Hello everyone - as a religious trip planner, I am finding my options for Rome transportation a bit overwhelming and... shall I say, not very clear-cut. Ah, the chaos that seems to be Southern Italy. Anyhow, here are my questions, and I wonder if anyone would be willing to help a newbie to continental Europe sort these out. FYI, we will be traveling in early September:

1. FCO to our hotel on Via di Santa Eufemia (called Hotel Cosmopolita, near Piazza Venezia and "Ancient Rome"): Are we best to cab it, and how much does that normally cost? This hotel is located within walking distance to the Forum and Colosseum. I will be 5 months pregnant, and would like to avoid schlepping on a bus after our long flight with a layover, unless that is a simple way to travel. I've read about some transport you can arrange that costs 30 euro for two people?

2. Our hotel to the train station (Termimi): we will transfer from Rome to the Amalfi Coast during our trip and want to take the train to Salerno. How best to get from our hotel to Termini? Bus, cab? How do you find the correct stop if by bus? Also, should we purchase our train tickets in advance once in Italy, or can we buy them the same day at Termini?

3. Once in Rome, I understand that we are staying in a central location (the hotel is called the Hotel Cosmopolita). Will we be able to walk back later in the evening from dinner in the Jewish Ghetto or Piazza Navona taking normal precautions, or is it advisable to take a cab? Please note that we are from a large metropolitan area in the US and are accustomed to being "on guard" when walking in city areas at night.

I feel certain I will have many more questions as my trip planning progresses, and would appreciate any insight recent or experienced travelers can give. Thanks!

Hello, Romans consider Rome to be in central Italy not southern Italy..just wanted to mention.

A cab from FCO to your hotel is now around 45 euro I believe. If you use a taxi go to the official taxi stand and take an official taxi. Do not get in a taxi with some "taxi driver" that has walked up to you soliciting business. You can reserve a shuttle bus from FCO that will take you to your hotel. Fodorite's have posted about shuttle bus companies that they have been pleased with. Use the search box here and you should pull up some good informative threads. You can also take the train from FCO to the Termini station in Rome and take a taxi from there to your hotel but in that you will be five months along I would imagine a taxi or shuttle bus would be more comfortable for you, especially after a long flight.

From your hotel to Termini I would take a taxi. Call the day before, or have your hotel call for you, to make the reservation. Note: one cannot normally flag a taxi down in Rome, if you don't have a reservation you need to go to an official taxi stand.

When in Rome I would buy your train tickets ahead of time rather then waiting until the day of taking the train.

Rome is quite safe at night as long as you use common sense which I am sure you will. You will find many people out and about, especially with the warm weather. If you need a taxi as you don't feel like walking back to your hotel I am sure your restaurant will call one for you.

1. 30 Euro for two people is low for a transfer, unless it's by shared shuttle that might take you to several other hotels before you get to yours. The fixed rate for a taxi is 40 Euro, but it's less hassle to have a driver wait for you with a sign with your name on it. www.romeairportshuttle.com will also charge 40 Euro.

2. Cab is easiest. Bus stops all have signs saying where the bus goes; you just look for one that has Termini on it. You can buy train tickets the same day at Termini. Using the multilingual machines is easier than standing in line at the ticket windows.

3. Yes, you can walk safely anywhere in central Rome at night. Some streets are more full of people than others, but violence is extremely rare to non-existent.

Especially as a big-city person, you should be fine, even late at night.

You might want to check walking distances, however, on google maps. Piazza Navona is supposedly a 15-minute walk from Piazza Venezia; only you can decide if that's an ok walk in the late evening, 5 months pregnant, after a day (presumably) full of activities.

Ooops, sorry. I gave you the wrong URL. This is the correct one: http://www.romeshuttlelimousine.com/

I've used them about a dozen times; they've always been reliable and punctual. Don't reserve more than a few days in advance, though.

Piazza Venezia has dozens of bus stops so is very convenient if you want to hop a bus somewhere. You will be fine walking, but Rome does have a few hills.

You won't have problems just walking up and buying tickets for Salerno. You may need to wait a bit if you want one of the fastest trains (AV/ES).

Put this way..I would be more scared to walk at night in a big US city than to walk in Rome.Just use common sense..

Right on LoveItaly..Never knew that I was a Southner..

forgot to put "R"

Thanks guys. If Fodors would let me edit my original post to remove the apparently idiotic reference to Southern Italy, than I would. However, I can't edit it, so my ignorance will live on in Fodor's history forever. I stand corrected. I am guessing a US-equivalent would be to refer to someone from D.C. as a "Southerner." For shame!

Anyhow, thanks for help on the transportation.

Ciao kismetchimera!

Not to worry alw, but you have lots of company, we all wish there was an edit feature, well most of us anyway!

LoveItaly, I am glad to be in such good Company..