Rome: Fiumicino/Leonardo di Vinci/FCO 'Leonardo Express' Train To Termini Directions, Other Options & Info
Nov 27th, 2006, 02:39 PM
#22
daveesl - There are two such threads for Italy from several years ago. The first on is Helpful Information: Italy which got a bit long so a second one was started.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34443340
The second one is Helpful Information: Italy 2 -
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34568596
For in depth information about ruins in Italy, just click on Walter's screen name above.
For in depth Italy train information, do a search for GAC.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34443340
The second one is Helpful Information: Italy 2 -
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34568596
For in depth information about ruins in Italy, just click on Walter's screen name above.
For in depth Italy train information, do a search for GAC.
Nov 28th, 2006, 11:02 PM
#23
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THANK YOU WALTER!! Also thanks to the person that tt this posting so that I had the chance to read it. Great info!!
Just the info I have been wanting as it will be extremely helpful to me. I am checking on rate for Rome shuttle to my hotel as it certainly seems to be less of a hassle!
Just the info I have been wanting as it will be extremely helpful to me. I am checking on rate for Rome shuttle to my hotel as it certainly seems to be less of a hassle!
Nov 29th, 2006, 12:23 PM
#24
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Walter: I rec'd a prompt reply from Rome Shuttle limo. and I had asked about rate from the airport to the Hilton Cavalieri for 2 people and their reply was 35e. Do you think this sounds right? I hope there is no confusion between our interpretation.
I cannot imagine why anyone would do otherwise if this is the full amount: as just getting to the hotel from termini ( I think might be 25 min. away) could be costly as well as timely.
Also I would very much appreciate your giving me an idea of what tips are involved?
Thank you so very much!
Your post has been a great help to so many.
I cannot imagine why anyone would do otherwise if this is the full amount: as just getting to the hotel from termini ( I think might be 25 min. away) could be costly as well as timely.
Also I would very much appreciate your giving me an idea of what tips are involved?
Thank you so very much!
Your post has been a great help to so many.
Nov 29th, 2006, 02:45 PM
#25
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Traveler2; 35e is the *total price* whether it's 1 or 4 persons.
And 5e more if the pick-up is between 2130-0600 according to the website.
Last Spring it was for 1-3 people but they raised it to 4 recently.
I would say Tip in the 5-10e range.
Myself I give the driver 10e, as a truckdriver I know what he has to deal with 'day in & day out' and too make matters even worst his load is 'us tourists'
.
Regards, Walter
And 5e more if the pick-up is between 2130-0600 according to the website.
Last Spring it was for 1-3 people but they raised it to 4 recently.
I would say Tip in the 5-10e range.
Myself I give the driver 10e, as a truckdriver I know what he has to deal with 'day in & day out' and too make matters even worst his load is 'us tourists'
.Regards, Walter
Nov 29th, 2006, 09:44 PM
#26
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Walter, I hope you know how much I (and everyone) appreciates all of your effort and how very helpful your info is to all! You have made my trip so much easier. Was not looking forward to taking train and then still having to get to the hotel from termini.
Oh I forgot to ask: Rome Shuttle said I needed a cell phone, which I will not have. Did you have a cell phone?
Once again, THANK YOU
Oh I forgot to ask: Rome Shuttle said I needed a cell phone, which I will not have. Did you have a cell phone?
Once again, THANK YOU
Dec 5th, 2006, 08:46 AM
#28
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I just saw this posted on another forum and thought I'd pass it along.
Starting December 10, the Leonardo Express will arrive and depart from the Termini station from a more convenient, location, platform 24. This platform is in the main area of the station and closer to taxis, subway and other services.
http://tinyurl.com/y4j2u8
Starting December 10, the Leonardo Express will arrive and depart from the Termini station from a more convenient, location, platform 24. This platform is in the main area of the station and closer to taxis, subway and other services.
http://tinyurl.com/y4j2u8
Mar 12th, 2007, 02:44 PM
#37
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[REWRITE WITH UPDATED INFO FROM OTHER POSTERS, ETC]
You will be arriving at Rome/Roma 'Leonardo di Vinci' Airport also known as 'Fiumicino Airport', the 'Airport Code' is FCO. http://www.adr.it/content.asp?L=3&IdMen=199
The Airport has 3 Terminals A, B and C.
