Rome Airport to City Centre: Fiumicino & Ciampino
Find the best way to get from Fiumicino or Ciampino Airport to central Rome, with train, bus and taxi options, travel times and practical arrival tips.
Getting from Rome’s airports into the city is simple once you know where your hotel is and which station is most useful for you.
Rome has two main airports:
- Fiumicino Airport (FCO), also called Leonardo da Vinci Airport, handles most international flights.
- Ciampino Airport (CIA) is smaller and is used mainly by low-cost European airlines.
Both airports connect to central Rome by train, bus and taxi. The right choice depends on your hotel, luggage, arrival time and whether you value speed, price or a direct ride.
This guide explains how to reach Roma Termini, Trastevere, Ostiense, Tiburtina and the historic centre from both airports.
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Which Rome airport transfer should you choose?
| Your situation | Best option |
|---|---|
| Staying near Roma Termini, Monti or Esquilino | Leonardo Express from Fiumicino |
| Staying near Trastevere, Testaccio, Ostiense or Tiburtina | FL1 regional train from Fiumicino |
| Arriving at Ciampino on a budget | Ciampino Airlink |
| Travelling with children, heavy luggage or arriving late | Official taxi (! is fixed prices to Rome centre) |
| Staying inside Rome's historic centre | Official taxi or train plus a short walk/metro |
| Want the lowest-cost rail option from Ciampino | Ciampino Airlink |
| Want a direct bus to Roma Termini | Airport shuttle bus |
Important: Train timetables, fares and road conditions can change. Check the official operator before travelling, especially for early-morning, late-night or strike-day journeys.
From Fiumicino Airport to Rome City Centre
Fiumicino is around 30 kilometres from central Rome. It is the airport used by most long-haul and full-service flights, and it has the widest choice of transport options.
The airport railway station is connected directly to the terminals, with signs in English and Italian.
Fiumicino to Roma Termini: Leonardo Express
The Leonardo Express is the simplest choice if you are staying near Roma Termini, Monti, the Opera district or Esquilino.
It is a non-stop train between Fiumicino Airport and Roma Termini.
| Route | Travel time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Fiumicino Airport → Roma Termini | About 32 minutes | Termini, Monti, Esquilino and easy metro connections |
The train runs regularly throughout the day and avoids Rome's road traffic. It is usually the fastest option for visitors whose hotel is close to Termini.
Children under 12 accompanied by a paying adult travel free on the Leonardo Express. Check the latest timetable and ticket conditions on Trenitalia.
Is the Leonardo Express worth it?
Choose the Leonardo Express if:
- your hotel is near Roma Termini;
- you want the least complicated route after a long flight;
- you have a train connection from Termini;
- you want to avoid traffic;
- you are arriving during a busy afternoon or evening.
Do not choose it just because Termini is the best-known station. If your hotel is in Trastevere, Ostiense or Tiburtina, the FL1 regional train may be more convenient.
Fiumicino to Trastevere, Ostiense and Tiburtina: FL1 regional train
The FL1 regional train does not go to Roma Termini. Instead, it serves stations that can be much more useful for travellers staying outside the Termini area.
Important stops include:
- Roma Trastevere
- Roma Ostiense
- Roma Tuscolana
- Roma Tiburtina
The journey to Tiburtina takes around 50 minutes. On working days, trains generally run every 15 minutes; on Sundays and public holidays, they generally run every 30 minutes.
When is the FL1 the better choice?
The FL1 is often the most practical option if you are staying in:
- Trastevere for restaurants, nightlife and local atmosphere;
- Testaccio or the Aventine area;
- Ostiense or near Piramide;
- Tiburtina for onward train connections;
- neighbourhoods with easy access to Metro B.
Good to know: Rome tourist travel passes and standard Metrebus Roma tickets are not valid for travel between Fiumicino Airport and Rome on either the FL1 or Leonardo Express. You need a separate airport rail ticket.
For current routes and ticket options, check Trenitalia.
