In a nutshell
- Rome has two airports: Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA).
- Fiumicino is the main airport with direct flights from cities all over the world.
- Ciampino is smaller and mainly served by low-cost airlines.
- The cheapest option to get from Fiumicino to the city center is the shuttle bus, while the fastest way is the Leonardo Express train.
- From Ciampino, the lowest-cost option is bus plus metro. The most convenient choice is the Terravision or Sit buses.
Table of Contents
Airports in Rome
Rome, the capital of Italy, has two airports: Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Rome Ciampino (CIA).
About 30 kilometers outside the historic center is Fiumicino, the larger of the two, served by airlines from all over the world.
Ciampino is much smaller and mainly used by budget airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair. It’s only about 18 kilometers from the city center, which makes it quick to reach.
Map of Rome’s Airports
We’ve marked both Rome airports on a map so you can easily see where they are when planning your trip. The central train station, Termini, is right in the heart of Rome and is the main hub for transportation from the Rome airports to the city.
Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is farther away than Ciampino but has much better connections to the city. That’s why Fiumicino is usually the most convenient choice, especially for families visiting Rome.
How to Get from Fiumicino Airport to the City
Here’s an overview of the different options for how to get from Rome Fiumicino Airport to the city. After that, we’ll go through each option in detail.
| Transfer option | Price | Travel time | Operating hours: FCO > Rome | Operating hours: Rome > FCO | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terravision Bus | €7 | 50 min | 5:30 a.m. to 10:55 p.m. | 4:30 a.m. to 9:50 p.m. | Ticket |
| Leonardo Express | €14 | 35 min | 6:38 a.m. to 11:38 p.m. | 5:50 a.m. to 10:50 p.m. | Ticket |
| Cab | €50 | 45 min | all-day | all-day | Ticket |
| SIT Bus | €7 | 65 min | 8:30 a.m. to 0:30 a.m. | 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Ticket |
| Regional train FL 1 | €8 | 45 min | 5:57 a.m. to 11:27 p.m. | 5:06 a.m. to 11:36 p.m. | Ticket |
#1 Terravision Shuttle Bus: the cheapest transfer
If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, take a Terravision bus. A one-way ticket costs about 7 euros, while a return ticket is just 11 euros. You can book online and either print your ticket or show it on your phone.
Buses run every 20 to 45 minutes and drop you off at Termini Station.
When you book, you’ll pick a departure time. If your flight is delayed, you can simply take the next available bus.
Tickets are available on the Terravision website or on GetYourGuide. Booking through GetYourGuide gives you free cancellation up to 24 hours before your trip.
Book your shuttle ticket on GetYourGuide
#2 Leonardo Express: the fastest transfer
The quickest way to get from Fiumicino to the city center is the Leonardo Express. The train takes just 30–35 minutes and avoids all traffic. At 14 euros per ticket, it’s a bit more expensive than the bus.
The train goes directly to Termini Station. It leaves the airport every 30 minutes, and even every 15 minutes at peak times. Just follow the “Treno” signs in the terminal. For your return, it departs from platforms 23/24.
Tickets are sold at machines on the platform or at nearby kiosks. Online tickets are also available but cost 18 euros.
Get your Leonardo Express ticket
Don’t forget: You must validate your paper ticket in the small green machines on the platform. Scanning the barcode to enter isn’t the same as validation!
#3 Taxis and Private Cars: the most comfortable transfer
If you want the most convenient option, a taxi is the best choice. The only downside is that travel time depends on traffic, usually 45–60 minutes.
To prevent overcharging, the city has set fixed rates for official Rome taxis. A ride from Fiumicino to the city center costs 50 euros, including luggage and up to four passengers. Different rates apply to other areas.
Only official Rome taxis have the fixed fare. They are white, with a taxi sign on top and a “Roma Capitale” sticker on the door. Taxis from Fiumicino itself charge more, and some unlicensed drivers try to demand higher fares.
