Another short review about the best way to travel between Rome’s airport at Fiumicino and central Rome at the Roma Termini railway station.

I have used this service virtually every time I am in Rome and I cannot fault it. It’s not cheaper than catching one of the bus services that run the same route to Roma Termini. If time is important the Leonardo Express is the best solution as the buses take about twice as long to get to Fiumicino and traffic can be a problem depending on the time of day. Also the buses do not run as frequent. Taxis are expensive and Ubers although more competitive are still prone by those road issues. If your destination is not central Rome or the area surrounding Roma Termini then Ubers are the best option. Check their app for destinations and prices.

Cost and how to buy tickets

The train ticket price hasn’t changed for many years and it is still at Euro 14. Tickets can be purchased at the counter on the station concourse at Fiumicino Airport and at Roma Termini, or via ticket machines or online. I usually buy a ticket at the counter at the airport and when I have access to data will buy online via my smartphone (iPhone) using the Trenitaliaapp. If you have a SIM already activated buy the ticket online for the next train. You can pay using credit or debit card or another payment method, PayPal, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, etc. Check-in via the app before accessing the platform and scan the QR code at the gate. Paper tickets need to be validated and can be done by getting them stamped at the green and white (with a red backing) validating machines. If you don’t validate your ticket you can be fined by the ticket inspector. This regardless if you are a local or a visitor (tourist). Inspectors speak English and so do the ticket vendors at the ticket office. If you have any questions ask any of the Trenitalia personnel if unsure about something.

When at the platforms make sure you board the Leonardo Express which is well distinguished from other trains by its green, white and red paint job and by Leonardo Express written on the sides. The others are the Regionale trains that will not go direct to Roma Termini and requires a change of trains. These trains are good if your destination is a suburban station. Tickets for these trains are cheaper at Euro 8. You can still get to Roma Termini but you’ll need to alight at one of the preceding stations and catch another Regionale train. These trains in Rome are basically for commuters so depending on time of day are full of workers and students. Space for luggage is minimal.

The Leonardo Express as its name implies is a direct service and the carriages have plenty of luggage space. There are also Frecce high-speed trains, namely the Frecciarossa. These are more expensive so do not book a ride on them to Roma Termini unless you are travelling to Florence, Bologna, Padova and Venice on one train or to Naples on another. Same from Roma Termini to Fiumicino Airport. The Leonardo Express runs mostly on time; every 15 minutes in both directions most of the day. Check the Trenitalia website or app for exact times.

The ETR 425 5-carriage train sets are made by Alstom and are still in good condition and kept reasonably clean by onboard staff. Seats are comfortable for the 32-odd minute ride and are similar to those found on Regionale trains that travel longer distances. Overall it is a very good service that hasn’t let me down.

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 to pay a little extra and use the services of a chauffeur. A good friend of mine runs his own business and I would call him even at short notice and it was either him or one of his colleagues who would take care of me. Unfortunately my last interaction with my friend left me with a sour taste in my mouth. His price jumped astronomically. He gave me his reasons why. Fair enough. He gave me a price then a discount as an old customer, but it was still too much for my liking. If there were a few of us I’d understand and pay it, but I left it as that and had to find another way of getting where I wanted to go.

What made me look at Uber? Well, it was either them or another ride-hailing service or a taxi. It’s been a while since I have been in a taxi and for reasons I will not go into here I have a dislike for them. In the past around 30 years ago it was different but now that’s how it is.

After talking to a friend, Peter, who now makes driving for Uber his full time job, I asked for advice and decided to give them a go. He explained how the charges work. Basically it’s down to timing. Peak periods are the most expensive as more people require the service and less drivers available. So it’s a matter of being patient if you want to save.

