I have done a search and found a few pieces of info. Just wanted to ask whether it will be safe to catch a train from Termini to Circo Massimo then walk to Trastevere with baggage. We will be comming in around 9am from Florance. Can we walk ( we are young and fit) or is cab or bus a better option? We only speak English, no Italin! Our B&B is just over the Ponte Palatino.

You can certainly walk and I don't think it would be too much of an issue with safety. I think it would be more of an issue trying to squeeze yourself and your luggage into one of Rome's packed subway cars! I would consider taking a cab. You can take a cab from Termini to many points in the historic center for relatively cheap. I think our cab fare from Termini to near Piazza Navona was around 10 to 12 euro or so. Money well spent!

Tracy

I agree. 9 am is the height of rush hour in Rome and the Metro will be packed. Take a cab.

I am no expert, but I believe Ponte Palatino is a long walk from the Termini.
During our latest trip to Rome, we walked everywhere during the day,(March 2007)
If you do not wish to spend in a taxi probably aprox 14-15 eu. how about a bus? The b&b can tell you by email which bus. Most of them have their last stop at the Termini, there are good signs and you can get in when the bus is sitting there.
I am not sure but I believe that you can pay the driver if you did not bought the ticket before, it will be only a few cents more. Fares are around 1 eu more or less. It is very simple. Walking seems a little too much.
You can also try to buy the ticket inside the Termini
ask at a news stand or tabacco shop.

Graziella5b;
I was going to walk from Circo Massimo the stop after Colosseo. Thanks though I will consider the cab.

I always use a taxi when transporting luggage. I build it in to the cost of my trip (or make it up skimping somewhere else if you prefer to think of it that way).

I love to walk, and walk miles in European cities... after my luggage is dropped on at my room! Not all, but most cases (I don't know Rome) dragging your suitcase onto public transportation is not a lot of fun.

suze is absolutely right. We learned a long time ago to avoid subways with our luggage because most are just too crowded and you almost feel guilty for taking up so much space. Rome's is certainly one of the worst for that. Its hard enough to squeeze yourself into one of the cars sometimes, let alone with your luggage!

Tracy

And do be VERY aware of the pickpockets on the subway if you have luggage. They are bold and quick and I am not sure you will really be able to be on guard if you are carting luggage.

I speak from experience. On one trip I saw a group of them surround and terrorize a backpacker while one of them sliced open his knapsack and took everything. It was quite scary.