Rome Airport Transfers
How to get from the airport to the city
Latest update: March 4, 2023
In a nutshell: Our tips on how to get to Rome
- Rome has two airports, Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Rome Ciampino (CIA).
- Fiumicino is the larger airport with daily flights from many cities worldwide.
- The smaller airport is Ciampino, where mainly budget airlines land.
- The cheapest way to get to the city center from Fiumicino is by shuttle bus and the fastest way is by Leonardo Express.
- The cheapest way from Ciampino to the city center is by bus and metro. The best value for money option is to use the buses of Terravision and Sit.
Do you want to know more? No problem! In our article we will give you an overview of all the possibilities to get from the airports in Rome to the center – practical and up-to-date.
Airports in Rome
Rome, the capital of Italy, has two airports, Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Rome Ciampino (CIA).
About 30 kilometers outside of Rome’s historic center is Fiumicino, the larger of the two airports, which is serviced by airlines from a wide variety of cities.
Because of its smaller size, Ciampino is primarily used by budget airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair. It’s only about 18 kilometers from the Italian capital.
Map of Rome’s Airports
We’ve marked both of Rome’s airports on a map so you can easily locate them as you make your way around the city. Rome’s central train station, Termini, is conveniently located in the heart of Rome and serves as a hub for getting to and from the airport.
Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is farther from the center of Rome than Ciampino, but it has a much better connection to the city. Therefore, Fiumicino Airport is the best option for families visiting Rome, as the transfer to the city from there is much easier.
Transfer from Fiumicino Airport
We have compiled an overview that includes all the relevant information you need. Then we’ll go over each option in detail.
| Transfer option | Price | Travel time | Operating hours: FCO > Rome | Operating hours: Rome > FCO | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terravision Bus | €6 | 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 | €48 | 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 most affordable airport transfer
If you want to save money, it’s best to take a Terravision bus. A one-way ticket costs about 6 euros. If you book a round trip, you will only pay 11 euros. You can purchase your ticket online and then either print it or show it on your mobile.
The buses leave every 20 to 45 minutes and stop at Termini Station.
When booking, you select a specific time. If your flight is delayed, you can make a later connection.
Shuttle tickets can either be booked on the Terravision website or on GetYourGuide. Booking with GetYourGuide will allow you to cancel your ticket up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund.
To the shuttle ticket on Getyourguide
#2 Leonardo Express: the quickest airport transfer
The fastest way to get from Rome Fiumicino to the city is the Leonardo Express. The train takes 30 to 35 minutes, and the best part is: no traffic. At 14 euros per ticket, it’s slightly more expensive than a shuttle.
The Leonardo Express stops at Termini Station. Trains depart from the airport every 30 minutes and even more often, every 15 minutes, during peak hours. Just follow the “Treno” signs at the terminal. When returning home, the Leonardo Express departs from platform 23/24.
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket machine on the platform or in nearby tobacco shops. Buying online is available but will cost 18 euros.
Ticket for the Leonardo Express
Remember: You must validate your ticket at the small green boxes on the platform. It’s a little confusing because you have to scan your barcode when entering the platform too, but that is not the ticket validation!
#3 Taxis and Private Cars: the most convenient airport transfer
If you are willing to spend a little more, a taxi is the most convenient way to get from the airport to the city. The disadvantage is that you are highly dependent on traffic. The journey typically takes 45-60 minutes.
The city has set fixed prices for airport cab rides to prevent drivers from taking advantage of unknowing tourists. The fare from Rome Fiumicino to the city center is 48 euros. The price includes luggage for up to four people. Other parts of the city have different fixed prices.
Fixed prices are only applicable to the cabs of the city of Rome. These are white, have a cab sign on the roof, and a sticker on the door with the license number and “Roma Capitale.” Cabs of the city of Fiumicino have higher fares, and so-called “fare dodgers” frequently charge far more than agreed.
The official cab line is located directly in front of the airport. Cab stands can be found all over the city, including Termini station. You can also call a cab by phone at +39 06 06 09.
You can often pay with a credit card in the cab; just make sure beforehand.
Tip: When you book a private transfer online in advance, you can be certain about your fixed price and don’t have to wait. Your driver will be waiting for you with a sign and will bring you to your hotel.
#4 SIT Bus Shuttle: best airport transfer for accommodations near the Vatican
SIT buses have no real advantage over Terravision buses. They leave every half hour and cost 7 euros one way and 13 euros round trip.
If you’re staying in a hotel close to the Vatican, the SIT shuttle is your best bet, as it stops at both the Vatican and Termini Station.
To the website of the SIT buses
#5 Regional Train FL1: best airport transfer when staying outside the city
The regional train FL1 departs from Fiumicino Airport, like the Leonardo Express, but stops in Trastevere, Roma Ostiense, and Roma Tiburtina rather than Termini. If you are staying in one of these neighborhoods (or on the outskirts of Rome), then the FL1 is the best option.
The ticket costs 8 euros and can be purchased either at the ticket machine or online. If you purchase it on the spot, you must validate it before embarking on your journey.
Buy tickets for the FL1 online
Transfer from Ciampino Airport
Ciampino Airport (CIA) is much smaller than Fiumicino, so there is no train transport; you can only leave the airport by bus or 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
A combination of bus and metro is the most cost-effective option. However, changing buses can be inconvenient, especially if you have a lot of luggage and don’t know your way around.
There are several bus and metro options from Rome Ciampino to the city. We recommend taking the 520 bus from the airport to Cinecittà station (nine stops). You can then change to metro line A and get off at Termini station.
The bus ticket costs 1.20 euros and can be purchased directly from the driver. Another ticket is required for the metro. The BIT ticket for 1.50 euros is the best option. It is available at the metro ticket machine.
#2 Terravision or SIT Bus Shuttle: best value for the price
Terravision and SIT shuttle buses also depart from Ciampino Airport, and their prices are the same: a one-way trip costs 6 euros, and a round trip 11 euros. The necessary information is provided above.
This is just slightly more expensive than going by metro and bus. But you can simply take the bus in front of the terminal and don’t have to change again and carry your luggage around. In our opinion, it’s definitely worth it!
Remember: SIT buses stop first at the Vatican only for transfers from Fiumicino airport. From Ciampino, the SIT and Terravision buses, go straight to Termini station. So those options are exactly the same.
#3 Taxis and Private Transfers: the most comfortable luxury option
Cabs for airport transfer from Ciampino have fixed prices, just like the transfer from Rome Fiumicino. The fare to Rome’s city center is 30 euros for up to four people with luggage.
And again, you should only take cabs of the city of Rome. The airport signs will direct you to the official cab stands.
More information about cab transfers in Rome can be found in the section above.
Our tip: If you want to be on the safe side, you can book a private transfer online in advance before your trip.
Have you ever used a Rome airport transfer?
These were our suggestions for Rome airport transfers. How did you get from the airport to the city of Rome? Please share your experiences in the comments; we’d love to hear from you!