Booking is all done via the Uber app downloaded to your smartphone (or device). First thing is to set up an account with a payment option, which in most cases is a credit card either through Apple Pay or similar. Next step is to type in where to be picked up and the destination. Then check for availability of the service you require and its respective price. Select the one you prefer and make your way to an assigned pickup area. Mine at Adelaide International Airport was in pickup area 2 adjacent to the main carpark opposite Terminal 1. It’s a gated parking area assigned to ride-hailing businesses.

Price alone is a factor but also the quality of the vehicle and driver. I got a very good driver named Karthik. He was very calm and patient while driving. His car was very clean and it didn’t smell like he had eaten or slept in it. This made my experience better than I expected and dispelled any bad thoughts I had about the service. Later I checked the reviews on this driver. He gets 5 star ratings regularly. Should his services be required he can be contacted direct on 0473 907 076. My son has used Uber a few times and he also has been happy with them. It was him and my wife who said I should try them. Originally my wife was suppose to pick me up but her work schedule got in the way. My friend Peter who I spoke to also encouraged me. He drives in Brisbane. If anyone needs a Uber driver there to and from the Brisbane International Airport to any location within 10km he can be contacted on 0401 089 028 locally or +61 401 089 028 from overseas.

My other friend, also named Peter, runs a chauffeur business in Adelaide (Adelaide Metropolitan Chauffeurs). He can be contacted on 0433 839 844 locally or +61 433 839 844 if calling from abroad. Expect a more refined personalised service, perfect for single business travellers, couples and families of four.

Do I recommend Uber? My first experience was a good one and going by this I would recommend it as a cheaper alternative to taxis. If you want to save more you can try ride sharing. I missed my opportunity on this ride but that’s for another story.

For details go to: A guide for how to use Uber

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 speed and there are various reasons why. It could be because there are workers on the line or signalling issues. I know a lot of vegetation on the sides of the tracks has been cleared over the last two years. The service however does run by its timetable of every 15 minutes. Possibly a minute or so late. That can happen. What I say is, be happy you are getting to destination with no traffic hassles etc. If you are worried, and I’ve said this before, leave 20~30 minutes earlier. That way you will not be disappointed should the train not travel at your desired speed. 

Ticket scams. Do not buy tickets from unofficial vendors. Actually there shouldn’t be. Buy tickets at the vending machines. These operate in many languages. Or go to the Trenitalia counter. Even at the newsagent/newsstands. But only buy tickets and don’t get into any other discussion about taxis, buses, shuttles, your destination, etc.

With tickets the most important thing is to validate them. Do so in the green, white (and red) Trenitalia validating machines on the platforms or concourse. When your ticket is validated it will be good for 90 minutes. If you bought your ticket online you do not need validating. Online tickets have a time when they should be used. I think from memory it should be within 4 hours. You cannot use the ticket for an earlier train. The cost for Leonardo Express is Euro 14, no more, no less. I always buy mine on the day. I have a favourite newsagent/newsstand at Termini or I buy it from the Trenitalia counter at Fiumicino. The types of ticket vary: boarding pass sized card (Trenitalia counter), bus ticket style small card (vending machines) or a docket style ticket on thermal paper (newsagents/newsstands). All need to be validated. One last thing. The online ticket is also valid for 90 minutes after the QR code is scanned by the train conductor/inspector. That ticket cannot be used again for another run. Logically.

Do not confuse the commuter train that departs Fiumicino and stops at all stations except Roma Termini. The Leonardo Express is easy to identify. It says so on the side of the carriage. It is also red, white and green. The commuter train is recognisable by the double-decker carriages. If you are staying anywhere near Roma Trastevere, Roma Ostiense, Roma Tuscolana, Roma Tiburtina and Roma Nomentana, this is the train you should catch. There are other stations as well but those mentioned are the main ones. The commuter train (FL1) cost is Euro 8 but remember it does not stop at Roma Termini. Expect the commuter train to be well patronised. Also luggage space will be an issue. 

When travelling to the airport and your destination is Terminal 3, you have three options to get there. I’ll mention all, but the third is a little tricky. Since the remodelling of the Terminal 3 facade back in 2016 the walkway to the terminal is no more. It was ripped down so the original glass facade design could be reinstated. 

