woodstockguy

We are arriving on a Sunday at Termini in Rome by train from Bologna, from where we proceed to the Sofitel at Villa Borghese. What are our alternatives to get there? We will each have only carryon luggage, nothing excessive. Is there an easy transfer and route by the metro?

voyager61

I am responding to this so others with more experience will also respond. We have been to Rome twice, but we generally use taxis for longer distances with luggage. Without luggage, we have taken city buses, but they are too crowded with luggage, IMO.

kybourbon

If you want public transport (1.50€), you can catch the metro two stops (direction Battistini) to the Barberini stop and then walk (mostly uphill).

The other option is take a bus out front of Termini (bus #175)3 stops and get off at the S. Basilio stop and then walk (uphill again).

The metro transfer might be harder than the bus option. You will be arriving Termini on ground level and would just need to exit the front to the bus area. The metro is underground and a trek under Termini. This metro line between Termini and Spanish Steps is usually packed.

Watch your wallets/backpacks/purses on public transport.

kybourbon

I've taken suitcases on the metro and buses. Since it's a Sunday, the buses might not be crowded as on workdays. The metro between Termini and Spanish Steps stop is always crowded.

Walking from the station to the hotel is 1500m.

Here's the route planner. I can only get it pull up options on the Italian version. The English version isn't showing me all options. You can enter route choices, select all public transport or bus/tram only. You can also just enter the bus # (torva linea). Don't use the green area to enter anything as that is current time buses.

http://www.atac.roma.it/

nytraveler

Cabs in Rome are cheap and IMHO anything else with luggage is silly. It's uphill most of the way. If you spring for the Sofitel a few euros for a cab is nothing esp for more than one person.

tarquin

A taxi is going to cost something like 6-7 euro. Or you could walk.

Dukey1

If you walked by the most direct route the distance is a little over one mile. If you take the Metro to the Barberini stop you are at the bottom of the Via Veneto and you do NOT want to wind your way up to the top of that...no, you do not.

Yes, to answer your question about there being an "easy transfer" and it is called a taxi.

kybourbon

>>>Via Veneto and you do NOT want to wind your way up to the top of that...no, you do not.<<<

The hotel is not at the top of Via Veneto. It's actually about even with the Barberini metro stop, but a few blocks over. So while it's a bit uphill, it's not uphill like walking up Via Veneto. You wouldn't even walk up Via Veneto, you would leave the metro and as Via Veneto started to curve uphill by the Capuchin Crypt, you would exit Via Veneto on Via di Sant Isidoro.

>>>If you spring for the Sofitel a few euros for a cab is nothing esp for more than one person.<<<

Cabs aren't expensive in Rome, but some people that stay in Sofitels are using points. Some people like to be a bit more green and use public transport.

If you do take a taxi, get an official Comune Rome taxi (white with logo on the side). They can charge for luggage (1€ per bag)so don't be surprised if they do. The start rate on Sunday (4.50€) is more than weekdays (3€).

Pepper_von_snoot

Kyboubon, you are wrong.

Even though the hotel isn't on the Via Veneto, it is just about two blocks over going towards the Spanish Steps/Via Sistina.

It is still an uphill walk from Termini.

I have walked up the Via Pinciana, past the Hotel Eden and remember seeing the Sofitel.

There is an entrance/exit for Spagna Metro at the top of the Via Veneto. There are escalators near Harry's Bar.

A taxi will be about 10 euros. For that price I would take the taxi.


Thin