Quick Recommendation
Rome airport to city travel is simple when you match the transfer to your arrival airport, budget, luggage, and hotel location. Fiumicino arrivals often choose the Leonardo Express to Roma Termini. It takes around 25 minutes and runs every 30 minutes.
If you arrive after the final Leonardo Express departure, an official taxi is usually the most convenient option. The regulated fixed fare from Fiumicino to destinations within the Aurelian Walls is €50. Travellers staying near Roma Trastevere, Roma Ostiense, or Roma Tiburtina may find the FL1 regional train more convenient than travelling via Roma Termini.
For groups of three or four people with luggage, a taxi can offer good value, especially when the fixed fare is shared between passengers.
If you arrive at Ciampino Airport (CIA), airport shuttle buses to Roma Termini are the standard choice and typically cost around €6. Official taxis operate with a fixed €30 fare to eligible destinations 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 | Trastevere, Ostiense, or Tiburtina stays |
| Taxi (fixed fare) | Fiumicino (FCO) | €50 | 45–60 min | Groups, luggage, late arrivals |
| Airport Bus | Fiumicino (FCO) | €5–7 | 60–90 min | Budget travellers |
| Airport Shuttle Bus | Ciampino (CIA) | About €6 | 40–50 min | Most visitors |
| Taxi (fixed fare) | Ciampino (CIA) | €30 | 30–45 min | Groups and late arrivals |
| Bus + Metro | Ciampino (CIA) | About €3 | 60–80 min | Backpackers and budget travellers |
Getting from Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Rome
Fiumicino Airport is located approximately 26km southwest of central Rome and handles most international arrivals. Follow signs marked ‘Treni’ to reach the airport railway station.
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 every 30 minutes, taking around 25 minutes.
Tickets cost €14 and can be purchased online, from ticket machines, or from staffed counters. Paper tickets should be validated before boarding.
FL1 Regional Train
The FL1 regional train is a lower-cost alternative and stops at Roma Trastevere, Roma Ostiense, and Roma Tiburtina. It does not serve Roma Termini.
Tickets cost €8, with trains generally operating every 15–30 minutes and journey times of 35–45 minutes.
Taxi from Fiumicino Airport
Official taxis charge a regulated fixed fare of €50 to eligible destinations within the Aurelian Walls. Use only licensed white taxis waiting at the official taxi rank outside arrivals.
Airport Bus Services
Operators such as Terravision, SIT Bus Shuttle, and TAM provide services between Fiumicino Airport and Roma Termini. Tickets usually cost €5–7, but journey times can vary significantly due to traffic.
Getting from Ciampino Airport (CIA) to Rome
Ciampino Airport primarily serves low-cost airlines. Unlike Fiumicino, it does not have a direct rail station, so most travellers use buses, taxis, or a bus-and-Metro combination.
Terravision and Shuttle Buses
Shuttle buses connect Ciampino Airport with Roma Termini. Tickets typically cost around €6, and the journey usually takes 40–50 minutes.
Taxi from Ciampino Airport
The official fixed taxi fare from Ciampino Airport to eligible destinations within the Aurelian Walls is €30.
Public Bus and Metro Combination
The cheapest option is to take ATAC bus 520 to Anagnina Metro Station and then continue on Metro Line A. Total transport costs are approximately €3, although travel times are longer.
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. Travellers arriving late at night may find an official taxi to be the most practical option. Official taxis operate 24 hours a day at both airports.
While some bus services continue later into the evening, schedules can vary and journey times may be longer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Validating Train Tickets
Paper tickets for regional rail services should be validated before boarding. Failure to do so can result in fines.
Using Unofficial Taxi Drivers
Ignore drivers who approach passengers inside the terminal and use only official taxi ranks.
Overpaying Taxi Fares
Remember the fixed fares: €50 from Fiumicino and €30 from Ciampino for eligible destinations within the Aurelian Walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way from Rome Airport to the city centre?
The Leonardo Express from Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini is generally the fastest option, taking around 25 minutes.
Is the Leonardo Express worth it?
For many travellers, yes. It provides a direct, reliable connection to Roma Termini without intermediate stops.
How much is a taxi from Rome Airport to the city centre?
The official fixed fare is €50 from Fiumicino Airport and €30 from Ciampino Airport for eligible destinations within the Aurelian Walls.
What is the cheapest way from Ciampino Airport to Rome?
The bus and Metro combination is usually the cheapest option, costing around €3 in total.
Which Rome airport is closer to the city centre?
Ciampino is geographically closer to central Rome, while Fiumicino offers better rail connections.
For more destination comparisons and trip ideas, browse more travel guides on this site.
For broader trip-planning context, see additional travel background on Wikivoyage.
For more on this part of the trip, see our 3 Days in Rome: A Realistic Itinerary for First-Time Visitors.
For more on this part of the trip, also see our 3 Days in Rome: A Realistic Itinerary for First-Time Visitors.
You can explore authoritative background and references on Wikipedia.
Last verified: 2026-04-27
Mara Vale
Mara Vale writes Eurly travel guides for first-time Europe visitors who want practical routes, realistic pacing, and fewer avoidable planning mistakes.
Eurly guides are written to help readers make confident travel decisions, but opening hours, ticket rules, transit disruptions, and local conditions can change. Always verify key reservations and official schedules before you travel.