The first option: leave the station platform through the exit gates and walk about 20 metres (60 feet), turn right and go down a set of escalators and then up again until you reach Terminal 3 Arrivals. Go right and then left again in a short distance to a set of new escalators to the Departures concourse. This is the shortest and best method. Second option, and always undercover, is go straight ahead from the station platform and turn right at the overhead signs T1, T2 and T3. You’ll see travelators. After a couple of minutes further up you’ll need to go left at a junction. If you don’t you’ll end up at T2 or T1. There are signs overhead. When you arrive inside the terminal building turn left and go down a set of escalators. You are now in Terminal 3 Departures. The third option is mentioned only because it exists, but I don’t recommend it when going to Terminal 3. Use the same method as in option one but as soon as you’ve done one set of escalators going down you need to exit to the right at an entrance/exit. This will take you outside into the open. Cross the service roads at the zebra crossings. You are now at Terminal 3 Arrivals. From here you’ll need to go left and find the escalators mentioned in option one that will take you upstairs to the Departures concourse. These will be on your right. 

That last option is best done from Terminal 3 Arrivals to the station. In other words in the other direction. I do this undercover never going outside and crossing the service roads. As soon as you exit Customs go right. Follow the overhead sign for the train station. You’ll come to a set of escalators to your left. Go down then up again to the station platform. You’ll see vending machines and the Trenitalia ticket office to the right. This is basically the reverse of option one (to Terminal 3 Departures) minus the escalators going up to Terminal 3 Departures. 

If your destination is Florence, Bologna or Venice. There are four daily Frecciargento trains (fast trains) to/from Fiumicino Airport. The times currently are: 

Arrivals to Fiumicino Airport: 
Frecciargento 9401/9490 at 09.52
Frecciargento 9415/9492 at 13.52 

Departures from Fiumicino Airport: 

Frecciargento 9491/9422 at 11.08

Frecciargento 9493/9438 at 15.08

These trains need to be pre-booked. Your seat will be allocated. Should you miss the train you will need to see the customer service agent at the Trenitalia counter. Your ticket will be changed to next available train either at Fiumicino or at Roma Termini. You may have to buy a Leonardo Express ticket to Roma Termini though.

For more information on the Leonardo Express, timetable and tickets go to the Trenitalia website.

You can also check out my two reviews (6 December 2016 and 30 October 2017).

Update: The Frecciargento trains mentioned here no longer service Fiumicino Airport. The trains are now Frecciarossa and the timetable has changed. There is also a new service from/to Napoli Centrale.

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 in my last review when they were doing works at T3.

In the reverse direction coming from Terminal 3 Arrivals to the train station, nothing has changed. There’s an underpass that will take you from the terminal to the platforms. You just have to go down a set of escalators and then up again.

The Leonardo Express is still the best way to get to central Rome and Roma Termini station. Price is still Euro 14 for adults. We were four leaving Rome in October 2017. I opted for the Leonardo Express because of its handiness, but if there are four of you and you want to save money you are better off catching a cab for Euro 48. Something your hotel can organise for you.

Buses also run from Roma Termini with prices as low as Euro 4 per person. I’ll stick to the Leonardo Express because I know it is efficient, you sit down and stow your luggage on the rack and in 30 odd minutes you are at Fiumicino Airport or vice versa. Also the trains run every 15 minutes.

Always remember though that your ticket needs to be validated in the green, white and red machines on the platform. Even the ones printed on paper at newsagents/newsstands. Hefty fines are in order. If you have an online digital version there are no issues with validating.

Another bit of advice. It’s been over a year now that you need to produce a ticket at the security checkpoints to enter the platforms at Roma Termini (and all major Italian city stations). There are two ways to get to the Leonardo Express. The first through one of several entrances along the main concourse, where all trains terminate and the second through the smaller single entrance on the southwest side of Termini at Via Giolitti which runs parallel with platform 24, the track where the Leonardo Express arrives/departs. 

