Traveling to Rome, Italy, and wondering how to reach the city from the airport? In this guide, we share all the best Rome airport transfer options from two main international airports – Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA).
Both airports are located quite far away from the city center, and the traffic in Rome is busy. So one of the first things you’ll need to decide when planning a trip to Rome is how to get to your accommodation from the airport.
In this article, you can find an overview of all the best ways to get from Fiumicino and Ciampino airports to Rome city center. Please note that all these are available as a round-trip option as well.
TIP: If you don’t have the time to read the entire article and are simply looking for the most convenient airport transfers to Rome, here are the best-value options:
- Fiumicino Airport to Rome city center: express train.
- Ciampino Airport to Rome city center: shuttle bus.
- Luggage storage: at the central station in Rome or at the Vatican.
Further below, you can find more detailed information about the best Rome airport transfer options. Read on!
Rome Airport Transfers – OVERVIEW:
Fiumicino Airport Transfers to Rome
Fiumicino Airport, also known as Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (airport code FCO) is the main airport of Rome and the largest airport in Italy. If you are arriving in Rome from other major airports in Europe or from overseas, you will likely be traveling to this airport.
Fiumicino Airport is located about 30 kilometers (18 miles) southwest of Rome city center. The drive between the airport and the historic old town typically takes 30-60 minutes.
Here are the best ways to travel from Fiumicino Airport to Rome city center:
Leonardo Express Train
The Leonardo Express Train is the fastest, most reliable, and most convenient way to reach Rome city center from Fiumicino Airport.
This non-stop train service connects Fiumicino Airport to the main train station in Rome – Termini Station – in the city center. Trains run every 15-20 minutes from early morning to almost midnight, and the journey takes about 30 minutes.
The main advantage of taking the train is that it’s budget-friendly and you don’t have to worry about traffic. Plus, you can travel with as many people and bags as you want.
The tickets can be purchased at the airport train station, but it’s much more convenient to get them online in advance. That way, you don’t have to worry about having to look for a ticket desk and can just go straight to the train.
Good to know: The digital ticket is valid for any train on the selected day, so you don’t have to worry in case your flight is delayed. Also, there are no luggage limits on the train. Round-trip tickets are also available if you are traveling back to Fiumicino Airport from Rome after your visit.
Terravision Bus
Terravision Bus offers the cheapest shared transfer between Fiumicino International Airport and Rome city center. There are buses every 15-20 minutes.
The main advantage of taking this bus is not just the price but also that it doesn’t stop anywhere else along the way. So it’s faster than some other bus transfers. Plus, luggage is free.
Good to know: When you book a ticket online, you’ll have to choose a specific departure time. However, this is more meant to give you an idea of the schedule. The ticket remains valid for the whole day, so you can take a later bus if you miss it.
Fiumicino Shuttle Bus
Fiumicino Shuttle Bus is another budget-friendly option to travel between Fiumicino Airport and Rome city center. In addition to its final stop at Rome Termini Central Station, it also has several stops along the way including the Vatican, Circonvallazione Aurelia, but also Fiumicino Town.
There are frequent departures throughout the day, usually at least once an hour, and during peak times even more often. The journey between Fiumicino and Rome Termini Station takes about 45-60 minutes depending on the traffic.
The buses are equipped with air conditioning and offer free Wi-Fi. They are comfortable and you don’t have to worry about your luggage either.
Good to know: The tickets can be purchased online or at the airport. The advantage of booking upfront is that you don’t have to look for a ticket desk and can head straight to the bus and simply scan the QR code straight from your phone. The ticket is valid the whole day, so you don’t have to worry about missing a bus in case of flight delays and can simply take the next one.
Taxi
Taxis are available at Terminals 1 & 3 of Fiumicino Airport and can be a convenient way to get to Rome, especially if you’re traveling with kids or a lot of luggage. However, you may have to wait for a while, more so during peak hours when many flights land at the same time.
In addition, taxis can be quite expensive, especially if you’re traveling to destinations that are outside the city center. The main advantage of taking a taxi is that it brings you straight to your accommodation, but a private transfer does that too (more info further below).
Good to know: The taxi fares between the airport and the historic city center are regulated. So there is a fixed rate that a taxi can charge for airport transfers in Rome and these rates are normally displayed at the taxi stand at the airport.
At the moment of the last update, the taxi ride between Fiumicino airport and the historic city center of Rome costs 50-60 euros depending on the time of the day. This is the standard price for 2-3 passengers with one piece of luggage each.
Nevertheless, always confirm the price with the driver before getting in the car! Keep in mind that they might be charging more if you are traveling at night or are with more people or more luggage. The exact location of your accommodation can also influence the price.
Uber
Uber is also available in Rome. However, you will likely pay more for an airport transfer with them rather than using an official taxi.
