Rome
How to Travel from Rome Airport to the City Centre
Visiting Rome is always thrilling! Whether you’re coming for the ancient ruins, world-famous art, or amazing food, your journey begins the moment you land at one of Rome’s two international airports: Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) and Ciampino. After a long flight, figuring out how to get from the airport into Rome’s city centre is one of the first things you need to plan. Knowing the best way to reach your accommodation, understanding your transfer options, and booking tickets early can help start your Italian adventure off smoothly. If you haven’t checked out all the wonders waiting for you in the Eternal City, browse this handy travel page for helpful tips: Rome Travel Guide.
Before you travel, look at a map to see exactly where your accommodation is located in Rome. This makes it easier to decide which transfer makes sense for you and helps you plan if you’re traveling with friends, family, or even a lot of luggage. Below, you’ll find a detailed comparison of each option: bus, train, taxi, and ride-hailing, so you can choose the best fit for your needs and budget.
From Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) Airport to Rome’s City Centre
By Bus
Coaches connect Fiumicino Airport (FCO) with central Rome. These buses are a great budget-friendly choice and are easy to find as soon as you exit Arrivals at Terminal 1 or Terminal 3. You can grab tickets right at the airport or reserve in advance online. Here’s how it works:
- One-way fare: €7–9 depending on the company
- Return ticket: typically €13–15
- Journey time: around 45–55 minutes
- Major lines include: TAM Bus, SIT Bus Shuttle, Terravision
- Main stops: Rome Termini, Vatican area, Ostiense (depending on the line)
You can purchase tickets at airport kiosks or online through the operators’ official sites. Staff at the counters can help you find the next departing coach, so don’t be shy about asking which bus will leave first.
By Train
The train offers a fast and reliable way into the city. Fiumicino Airport has its own rail station connected to both express and regional lines:
- Leonardo Express: Non-stop service to Rome Termini Station in around 32 minutes, costing €14. Trains depart every 15 minutes. Perfect if your accommodation is near Termini or you plan to catch a metro or bus there. Book tickets directly at Trenitalia.
- FL1 Regional Train: Costs €8 and travels to Trastevere, Tuscolana, Ostiense, and Tiburtina (note: does not go to Termini). Good for travelers staying in these neighborhoods or connecting to other transit lines.
If you buy your ticket online or via an app, you typically do not need to validate it, just make sure it’s valid for your selected date and travel window. If you use a paper ticket bought at the airport, validate it at the green or yellow machines on the platform before boarding. Fines apply for unvalidated tickets.
By Taxi
Taking a taxi is a convenient, door-to-door option, especially if you have heavy luggage or are traveling with a group. Official white taxis with a taxi sign are available at the ranks outside Terminals 1 and 3. The official fixed fare between Fiumicino Airport and any address inside Rome’s Aurelian Walls is €55. This fare includes up to four passengers and all baggage, no additional fees. If you are heading to Roma Tiburtina rail station or Roma Ostiense, the set fares are €60 and €50, respectively. Always use official taxi stands for safety and reliability. Additional details and maps are available from the city’s official taxi service: Rome Taxi Service.
From Ciampino Airport to Rome’s City Centre
By Bus
Ciampino Airport (CIA) is smaller, but getting to the city is easy. Several shuttle bus companies operate between Ciampino and Termini. Buses are just outside the arrivals area, and you can buy tickets at counters or online before you arrive. Here’s what to expect:
- One-way fare: about €6–7
- Return ticket: about €11–13
- Travel time: around 40 minutes
- Main options: Terravision, Ciampino Bus Operators List
From Termini you can switch to Metro Line A, Line B, or any city bus for your final destination.