Tickets can be bought from self service machines, at the counter, at newsagents (newsstands), at Tabacconists (where the white capital T on white background sign is displayed outside shops) and also online.

Don’t make silly remarks the Italian railways are out to rip you off. They don’t. Don’t be ignorant or feign ignorance. There are rules. As the Leonardo Express is considered a Regional train remember you must validate the ticket. If it is a digital one the QR code will be scanned by the inspector/controller. It’s that simple. I have written about this stuff before in a previous review published December 2016. Always read reviews and be informed.

For more information on the Leonardo Express, timetable and tickets go to the Trenitalia website.

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 Airport.

You have to remember this is a mass transit system so there are moments when it does get crowded. So if you can plan your travel either side of the morning and evening peak periods or in between you’ll do fine.

The system runs currently on 5 lines and will expanded to 6 in the not too distant future, making coverage of Singapore nearly complete.

The MRT uses a check-in, check-out system. Buy tickets and reloadable cards at TransitLink Ticket offices at major stations or from vending machines. As I’m in Singapore frequently I use the EZ-link card and reload/top-up when necessary. These cards last 5 years and can be used for the MRT and the other forms of public transport: buses and light rail (LRT).

Tourists depending on how long they stay have two options, they can purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) for 1, 2 and 3 days, or purchase the Singapore Tourist Pass Plus (STP+) valid for 1 and 3 days. Both cards activate from first use. What’s the difference between the two cards? The STP has a $10 deposit, refundable if the card is returned within 5 days after day of purchase. The STP+ has no deposit. The other major difference, the STP+ includes special deals and promotions at food and beverage outlets and attractions. Both can be used as normal EZ-link cards after expiry.

For info on the STP/STP + visit the Singapore Tourist Pass website and for the EZ-link card at the EZ-link website. Cards can also be bought at a few other places including 7-Eleven stores, but do check the websites to be sure of locations for the tourist passes.

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 close to the Sloterdijk Station so it was only two stops from Schiphol and one to Amsterdam Centraal. From Sloterdijk our ticket could take us as far as Zaandijk, Zandvoort, Purmerend, Hilversum and Lelystad (with Haarlem in there too) by train and many other places by bus.

There’s free WiFi onboard the Intercity trains but not on the Sprinters. Take note. The same with toilets on current Sprinters but will be available on newer ones as they are introduced.

For more information about getting to Schiphol Airport by rail visit, taking the train to the airport. For timetables, tickets, fares, etc., visit the NS website.

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 when travelling to and from Adelaide Airport. I highly recommend them for transfers.

You can contact Peter on 0433 839 844 locally or +61 433 839 844 if calling from abroad.

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, if you have a smartphone, is the MTR Mobile app. It has all the info needed, including the network map, exit info, travel planning and more.

If staying a while in Hong Kong purchase an Octopus Card. It can be topped up when required. If coming and going to HKIA, buy an Airport Express roundtrip ticket. It’s slightly cheaper than using two runs on the Octopus Card.

If you are staying three days buy the Airport Express Travel Pass. This gives you roundtrip to and from HKIA and three consecutive days of public transport. The MTR will not disappoint.

For more information on the Hong Kong MTR, tickets, fares, timetables, station maps, etc., visit the MTR website.

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 changing trains at Trastevere or Ostiense to get to Termini. These trains cost Euro 8 for each trip.

There is also a Frecciargento (fast train) twice a day to and from Venice, with stops at Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina, Firenze Santa Maria Novella, Bologna Centrale, Padova, Venezia Mestre and Venezia Santa Lucia. Perfect if anyone wants to be in Florence in about two hours.

