My husband and I and another couple will be flying to Rome the 1st of November and have arranged for a 2BR/2bath apt a few blocks from the Termini. We'll pack as lightly as possible, but from there, we'll be getting on a 16-day cruise -- which necessitates more "stuff" (formal wear, etc). I think my husband and I can limit ourselves to 2 carryon-sized bags, plus a foldover, rolling garment bag (it's pretty large) and maybe a backpack. My question is -- with that much luggage, would it be too much of a hassle to catch the subway from the airport to the Termini? The one other time we went to Rome, we just caught a shuttle-type ride from the airport directly to our apt and that worked out fine, but was, of course, more expensive. We never got on the subway that trip (didn't even know they had one!), so we don't know what to expect. What's it like? Many thanks to you experienced travelers who might be able to answer this question for us!

Hello Chestelle, to my knowledge there isn't a subway line from the airport to Termini. If there is I hope some Fodorite will post about it. There is the train. Personally with your amount of luggage I would reserve a private shuttle. There is time to save money but when I arrive after a long flight (I assume you are in the US) I think it is good to get to ones lodging in the easiest manner possible. Wishing you a great trip, it sounds wonderful!

As LoveItaly says, there is no subway from the airport, just a train. Also, it's not a short walk to this train. I'd take a shuttle for sure with that much luggage.

As others have said, there's no metro to take. The Leonardo Express is a pretty big schlep from the terminal, and it sounds like you're going to be pretty loaded down. Also, I seem to remember there really isn't much room for luggage on the LE. I'd take a taxi or shuttle.

The train will cost 4 adults 44e.

A 6 passenger (including driver) Mercedes van is 50e.
Door to Door service and plenty of room for luggage.

Also I'm sure the driver would call the apt owners and tell them you are on your way.
Regards, Walter

With that much luggage and 4 people I would definitely organize a car. Schlepping all that stuff isn;t worth saving $10 or $15 overall.

I was also going to suggest a car service. For 4 people, with a good amount of luggage, it would be so much easier and not much more expensive that the train.

Aside from that, if you took the train to Termini from FCO, you would still have to drag yourselves and your stuff to the apartment. The car service will take you from the airport to your door.

You can search here for Rome car services, and hear what others recommend, and you might want to check with your apartment. They may offer a deal, but sometimes, hotel or apartment arranged car services are not the best deal you can get.

Our family took the local train to Rome from the airport. It leaves opposite the Leonardo Express track. We each had one bag and one small carry-on. I agree with other posters it would be hard to negotiate the train with the amount of luggage you are planning to take

Probably not directly related to the OP, who is presumably flying into Fiumicino, but if you arrive in Rome at Ciampino airport (normally on a flight from Europe), then one of the routes into Termini does involve the subway (Bus to Anagnina station then subway).

We were in Rome earlier this month and stayed just a few blocks from the Termini, as well. We arranged a shuttle from the airport and we were glad we did. Not knowing the area, we could have been walking a long time trying to find the apartment, even with their directions. AFter seeing the stairs in the Metro, that we would have had to navigate, we reaffirmed our decision. We left Rome by train to Venice and easily walked with our luggage - 1 rolling suitcase and backpack or carry-on each - to the Termini, since there were no stairs involved.

Hi C,

As noted, the Leonardo da Vinci express train is almost as expensive as the shuttle, and you have a 10 min walk from the train to get out of Rome TE.

The Leonardo really is no longer a schlep at all. It's at track 24 (the very first track). It used to be a long trek, but I think people replying haven't been to Rome recently. There are also plenty of baggage carts. I'm currently in Rome and used the Leonardo two weeks ago when I arrived Italy.

There is a set rate for taxis from the airport into Roma of 40€ if it is a Roma taxi. If it is a taxi based in Fuimicino it is a higher price.

I would do a limo service with four people though. For about 50€ you can be dropped at your apartment and not have to worry about getting there from Termini.

Thanks to all of you who responded to my question. You've probably saved us a lot of hassle. We will certainly arrange for a shuttle/limo to get from the airport to our apt.

Now -- Does anyone have a specific recommendation for a shuttle service? There appears to be many of them on the internet.

Also, while I'm thinking about it, how about getting from Rome to the port at Civitavecchia? We're considering a train because the cruiseline shuttle is exorbitant! Thanks!

Hi-
We used Rome Cabs, http://www.romecabs.com/
both to and from the airport and they were on time and waiting both ways. Excellent service. I'm sure they offer service to the port as well. Again, why hassle with the train with 4 people?

I've used www.airportshuttle.it six times. Obviously, the service is good or I wouldn't have used them six times!

Taxis from the airport to your apartment that have the Commune di Roma logo on the side will be 40€ (no luggage fee). There are signs now in front of hotels for taxi stops stating the taxi fees (40€ to Fiumicino and 30€ to Ciampino) and the signs also state that includes luggage.

As for Civitavecchia, the slowest trains (R trains) from Termini (1:08 minutes or a bit slower 1:18)will cost 4.50€ each. The faster train (ICPlus) will cost 11€ 1st cl or 8.50€ 2nd cl and take 46 minutes. The R trains are much more frequent than the ICPlus on this route.

You may want to wait until you're at your apartment to judge whether you will be up for walking from the apartment to Termini.

If you're fresh, and not just off a plane, it might be doable.

From Civitavecchia station, you can either taxi or walk to your cruise port. I've heard of folks walking, but I don't think it was with luggage.

The other option is to ask the car service you are booking from FCO to your apartment, for their price to take you to Civitavecchia. Most car services in Rome will take you there.

We have used www.romecabs.com and been very happy with them. The driver was waiting outside arrivals with a sign with our name on it. I would make the arrangenents in advance.

Most transfer services from Rome to the port will run about 120-150€ for four people versus the train for 20-44€ for four depending on which type of train you select.

I've used Limo Service Rome for airport to hotel before (not to be confused with another ripoff company that copied their name by adding an S to the end of service), but they seem to be a bit higher than some of the other limo services these days (65€ for four).
http://www.limoservicerome.com/Servi...es.htm#Inglese

With the new set rate for taxis at 40€, I think I would just hop into the next Commune di Roma taxi available that was the mini van type so it's big enough for the four of you. You can ask before getting in to make sure it's a Rome taxi v a Fiumicino taxi (60&euroand confirm the 40€ rate. Here's the explanation from the airport website about the difference in the taxis and what's covered.
http://www.adr.it/content.asp?Subc=1...&idMen=731