You’ll find the official taxi rank right outside the airport. Taxi stands are also scattered across the city, including Termini. You can call one at +39 06 06 09.
Most taxis accept credit cards, but check before starting your ride.
Tip: If you book a private transfer in advance, your driver will meet you at arrivals with a sign and take you straight to your hotel at a fixed price.
#4 SIT Bus Shuttle: best option for stays near the Vatican
SIT buses run every 30 minutes and cost 7 euros one way or 13 euros for a round trip. They’re similar to Terravision, but the big advantage is that they stop not only at Termini but also near the Vatican.
If your hotel is close to St. Peter’s Basilica, the SIT shuttle is the most practical choice.
#5 Regional Train FL1: best for neighborhoods outside the center
The regional FL1 train also departs from Fiumicino. Unlike the Leonardo Express, it doesn’t go to Termini but stops in Trastevere, Roma Ostiense, and Roma Tiburtina. So if you’re staying in those areas—or outside the city center—it’s the best choice.
Tickets cost 8 euros and can be bought from machines or online. If you buy at the station, remember to validate your ticket before boarding.
How to Get from Ciampino Airport to the City
Ciampino Airport (CIA) is much smaller than Fiumicino, so there’s no direct train service. The only ways to leave the airport are by bus, taxi, or private car.
| Transfer option | Price | Travel time | Operating hours: CIA > Rome | Operating hours: Rome > CIA | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus and metro | €2.70 | 50 min | 5:47 a.m. to 23:46 p.m. | 5:47 a.m. to 11:06 p.m. | on site |
| Terravision Bus | €6 | 40 min | 8:15 a.m. to 11:40 p.m. | 4:40 a.m. to 21:40 p.m. | Ticket |
| Sit Bus | €6 | 40 min | 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. | 4:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m. | Ticket |
| Cab | €30 | 40 min | all-day | all-day | Ticket |
#1 Bus and Metro: the cheapest airport transfer
The most affordable Rome airport transportation from Ciampino is a combination of bus and metro. It’s the cheapest way to get from the airport to the city, but switching between buses and trains can be inconvenient, especially with heavy luggage or if it’s your first time in Rome.
A good option is to take the 520 bus from the airport to Cinecittà station (nine stops), then switch to metro line A and ride to Termini Station in the city center.
The bus ticket costs 1.20 euros and can be bought directly from the driver. For the metro, you’ll need a separate ticket. The BIT ticket for 1.50 euros is the best option and can be purchased at metro ticket machines.
#2 Terravision or SIT Bus Shuttle: best value for money
Another easy way to get from Ciampino Airport to the city is with the Terravision or SIT shuttle buses. Prices are the same: 6 euros one way or 11 euros round trip. Details about these services are also listed above.
This option costs just a little more than bus and metro, but it’s much more convenient because you can hop on the bus directly in front of the terminal and ride straight to Termini Station without having to change. For most travelers, this makes it the best value.
Note: SIT buses only stop at the Vatican when coming from Fiumicino. From Ciampino, both Terravision and SIT go straight to Termini Station, so the services are essentially the same.
#3 Taxis and Private Transfers: the most comfortable option
If comfort is your priority, the easiest way is to take a taxi or book a private transfer. Official taxis from Ciampino Airport charge a fixed rate of 30 euros to the city center, valid for up to four people including luggage.
Just like at Fiumicino, make sure to use the official Rome city taxis. Follow the airport signs to the official taxi rank to avoid overcharging.
You’ll find more details about taxi travel in Rome in the section above.
Tip: For a stress-free start, you can book a private transfer online in advance. A driver will meet you at the terminal with a sign and take you directly to your hotel for a fixed price.
Have you ever used a Rome airport transportation?
These were the main options for Rome airport transportation from Ciampino & Fiumicino. How did you get from the airport to the city of Rome? Share your experience in the comments — we’d love to hear about it!