taxi fares and other Rome, Italy Transportation Tips

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: If you are staying at a hotel and are in need of a taxi (obviously) the door man will hail you a cab. Before you get into the cab, ask the doorman what the fare should be. He will usually be able to give you a "ballpark" answer. The reason I give this advise is becouse on my last trip to Rome, my sister, daughter and I stayed at the Cavalieri and needed a cab to go to the vatican. A cab was hailed and we hopped in. It wasnt until we were almost there that I noticed that the meter wasnt on. When we stopped the driver pushed a button and the meter read "25". He tried to charge us 25 euros. We argued with him for a while and eventually paid him 15 but we were both very angry. That night when we got back to the hotel we asked the doorman how much it should cost and he said not more than 8 or 9 euros. At that point we told him what had happened. Unfortunatly we didnt get the name of the driver or the cab number so we couldnt report him. Always ask someone if you can!!!!!!!!!!

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Other Contact: monorial@zbzoom.net

'Mode': TO
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: There are basically three ways to get to Rome City Center from the FCO Airport. One of the easiest ways to get from the fuimicino airport to the termini station in the center of Rome is to take the express train. Just follow the signs and take the escalator upstairs to the terminal. The train (Leonardo Express) leaves the station at 6 and 36 minutes past the hour so it is easy to catch. Buy your ticket from one of the ticket machines or from a ticket agent. Tickets are cheap and easy to get. The trip into town will cost 11 euros. Make sure to validate your ticket before boarding the train. There is a hefty fine if you don't. The train will drop you off at the end of the termini station. It is a little bit of a walk to get outside the main area where the cabs are, so either pack lightly or make sure the wheels on your suitcase are in good condition. From here you can either walk or take a cab to your hotel.
Another way to get to the city center is to take a cab directly to your hotel. There is a fixed rate of 40 euros from FCO to any hotel in the city center. Catch a cab at the rank outside the airport. Make sure not to take one from anyone who approaches you. They will charge you double or triple what it should cost. Also, before you get in the cab confirm the 40 euro fare. If there are 3 of you traveling together this is the less expensive way to go.
The last way to get to your hotel is by hiring a private company to pick you up. There are two companies that get good reviews on this and other forums. romecabs.com and airportconnection.it. They will charge between 45-55 euros but will meet you outside of baggage claim, help you with your luggage and can be arranged in advance. Not having to worry about transportation after a long flight is also a big plus.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: Hailing a cab in Rome is not like it is in New York city. Cabs have to queue at specific places. You cannot hail one from the street but must go to the cab stand in order to get one. Even if the cab is empty they are not allowed to pick you up. When you get to the cab stand, get the first one in line. Before you get in tell the cabbie where you would like to go. They will understand where you want to go because they get so much tourist business. At that point you can ask what the expected fare wil be and decide if you want to take the cab. The legal cab fares will all be the same, the "fake" cabs just make up their own fares. Make sure the cabbie actually turns on the meter when you get into the cab. (the fake ones wait until the end of the ride and try to charge you quadruple what it should be).
If you are at a hotel, the doorman can hail you a cab. If you are out and about and need a cab (and cant find a cab stand) go to the nearest large hotel. Ask the doorman to hail you a cab. You can also ask him what you should expect to pay. He can give you a ballpark figure. You can also ask him to tell the cabbie where you want to go. Don't forget to tip the doorman for this service. Usually I round up the cab fare for the cabbie as well, depending on the service.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Subway/Metro
Getting TO/AROUND: You have all heard the warnings about the metro in Rome, and they are true. There ARE pickpockets on the metro. I don't think you should let that discourage you from useing this form of public transportation, though. With a little pre-metro planning, you can safely navigate the underground system with ease.
Obviously the first thing you want to do is to secure your valuables. Do not do this inside the metro station, as you will be giving away the location of where your valuables are. If you have a camera with a neck stap, put it down the front of your shirt. If you have a small hand held camera, (and no purse) put the wrist stap around your arm and carry it in you hand. As far as purses go, put the strap over your head and shoulder and then hold the bag against you chest. . If you have a jacket, put your purse on first, then your jacket, zipping it if you can. (also putting the camera in your purse if you can).
As for men, put a rubber band around your waller, (if you carry one) and put it in your front pocket. We use the hidden waist pouch so we don't worry about that. If you don't have one of these, get one. You can find them on-line or in just about any store.
Once you get onto the metro, give your travel partner a hug. I stand facing whoever I am traveling with. This way all our valuables are sandwiched between us and we can watch over our shoulder for any sneeky fingers that might try something.
I have never had a problem on the metro (knock on wood) becouse of pre-planning.
One more thing, never accept unsolicited help. If someone approaches you and offers help, be leary. Don't let them get to close to you (and watch your valuables). Also, if a roman comes up to you and asks for help or directions, run the other way! This is a scam. They are trying to get close enough to steel your stuff. Don't let them invade your personal space. You would not let someone do it if you visited New York, so why let them do it in Rome.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Subway/Metro
Getting TO/AROUND: Using the metro is easy. With just a few precautions, this can be a great time and foot saver for anyone. (see my metro tip for some precautions)..
You should get a map of the metro system to have a general knowledge of the stops. There are only two lines in the whole system but they cover a lot of territory. If you have any kind of guidebook, they will usually have a route of the metro system. If you don't have a guidebook, stop by the tourist information kiosk when you get to Rome. These maps are very helpful for cutting down travel time. They will show you where the various metro stops are and which line to take.
Inside the metro stations there are maps also. Be sure to read these maps and get on the correct train. They go in both directions, so you might end up going away from your target if you are not careful. Just read the overhead signs and the wall maps and you'll be fine.
Buy your ticket from a magazine vendor or from inside the staion. Make sure you validate it before you get on the train. As you go thru the turnstile, slip your ticket in the slot. It will spit out on the other side. That's all there is to it. If you buy an individual ticket it is good for 70 minutes or one train ride. (One train ride includes transfers as long as you don't go back out thru the turnstiles) Once you get off the train you need to buy another ticket. They do sell multi-day tickets if you will use the metro a lot.
When you exit the train, look at the signs. These will tell you which road you will exit onto. Most of the time, you have a choice which road to go onto and won't have to cross the street if you take the correct staircase up to the street level. (Don't get me started on crossing the street).