Fiumicino airport bus to Roma Termini
Several private coach companies connect Fiumicino Airport with Roma Termini.
This can be a lower-cost option than the Leonardo Express, especially if you book online in advance. However, buses use the road network, so journey times can vary considerably with traffic.
Tip: You can also just show up and buy a ticket on the spot.
Choose an airport bus if:
- you are staying near Termini;
- you have time flexibility;
- you find a convenient departure shortly after landing;
- you want a cheaper direct option;
- you are not arriving during severe traffic conditions.
Avoid an Airport Bus If:
- you have a tight onward train connection;
- your hotel is in Trastevere, Ostiense or Tiburtina;
- you are travelling during rush hour and want a predictable arrival time;
- you arrive late and want a direct door-to-door journey.
Always check the current departure point, timetable and luggage conditions with the bus operator before you travel.
Fiumicino Airport Taxi: Fixed Fare to Central Rome
An official Rome taxi is often the easiest choice for families, groups, travellers with bulky luggage and visitors arriving late at night.
For destinations inside the Aurelian Walls, the official fixed fare from Fiumicino Airport is €55 per vehicle, including supplements.
The journey usually takes around 40 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
How to Use an Official Taxi Safely
Use only the official taxi rank outside the terminal. Official Rome taxis are white and display:
- a TAXI sign on the roof;
- the Rome municipal symbol on the front doors;
- a visible licence number.
Do not accept rides from people who approach you inside the arrivals hall and offer a taxi or “special price”.
The fixed fare only applies within the defined central area. If your accommodation is outside the Aurelian Walls, ask the driver how the fare will be calculated before leaving.
For current official taxi rules and fares, see Roma Servizi per la Mobilità.
From Ciampino airport to Rome city centre
Ciampino Airport is closer to Rome than Fiumicino, but it does not have its own railway station directly inside the terminal.
It is commonly used by low-cost carriers, and most travellers continue to Rome by shuttle bus, train-and-bus connection or taxi.
Ciampino to Roma Termini: Ciampino Airlink
The Ciampino Airlink is one of the best-value ways to reach Roma Termini.
It combines:
- a direct bus from the airport to Ciampino railway station;
- a regional train from Ciampino station to Roma Termini.
The airport bus section takes around 10 minutes. The combined ticket costs €2.70 per person for one journey.
This is an excellent option if you are travelling light, arriving during the day and staying close to Termini or a Metro A or Metro B station.
You can check the route and buy tickets through Trenitalia's Ciampino Airlink page.
Ciampino to Metro A: Bus to Anagnina
Another low-cost option is to take a local airport bus to Anagnina, the southern terminus of Metro A.
From Anagnina, take Metro A in the direction of Battistini. The line stops at major points including Cinecittà, San Giovanni, Piazza di Spagna, Barberini and Roma Termini.
This route is useful if your hotel is close to a Metro A station. For Roma Termini, however, Ciampino Airlink or a direct shuttle bus is usually simpler because it avoids changing from bus to metro with luggage.
Choose the Anagnina route if:
- you are travelling light;
- your accommodation is near Metro A;
- you want a lower-cost local connection;
- you are comfortable making one change.
Tip: Check the current bus operator and ticket conditions before travelling. Some airport-to-Anagnina services use regional tickets rather than the standard Rome city ticket.
Ciampino direct shuttle bus to Roma Termini
Private shuttle buses connect Ciampino Airport directly with Roma Termini. This is often the easiest public-transport option because there is no station change.
The journey time depends on traffic, so leave extra time if you are returning to the airport for a flight.
A shuttle bus is a good choice if:
- you want a direct ride to Termini;
- you have moderate luggage;
- your hotel is close to the station;
- the Airlink connection does not match your arrival time.
Aeroporti di Roma lists the current approved Ciampino bus operators and stops on its airport transport page.
Ciampino Airport Taxi: Fixed Fare to Central Rome
For destinations inside the Aurelian Walls, the official fixed taxi fare from Ciampino Airport is €40 per vehicle, including supplements.
