of a scam there, a distraction by one guy while his accomplice took off with our small duffle bag. Rome is a wonderful city, great for walking and the Metro system is easy to use and gets you close to most of the major sights.

Are there trains directly from the airport to Termini staion? When we were last there, about three years ago, it seems the train stopped at Ostia station and we took the Metro from there, perhaps we missed something. Some unsolicited info, be aware of pickpockets in Rome, especially around the tourist spots, wear a money belt for you tickets, passports and travelers checks and keep an eye on your luggage. My wife and I were victim's of a scam there, a distraction by one guy while his accomplice took off with our small duffle bag. Rome is a wonderful city, great for walking and the Metro system is easy to use and gets you close to most of the major sights.

We are leaving for Italy next week. Staying at Casa Santa Brigida in Piazza Farnese which is near Campo di Fiori. When we get off the plane how do we know which train to take or is there only one. At Stazione Terminale, do you know which bus comes closest to Piazza Farnese? Thanks

We were in Rome 2 years ago & organised a transfer through CIT from the airport to our hotel (right in the centre). This turned out to be a hire car/limo which cost about A$70 & was probably worth about $100 in worry-free transport. We didn't have to struggle with our luggage & Italian in buying tickets for the train, & worse.. struggling at the Termini with 6 pieces of luggage, trying to engage a taxi & fend off thieves at the same time. One of our company did exactly this ( a lone female) & was ripped off by the taxi driver & had to struggle up the hill to the hotel with her luggage.

The train may be fine if you only have a backpack.

Take the train from the airport to Termini station. Make sure the train is to Termini Station, as this is the express train directly to Termini, and the local does not go to Termini. The local stops at three other stops. The cost for the express to Termini is 15,000 Lira one way and it runs every hour at 10 minutes after the hour. There is plenty of room for luggage. Once at Termini, find a legitimate cab to take you to your hotel. Our hotel was so close to the station (although we didn't know that at the time), a cab wouldn't take us. However, a porter put our luggage on a hand cart and personally walked us to the hotel.

I have not gotten this to work, but maybe you can. From either the Ostinese Station or the Trastevere Station, you should be able to take an interurban train that goes to the Stazione S. Pietro every 20 minutes on the ANELLO FERROVIARIO (F.S.). See the Roma2000 pages at: http://www.roma2000.it/z6.html. S. Pietro Station is south of the Vatican and is a 5 minute downhill walk from the Piazza S. Pietro and a 5 minute train ride from the Trastevere.

Unless you want a major stress experience before your holiday starts, avoid the Train !!
We found a shared Taxi-Minibus which cost us only 50.000Lira for the pair of us. This took us ( and our bags !) straight to the Hotel , and had the added benefit of giving us a tour of the sights.
I would say it would even be worth getting a " Car with driver " from the desk in arrivals hall, rather than take the train. This option costs about 80000L, but you have the vehicle to yourself.
We got the Train Back to the airport and we found it a bit of a struggle with our luggage, we definately
did it the right way when we arrived !!

We trained all over Italy with 2 large wheeled suitcases, one each, and had no problems. We did discover one interesting train ticket fact: a ticket window can close at any time, no matter how many people are standing in it, so allow time before your departure just in case!

Bringing it up in response to question in prior post. Hope it's useful, or perhaps it will generate some updates?.

Yes, the train is the most economical way to go, but not exactly hassle-free. It was quite a hike from the platform at Termini Station to the taxi stand. I saw many people with lots of bags stuggling along. Also, I had to wait in a 25 minute line to catch a taxi to my hotel. Next time I go to Rome I will definitely take a taxi straight from the airport. It's 70-80,000 ITL well spent. <BR> <BR>Side note: I had a strange man following me around for a while at the Termini station whispering in my ear that he was going to send the gypsies to steal everything I own. I finally said something really nasty to him and he slithered away. Another factor to consider if you take the train...

Lori--refer to Richard's post ALL ABOUT ROME--he gives some insight as to what to expect and offers good advice about getting to the train and through the station. Enjoy your trip.

We did it both ways. On arrival we had a transfer waiting for us, great after flying for hours from Australia, we sat back and just watched Rome appear. On the way back to airport (to collect a car from Avis) we caught a train. Met very interesting people, no problem with tickets, luggage, just easy. Had walked from our hotel to station (10 minutes). From station to hotel on next visit into Rome (Venice to Rome) we caught a taxi just outside the Termini station to our hotel nearTrevi. We found no trouble of any form on any trip. Just lucky I suppose. <BR>

Do yourselves a favor-spring for a cab. We went to Rome with two kids, eight pieces of luggage and as the driver joked, "everything but a little dog". We paid 40-50 dollars and sat back in a Mercedes Van with a driver who spoke english. He went directly to our apt. near the Pza. Navona. We asked for his card and hired him for the return trip. It was good we did because of a taxi strike. He came ANYWAY. We cased him out at the airport at the arrivals curb. It was worth it!