I'm going to pass on 'Terminal A' because that is rarely used by we tourists, it's for Charter and some Domestic flights.
The majority of international flights arrive at 'Terminal C' (extra Schengen),
'Terminal B' is mostly for domestic flights and some international flights (Schengen).
For all intent and purposes Terminal C and B are the same terminal, it is just one long rectangular building.
These directions will be for taking the AIRPORT TRAIN to Rome's TERMINI Train Station and other options (esp check-out 'Limo Drivers' at the end).
The train is called the 'Leonardo Express', it's a direct train and its only stop is the Termini Train Station.
It takes 31min and costs 11e in 2007, this train is unaffected by any type of Rail or local transportation strikes.
These directions will be from TERMINAL C but easy to follow from Terminal B or even Terminal A.
From TERMINAL B after getting your luggage, clearing Customs and walking into the main terminal you could just turn right and walk to Terminal C.
Or take the escalator or elevator outside on the sidewalk up 2 levels to the skybridge with moving walkways over to the Airport Train Station. The website below will show you what I mean.
Ok so your plane lands at TERMINAL C either at the main terminal or its' Satellite Terminal. The Satellite Terminal is connected to the main terminal by an automated monorail that leaves every 2min (it's no big deal, it's the only way in or out just follow the herd ).
Your 1st obstacle is PASSPORT CONTROL. I've usually gotten thru in 10-25min but once it was an hour. Of course if you hold an EU Passport it's a walkthru.
Next stop is the LUGGAGE CAROUSEL and to make it more interesting there is often a few flights on the same one. So more people jamming together along the belt.
With a usually long crowded wait here and multiple flights on the same carousel it can get very confusing as to when your flight's baggage actually arrives on the carousel.
So notice people while on your flight who are different that you will remember. For me it's usually the pretty women. Look for them standing around your luggage carousel, so when they start grabbing their luggage you'll know your flight's luggage has arrived.
And when they have all left, it's time to start worrying
.
But wait awhile longer and look around perhaps some clod took it off the carousel by mistake and didn't put it back on. If it doesn't show-up walk to the far end of this hall (keep the carousels on your left) and make a lost luggage claim.
Also there is an ATM in this luggage area, I believe it's along the same wall as Customs and the Exit.
Now head for the EXIT, just before the exit into the main Arrivals Hall you'll pass thru CUSTOMS which is just a walk-thru.
You'll then pass thru the Security Door enter into Terminal C's Arrivals Hall.
The ARRIVALS HALL isn't very wide (~25m), to the right it ends in 50m and to the left it takes you to Terminal B. My point is everything you need is a 'stone's throw' away.
To the RIGHT 50m are 2 ATM (sometimes shutdown), a wc/bathroom usually closed and 'Luggage Storage'.
To your LEFT in 20m is a Book/candy shop which I believe also sells Airport Train tickets.
Then in another 20m is an ATM (use this one) and farther down as you enter Terminal B there is a w.c. that will be open. There is also a cafe across from the book/candy shop.
In FRONT of you along the wall are 3 booths that provide SHUTTLE TRANSPORTATION and limo services.
'HOTEL RESERVATION' is the most popular one (http://www.hotelreservation.it) which provides a shuttle service into Rome (Info & booking
http://www.hotelreservation.it/shuttleservice.asp ). But for 36e for 2 people that they charge you might want to consider a private limo.
Also in FRONT of you is a small mob of people. Limo drivers holding their signs, friends and family awaiting someone's arrival and the illegal aka "Gypsy" taxi drivers. Their latest touch are ID badges either hung around their necks or clipped-on their lapel to *look* official. They will rip you off on the cost and their insurance might not cover you in the event of an accident.
Now 45deg to your LEFT and ~20m away is an escalator that will take you under the street and up to the Train Station.
If you need an elevator go out the front door by the escalator and turn right, this elevator (press #2) will take you up to the skybridge with moving walkways over to the AIRPORT TRAIN STATION.
Also right outside this door is the official TAXI QUEUE (White taxis with a 'Comune di Roma' sign on the door, 'Taxi' sign on roof and a meter on the dashboard).
