Rome ... The real cradle of European civilization ... It is not for nothing that this city received the nickname "eternal", and is the capital of one of the most charismatic and picturesque countries of the continent. The main city of Italy is famous for its unearthly architecture, one of the smallest in area, but with a colossal world influence, a state called the Vatican. If they say about the capital of France: “See Paris and die”, then something like “See Rome to live forever” will suit Rome!
Traveling around this city is always exciting. Even having traveled it up and down, each new visit will certainly discover something new, hitherto unseen. Of course, when you are fluent in the language, have a good understanding of the area and know Rome like the back of your hand, it will not be difficult for you to choose the shortest and most profitable route from the airport to any of the hotels. But what if you are in these parts for the first time and your romance with the “heart of Italy” is just beginning? Our practical advice will certainly be useful to you!
Express train
So, what is the most profitable route to get to the city center if you've stepped off a plane that has just landed? There are several options at your service here, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most popular way to get to the door of your chosen hotel is by taking the express train, which has the original name "Leonardo Express". The train makes several daily trips from Fiumicino Airport to Rome Termini Station and back. It takes you only 31 minutes to get there.
You shouldn't worry about being late for the train either. The next train will be delivered to platform 25 in half an hour. By the way, you can buy a ticket right on the platform, before boarding the train, which significantly saves your time and is very convenient if you arrived with a bunch of suitcases. The fare is 14 euros.
Bus
An alternative option could be a bus route. Every 25-30 minutes a comfortable bus departs from the station, which will take you to one of the points of the city - it all depends on the route. The advantages of this route are obvious: a ticket will cost only 4-7 euros, and the travel time is about the same as by train. In addition, traveling in Italy by car is very exciting and you will understand this on the very first serpentine. Amazing panoramas, combining the strict contours of inaccessible rocks and lavishly decorated with grapevine frames will not leave any tourist indifferent. A train ride, although it can show you some of the country's picturesque corners, still cannot be compared to traveling on the highway.
Transfer
And the last option to get to the center of the capital is an official transfer. Not everyone is familiar with such an exotic term. Its essence lies in the fact that upon arrival at the airport, a driver in a private car will already be waiting for you, who will gladly take you with all your luggage to the hotel or hotel. Such a trip can be safely called a comfortable and fast wash. You do not have to rush to the train, stand in line for boarding (sometimes this happens), and also get from Termini station or the stop of the minibus to the hotel where you booked a room. This delivery method is also popular among those who have little command of the Italian language. However, the transfer cannot be called a budget trip. The cost of such services in each hotel is different, but always several times higher than the cost of travel by public transport.
What transport to choose to get around Rome
Experienced tourists will easily answer this question, having noticed that there is nothing better than walking in Rome! And they will be right! After all, the capital of Italy is famous for the fact that it has the most favorable conditions for walking. And where can you rush in this fabulous city? Perhaps an exhibition or a museum! But in this case, public transport - metro, taxis and trams will always come to your aid.
Tip: Even if you are going on a regular walk around the city, it is highly recommended to stock up on a metro or tram ticket. After all, who knows how far from the hotel you can go, being under the influence of one of the "pearls of Europe"! By the way, whether on the bus or on the metro, you need one type of ticket - METROBUS! It is very convenient and practical. And you can always buy a ticket at any kiosk with newspapers and magazines, or in small Tabaccheria shops that are located in the vicinity of public transport stops.
The cost of such a travel document is only 1.5 euros, and it is considered valid within 100 minutes. But don't forget to validate your ticket when boarding. Otherwise, it will be invalid, and a fine awaits you, the amount of which (50 euros) will significantly spoil your mood.
Local minibuses operate on a special schedule. The first flights open as early as 5.30 am, and the last transport runs around midnight. But this does not mean at all that if you stayed longer, you will have to get to the hotel on foot. Especially for such tourists, there are about 20 night minibuses.
Tip: if you plan to travel all day, it is more profitable to purchase a single ticket for 6 euros or a travel document that gives the right to travel on the metro and buses for 3 days (16.5 euros) or 7 days (24 euros).
There is another important feature of the capital's public transport: buses do not adhere to a clear timetable, so sometimes you have to wait for them from 5 minutes to half an hour. Consider this if you do not want to be held hostage to the situation and be late for a concert or exhibition.
Although the Roman metro is very popular, it still has its drawbacks. First of all, you won't be able to see the amazing city underground. Therefore, the metro is held in high esteem only by locals. In addition, the city "subway" has only two branches, so it will not be possible to get to the distant ends of the city without a change.
Well, there is always an alternative in the form of a taxi. You will have to pay about 10 euros for a trip on an average distance, but is such a walk worth the time spent in traffic jams?
