Rome calls to millions of travelers each year, but before you start strolling cobbled streets or marveling at ancient monuments, your trip will begin at one of the city’s two airports: Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA). Both of these airports serve as important gateways into the heart of Italy, offering different experiences depending on how you arrive and where you’re coming from. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent flyer, this guide is designed with you in mindhelping you navigate Rome’s airports smoothly, with up-to-date, traveler-focused info, real prices, and links to buy tickets directly from the official sites.
Looking for a step-by-step arrival experience in Rome, including public transportation, timing, and tips? Check out this in-depth guide to Rome for even more detailed planning tips for your first hours in the city.
Quick Comparison: Which Rome Airport Should You Choose?
| Airport | Main Airlines | Best For | Fixed Taxi Fare to Center | Rail Connection | Ground Transfers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiumicino (FCO) | ITA Airways, full-service, many internationals | Long-haul, most national/international routes | €55 (includes bags & up to 4 people) | Leonardo Express direct to Termini Station FL1 regional trains | Taxis, trains, shuttle buses |
| Ciampino (CIA) | Low-cost carriers: Ryanair, Wizz Air, others | Budget flights, short trips, southeast Rome | €40 (includes bags & up to 4 people) | No train at terminal – Ciampino Airlink (bus + train combo to Termini) | Buses, taxis, car hire |
Fiumicino (FCO): Trains, Taxis, Time & Tips
The largest of Rome’s airports, Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci International Airport – FCO) is the place most international travelers land when flying into the capital. Managed by Aeroporti di Roma, Fiumicino offers modern facilities and smooth connections to the city center. The airport is ITA Airways’ main hub, but serves many airlines from around the globe.
Terminals at Fiumicino
Currently, Fiumicino operates two passenger terminals: T1 and T3. Terminal 1 generally serves domestic and Schengen (mainland Europe) flights, including ITA Airways. Terminal 3 handles most other flights: both Schengen and non-Schengen (including North America, UK, Asia, and more). The old Terminal 5 is closed, and Terminal 2 is not in use at this time. Terminal assignments sometimes shift, so it’s best to check your ticket or Fiumicino’s official “Which Terminal” guide before you fly.
Getting from Fiumicino to Central Rome
For many, the first question is: “How do I get from Fiumicino to the city quickly and easily?” Here’s what you need to know:
- Leonardo Express train: The fastest option. It leaves every 15-30 minutes, takes about 32 minutes non-stop to Roma Termini station, and costs €14. Buy tickets on the official Trenitalia site.
- FL1 Regional Train: Direct trains to Trastevere, Ostiense, and Tiburtina stations (but does not go to Termini). Runs about every 15 minutes, fare is around €8. Purchase on the official Trenitalia site.
- Taxi: Use only official white city taxis (see “Taxis in Rome” below). The fixed fare is €55 to anywhere inside Rome’s city center (the Aurelian Walls), including luggage and up to 4 passengers. For other destinations (Tiburtina €60, Ostiense €50, Fiumicino ↔ Ciampino €55) see the airport’s official taxi page. Ignore anyone inside the terminal offering an unofficial ridealways use the taxi ranks.
Other options include shuttle buses and private transfers, but trains and taxis remain the most reliable ways into central Rome.
How Early to Arrive at FCO
Fiumicino is efficient, but allow the right amount of time for check-in, security, and passport control. The recommended minimum is 2 hours before European/Schengen flights and 3 hours for international/non-Schengen flights. After the introduction of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), if you’re a non-EU short-stay traveler and it’s your first time since EES began, you should budget extra time for biometric data enrollment. FCO offers free QPASS timed security slots and paid Fast Track services to help reduce waiting times at security.
Security and Passport Control at Fiumicino
Security lines can move quickly, but at peak times you should plan for possible queues. Typically, security checks take about 20-30 minutes, but during peak periods, holidays, or after major flight arrivals, it could take longer. Passport control varies, often around 45 minutes. E-gates are available for eligible travelers to speed up the process. Always check your gate and terminal when you arrive, and consider extra time if you’re flying internationally or connecting onward.
FCO Airport Services
- Left Luggage: Secure storage in Terminal 3 Arrivals (International area), from 07:00–23:00 daily. €10 per 24 hours per bag.
- VAT Refund (Tax Free): Refund points and form-stamping desks in Terminals 1, 3, and Boarding Areas A & E. Get your form stamped before you check in if the purchased goods are in checked luggage.
- “Airport in the City” at Termini: For passengers flying ITA Airways, you can check in and drop bags at Roma Termini ahead of time for free. Most other airlines offer a paid bag drop service for convenience.
For more information or to buy train tickets, visit the Trenitalia site. For airport details or changes, cloudiness due to maintenance, or the latest news about transport links, consult the official Fiumicino Airport website. Always check before you travel, as strikes or maintenance work can affect your options!
