walking to sites in Rome

[Nanci40]

Are the major attractions in Rome a walkable distance? For example, could I see trevi fountain, the colloseum, and the vatican in one day?

[Jim C.]

The answer is... not really. We did this (walking) but we took the subway to the Vatican station (walk about a mile to the Vatican) saw that. Then walked to the Trevi fountain which was a LONG walk (but we are walkers so except for the length it was no big deal) But you need a good map and the ability to read it. There is another subway stop near the fountain so we ended up getting back on the subway and heading back. (We had seen the Colosseum on embarkation day.)

IF we were to do it over again we would do it this way- Buy the all day multiple trip subway/bus pass. Take the subway to the Vatican, walk to the Vatican, walk back to the same subway stop, go to the Trevi fountain, back on the subway and then go to the Colosseum which is right outside its subway stop ... you should be able to see them all as long as you only spend a couple of hours at each...

[Hank]

You might have a better option. If you are planning to take the train from Civitavecchia to Rome (just take the free port bus to the entrance and walk 7 min to the station) you can buy a 9 Euro BIRG ticket which covers your round trip train plus all buses and subways/metros in Rome (except for the Hop On Hop Off bus).

Hank

[ftroute]

Good point Hank!

Just keep in mind that the BIRG is only for local commuter type trains (2nd class only) and does not work on the IC or Eurostar trains (1st or 2nd class.)

[Hank]

Darn good point FT. It has never been an issue with us since we never use the ICE, EC etc for the short run to Rome. And as you know, they also need to get a reservation for those trains, pay more money, and you only save about 20 minutes. But, we did meet somebody who tried to use those trains with a BIRG and they got fined

[drlivingston]

Welcome back, Hank...

[ftroute]

But, we did meet somebody who tried to use those trains with a BIRG and they got fined

Good point about the fine. I noticed in Oct that they seem to be cracking down more than they have in the past. I think we had tickets checked on almost every trip. Saw the same scenerio on buses too (including fines!)

[Hank]

Speaking more about fines, we actually got checked 3 times in 4 days while we were in Venice this past October. This was while getting on the vaporettos. On previous trip we had never even seen anyone checked.

Hank

[yfew]

Hi,

Our ship will dock at 8 am at Civitavecchia on a Tuesday. I have already purchased the Vitican museum tour that starts at 10:30 am. Now I am worried about whether I'll be able to arrive on time at the Vatican museum.

I am planning to do the following:
Take the train from Civ to Stazion St Roma S. Pietro, then take a taxi to the Vatican museum.
Is it hard to find a taxi around 10 am on a Tuesday morning that will take us to the Vatican museum ? How long will it take the taxi to get there (still rush hour travel at that time)?

Other than the above, is there any easier and faster way to get to the Vatican museum by 10:30 am. I understand it is quite far to walk.

Thank you.

[Jim C.]

Yes, there is. Take the metro (subway). You can get a combination train/subway ticket in Civ and you would pay a LOT less than a taxi is going to cost you. The metro station is right there at the Termini station where you will be arriving from Civ. There is a Metro station about 1/4 to 1/2 mile from the Vatican. Taking a Taxi from the termini station is an option but with traffic, I'm not sure its a time saver.