Vueling: Madrid to Rome

The carrier: Vueling

About

Vueling is a Spanish budget airline with several hubs and destinations throughout western Europe. 

While there are many complaints about the airline's planes and customer service, it remains a favorite for its easy pricing system and its brand aesthetics, which are bright, appealing and fun.

Upside

Nice destination tally in an appealing brand. Friendly and energetic cabin crew and staff.

Downside

Recently found itself in financial trouble.  Cramped planes and very little legroom. 

Baggage

* Carry-on: One piece of carry-on luggage, not to exceed 10 kg.
* Checked: Up to 23 kg of luggage at the rate of €10 per bag. Over this, you will be charged €10 per kg. Note that you must pre-register your checked luggage in advance of your flight. Otherwise, a penalty fee (€20) applies for each unregistered bag.

* Please visit Vueling’s website for more information on its baggage policy.

Seating

You can quickly and easily choose a seat once you've booked your flight on-line. "XL" seats with more legroom are available from €10 to €13, depending on the duration of the flight.

Check-in and Ticketing

Passengers can check-in online from 7 days to 3 hours hours before departure.  It is available for passengers with or without checked baggage.  Those with special needs are encouraged to check-in at the airport. 

Fun Fact

Vueling was the first Spanish airline to allow customers to choose where they wish to sit at the time of booking.

Departure: Madrid, Spain - Barajas (MAD)

Madrid's Barajas Airport, named after the adjacent town, is one of the busiest in Europe, is the busiest in Spain, and is the main international airport serving Madrid. The airport serves as the gateway to the Iberian Peninsula from Europe, and also acts as an important link between Europe and the Americas. Many low-cost airlines fly in and out of Madrid; among these, easyJet and Vueling fly to the most destinations. In 2006, the airport made news when it opened the beautiful new Terminal 4.

Location

Madrid-Barajas Airport is located 12 km (7.5 miles) northeast of the city.

Transport

• Rail: There is a metro stop at the Madrid Airport, and it connects to central Madrid for €2. This journey is very quick, taking about 15 minutes. Both mainline and metro line trains run through Madrid Airport. The RENFE and AVE lines do not go directly into the airport but are minutes away by Metro. The Metro connects Madrid-Barajas with the city center at the Nuevos Ministerios station in the middle of Madrid’s financial district. The Barajas line (no. 8) provides connections from the underground stations at terminals 2 and 4 into Madrid’s city center. The metro system also provides links to stations which are part of the Spanish railway network.

• Bus: Madrid Airport Buses run from every terminal into the center of Madrid. Although the bus system is slightly cheaper, the Metro may be a more enjoyable option. For more specific information on bus service, consult the Madrid Municipal Transport Website.

• Taxi: The airport taxi ranks are located in front of the Arrivals areas of all terminals. It is recommended that travelers do not take unsolicited services from any drivers inside the terminal buildings. The taxis in Madrid are metered so make sure that the taxi driver has started up the taximeter at the start of the journey. Ask for a bill in case you have any complaints. Taxi ride from Madrid Airport to the city center will cost approximately €30-35.

Service

If you are in restaurant areas in any of the terminals, wireless access is provided by the airport. Financial facilities include two banks (one of which is open 24-hours), several currency exchanges, ATMs, and a post office. In the airport, there are more than 30 restaurants, cafés and bars and over 100 shops, including duty-free. Other facilities include nurseries in terminals 2 and 4, pharmacies in terminals 1, 2 and 4 and First Aid stations in terminals 2 and 4, a playground, and a chapel.

Arrival: Rome, Italy - Leonardo da Vinci di Fiumicino (FCO)

Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport or "Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci di Fiumicino," also commonly known as Rome-Fiumicino International Airport, its former name, is Italy's largest airport and second-largest international air gateway and Rome's primary airport. While the focus at Fiumicino is on long-haul routes flown by conventional airlines, the airport also hosts several budget airlines. Among these, Blu-express, Vueling, and Air Berlin fly the most routes.

Fiumicino may not be one of the most exciting big city airports in Europe, but it does, unsurprisingly, sport some of the best espresso bars we've ever found.

Location:

Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport is situated 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of the city, in the coastal city of Fiumicino.

Transport:

•Rail: Fiumicino benefits from a fab airport train connection, which drops passengers off at Rome's massive Termini train station. To take the train, follow the signs at the airport marked "Treni." The train runs every half hour, from 6:37 a.m. until 11:37 p.m. and takes about 35 minutes. Tickets cost €9.50 and can be purchased from one of the (sometimes unreliable) ticket machines or at the train ticket office. If you're pressed for time, you can buy a ticket on the train for €11.

Another option, especially good for visitors staying in Trastevere, is to take one of the local trains, Orte or Fara Sabina. A journey on either train lasts 45 minutes and costs €5. Orte and Fara Sabina trains depart from the airport station for Rome's Stazione Tiburtina. At Tiburtina, you can catch the B subway line. Stops on the B line include Trastevere and Ostiense.

•Bus: Another way to get into the center of Rome from Fiumicino airport is on the Terravision express bus. The Terravision bus connects Fiumicino airport to Rome's Termini Station. Tickets cost €7 one-way and €12 round-trip. Visit the Terravision booking engine to book bus tickets in advance.

•Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport. The official taxis are white and identified by the illuminated Taxi sign on the roof. Ensure the meter is running, and check the approximate price of the journey beforehand. Expect to pay a whopping €60 per ride, not including supplementary charges for luggage, nighttime travel, and Sunday travel. (Stick to the train, folks!)

Service:

There are information desks located in all three terminals. There are a number of restaurants, cafes and bars located throughout the airport. There are numerous first-class shopping centers that have exclusive stores selling quality goods, as well as the duty-free shops. Other facilities include first aid, a chapel and prayer room, a Bureau de change, and 24-hour cash machines (ATMs).