Now as of Oct '06 there is an official 'Fixed Taxi Rate' of 40e from the Airport to Rome.
I don't know but I assume there is still the old 'Luggage Surcharge' of 1.04e for each bag placed in the trunk/boot. Also it wasn't mentioned in any of the articles I read but I wonder if there is still a fairly small surcharge for Sundays, holidays and off-peak hours?
And make sure the taxi has a 'Comune di Roma' sign on the doors because there might possibly be a local 'Fiumicino Taxi' in the queue and they can legally charge 60e for a Rome trip.
Just a thought and maybe a heads-up? Many of the airport taxidrivers were dishonest before this 'fixed rate' came about and it's hard to imagine that suddenly they now see the error of their old ways and have turned over a new leaf. Also many taxi drivers are notorious switching large Euro bills for smaller ones. Say you hand the driver a 50e or 100e bill and seconds later he turns around with a 5e or 10e bill in his hand. So make a point when handing them a large bill, say it just in passing 'Cinquanta' for 50 or 'Cento' for 100.
Ok to give you a better idea of the AIRPORT'S LAYOUT go to http://tinyurl.com/qclry OR
http://www.balenablu.it/store/defaul..._fiumicino.gif
The train station is directly across the street (100m) from Terminal C, it's that long purple building (Stazione Ferroviaia) in the website's diagram. It's connected to all the terminals by covered skybridges with moving walkways which are those yellow tubes on the map.
Actually it's very easy to find because it is signposted thru-out the airport (STAZIONE ƒ RAILWAY STATION) plus one look outside from 'C' or 'B' and you can see the odd-shaped train station with a big 'ƒ' on it and those skybridges.
Also keep this in mind; Arrivals is on the 'ground floor' or European floor '0'. Departures is on floor '1' and the skybridges are on floor '2'.
AIRPORT TRAIN STATION:
Ok ya got yourself over to the train station. It's a 3 Track station and very small, everything is an underhanded 'stone's throw' away.
I will go into other options and info about this train station but the FASTEST and EASIEST way to get TICKETS to Termini is to just go over to the Newstand/Tabacchi (ya can't miss it, it's signposted GIORNALI) and buy them...no line, no hassle and no messing around with machines or queues. They also sell Rome metro/bus tickets.
There are also 2 CC machines by the escalator exit into the station and 2 by track #1 that sell Airport-Termini tickets (Visa, MC, AE, DC, PayEasy).
Next to the Newstand/Tabacchi there are
REGULAR TRAIN TICKET WINDOWS, where you can purchase train tickets for onward journeys like Rome Termini to Florence, Venice, etc.
They will also sell Airport-Termini tickets but you will very likely have to wait in a line/queue.
But a BETTER OPTION if you need onward journey regular train tickets is to use 1 of the 4 self-service ticket vending machines (cash or CC) in front of these 'regular train ticket windows'. They have an English option and are *very easy* to use...Trust me, if I can navigate them so can you.
You can also get Airport-Termini tickets from these vending machines but more of a hassle compared to the other type of ticket machines I mentioned above.
So if you have time and want tickets for a later train journey or are leaving Rome as soon as you arrive at Termini you can get your tickets right there.
If you don't have time you can get your tickets at Termini from vending machines also.
And there is a 'Travel Agency' booth that also sells regular train tickets either for no or very little commission in this Airport Station.
So if you are TRAVELING ONWARD FROM TERMINI by train figure this timeline if you are going to buy tickets. Give yourself 31min *after* your Airport-Termini train leaves plus a minimum of 10min at Termini to find your track and the correct car (esp if reservations are required).
You can find the regular train schedules at http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html (If you want the Airport-Termini timetables use 'Fiumicino Aeroporto' and 'Rome', Termini will be listed as 'ROMA TE').
You can also buy your Eurostar (ES) and InterCity (IC) online on the above Trenitalia website up to 90 days in advance (registration required & some info below).
Also in the Airport Train Station; ATM, a cafe, 2 rental car booths, police, and {hotel reservations, money exchange, ferry & train tickets} at the 'travel agency' booth.