Ciampino (CIA): Buses, Airlink, Taxis & Transit Basics
Ciampino Airport (G.B. Pastine International Airport, CIA) sits about 15 km southeast of Rome and mainly handles low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air. While smaller than FCO, its convenience and quick processing times make it popular for European flights and budget travelers.
Terminals and Facilities at Ciampino
Ciampino features a single terminal for both departures and arrivals, keeping things straightforward. There’s a mix of cafes, shops (including duty-free), and car rental offices near the baggage hall and exits. The terminal layout means you can get from curbside to your gate fairly quickly compared to larger airports.
Arriving or departing at off-hours? Ciampino is compact, but you can rest inside the terminal overnight if you have a layover. For a more comfortable sleep, consider one of the nearby airport hotels, which offer shuttle services for early or late flights.
Getting from Ciampino to Central Rome
- Official Taxi: The easiest and safest option for direct door-to-door travel. The white taxis with a roof “TAXI” sign and city crest on the doors have a fixed fare of €40 to anywhere inside the Aurelian Walls (including up to 4 people and luggage). Official taxi info is on the airport taxi page. Ignore private solicitors inside the terminalalways go to the signed taxi stand.
- Ciampino Airlink (Bus + Train Combo): The Airlink connects the terminal to the nearby Ciampino rail station by dedicated bus, then onward by frequent regional train to Roma Termini. One ticket covers both bus and train legs and can be purchased from the Trenitalia site.
- Direct Buses: Several companies (Terravision, SIT, Schiaffini) run frequent direct coaches from Ciampino to Termini station. These are generally a budget-friendly, simple optionfind timetables and book on the official airport bus page.
- City Buses: Rome city buses ATAC 520 and 720 connect Ciampino to the Metro A (Cinecittà, Subaugusta) and Metro B (Laurentina) stations. They run on regular city tickets and are a good, low-cost choice for travelers staying near the metro lines.
How Early to Arrive at Ciampino
Ciampino is efficient and rarely overcrowded, but don’t take chancesaim for at least 2 hours before European flights and 3 hours for non-Schengen/extra-Schengen destinations. Queue times are usually short, but still allow extra time if you’re traveling outside the EU and need EES registration for the first time.
Other Services at Ciampino Airport
- ATMs, Currency Exchange: Easily available in the terminal.
- Luggage Storage: Not as extensive as Fiumicino, but check with information desks for current services.
- Shops and Snacks: Cafes, duty-free, and convenience stores open during main flight periods.
Spotting Official Taxis in Rome (Applies to Both Airports)
For your own safety and to avoid unpleasant surprises, always use official white Rome city taxis. Here’s what to look for:
- White vehicle color
- Roof sign showing “TAXI” in bold letters
- Rome’s official municipal crest on the doors
- License number displayed inside and outside the vehicle
Ignore anyone who approaches you inside the airport offering a taxi ridethat’s a sure sign of an unofficial, unlicensed car.
For the full, up-to-date scoop, official fares, or more details on legitimate taxi service, check the airport’s official taxi information page.
FAQs: What Travelers Always Ask About Rome Airports
- Is Fiumicino or Ciampino better? Fiumicino is best for long-haul flights and offers the fastest, simplest train connections. Choose Ciampino if your budget airline of choice uses it, if you’re staying southeast of Rome, or want the quickest taxi trip into the city. The total city-commute time is similar once you factor in different transfer steps.
- How early should I get to the airport? The minimum is 2 hours for Schengen flights; 3 hours for non-Schengen or if you need EES registration. Add a bit more during busy seasons or if you want to be extra safe.
- How much do taxis cost to Rome’s city center? Fiumicino €55 flat fare; Ciampino €40 flat fareboth all-in with bags and up to 4 people. Use official taxi ranks only.
- How long does the journey take into central Rome? Usually 40 to 60 minutes by taxi in normal traffic. Leonardo Express train from FCO is about 32 minutes nonstop to Roma Termini. Buses and Airlink options from CIA may take 45–60 minutes, depending on connections and traffic.
- How can I buy official transport tickets? For trains (Leonardo Express, FL1, Airlink) visit Trenitalia. Official airport bus and taxi info is always on Aeroporti di Roma.
Rome Airport Arrival Essentials for Your Journey
Whether you land at Fiumicino or Ciampino, you’re stepping into a city with magic everywhereeven at the airport. Rome’s airports are modern, mostly easy to navigate, and well-connected to some of the world’s most famous sites. Remember that Italian transport sometimes faces delays from strikes or bursts of construction, so do yourself a favor and check news banners at the airport’s official site or Trenitalia train updates before you travel.
With either airport, you’ll find the right mix of Roman spirit and practical serviceset up for a smooth start to your adventure in the Eternal City!