I’ve heard people criticize the ticketing system or the occasional slowness of the train. The tickets are available in multiple ways, online, by ticket machine, at the sales counter or at newsagents and tobacconists (where you see the sign with the white capital T on a blue background). All tickets except those bought online MUST be validated in the Trenitalia (oval-shaped green and white, with a tinge of red) machines before boarding. If you find that the validating machine or machines do not work approach the conductor or guard asap. You cannot self-validate your ticket by writing the time and date on it. The Leonardo Express is classified as a regional train and thus requires ticket validation.

Some may think the system is silly, old-fashioned or fraudulent. It is not. To keep it simple, ticket validating has to be done on all trains except the Freccie (Frecciarossa, …argento and …bianca) where seats are allocated at booking time. Also ALWAYS check your ticket after validating to see whether it is readable.

As for the speed of the train, it can get up to 150kph (just under 100mph), if required, but as on all railways there are times when there are unexpected events or maintenance works. Be patient and leave a half hour earlier if you can. On the many occasions I’ve travelled on the Leonardo Express only twice it ran a few minutes late. One time on the way to Fiumicino they had announced there would be a 20-minute delay. Asked the conductor why, it was because thieves had stolen copper wire from the track. The other time it was for workers safety. They were cutting back trees and shrubs on the side of the tracks. A delay of only ten minutes perhaps. Both times no real issues as I gave myself plenty of time to check-in.

As for the train itself the carriages are virtually new (at the time of writing). The seats are comfortable and there’s ample space for luggage on the racks.

When arriving or departing Fiumicino Airport, directions are pretty straight forward. Just follow the signs with the train icon when arriving and the terminal designations when departing. Of course directions will differ depending the terminal you use. For Terminal 3 where most international flights arrive it’s a sharp right turn out of Customs (after the baggage carousels). Follow the signs overhead until you reach an escalator on the left hand side going down. You will go up again to reach the concourse and platforms where you’ll also find the ticket office, ticket machines, etc.

Departing from Terminal 3 is also straightforward. Go straight ahead from the train platforms onto the overhead walkway (you’ll see the service road beneath) until you reach the terminal building then down the escalators to the T3 entrance sliding doors. There’s also a lift. As of November 2016, when I was there last (at the time of writing), those wanting to go to Terminal 3 were being detoured in the direction of Terminal 1 and 2 along the long walkway. It’s an extra 5~10 minute walk because of the renovation works at Terminal 3. This long walkway is now permanent to access Terminal 3 as the walkway that went directly across has been removed so the facade of Terminal 3 could be returned to its original design of a full glass curtain wall.

The other terminals, 1 and 2, use this same walkway to and from the train platforms. If in doubt look up the Aeroporti di Roma/Fiumicino website and download the maps.

For more information on the Leonardo Express, timetable and tickets go to the Trenitalia website.

There’s an updated review see: Leonardo Express (October 2017)

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 Marina Bay Cruise Centre. Changi Airport is reachable on the East West Line with a transfer at Tanah Merah. Terminals 2 and 3 are easily accessible. The station sits in between both. Important to remember that Terminal 2 is ahead of you in the direction of travel, while Terminal 3 is behind you. If you don’t follow this you’ll exit at the wrong gates and have to double back, either by going up the escalators to the concourse above and walk all the way back or go through the gate again and lose part of your fare.

The Marina Bay Cruise Centre is close to the North South Line terminus at Marina South Pier station. The same line that passes through the Orchard Road shopping strip.

Ticket prices aren’t the cheapest in the world if you’re travelling once or twice. If like me, you’re there regularly, buy an EZ-link card once and recharge it. They take years to expire. Or if you are a tourist and you only need it for 1, 2 or 3 days buy the Singapore Tourist Pass. This gives you unlimited travel on all forms of public transport. Remember it starts from first use then goes for 24, 48 or 72 hours. After expiry the card can be returned. If you don’t want to keep it for future use or as a souvenir the initial $SGD10 deposit will be refunded. You can still use the pass after expiry by recharging at normal rates. Easy as pie.

For more information on the SMRT visit the SMRT Trains website.