Quick Recommendation
Getting from Rome airport to city centre is simple when you choose the right transport for your airport, budget, luggage, and hotel location. Most travellers arriving at Fiumicino Airport (FCO) take the Leonardo Express, the fastest direct train to Roma Termini, with a 25-minute journey time and departures every 30 minutes. Visitors landing at Ciampino Airport can compare affordable buses, taxis, and train connections to reach central Rome quickly and easily.
If you arrive after the final Leonardo Express departure, use an official taxi from the airport taxi rank. The regulated fixed fare from Fiumicino to central Rome is €50 for destinations within the Aurelian Walls. If you are staying near Roma Trastevere, Roma Ostiense, or Roma Tiburtina, the FL1 regional train is often more convenient than travelling to Termini first.
For groups of 3–4 travellers with luggage, a taxi from Fiumicino can also be good value. The €50 fixed fare split four ways works out to €12.50 per person and includes direct drop-off at your accommodation.
If you are arriving at Ciampino Airport (CIA), used mostly by low-cost airlines, the airport shuttle bus to Roma Termini is the standard choice. Tickets usually cost around €6. Official taxis from Ciampino use a fixed €30 fare to central Rome within the Aurelian Walls.
Rome Airport to City Transport at a Glance
| Option | Airport | Cost | Journey Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leonardo Express | Fiumicino (FCO) | €14 | 25 min | Fastest direct route to Roma Termini |
| FL1 Regional Train | Fiumicino (FCO) | €8 | 35–45 min | Travellers staying near Trastevere, Ostiense, or Tiburtina |
| Taxi fixed fare | Fiumicino (FCO) | €50 | 45–60 min | Groups, heavy luggage, and late-night arrivals |
| Airport bus | Fiumicino (FCO) | €5–7 | 60–90 min | Budget travellers |
| Airport shuttle bus | Ciampino (CIA) | About €6 | 40–50 min | Most visitors arriving at Ciampino |
| Taxi fixed fare | Ciampino (CIA) | €30 | 30–45 min | Groups and late arrivals |
| Bus + Metro | Ciampino (CIA) | About €3 | 60–80 min | Backpackers on a tight budget |
Getting from Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Rome
Fiumicino Airport is located about 26km southwest of central Rome and handles most international arrivals. After leaving arrivals, follow the signs marked “Treni” to reach Fiumicino Aeroporto train station through the covered walkway.
Leonardo Express Train
The Leonardo Express is the fastest and simplest way to travel from Fiumicino Airport to Rome city centre. It runs non-stop between Fiumicino Aeroporto and Roma Termini Station every 30 minutes, with a journey time of about 25 minutes.
Tickets cost €14 and can be purchased from ticket machines, staffed counters, or online through Trenitalia. Ticket machines accept cards and cash and usually offer English-language menus. If you buy a paper ticket, validate it before boarding.
FL1 Regional Train
The FL1 regional train is cheaper than the Leonardo Express and can be more convenient if your accommodation is not near Termini. It stops at Roma Trastevere, Roma Ostiense, and Roma Tiburtina, but it does not stop at Roma Termini.
Tickets cost €8, and trains run roughly every 15–30 minutes during the day. Journey times usually range from 35–45 minutes, depending on your stop.
Taxi from Fiumicino Airport
Official taxis from Fiumicino to central Rome use a fixed regulated fare of €50 for destinations within the Aurelian Walls. This fare includes applicable surcharges and motorway tolls.
Licensed taxis are white vehicles with a TAXI sign and official markings. Avoid unofficial drivers who approach passengers inside the terminal. Use only the official taxi rank outside the arrivals hall.
A taxi is the best choice for late-night arrivals, travellers carrying heavy luggage, families, and groups splitting the fare.
Airport Bus Services
Several companies, including Terravision, SIT Bus Shuttle, and TAM, operate buses from Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini. Tickets generally cost €5–7.
Buses are cheaper than trains, but Rome traffic can make the journey much longer. Expect around 60–90 minutes, with possible delays during rush hour.