The 'LEONARDO EXPRESS TRAIN' (Airport to Rome's Termini Train Station) leaves every 30 min, at :05 and :35 past the hour starting from 06:35 to 23:35.
It will have TERMINI on the Departure Board, remember there are only 3 tracks and only 1 train goes to Termini.
MAKE SURE YOU VALIDATE YOUR TICKET BEFORE BOARDING THE TRAIN! An unvalidated ticket is like having no ticket at all and the fine is ~50e.
A 'Validation' is just a 'date and time' stamp and you get it by sticking your ticket in any of the 'Yellow Boxes' on the platforms. But the trick is, if you have a large airline-sized ticket gotten from the train ticket windows or the regular train self service machines you just stick it in the middle of the long slot.
But if you have the smaller (half the size of a CC bought from the Newstand or CC machines) you must put it the part of the slot with an artsy blue arrow =~=~^ pointing to where it goes on the left side.
Go to the *far end* of the train, this will put you in the front cars and ahead of the herd when you arrive at Termini plus you will avoid most of the arriving and departing passengers who will be crowding each other at Termini's platform.
Sit on the leftside of the train because after you cross the Tiber River you will catch fleeting glimpses of some ancient sites (city walls, aqueducts, city gates and even a pyramid.
And as you are slowing down and entering the outer train station area you will see a large round shell of a bldg in ruins (24m x 33m high) on the left. It is wrongly ID'ed as the 'Temple of Minerva Medica' but it was most likely a ~300AD dining pavilion of a very wealthy Roman's residence.
BOTTOMLINE: Just follow the signs in the Airport to the train station,
buy your ticket at the Newstand, validate it and hop-on.
ARRIVAL AT TERMINI TRAIN STATION
The main station area has 24 tracks and this train as of Dec '06 now arrives at Track 24 (it used to arrive at Tracks 26-29 which was a few hundred meters away from the main station).
TERMINI TAXIS: Licensed legal taxi drivers will never solicit you either inside or outside the station, they will always be with their taxi. Those that do solicit are illegal Gypsy taxis who will overcharge you big-time.
So you can either follow the Herd straight ahead to the Taxi Stand in front of Termini and wait in the queue/line.
[Make sure the meter is set on 1 rather than 2, I believe it's under 'Tariff', *many* posters seem to pay double for these Termini to central area hotels journeys from this front taxi queue.]
Or just follow the Herd a short distance (under 50m) into the *Large Arcade* (2 floors of shops and restaurants) with *huge* exits to the outside at each end, then exit left onto Via Giovanni Giolitti.
There is a taxi stand there and I have always just walked-up to the 1st taxi waiting.
CATCHING AN ONWARD TRAIN UPON TERMINI ARRIVAL. The wide corridor in front of the train platform will have TV monitors like in an airport but they will only show the trains departing in the next 20-30min or so.
If your train is departing later than that go into that *Large Arcade* on the wall above you as you enter is the huge Arrivals Board.
But if you turn right and walk down a bit you will see the huge Departure Board.
Remember the Departure Board only lists the train's *Last Stop*.
So say if you are taking the 0930 Eurostar Train to Florence it might be listed as the '0930 ES Venezia', so on the way to Venice it will stop in Florence.
So on the Board look for your Time 1st, then the type of train 2nd (ES, IC, IR etc) and finally the last stop's direction. And then listed to the right will be the Binario or Platform number.
USEFUL REGULAR TRAIN TICKET & MACHINE INFO: http://tinyurl.com/pnevx
MISSING YOUR ES OR ICP TRAIN REFUND OR CHANGE Especially if you buy your tickets online and have problems with late arriving planes, Customs, lost luggage, etc. http://tinyurl.com/o3hat OR
http://slowtalk.com/groupee/forums/a...1?r=6321047871
STRIKES
This website is in English with updated strike info and the easiest to use but always check both websites. www.seekitaly.com/news/from_roma.html Click-on the 'Strikes, Demonstrations etc in Italy' link on the left. Italian transportation strike website (in Italian) www.infrastrutturetrasporti.it/ click-on 'Calendario Scioperi Nazionali'.
LIMO DRIVERS
Also consider do you really want to take the train into Rome? For 2 people it's 22e, if your hotel is walking distance from Termini or you are comfortable taking the bus or metro to your hotel it's a good deal.
