Does anyone know if it is possible to get directly from FCO Airport in Rome to Bologna by train, or do we have to go into Rome first? Can anyone direct me to the train schedule and help me figure out the price (2 adults, 2 kids)? We have to drop off our rental car at FCO because that's the only possible location, but our goal is to drive from Umbria to FCO, drop off the car and head to Bologna as quickly as possible. This is for late July.

Thanks,
Michele

can't halp you with the trip really...check the trenitalia site...I think you have to go "into" Rome though...there are only trains to Rome I think out of the airport...probably a bus though if you want to go that route...probably fastest to get the Da Vinci Express into Termini and take a direct train to Bologna...as for the kids...don't know how old they are...but the last time I tried to buy a ticket for my 6 year old they laughed at me and wouldn't let me buy it :-)

Have you considered simply driving from Umbria to Bologna? (Where are you starting from in Umbria?) Driving to Rome, dropping the car, then getting onto the bus or train with kids and luggage to backtrack north may be more of a hassle than simply heading for the highway in Umbria and being in Bologna in 3-4 hours.

Amy, that had been our plan and what we would much prefer to do. But we ended up getting a long-term lease arrangement on the car (after two months in Italy), which can only be returned in Rome, and our flights are out of Bologna and can't be changed. So...it's a big inconvenience, but the savings on the car made it worth it.

As far as I know, you will have to catch the shutttle to get from the airport to the train station.

I tried to check the price of the ticket for you, but the Trein Italia page isn't working. Usually I pay around 40 or 45 euros for one adult ticket to go to Rome from Bologna. It is on the Euro Star and there is train leaving almost every hour. It should take you about 2 hours and 45 mins to reach Bologna.

Hope that helps...
Cyn

That is extremely helpful, Cyn--thank you very much!

I'm thinking, especially if where you're staying in Umbria is convenient to the main train line: could you put the rest of the family on a train from Umbria to Bologna, then one of you returns the car at FCO, takes the train, and you meet up in Bologna?

Or how about dropping off the car and then renting another one for your short stay in Bologna if it's possible or worth it?

quote:

Does anyone know if it is possible to get directly from FCO Airport in Rome to Bologna by train, or do we have to go into Rome first?

You will have to go into Rome and change trains there. You can take the train into Rome....to Termini on the Leonardo Express or into Ostiense or Tiburtina on the No 5 regional train.

The Eurostar trains to Bologna leave from Termini and take about 2:45 enroute. The IC trains take about an hour longer. The Eurostar 2nd classs costs 126 euros for 2 adults/2 kids (age 4-12) Adult 42 euros child 21 euros.

ROMATURISMO.COM shows a price of 9.5euros per person for the Leonardo Express and 5 euros for the FR5 train. However there have been recent posts on Slow Talk that said the price for the Leonardo was between 11 and 13 euros (?)

A cab from the airport to central Rome is now a flat rate of 40 euros for up to 4 people.

If you want to check schedules, go to theTrenItalia website Use "Roma TE" for the departing station and "Bologna" for the arriving station.

Bill

You can check the whole itinerary by entering Roma Aeroporto as your departure and Bologna as your arrival.

Maybe elaborating on what Sophia suggests, if you aren't interested in a visit to Rome at that time, how about one person returning the car at FCO a day or two before the end of your stay, then get a conventional rental to return to Umbria and continue to Bologna?

Thanks everyone. These are some really creative solutions to a logistical problem! I'll look into the cost of a conventional car rental and see how this compares to train costs. I thought about having my husband drive the car down to FCO while we head off to Bologna and meet him there, but I hate to have him driving without a navigator and I'm not sure I want to deal with all the luggage myself. I really appreciate all the detailed info on the train costs, Bill--this is the most likely scenario.

Michele

A couple of things to think of also, the highways can be a HUGE mess in the summer. Nothing worse than being stuck in traffic for hours on end. Plus the cost of fuel is crazy and you also have to pay to use the highway.

Plus there are all kinds of rules of when you are allowed to drive in downtown Bologna. Nothing worse than getting a ticket in the mail three months AFTER the fact! And don't forget how $$$ it is to park in Bologna.

Your best bet is the train. You can all stick together, relax on the way to Bologna and enjoy the countryside passing outside of your window.

Cyn

Good advice, Cyn. And after researching one-day car rental prices last night just to see if that option would be feasible, and finding prices up in the $200 range and beyond (FOR THE DAY!!!), I think we will stick with our plan to take the train.

Thanks everyone for helping us think this one through.

Michele