Rome: where to stay and getting around

Where possible, I attempt to do all my sightseeing by foot, and if that's not possible - rely on public transport. 

To do so, I rely on two golden rules when it comes to choosing accomodation:

1. It has to be close to public transport

2. It should be central to the sights I want to see

Most of Rome's main attractions are spread throughout Municipio I (Rome is separated into fifteen administrative municipalities), and can be easily explored on foot. In saying that, it depends on your perspective, fitness level and time limits whether walking to all sites is desirable. 

"Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time" - Steven Wright.

Accommodation:
I used airbnb.com when staying in Rome. Being mindful of the luggage I'd have to be carrying, I chose to stay about a ten minute walk from Roma Termini nearby Piazza del Viminale.

If you plan on visiting main tourist sights such as the Colosseum; Roman Forums; Piazza Navona; The Pantheon; Trevi Fountain, The Spanish Steps and Capuchin Crypts this is an ideal area to stay in.

There are a number of small hotels within the area, or if you are an enthusiast of airbnb.com or willing to take the plunge I highly recommend the place that I stayed at.

There is also a number of restaurants and cafes in the area that will tempt you to disregard the sites and enjoy pastries and coffee.

Getting around:
The main public transport service in Rome is the Metro.

It consists of regional trains and a subway network. The subway network primarily runs through central Rome. Given that most sites of interest are within central Rome, the subway network is all that you have to concern yourself with.

There are three subway lines contained in the Metro:

• Line A
• Line B
• Line C (recently opened in November 2014 - was not operational at time of stay)

I found this site useful as a step-by-step approach on how to use Metro network.

Here are the closest subway stations to some of the main sights in Rome:

• Capuchin Crypts - Line A - 'Barberini'
• The Colosseum / Roman Forums - Line B - 'Colosseo'
• The Pantheon - Line A - 'Barberini' (1.3km distance)
• The Spanish Steps - Line A - 'Spagna'
• The Trevi Fountain - Line A - 'Barberini' (600metre distance)
• Vatican City - Line A - 'Ottaviano'

Rome: Getting from the airport to your accommodation

The main airport in Rome is the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Aeroporto internazionale Leonardo da Vinci).

The main tourist attractions are located in central Rome, which is approximately thirty kilometres from the airport. The best and cheapest transport option is the train. The Fiumicino Airport train station is located within the airport.

There are two options for trains:

1. The Leonardo Express Line (Leonardo Linea Espressa) runs direct from the airport to Roma Termini, located in central Rome. The trip is approximately half an hour to get from the Airport to Roma Termini. The cost of a ticket is €14,00 per person.
2. The FL1 Regional Train runs from the airport and stops at main stations throughout Rome, including Roma Termini. The regional train takes longer and costs €8,00. Ideal for anyone staying in regional areas of Rome.

Getting to the train station

Locating the Fiumicino Airport train station within the airport is quite simple:

1. After collecting your belongings from baggage claim, walk out to the next corridor (this may sound vague but will make sense on arrival, the airport is set up to 'follow the bouncing ball')
2. There is plenty of signage, look for blue overhead signs containing 'Train station' (yes, written in English) or the illustration of the train.

Buying a ticket

Once at the train station you can attempt to play around with the ticket machines, I personally go to a manned booth and order a ticket (quote the train line as per above you want to travel along).

Most employees speak English, but it can't hurt and is only courteous to attempt to learn and speak a little Italian (more on this another day). If you only memorise one line then I suggest: 'Scusi, parla l'Inglese?'--'Excuse me. Do you speak English?'

Important

Validate your ticket. As you approach your platform there are light blue stall machines erected just before entering, make sure you put your ticket into the machine to validate it. If you don't validate your ticket, you will be fined! I am yet to go on one train in Italy where staff have not checked my ticket along the way.

Useful links

Trenitalia - official website of the operating train company. You can book through this website as well.

Rome for visitors - a step by step guide to catching the Leonardo Express. It is a little outdated.