The last time I checked, Uber prices for the ride between Rome city center and Fiumicino airport started at 65 euros for the smallest car outside the peak times.
Private Transfer from Fiumicino Airport
If you’re looking for a more comfortable and convenient transfer from the airport straight to your hotel in Rome, you may want to consider a private transfer.
There are many companies offering private airport transfers from Fiumicino Airport to Rome (or from your hotel to the airport), and it’s best to reserve online at least a few days in advance.
The cost of a private transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Rome can vary depending on the number of passengers and the type of vehicle you choose. It usually ranges from about 60 to 100 euros.
So if you are traveling with just 2-3 people and little luggage, a taxi might be a bit cheaper. However, private transfers often offer better value if you’re traveling with a bigger family/group or if you have a lot of luggage. Plus, you know in advance how much you’ll pay and that there will be a car waiting for you upon arrival.
Our personal experience: When we travel to Rome, we always opt either for a private transfer or a taxi from/to Fiumicino. Yes, it’s a bit more expensive, but it’s also more convenient. We usually stay in the heart of the historic center, which is not exactly next door to the station where the bus/train arrives. Plus, we travel with a family. If you are alone or with just two people, or if your hotel is closer to the station, you may find the train or the bus just as convenient.
Ciampino Airport Transfers to Rome
Ciampino Airport, also known as Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport (airport code CIA) is a smaller airport that is mainly used by budget airlines.
It’s located about 15 kilometers (9 miles) southeast of Rome city center. However, despite the shorter distance, the drive to the city from Ciampino can take just as long as from Fiumicino (typically 30-55 minutes).
Here are the best ways to get to Rome from Ciampino Airport:
Bus Transfer
The bus is the most popular way to get from Ciampino Airport to Rome. There are two bus companies offering airport transfers here and the price is usually exactly the same:
Terravision bus transfer is a direct transfer between Ciampino Airport and Rome Termini Station. The buses depart every 30 minutes and the journey time is approximately 40-45 minutes (this will depend on the traffic, of course).
This shuttle bus transfer is practically the same. The main difference is that they offer free Wi-Fi onboard their buses.
Both companies offer the flexibility to catch the next bus if you miss the previous one, and luggage is included as well.
Taxi
Taxis are also a convenient way to travel from Ciampino Airport to Rome. However, they can be expensive, especially if you get stuck in traffic. The cost of a taxi ride from Ciampino Airport to Rome is approximately 30-40 euros, but this can vary depending on the time of day and your destination in the city.
Private Transfer from Ciampino Airport
If you prefer a more comfortable and hassle-free option, you can consider booking a private transfer from Ciampino Airport to Rome.
Also here, there are many private transfer companies that operate at the airport, and you can check prices and book a transfer online in advance.
The cost of a private transfer from Ciampino Airport to Rome can vary depending on the company and the type of vehicle you choose. It usually ranges from 50 to 100 euros for 2-4 people.
Tips for Rome airport transfers
- Make sure to factor in the time of day when planning your journey. Some airport transfer options may not be available late at night or early in the morning.
- Traffic can be heavy in Rome, especially during peak hours, so keep that in mind when deciding which airport transfer to book. It’s especially important if you have to catch a flight. For example, if you’re traveling to Fiumicino airport during rush hour, it may be safer to opt for a train. Whereas if you are arriving late at night, a private transfer is probably the safest option.
- Consider the location of your accommodation. Most Rome airport transfers will bring you to the central station, so you will still need to get to your hotel. In some cases, a private transfer or a taxi can be much simpler. Here you can read all about #1 best area to stay in Rome.
- Book in advance. Whatever option you choose, be sure to book your airport transfer in advance. It will save you so much time and stress upon arrival.
READ ALSO: Rome Travel Tips
As you can see, there are various ways to get from Rome airports to the city center, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
The Leonardo Express Train and the Terravision Bus are both convenient and affordable options for getting directly from Fiumicino Airport to Rome. While this shuttle bus is one of the most popular options for getting from Ciampino Airport to Rome.
The choice really depends on your personal preferences and budget.
I hope that this guide has helped you choose the best option for your needs and that you have a fantastic trip to Rome!
TIP: Before you go, you may want to check our other guides to the city. We’ve been to Rome many times and have lots of articles highlighting some of our favorite places and experiences, as well as practical tips to help you make the most out of your trip to the Eternal City. See the links below for some highlighted articles, or see our Italy travel guide for the complete selection.
Rome travel inspiration and tips:
- Best Things to Do in Rome
- Hidden Gems of Rome
- Colosseum Levels & Tickets Explained
- Best Views & Viewpoints of Rome
- Best Underground Sites to See in Rome
- Ancient Roman Landmarks to See in Rome
- Itineraries:
- Where to Find the Best Food in Rome
- Best Street Food Tours in Rome
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Photo credits: Personal collection plus bellena/Depositphotos.com.