TravelCommentator

Category: Road & Rail

* Review / Chauffeur & Taxi Services / Tips & Advice / Transport

My first experience with Uber

I don’t usually catch taxis (cabs) on my travels, whether it is going to and from the airport or for general transport between places I visit. I tend to always catch public transport when it is convenient. However with luggage in tow not all public transport is suitable. Trains from airports to central stations are fine. Most places I’ve visited have this well sorted and just to name a few: Athens, Rome, Milan, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Singapore, Hong Kong… I have caught taxis too in the past in Barcelona, Hong Kong, Rome…, but I think unless they are the only option I now have an alternative. One I didn’t really fancy trying before. When travelling between home and the airport and back I was happy...

* Review / Trains / Transport

Leonardo Express

Efficient and hassle-free train service This is not so much a review, as I’ve done that twice before, but some comments and pointers. Just so to know, I have used this service for many years and continue to use it every time I arrive and leave Rome. It’s not the cheapest, but I find it to be the most efficient and hassle-free. So… I find it hard to believe some people rate the service very lowly. First of all the Leonardo Express is a train service. It runs to and from the Rome airport at Fiumicino. It’s called Express because there are no stops in between. It’s not a bullet train. It’s not the Orient Express either. Occasionally it will not run at full...

* Review / Trains / Transport

Leonardo Express

Still Best Way to/from Rome Fiumicino Airport Have used this train service many times and have reviewed it before with lengthy explanations. One thing I must add since my review of November 2016 is that the walkway that used to go across to Terminal 3 has been pulled down. The façade at Terminal 3 has returned to its original design of mostly glass. The walkway to Terminal 3 is now the same one that takes you to Terminals 1 and 2. So head straight ahead away from the train platforms and concourse until you come to what seems a dead end and turn right. The signs above will indicate T1, T2 and T3. This walkway has travelators and was the one I used back...

* Review / Trains / Transport

Singapore MRT (SMRT)

Coolest Way Around Singers I use the MRT extensively when in Singapore. It’s my favourite mode of transport, safe, clean, very efficient and reasonably priced. Not taking anything away from the other forms of public transport in Singapore, all excellent, the MRT is definitely the best way to get around the city-state whether you are a tourist, local or a regular visitor like me, alone or with my family. Most places of note are in walking distance from the stations, some are right above or within the building. The network is mostly underground keeping you out of the heat and humidity but a few lines run above ground in the outer areas of Singapore, such as part of the track to and from Changi...

* Review / Trains / Transport

Train: Schiphol to Amsterdam Sloterdijk

Efficient, Inexpensive Airport to City and Country Service Very efficient and inexpensive way to travel to and from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The station is located under Terminal 1. Access to the train platforms are by escalators from the Arrivals concourse. For information there’s a small kiosk next to the Meeting Point Red and White sculpture. Make your enquiries there regarding which public transport ticket will suit your stay best. The NS Ticket office is opposite the kiosk and you can buy tickets for travel all over the Netherlands. We chose a 3-day ticket for Amsterdam and its surrounds that could be used on all forms of public transport. Remember to check-in and check-out every time you board and alight (trains, trams etc.). We stayed...

* Review / Chauffeur & Taxi Services / Transport

Adelaide Metropolitan Chauffeurs

Reliable Airport Transfers This is a chauffeur service I use regularly to and from Adelaide International Airport. I’ve always had reliable and efficient service, whether with Peter, the owner, or any of the drivers he’s sent when he is busy or booked. Peter and the chauffeurs are courteous and well-presented. Their vehicles comfortable and spotless. Some cars will have an entertainment system with monitors on the rear of the front seats. Great for keeping the younger ones entertained. Peter’s Chrysler has a Harman Kardon system with 19 speakers throughout the interior giving surround sound when videos are played on the front screen. Pricing is reasonable considering the quality of the service, point to point. Definitely the best way to start and finish your journey...

* Review / Trains / Transport

Hong Kong MTR

Quick, Efficient World Class Mass Rapid Transport The quickest, most reliable and efficient mode of transport in Hong Kong. The MTR is arguably one the best mass rapid transport systems in the world. Covering Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, you’ll travel in a safe environment and in clean air conditioned carriages. Popular with tourists and the local commuters, the MTR is best avoided in the peak hour rushes. Plan your sightseeing, dining and other activities with this in mind. Another piece of advice if you are not practical with the stations and their exits, which are marked alphabetically, download the location and station layouts from the MTR website. Or, check the Hong Kong Street Directory and Google Maps. Best of all,...

* Review / Trains / Transport

Leonardo Express

Best Transport Option To/From Rome Airport The easiest and safest way to and from the city centre and Fiumicino Airport. The cost is not the cheapest at Euro 14 or the service the most direct to your destination, as it will only take you to Roma Termini (Rome’s railway terminus) and not to any other station in between. Buses to Termini cost less, but there’s always the concern about being caught in traffic. There are other trains from Fiumicino which will do all stations in between except depart and arrive at Roma Termini. They are the Regionale trains and are best used if you’re staying close to the Trastevere, Ostiense, Tuscolana and Tiburtina stations or if you aren’t in a hurry and don’t mind...

* Review / Trains / Transport

Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT)

Best Way to Travel in Singers What can you add to the many superlative reviews of one of the best (if not the best) mass rapid transport system in the world. The only complaints you may hear will come from the locals who want less crowded, better aircon and better carriages, etc. Which would be the normal reaction from locals anywhere. I visit Singapore regularly and yes there may be times when it is overcrowded (peak hours) and the aircon struggles with packed people, but I think many would agree it is the best way to get around Singapore. Most if not all the main attractions, hotels and shopping malls are in close reach of a MRT station. So are Changi Airport and the...