But if you have to take a taxi from Termini figure ~10e or higher with 2 pieces of luggage and if you give the driver a 1e tip. So let's figure the train for 2 and an *honest* taxidriver it's 32e minimum.
The shuttle is 36e for 2 people and you might have to wait a bit at the airport plus drive around dropping off the others.
But a LIMO DRIVER waiting at Arrivals with a sign with your name on it and driving a new Mercedes for 35e for up to 4 people http://www.romeshuttlelimousine.com/Inglese_p.htm or http://www.limoservicerome.com for 45e up to 3.
I have used both companies and they are both good and there are others but the 1st one is the cheapest.
LUGGAGE STORAGE (Deposito Bagagli)
Alongside Track 24 there is an signposted elevator that will take you downstairs to luggage storage.
Be warned though the line esp in the morning can be long and slow moving, I'd say ~100 people lined-up ~0930 in May'06. A person's website mentioned waiting 2hrs in Oct'05. All left luggage is X-rayed.
There are NO self-service luggage lockers in Italy since Sept'01.
Melissa (Nicolas Inn) mentioned this option on the Frommer's messageboard and I checked it out. There is a laundromat that provides luggage storage for 2e on the northside of Termini. It's on Via Milazzo #20 just after the cross-street Via dei Mille. There is a yellow laundromat sign hanging over it easy to see from down the block and it's called 'Bolle Blu', in the window is a sign saying '2euro Deposit Baggages Open 0800-2200'.
She also posted that this place also has luggage storage and another poster said that they had used it; "Navigator Internet Cafe on Via Marghera between Via Marsala and Via Magenta".
In front of Track #20 there is another 'Hotel Reservation' booth.
The Termini Train Station is *very safe* as far as any type of physical crime but always watch your bags and your wallet and brush-off strangers that approach you like in most of the World's train stations.
You will be arriving at Rome/Roma 'Leonardo di Vinci' Airport also known as 'Fiumicino Airport', the 'Airport Code' is FCO. http://www.adr.it/content.asp?L=3&IdMen=199
The Airport has 3 Terminals A, B and C.
I'm going to pass on 'Terminal A' because that is rarely used by we tourists, it's for Charter and some Domestic flights.
The majority of international flights arrive at 'Terminal C' (extra Schengen),
'Terminal B' is mostly for domestic flights and some international flights (Schengen).
For all intent and purposes Terminal C and B are the same terminal, it is just one long rectangular building.
These directions will be for taking the AIRPORT TRAIN to Rome's TERMINI Train Station and other options (esp check-out 'Limo Drivers' at the end).
The train is called the 'Leonardo Express', it's a direct train and its only stop is the Termini Train Station.
It takes 31min and costs 11e in 2007, this train is unaffected by any type of Rail or local transportation strikes.
These directions will be from TERMINAL C but easy to follow from Terminal B or even Terminal A.
From TERMINAL B after getting your luggage, clearing Customs and walking into the main terminal you could just turn right and walk to Terminal C.
Or take the escalator or elevator outside on the sidewalk up 2 levels to the skybridge with moving walkways over to the Airport Train Station. The website below will show you what I mean.
Ok so your plane lands at TERMINAL C either at the main terminal or its' Satellite Terminal. The Satellite Terminal is connected to the main terminal by an automated monorail that leaves every 2min (it's no big deal, it's the only way in or out just follow the herd
). Your 1st obstacle is PASSPORT CONTROL. I've usually gotten thru in 10-25min but once it was an hour. Of course if you hold an EU Passport it's a walkthru.
Next stop is the LUGGAGE CAROUSEL and to make it more interesting there is often a few flights on the same one. So more people jamming together along the belt.
With a usually long crowded wait here and multiple flights on the same carousel it can get very confusing as to when your flight's baggage actually arrives on the carousel.
So notice people while on your flight who are different that you will remember. For me it's usually the pretty women
. Look for them standing around your luggage carousel, so when they start grabbing their luggage you'll know your flight's luggage has arrived. And when they have all left, it's time to start worrying
.But wait awhile longer and look around perhaps some clod took it off the carousel by mistake and didn't put it back on. If it doesn't show-up walk to the far end of this hall (keep the carousels on your left) and make a lost luggage claim.
