How to get from the airport to the center of Rome: Fiumicino and Ciampino

Traveling to Rome is always exciting, but one of the first questions people have when they land in the Italian capital is: how to get from the airport to the city center?

Rome has two main airports: Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) e CiampinoEach of them has various transportation options, from fast trains to cheap buses or private transfers. In this guide I explain all the alternatives - with advantages, prices and personal tips - so that you can start your trip stress-free and with your feet firmly planted in the eternal city.

Tip: One of the most common mistakes tourists make in Rome is precisely not planning well for transportation from the airport to the center. I've already talked about it in this article: 20 mistakes to avoid in Rome.

Which is your airport: Fiumicino or Ciampino?

• Fiumicino (FCO)Rome's main international airport, receiving long-haul flights and traditional airlines. It is about 30 km from the center.
• Ciampino (CIA): smaller, used mainly by low-cost airlines like Ryanair. It's about 15 km from the center.

Both are well connected to the city - choosing the best form of transport depends on your time, budget and point of arrival in Rome.

From Fiumicino airport to the center of Rome

1. Leonardo Express train

• Duration: about 32 minutes
• Price: 14€ per person
• Destination: Termini Station (center of Rome)
• Frequency: every 15-30 minutes

Fast, reliable and non-stop. Ideal if you're staying near Termini Station or want to take the metro or cab from there.

Buy your tickets from vending machines or online. Remember to validate the ticket before getting on the train.

2. Regional train (FL1) + metro

• Duration: 45-60 minutes (depending on the metro line)
• Price: 8€ + metro ticket (1,50€)
• Destination: This line passes through several stations such as Trastevere, Ostiense and Tiburtina

Cheaper and more useful if your accommodation is outside the Termini Station area.

3. Shuttle Bus (Terravision, SIT, etc.)

• Duration: 45-60 minutes (depending on traffic)
• Price: between 6€ and 7€
• Destination: Termini

More economical, but less reliable at peak times.

You can book online in advance. The stop is just outside the terminal.

4. Official cab

• Fixed price: 50€ (up to 4 people, luggage included)
• Duration: 40-60 minutes

Comfortable and direct to your hotel. Ideal for those arriving tired or traveling in groups.

Tip: Use only the official white cabswith the "Comune di Roma" symbol. Avoid unauthorized drivers.

5. Private transfer

• Price: between 50€ and 80€, depending on the company and the number of people

The most comfortable and stress-free. You can book in advance and have someone waiting for you at the terminal.

It uses platforms such as GetYourGuide or your hotel to schedule the service.

From Ciampino airport to the center of Rome

1. Direct shuttle bus

• Duration: 40 minutes (if traffic helps)
• Price: 6€ a 7€
• Destination: Termini Station

The most direct and economical option. Companies like Terravision, SIT or Rome Airport Bus have regular services.

2. Shuttle Bus + train/metro

• Duration: about 60 minutes
• Price: 1,20€ (bus) + 1,50€ (metro)

✅ The local bus (line 520 or 720) connects the airport to the Cinecittà (line A) or Laurentina (line B) metro stations.

Cheaper, but requires changes and may not be practical with a lot of luggage.

3. Official cab

• Fixed price: 31€ (for the center)
• Duration: about 30 minutes

Cheaper than in Fiumicino. Ideal for those who want comfort at a fixed price.

What is the best option?

Option	Best for	Average price	Average time
Leonardo Express	Speed + comfort	14€	32 min
Shuttle bus	Budget reduced	6€	50 min
Cab	Total comfort	31-50€	30-60 min
FL1 train	Hotels outside the Termini	9,50€	45-60 min
Private transfer	Groups or late arrival	50-80€	35-60 min

If you're arriving in Rome for the first time and want something simple and straightforward, the Leonardo Express or shuttle bus are good bets. For groups or total comfort, a private transfer or cab is the most practical choice.

Final tips

• Always check the last train schedule or shuttle, especially on night flights.
• In Rome, the official cabs are white. Do not accept rides from unidentified drivers.
• If you use public transport, remember to validate the ticket (there are frequent fines).

Useful links

• Fiumicino airport official website
• Ciampino airport official website
• Private transfer in Rome

Now that you know how to get from the airport to the center of Rome, get ready to discover Rome with confidence.

Related articles

And if you haven't read it yet, take a look too:

• 20 mistakes to avoid in Rome
• 3-day itinerary in Rome
• Traveling alone to Rome
• What to eat in Rome: 7 typical dishes you really have to try
• Visiting the Vatican