The typical journey time is around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
A taxi is usually the best option if:
- you arrive late at night;
- you are travelling with children;
- you have multiple bags;
- your hotel is not close to Termini;
- you are splitting the fare with two, three or four people.
As at Fiumicino, use the official rank outside the airport and ignore unsolicited transport offers inside the terminal.
Which option is best for your hotel?
Staying near Roma Termini
Choose:
- Leonardo Express from Fiumicino;
- Ciampino Airlink or a direct shuttle bus from Ciampino;
- an official taxi if you have heavy luggage or arrive late.
Termini is Rome's main transport hub, with Metro A, Metro B, buses, trams and national trains.
Staying in Trastevere or Testaccio
Choose:
- FL1 regional train from Fiumicino to Roma Trastevere or Roma Ostiense;
- a taxi if you are arriving late or your accommodation is far from the station;
- from Ciampino, a direct bus to Termini followed by a taxi or public transport, depending on your arrival time.
Staying near the Vatican, Prati or Piazza Navona
A taxi may be the simplest option, particularly with luggage. These areas are not directly served by the airport rail lines.
If you prefer public transport, take the Leonardo Express to Termini and continue by Metro A or taxi. Allow extra time for the final part of the journey.
Staying near Tiburtina
Choose the FL1 regional train from Fiumicino. It connects directly to Roma Tiburtina and is often easier than travelling to Termini and doubling back.
Should you book your airport transfer in advance?
You usually do not need to book the Leonardo Express, FL1 or Ciampino Airlink in advance. Tickets can be bought online, at official machines or at the relevant railway desk.
Booking ahead can still make sense if:
- you arrive very late;
- you want a private driver waiting for you;
- you are a large group;
- you need a child seat or an accessible vehicle;
- you want certainty after a long international flight.
For ordinary airport taxis, use the official rank rather than pre-booking from an unknown website.
Common Rome airport mistakes to avoid
Assuming every train goes to Roma Termini
The Leonardo Express goes directly to Termini. The FL1 does not. Check your hotel location before buying a ticket.
Using a Rome tourist pass for the airport train
Rome's standard local transport passes are not valid on the Fiumicino airport rail services. Buy the correct airport ticket separately.
Taking an unofficial Taxi offer
Use the official taxi rank. Do not follow anyone who approaches you inside the airport and offers a ride.
Forgetting that central Rome has a boundary
The fixed airport taxi fare applies only to defined destinations within the Aurelian Walls. If your hotel is outside that area, confirm the expected fare before setting off.
Planning a tight itinerary immediately after landing
Allow time for passport control, baggage collection, walking through the terminal and finding your transport. If you land in the afternoon, do not schedule a major attraction immediately afterwards.
A better first plan is to check in, have a short walk, and join a relaxed Rome city centre free walking tour when your schedule allows.
Frequent asked question= Is Uber available in Rome? Ride-hailing services exist, but they are not usually the cheapest or simplest airport option. For a regulated fixed airport fare, use an official white Rome taxi from the official rank.
Start Your Rome Trip Well
The best airport transfer is the one that matches your hotel, luggage, arrival time and budget.
Choose the Leonardo Express for a quick arrival at Termini, the FL1 for Trastevere or Tiburtina, Ciampino Airlink for a low-cost connection from Ciampino, and an official taxi when convenience matters most.
Once you are in the city, take time to explore Rome at a comfortable pace. From the historic centre and Ancient Rome to Trastevere, food experiences and evening walks, there is plenty to discover.
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Official Transport Sources
- Trenitalia: Fiumicino Airport connections
- Trenitalia: Ciampino Airlink
- Roma Servizi per la Mobilità: official taxi fares
- ATAC: airport travel pass information
- Aeroporti di Roma: Ciampino bus connections
Last reviewed: Oct 2026. Opening hours, ticket prices and transport information may change, so always check official sources before your visit.
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