Also there is an ATM in this luggage area, I believe it's along the same wall as Customs and the Exit.
Now head for the EXIT, just before the exit into the main Arrivals Hall you'll pass thru CUSTOMS which is just a walk-thru.
You'll then pass thru the Security Door enter into Terminal C's Arrivals Hall.
The ARRIVALS HALL isn't very wide (~25m), to the right it ends in 50m and to the left it takes you to Terminal B. My point is everything you need is a 'stone's throw' away.
To the RIGHT 50m are 2 ATM (sometimes shutdown), a wc/bathroom usually closed and 'Luggage Storage'.
To your LEFT in 20m is a Book/candy shop which I believe also sells Airport Train tickets.
Then in another 20m is an ATM (use this one) and farther down as you enter Terminal B there is a w.c. that will be open
. There is also a cafe across from the book/candy shop. In FRONT of you along the wall are 3 booths that provide SHUTTLE TRANSPORTATION and limo services.
'HOTEL RESERVATION' is the most popular one (http://www.hotelreservation.it) which provides a shuttle service into Rome (Info & booking
http://www.hotelreservation.it/shuttleservice.asp ). But for 36e for 2 people that they charge you might want to consider a private limo.
Also in FRONT of you is a small mob of people. Limo drivers holding their signs, friends and family awaiting someone's arrival and the illegal aka "Gypsy" taxi drivers. Their latest touch are ID badges either hung around their necks or clipped-on their lapel to *look* official. They will rip you off on the cost and their insurance might not cover you in the event of an accident.
Now 45deg to your LEFT and ~20m away is an escalator that will take you under the street and up to the Train Station.
If you need an elevator go out the front door by the escalator and turn right, this elevator (press #2) will take you up to the skybridge with moving walkways over to the AIRPORT TRAIN STATION.
Also right outside this door is the official TAXI QUEUE (White taxis with a 'Comune di Roma' sign on the door, 'Taxi' sign on roof and a meter on the dashboard).
Now as of Oct '06 there is an official 'Fixed Taxi Rate' of 40e from the Airport to Rome.
I don't know but I assume there is still the old 'Luggage Surcharge' of 1.04e for each bag placed in the trunk/boot. Also it wasn't mentioned in any of the articles I read but I wonder if there is still a fairly small surcharge for Sundays, holidays and off-peak hours?
And make sure the taxi has a 'Comune di Roma' sign on the doors because there might possibly be a local 'Fiumicino Taxi' in the queue and they can legally charge 60e for a Rome trip.
Just a thought and maybe a heads-up? Many of the airport taxidrivers were dishonest before this 'fixed rate' came about and it's hard to imagine that suddenly they now see the error of their old ways and have turned over a new leaf
. Also many taxi drivers are notorious switching large Euro bills for smaller ones. Say you hand the driver a 50e or 100e bill and seconds later he turns around with a 5e or 10e bill in his hand. So make a point when handing them a large bill, say it just in passing 'Cinquanta' for 50 or 'Cento' for 100. Ok to give you a better idea of the AIRPORT'S LAYOUT go to http://tinyurl.com/qclry OR
http://www.balenablu.it/store/defaul..._fiumicino.gif
The train station is directly across the street (100m) from Terminal C, it's that long purple building (Stazione Ferroviaia) in the website's diagram. It's connected to all the terminals by covered skybridges with moving walkways which are those yellow tubes on the map.
Actually it's very easy to find because it is signposted thru-out the airport (STAZIONE ƒ RAILWAY STATION) plus one look outside from 'C' or 'B' and you can see the odd-shaped train station with a big 'ƒ' on it and those skybridges.
Also keep this in mind; Arrivals is on the 'ground floor' or European floor '0'. Departures is on floor '1' and the skybridges are on floor '2'.
AIRPORT TRAIN STATION:
Ok ya got yourself over to the train station
. It's a 3 Track station and very small, everything is an underhanded 'stone's throw' away. I will go into other options and info about this train station but the FASTEST and EASIEST way to get TICKETS to Termini is to just go over to the Newstand/Tabacchi (ya can't miss it, it's signposted GIORNALI) and buy them...no line, no hassle and no messing around with machines or queues. They also sell Rome metro/bus tickets.
