Travel to Rome can be exciting if you remember to focus on the logistics before you leave for your trip. We get it, though: it’s tempting to focus solely on the pasta, the Colosseum, and the piazzas. But before you fly off to enjoy all that Italy has to offer, it’s wise to equip yourself with the essential knowledge you need when visiting Rome from the Nordics.
Before You Travel to Rome, Be Sure to Answer These 5 Questions
- What identification papers do I need to bring?
- Where will I arrive?
- How quickly can I get from the airport to the city?
- How will I stay safe in Rome?
- Are there any holidays — and tourist site closings — that will occur during my trip?
Spend a few minutes digesting this guide for travel to Rome from the Nordics. Most likely, a little investment before you visit Rome will save you time that you can use to delight in the wonders of the city once you arrive.
1. What Documents Do I Need to Bring when I visit Rome from the Nordics?
Finland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway are part of the Schengen Convention. Signed in 1985, the Schengen Agreement largely did away with border checks for citizens traveling between signatory nations. So while you won’t need a visa to enter Italy from the Nordics, and you most likely won’t need to show a passport either, it is still wise to bring your passport with you.
Why? In the case of an increased threat to public safety, the rules can change and you could be required to show identification. In another country, such as Italy, documents used for identification in the Nordics may not be accepted by local police. Therefore, it is recommended that you carry a passport.
2. Where Will I Arrive when Traveling to Rome from the Nordics?
If you’re traveling on SAS to Rome, you’ll land at the Fiumicino Airporti di Roma or Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). The other airport in Rome is Ciampino (CIA), which is smaller and for budget flights.
The Fiumicino Airport has four terminals, and all SAS flights land at Terminal 3. Here, in Boarding Zone D, you’ll find a new Star Alliance Lounge.
The lounge is available to first-class, business-class and Star Alliance Gold Card holders. The lounge features Italian furniture, free wi-fi, and is open daily from 05:15-21:15.
The Fiumicino Airport is 32 kilometers from Rome and there are several options for getting into the city.
3. How Will I Get into Rome from Fiumicino Airport?
If money is an issue, you will probably want to opt for the bus. Otherwise, you might choose to travel to Rome by taxi, uber, or train.
The Leonardo da Vinci Express train goes nonstop into Rome, and leaves from the station at the airport every 15 minutes. The cost is 14 EUR per adult, and one child age 4-12 can travel per paying adult, while children under 4 are always free.
If you choose to take a taxi, be sure to look for a white, registered vehicle. There is a fixed cost of 48 EUR from Fiumicino Airport to the city.
4. Is Rome Safe for Travelers from the Nordics?
Violent crimes perpetrated against foreigners are rare in Rome. More common, however, are scammers and pickpockets. With a few tips before you travel to Rome, you can be on the lookout to avoid these sort of petty thieves:
- If someone asks for directions, keep an eye on your belongings if you agree to help.
- Though we hate to doubt the goodness of humanity, if someone proactively helps with a stroller or luggage, be aware that an accomplice could be picking your pocket while you take advantage of the offer.
- Be especially alert in crowded touristy areas as well as in train stations.
- Gangs of children and groups of beggars can quickly overwhelm you. If you feel you are in trouble, yell to draw the attention of others.
Call for emergency assistance: You can reach the carabinieri, which is the national military police, at 112 or la polizia, the local police, at 113.
When to contact your embassy
In the rare case that someone you are traveling with is arrested, if you are the victim of a violent crime, or you need emergency financial assistance, you may choose to contact your national embassy in Rome:
Embassy of Denmark
Via Lisbona, 3, 00198 Roma RM, Italy
Embassy of Finland
Via Lisbona, 3, 00198 Roma RM, Italy
Embassy of Norway
Via delle Terme Deciane, 7, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Embassy of Sweden
Via Serchio, 9-11, 00198 Roma RM, Italy
5. When are the Public Holidays in Rome?
It is easy to arrive with the Nordic mindset when traveling to Rome. But don’t forget to check the Italian holiday schedule. This simple oversight could see you shut out of the Vatican on the one day your itinerary allows for it. Here is a brief review of openings and closings of which you’ll want to be aware courtesy of Tourist in Rome.
Shops in the city center are usually open seven days a week, but in 2019, are closed on the following dates: 1 January, 25 April, 2 June, 29 June, 15 August, 25 and 26 December.
Roman Museums are closed on the following dates in 2019: 1 January, 1 May, 1 December.
Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of the month. They will also close on the following dates in 2019:
- 6 January
- 11 February
- 19 March
- Easter Monday
- 1 May
- 29 June
- 14 + 15 August
- 1 November
- 8 December
Now you have the basic information required to travel to Rome from the Nordics. You are prepared to At last, you are ready to indulge! It’s time to explore What to Eat in Rome. Buon viaggio! (Have a good trip!)
