rome

[jrtv]

Has anyone been to Rome with Ryanair ( Ciampino Airport ) and if so have you any tips you can share, ie airport bus, where to stay, transport and sightseeing, etc.

[Lil O'lady]

Ciampino airport is a complete nightmare, so lots of patience especially when you are going home - they have a double-check in - security system that involves two long queues. Get thru the first and then keep your place while a buddy gets a sandwich and coffe for you from the only sandwich bar that side of security.
Then when you're thru that you're in a little enclosure that is the gate for departure, usual not enough seats.

You can get a fancy airport bus, the run-of-the mill public bus or the train to Rome Termini - the fancy airport bus is dearest but most obvious, probably about 6 euros from memory. It stops down the side of Termini railway station.

Watch yourself as you get off the bus or come out of the train station as there are gangs of beggars of varying shades, genders and approaches. Just keep your head up, walk determinedly and forestall with a firm 'grazie' and hand palm up ('stop sign'). As with all these city situations don't allow anyone to stop your path, push objects into your hand, get close behind you or enagage you in a dialogue. This may sound very negative bit it isn't that Rome is bad - just don't want your break spoiled at the first few steps.

Depending on where you hotel is - Termini is uphill from central Rome so it's a nice canter downhill, nice to strecth your legs after Ryanair's tender mercies too.


To be continued.....

[Lil O'lady]

As you walk downhill down the main road from Termini you literally come straight to the Forum with the Coliseum to the left. I think you can get a ticket that lets you into the Coliseum and the forum on same day a bit cheaper - it's a big commitment for your legs though. Don't respond to the numerous ticket touts outside the Coliseum who come to you claiming to be official guides (they aren't) or that it's about to close and they'll get you in quickly (a lie). If there is a queue at the Coliseum it is only to get thru the X-ray security and you're soon in. I have heard tour guides telling absolute rubbish to groups - you'd be better off with any decent guide book and do it yourself.

Next - the Vatican....

[Lil O'lady]

The Vatican is a bit further west, you can walk or get a bus (watch your wallet in crowds). You can simply go into the Basilica itself and have a gawp or a pray. To get into the Sistine Chapel, even though it is adjacent to the Basilica you have to go out and round the corner and go all the way through the very very unending Vatican Museum.

[Lil O'lady]

There's the usual hop-on-hop off citibus tour which is great, and public transport is incredibly cheap. If you are going this time of year the temperatures are fine and it is not a manically crowded as other times. But still, watch your belongings and look out for scammers. We stayed in a truly dreadful hotel near Termini station.
Don't miss the Pantheon (very Angels and demons), the remains of the Roman circus, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain (three coins in a...). Found a lovely ordinary bar up an alley near Trajan's column and had the best beer and butties ever.

[jrtv]

What a answer, very informative and very useful.
( have printed it off and will take with me ) Thank you Lil O'lady very much.

[LCDMAN]

But Lil O'Lady, you forgot the piles of dogsh!t everywhere and endless graffiti which spoils an otherwise beautiful city. {Don't wear your best shoes}.

In the Vatican, you wil queue for ages at the Basilica, and even longer to get into the Cistine Chapel. Hop-on, hop-off bus is great, as is most of the public transport. Do be aware of the preponderance of Eastern European pickpockets and beggars, so watch your bags/wallets closely and avoid letting people bump into you.

[Buenchico]

Ciampino is a 'one man and his dog' type of airport, which I'm rather fond of. When i was there, a few months back, there were no delays when checking in. It only took me a couple of minutes to get through the security checks. However, as Lil O'Lady suggests, the facilities can be rather stretched if there are several flights around the same time. (Be prepared to queue for the loo).

If you're travelling with others, it might be worth considering a taxi. They're strictly regulated by the local authorities, with a fixed fare of �30 to, or from, any point within the city walls.

There are two bus companies operating direct services to the city centre. Terravision (which Ryan will encourage you to use, because they've got a partnership) will take you to the Via Marsala, immediately outside Termini rail station.

SitBus also operate to the Via Marsala, but they use a different stop which is just along the road from Termini station. SitBus is marginally cheaper and also operates later in the day than Terravision do.
http://www.adr.it/portal/portal/adr/Ciampino/S ervizi/Come_raggiungerci/Arrivo_bus

You can also take a shuttle bus, for just �1, to Ciampino station, and then take a train into Termini station.

To get around the city, you should either use BIG or BTI tickets. A 'BIG' (biglietto integrato giornaliero) costs just �4 and gives you a day's unlimited travel on the buses and the two metro services (as well as some local rail services). The 3-day version is the 'BTI' (biglietto turistico integrato). The tickets are available from machines at metro stations but they only offer limited change. (If your transaction would require the provision of more than a few euros in change, it's rejected. You get your money back but no tickets). It's eas

[Buenchico]

. . It's easier to buy them from station bookstalls.

Official tourism website:
http://www.romaturismo.it/v2/en/main.asp

Chris

[filthiestfis]

ah I knew that Buenchico was throw his two cents in ;)
I also travelled to Rome twice with Ryanair to Ciampino Airport. It is not the best airport in the world and everything about pickpockets and Romanian beggars etc that Lil O lady says is true, particularly in and around Termini Station. BE VERY CAREFUL.
Also I would advise against taking a taxi upon arrival at Via Marsala. We got severely ripped off!
All true about the graffiti and dog droppings. Also look out for gypsy kids by many train stations.

[dustypuss]

Rome has a underground that is very easy to use . only 2 lines n/s e/w meeting at the middle near the colosseum

[mayankgates]

For Rome travel tips, places to see, cuisines and many more check out Rome Travel Guide