There are also 2 CC machines by the escalator exit into the station and 2 by track #1 that sell Airport-Termini tickets (Visa, MC, AE, DC, PayEasy).
Next to the Newstand/Tabacchi there are
REGULAR TRAIN TICKET WINDOWS, where you can purchase train tickets for onward journeys like Rome Termini to Florence, Venice, etc.
They will also sell Airport-Termini tickets but you will very likely have to wait in a line/queue.
But a BETTER OPTION if you need onward journey regular train tickets is to use 1 of the 4 self-service ticket vending machines (cash or CC) in front of these 'regular train ticket windows'. They have an English option and are *very easy* to use...Trust me, if I can navigate them so can you
. You can also get Airport-Termini tickets from these vending machines but more of a hassle compared to the other type of ticket machines I mentioned above.
So if you have time and want tickets for a later train journey or are leaving Rome as soon as you arrive at Termini you can get your tickets right there.
If you don't have time you can get your tickets at Termini from vending machines also.
And there is a 'Travel Agency' booth that also sells regular train tickets either for no or very little commission in this Airport Station.
So if you are TRAVELING ONWARD FROM TERMINI by train figure this timeline if you are going to buy tickets. Give yourself 31min *after* your Airport-Termini train leaves plus a minimum of 10min at Termini to find your track and the correct car (esp if reservations are required).
You can find the regular train schedules at http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html (If you want the Airport-Termini timetables use 'Fiumicino Aeroporto' and 'Rome', Termini will be listed as 'ROMA TE').
You can also buy your Eurostar (ES) and InterCity (IC) online on the above Trenitalia website up to 90 days in advance (registration required & some info below).
Also in the Airport Train Station; ATM, a cafe, 2 rental car booths, police, and {hotel reservations, money exchange, ferry & train tickets} at the 'travel agency' booth.
The 'LEONARDO EXPRESS TRAIN' (Airport to Rome's Termini Train Station) leaves every 30 min, at :05 and :35 past the hour starting from 06:35 to 23:35.
It will have TERMINI on the Departure Board, remember there are only 3 tracks and only 1 train goes to Termini.
MAKE SURE YOU VALIDATE YOUR TICKET BEFORE BOARDING THE TRAIN! An unvalidated ticket is like having no ticket at all and the fine is ~50e.
A 'Validation' is just a 'date and time' stamp and you get it by sticking your ticket in any of the 'Yellow Boxes' on the platforms. But the trick is
, if you have a large airline-sized ticket gotten from the train ticket windows or the regular train self service machines you just stick it in the middle of the long slot. But if you have the smaller (half the size of a CC bought from the Newstand or CC machines) you must put it the part of the slot with an artsy blue arrow =~=~^ pointing to where it goes on the left side.
Go to the *far end* of the train, this will put you in the front cars and ahead of the herd
when you arrive at Termini plus you will avoid most of the arriving and departing passengers who will be crowding each other at Termini's platform. Sit on the leftside of the train because after you cross the Tiber River you will catch fleeting glimpses of some ancient sites (city walls, aqueducts, city gates and even a pyramid
.And as you are slowing down and entering the outer train station area you will see a large round shell of a bldg in ruins (24m x 33m high) on the left. It is wrongly ID'ed as the 'Temple of Minerva Medica' but it was most likely a ~300AD dining pavilion of a very wealthy Roman's residence.
BOTTOMLINE: Just follow the signs in the Airport to the train station,
buy your ticket at the Newstand, validate it and hop-on
. ARRIVAL AT TERMINI TRAIN STATION
The main station area has 24 tracks and this train as of Dec '06 now arrives at Track 24 (it used to arrive at Tracks 26-29 which was a few hundred meters away from the main station).
TERMINI TAXIS: Licensed legal taxi drivers will never solicit you either inside or outside the station, they will always be with their taxi. Those that do solicit are illegal Gypsy taxis who will overcharge you big-time.
So you can either follow the Herd straight ahead to the Taxi Stand in front of Termini and wait in the queue/line.
