On an upcoming trip, I have a slightly longer than 4.5 hour layover in Rome over the lunch period. Seeing as I've never been to Rome, does anyone know if I have time to leave the airport, get into the city, have lunch, and make it back in time for my flight? I don't want to be super stressed out, but it might be nice to leave the airport for a while. We'll be in Fiumicino airport (in case there is more than one.)

I would not attempt it even though the FCO airport is really slack about staying on schedule. The train to the airport from center city take about 30 minutes each way, finding a restaurant may take 30, and eating would add some time. In my opinion, it is not worth leaving the airport unless you eat around I think termini.

thatll take you 2- 2 1/2 hours at most..leaving you 2 to spare...i say go for it.....when in rome!

I agree with Rpat8, I wouldn't risk it. I've been to Rome a few times, and I don't think thats enough time. You might just end up being stressed the whole time, and not enjoy it. Save it for another trip.

Safe Travels

I've been thinking about it and I am split. Security could take you a good 20-30 minutes, which is something to consider. And the area around Termini is not so special, IMO.

quote:

Originally posted by rpat8:
...finding a restaurant may take 30...In my opinion, it is not worth leaving the airport unless you eat around I think termini.

We could help on the 'find a restaurant' angle. What time of the day would you be blowing through? I stayed at a hotel near Termini and remember some of the restaurant areas well enough to point you that way.

Google Maps: Termini

The Leonardo Express, I think, arrives and departs on the left most 2 or 3 tracks.

There are a considerable amount of restaurants on the side streets off of Via Cavour (exit front of Termini and it is the busy street heading on the left), like on Via Giovanni Amendola. Just your average Rome block row buildings.

There are also some restaurants and other touristy stuff around the Repubblica metro station, which is probably a five minute walk from the train platform. It would be more picturesque.

Yah, sorry but you will not have nearly enough time. The walk to and from the train in Termini alone will be 10 minutes each way, plus Italian service can be quite frustrating when you are in a hurry. The good news is that the snack bars in Italy are all basically the same and the Spizzico Bar (in the Airport) has some pretty good sandwiches (pannini) that I look forward to whenever I fly in and out of FCO.

Thanks for all the feedback. I imagine we'll just stay in the airport to avoid stress. If it was up to my wife we'd arrive 3 hours early before every flight so I don't think she'd feel comfortable leaving during our layover.