Getting from Ciampino Airport (CIA) to Rome
Ciampino Airport is Rome’s smaller secondary airport and mainly serves low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air. Unlike Fiumicino, Ciampino does not have a direct airport rail station, so most travellers use a shuttle bus, taxi, or public bus plus Metro combination.
Terravision and Shuttle Buses
The shuttle bus is the standard Rome airport to city option from Ciampino. Buses depart from outside arrivals and usually connect the airport with Roma Termini.
Tickets cost approximately €6, and the journey normally takes 40–50 minutes. SIT Bus Shuttle provides a similar service at comparable prices.
Taxi from Ciampino Airport
The official fixed taxi fare from Ciampino Airport to central Rome is €30 for destinations within the Aurelian Walls.
For couples, families, or small groups, this can be good value, especially when compared with buying multiple bus tickets and then making another transfer from Termini.
Public Bus and Metro Combination
The cheapest route from Ciampino to Rome uses public transport. Take ATAC bus 520 from the airport to Anagnina Metro Station, then transfer to Metro Line A toward the city centre.
The total cost is approximately €3 using two transit tickets, but the journey takes 60–80 minutes and can be inconvenient with luggage.
Best Rome Airport Transfer by Traveller Type
| Traveller Type | Best Option from Fiumicino | Best Option from Ciampino |
|---|---|---|
| Solo traveller | Leonardo Express | Airport shuttle bus |
| Staying near Trastevere | FL1 Regional Train | Bus to Termini, then local transport |
| Family with luggage | Taxi | Taxi |
| Group of 3–4 | Taxi | Taxi |
| Late-night arrival | Taxi | Taxi |
| Budget backpacker | FL1 Train or airport bus | Bus + Metro |
Late-Night Arrivals and Early Departures
The Leonardo Express stops running late in the evening, with the final departure from Fiumicino at 11:23pm. If your flight lands late and you still need to clear immigration and collect baggage, plan on using a taxi instead.
Official taxis are available 24 hours a day at both airports. The fixed fares apply to eligible central Rome destinations within the Aurelian Walls.
Late-night buses may operate from Fiumicino, but services can be slower and less predictable. For most travellers arriving after midnight, the taxi is usually worth the extra cost.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Validating Train Tickets
Many visitors forget to validate paper train tickets before boarding regional services. Validation machines are located near platform entrances. Failure to validate a ticket can result in fines.
Using Unofficial Taxi Drivers
Ignore drivers who approach passengers inside the arrivals hall. Use only official white taxis waiting at the designated taxi rank outside the terminal.
Overpaying Taxi Fares
The fixed fares are €50 from Fiumicino and €30 from Ciampino to eligible central Rome destinations within the Aurelian Walls. Confirm the fixed fare before starting your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way from Rome Airport to the city?
The Leonardo Express train from Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini is the fastest and most reliable option. The trip takes about 25 minutes.
Is the Leonardo Express worth it?
Yes, for many travellers it is worth it. Although it costs more than the FL1 regional train, it is faster, simpler, and runs directly to Roma Termini without intermediate stops.
How much is a taxi from Rome Airport to the city centre?
The official fixed taxi fare is €50 from Fiumicino Airport and €30 from Ciampino Airport to eligible destinations within the Aurelian Walls.
What is the cheapest way from Ciampino Airport to Rome?
The cheapest route is the public bus and Metro combination using ATAC bus 520 and Metro Line A. It costs around €3 total but takes longer than the shuttle bus or taxi.
Which Rome airport is closer to the city?
Ciampino is geographically closer to central Rome than Fiumicino, but Fiumicino has better direct train connections. The better airport transfer depends on your arrival airport, hotel location, and arrival time.
Last verified: 2026-04-27
For more destination comparisons and trip ideas, browse more travel guides on this site.
For broader trip-planning context, you can also check additional travel background on Wikivoyage.
For more on this part of the trip, also see our 3 Days in Rome: A Realistic Itinerary for First-Time Visitors.