Rome Airports Guide: pro and cons, duration and costs of the transfers to Rome center

Rome, the capital of Italy, is served by two main international airports: Rome-Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci) and Rome-Ciampino Airport (Giovan Battista Pastine). Both play a crucial role in connecting the city with the rest of the world, offering various options to reach the city center. In this article, we will examine the characteristics of both airports and the different ways to get to Rome

Rome-Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci)

Rome-Fiumicino Airport is the city's main airport and one of the largest and busiest in Europe. Located about 32 kilometers southwest of central Rome, Fiumicino serves as a major hub for numerous international airlines.

Connections to the City:

Train:

• Leonardo Express: This direct service connects the airport with Roma Termini station in about 32 minutes. Trains depart every 15 minutes and operate from 5:35 AM to 10:35 PM. The ticket costs 14 euros. This is undoubtedly the recommended connection, as it is the fastest, has no intermediate stops, and is always on time. You can book here.
• Regional Trains: The regional FL1 line connects the airport with various stations in Rome, such as Trastevere, Ostiense, and Tiburtina. This service is cheaper (8 euros) but takes longer than the Leonardo Express, and may experience delays due to multiple intermediate stops.

Bus:

• Various bus operators offer connections between the airport and different destinations in the city. Some of the most popular include Terravision, SIT Bus Shuttle, and T.A.M. Travel time can vary from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic, and prices are generally around 6-8 euros.

Taxi:

• Taxis are available outside the terminal. The fixed fare for a ride to central Rome is 50 euros. Make sure to take an official taxi to avoid excessive charges. Official taxis are always white and have a number plaque affixed to one side of the vehicle or on the dashboard, with an authorization stating Comune di Roma.

Car Rental:

• Several car rental companies operate at the airport, offering a wide range of vehicles. This is a convenient option if you plan to explore the area surrounding Rome  or need flexible transportation.

Rome-Ciampino Airport (Giovan Battista Pastine)

Rome-Ciampino Airport is smaller compared to Fiumicino and mainly serves low-cost and charter flights. It is located about 15 kilometers southeast of central Rome and is frequently used by airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air.

Connections to the City:

Train:

• From the airport, you can take a local bus to Ciampino train station (about a 5-minute journey) and then a train to Roma Termini, which takes about 15 minutes. The total cost of the journey (bus plus train) is around 3 euros.

Bus:

• Terravision and SIT Bus Shuttle services connect Ciampino Airport with Roma Termini station in about 40 minutes. Tickets cost around 6 euros. This option is the best as, unlike the train, it does not require changing means of transport.

Taxi:

• The fixed fare for taxis from Ciampino Airport to central Rome is 31 euros. Again, it is advisable to use only official taxis.

Car Rental:

• Ciampino also offers car rental services with various companies. This is a good option for those planning to explore the surrounding areas or need more flexibility in their travels.

Both Rome airports offer a variety of options to reach the city center, suitable for different needs and budgets. The Leonardo Express is the fastest and most direct method from Fiumicino, while Ciampino is well served by economical and convenient buses. Taxis provide a comfortable but more expensive solution, while car rental is ideal for those wanting greater freedom of movement. Regardless of the arrival airport, Rome is easily accessible from the airports, allowing visitors to start their journey in the Eternal City without issues.