[Make sure the meter is set on 1 rather than 2, I believe it's under 'Tariff', *many* posters seem to pay double for these Termini to central area hotels journeys from this front taxi queue.]
Or just follow the Herd a short distance (under 50m) into the *Large Arcade* (2 floors of shops and restaurants) with *huge* exits to the outside at each end, then exit left onto Via Giovanni Giolitti.
There is a taxi stand there and I have always just walked-up to the 1st taxi waiting.
CATCHING AN ONWARD TRAIN UPON TERMINI ARRIVAL. The wide corridor in front of the train platform will have TV monitors like in an airport but they will only show the trains departing in the next 20-30min or so.
If your train is departing later than that go into that *Large Arcade* on the wall above you as you enter is the huge Arrivals Board.
But if you turn right and walk down a bit you will see the huge Departure Board.
Remember the Departure Board only lists the train's *Last Stop*.
So say if you are taking the 0930 Eurostar Train to Florence it might be listed as the '0930 ES Venezia', so on the way to Venice it will stop in Florence.
So on the Board look for your Time 1st, then the type of train 2nd (ES, IC, IR etc) and finally the last stop's direction. And then listed to the right will be the Binario or Platform number.
USEFUL REGULAR TRAIN TICKET & MACHINE INFO: http://tinyurl.com/pnevx
MISSING YOUR ES OR ICP TRAIN REFUND OR CHANGE Especially if you buy your tickets online and have problems with late arriving planes, Customs, lost luggage, etc. http://tinyurl.com/o3hat OR
http://slowtalk.com/groupee/forums/a...1?r=6321047871
STRIKES
This website is in English with updated strike info and the easiest to use but always check both websites. www.seekitaly.com/news/from_roma.html Click-on the 'Strikes, Demonstrations etc in Italy' link on the left. Italian transportation strike website (in Italian) www.infrastrutturetrasporti.it/ click-on 'Calendario Scioperi Nazionali'.
LIMO DRIVERS
Also consider do you really want to take the train into Rome? For 2 people it's 22e, if your hotel is walking distance from Termini or you are comfortable taking the bus or metro to your hotel it's a good deal.
But if you have to take a taxi from Termini figure ~10e or higher with 2 pieces of luggage and if you give the driver a 1e tip. So let's figure the train for 2 and an *honest* taxidriver it's 32e minimum.
The shuttle is 36e for 2 people and you might have to wait a bit at the airport plus drive around dropping off the others.
But a LIMO DRIVER waiting at Arrivals with a sign with your name on it and driving a new Mercedes for 35e for up to 4 people http://www.romeshuttlelimousine.com/Inglese_p.htm or http://www.limoservicerome.com for 45e up to 3.
I have used both companies and they are both good and there are others but the 1st one is the cheapest.
LUGGAGE STORAGE (Deposito Bagagli)
Alongside Track 24 there is an signposted elevator that will take you downstairs to luggage storage.
Be warned though the line esp in the morning can be long and slow moving, I'd say ~100 people lined-up ~0930 in May'06. A person's website mentioned waiting 2hrs in Oct'05. All left luggage is X-rayed.
There are NO self-service luggage lockers in Italy since Sept'01.
Melissa (Nicolas Inn) mentioned this option on the Frommer's messageboard and I checked it out. There is a laundromat that provides luggage storage for 2e on the northside of Termini. It's on Via Milazzo #20 just after the cross-street Via dei Mille. There is a yellow laundromat sign hanging over it easy to see from down the block and it's called 'Bolle Blu', in the window is a sign saying '2euro Deposit Baggages Open 0800-2200'.
She also posted that this place also has luggage storage and another poster said that they had used it; "Navigator Internet Cafe on Via Marghera between Via Marsala and Via Magenta".
In front of Track #20 there is another 'Hotel Reservation' booth.
The Termini Train Station is *very safe* as far as any type of physical crime but always watch your bags and your wallet and brush-off strangers that approach you like in most of the World's train stations.
Mar 24th, 2007, 11:10 AM
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Our kids are arriving a couple of hours earlier than us, so I can now hand them this information knowing that they have a step-by-step guide. After 19 hours of travelling they may need it. Thanks so much!