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: People often wonder about the travel costs and times between cities in Italy. Here are some of the more common trips people make from Rome by train. Naples and pompeii- the train will take about 2 hours to get into Naples. The cost on the ICplus train is 1rst class-23.21 and 2nd class- 17.53 OW. From the Naples station you must go downstairs to the circumvesuviana train. This train makes multiple stops, but the trip to pompeii (pompeii scavi) only takes about 30 minutes. This ticket is less than 5 euros RT. This is an all day trip so leave Rome early and return late.
Florence for the day will take about 1.5 hours on the high speed train. This ticket will cost 42.35 for 1rst class and 29.44 for second class. This is a very easy daytrip to make. Leaving early and making reservations at the museums will give you the opportunity to see to see the best Florence has to offer.
From Rome to Pisa is a 3 hour train trip. The cost is 50 for 1rst class and 34.54 for 2nd class. This is a trip you might want to consider being an overnight.
From Rome to Venice is a 4.5 hour trip. This is an overnight trip (meaning you should stay overnight in Venice since the train trip is so long). The 1rst class ticket is 67.14 and the 2nd class ticket is 44.93. I buy the first class ticket as it is such a long trip and the seats are larger and more comfortable.
All of these times are for the high speed trains and the cost were taken from the trenitalia website. As for reservations and availability, if you are traveling in the high season, you should book as soon as possible and make a seat reservation. In the off season, this is not as important. The ES trains have a coffee bar or a restaurant car where you can purchase food. On longer trips this can be a life saver. Take your ticket with you if you go to the restaurant car so if the conductor asks for it you can show him. I believe they can fine you if you don't carry your ticket with you.

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Website: trenitalia.com

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Subway/Metro
Getting TO/AROUND: I always tell people to walk while in Rome. With so much to see, it is a city to be walked and enjoyed. However, if you are limited with time or cannot walk for long distances, then the metro is for you. The Rome metro consists of two seperate lines, crossing at the termini station. These are the orange and the blue lines. They will take you quickly to the main tourist spots around Rome. You can buy your tickets at any newsstand for 1 euro and ride for 75 minutes or one trip. One trip consists of any train or connection that you don't have to revalidate your ticket. Children 10 and under ride free. Some of the more convenient stops include: via cavour, colosseum, Circus maximus and the piramide stops on the blue line and San Giovani in Laterano, Vittorio Emanuele, Republica, Barberini, Spagna, Flaminio, Saint Peters and the Vatican stops on the Orange line. You may buy individual ride tickets, one day tickets or multiple day tickets. The trains come every few minutes so if you are strapped for time, find the closest station and hop on. Try to take the metro at non-rush-hour times and be careful of pickpockets. Before you get to the station, put all your money and valuables away. If you are carrying a purse or bag, carry it across your body in front of you. The metro in Rome is like the metro in any other large city, so take the same precautions and you will arrive at the sites you want to see more quickly and not be quite so tired at the end of the day.
The picture was taken outside of the circus maximus stop. You can see the circus, the palatine hill on the right and in the background the tower of Santa Maria in Cosmidan where the "mouth of truth" lives.

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'Mode': TO
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: One of the easiest ways to get to your hotel from the fuimicino airport is to hire a private car. Now, this is not the least expensive way to get to your hotel but it is certainly one of the most convenient. I always use airportconnection.it . After I have picked up my luggage and gone thru all the security check points, they are waiting for me with a sign with my name on it. They help me with my luggage and have the car waiting for me at the curb. The cars are mercedes types and are new and clean. The drivers are all very nice and helpful and know how to get to all the hotels in the city. The fare is 45 euros each way and there is no extra charge for luggage. You email them the details of your trip and they will send you a confirmation email. They will pick you up at the times you request so there is never a worry. They can also advise you of travel time with traffic, to make it easier to plan your return trip to the airport.
This company also offers sightseeing trips. If you are looking for a good limo service and/or tour company, visit their website: airportconnection.it They respond promptly to e-mails and are very reliable.

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Website: airportconnection.it

'Mode': TO
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: There are several ways to get to your hotel from the airports in Rome. One of them is by taxi. There are now set rates the cabs can charge you for a trip to a hotel within the city walls. From the FCO airport the set rate is 40 euros and from Ciampino airport the rate is 35 euros. You can catch a cab at the cab rank outside the airport. Before getting into the cab make sure they agree to the fee. Even though it is a set rate you will sometimes find drivers who will try to charge you more. Be very firm that you know the rate and this is what you will pay. This fee is the normal fee for during the day. If you arrive very early or very late there will be a supplement charged. Also, if you have a lot of luggage there will be a supplement charged. The trip from the airport into the city should take about half an hour. Traveling by cab to you hotel makes a lot of sense if your hotel is not by the termini station. If you are by the station, you can take the express train and then walk to your hotel. If you are not close to the termini station then you will need to take a cab from there to your hotel. Some drivers in Rome are not honest and will try to charge you double or triple what the fare should be. It is easier to get the cab from the airport straight to your hotel because you know what the fare will be up front and won't have to worry about being scammed.

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