By Train
While Ciampino Airport does not have a train station inside the airport, a useful combo called the Ciampino Airlink (ATRAL shuttle bus + Trenitalia regional train) makes things easy. Here’s how:
- Take the ATRAL bus (non-stop) from the airport to Ciampino railway station (about 10 minutes)
- Then board the Trenitalia regional train to Roma Termini (about 15 minutes)
- Total trip (bus+train): approximately €2.70
- Buses and trains are coordinated for smooth transfers
- Tickets are available through Trenitalia
This is the most affordable and official public transport link from Ciampino to central Rome. There is currently no surcharge for luggage on ATRAL buses.
By Metro
For travelers whose hotels are near Metro A or B (for example, in Cinecittà, San Giovanni, or Laurentina areas), the city bus plus metro is another option. Here’s a step-by-step:
- Catch the ATAC 520 bus to Cinecittà or Subaugusta (connects to Metro A), or ATAC 720 to Laurentina (Metro B)
- Both buses leave directly from Ciampino Airport and run frequently
- Total cost is the regular city transport ticket: €1.50 (valid for 100 minutes including bus + metro)
Total travel time is about 50–60 minutes depending on connections. No need to pay extra for luggage.
By Taxi
For convenience or if traveling with lots of luggage or a group, a taxi is always available at Ciampino. The official fixed fare for Ciampino Airport to any destination inside the Aurelian Walls is €40 for up to four people, including baggage. Just head to the official taxi rank outside the airport, no need to pre-book or use an app unless you want to. For detailed fare zones and information, you can check the official taxi fares page.
Uber and Ride-Hailing in Rome
Curious about using Uber in Rome? Yes, Uber does work here, but it’s different from what you might expect elsewhere. In Italy, UberX (the usual affordable option) is not available in Rome. Here’s what you can get:
- Uber Black: Premium vehicles (licensed NCC vehicles) with a higher price tag than regular taxis. Suited for travelers wanting a bit more style or privacy.
- Uber Taxi: Official licensed Roman taxis hailed via the Uber app. You pay standard taxi meter rates plus a possible booking fee.
Most visitors find that regular taxis from official airport ranks are the quickest and most cost-effective way to reach the city when arriving by air. If you want the extra assurance of an app or need a luxury ride, Uber Black is an option, but expect to pay more than local cabs. You can find more details about Uber’s options via their app if you’d like to compare prices in real-time once you land.
Quick Comparison Table
| Option | From Fiumicino (FCO) | From Ciampino (CIA) | Approx. Price (One Way) | Journey Time | Book Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | Termini / Vatican / Ostiense | Termini | €7–9 (FCO), €6–7 (CIA) | 50 min (FCO), 40 min (CIA) | TAM Bus, SIT, Terravision |
| Train | Leonardo Express (Termini), FL1 (Trastevere, etc.) | Airlink (via Ciampino FS) | €14 (Leonardo Express), €8 (FL1), €2.70 (Airlink) | 32 min (Express), 45 min (FL1), 25 min (Airlink) | Leonardo Express, Airlink |
| Taxi | Anywhere in Rome (Aurelian Walls) | Anywhere in Rome (Aurelian Walls) | €55 (FCO), €40 (CIA) | 40–55 min | Official Taxi |
| Uber Black | Anywhere in Rome | Anywhere in Rome | Higher than taxi | 40–55 min | Uber App |
| City Bus + Metro | Not available | ATAC 520/720 + Metro A/B | €1.50 | 50–60 min | Atac Kiosks, Ticket Machines |
Travel Tips for Rome Airport Transfers
- Check in advance which airport you’re flying into (FCO or CIA), as this affects your transfer options and timing.
- Validate all paper train and city transport tickets at validation machines before boarding to avoid fines. E-tickets bought online generally do not need validation.
- Official white taxis at airport ranks are safe, fixed fare, and accept cards. Ignore touts or unlicensed drivers.
- Booking tickets in advance (especially for buses and trains) during busy travel times can save you time and ensure a smooth start.
- If your hotel is outside central Rome or near a metro station, combining bus/metro or FL1 trains may save time and money.
With these handy tips, links to official ticket stores, and comparison info, you can focus on what matters most during your trip, enjoying the incredible sights, sounds, and flavors of Rome!
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