Rome Airport

Rome Airport Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Land

Arriving in Rome — the Eternal City — is an experience in itself. Whether you’re stepping off a long-haul flight from across the ocean or hopping over from another European capital, your journey will likely begin at one of the city’s two main airports: Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci Airport) and Ciampino Airport. Both serve millions of passengers every year and are well-connected to the heart of the city. This Rome Airport Guide covers everything from transportation options and airport facilities to insider tips for a smooth start to your Roman adventure.

Quick Overview

  • Main Airports: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA)
  • Distance to City Center: Fiumicino – 32 km; Ciampino – 15 km
  • Average Taxi Fare: €48 (FCO to central Rome) | €31 (CIA to central Rome)
  • Best Transfer Option: Leonardo Express Train (Fiumicino → Termini Station)
  • Airport Codes: FCO (Fiumicino), CIA (Ciampino)

Rome’s airports reflect two sides of the city: the modern international gateway at Fiumicino and the compact, budget-friendly hub at Ciampino. Each caters to different types of travelers, and knowing what to expect can save you time, stress, and money upon arrival.

Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

Fiumicino Airport
Fiumicino Airport — Rome’s main international gateway

Fiumicino Airport is Italy’s largest and busiest airport, handling more than 40 million passengers per year. It serves as the main hub for Alitalia (now ITA Airways) and connects Rome to destinations across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa.

Terminals and Layout

Fiumicino has four terminals (T1, T2, T3, and T5 — though T2 is often closed for renovation). Most international flights arrive at Terminal 3. The terminals are connected by free shuttle buses and moving walkways, with clear English signage throughout.

Getting from Fiumicino to the City Center

  • Leonardo Express Train: The fastest way to central Rome. Trains run every 15–30 minutes between Fiumicino and Termini Station in 32 minutes. Ticket: €14 one way.
  • Regional Trains (FL1): Cheaper (€8) but stop at secondary stations like Trastevere or Tiburtina — ideal if your accommodation is nearby.
  • Taxi: Fixed fare of €48 to central Rome (within the Aurelian Walls). Only use official white taxis with meters.
  • Private Transfer: Convenient for groups or families, available from €60–€80.
  • Bus: Several companies operate airport shuttles (€7–€10) to Termini or Vatican area, taking 50–60 minutes.

Facilities and Services

  • 24-hour cafés and restaurants in all terminals
  • Duty-free shopping and Italian fashion boutiques (Gucci, Prada, Armani)
  • Currency exchange and ATMs available landside and airside
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport
  • Left luggage service (Terminal 3 Arrivals, open daily)
  • VIP lounges and fast-track options for business travelers

Insider Tip: Fiumicino can get busy during peak morning hours. If your flight leaves early, consider staying overnight in the nearby town of Fiumicino, where hotels often offer free shuttles to the terminals.

Ciampino Airport (CIA)

Ciampino Airport (CIA)
Ciampino Airport — ideal for budget travelers

Ciampino Airport is Rome’s second airport and the city’s oldest. It mainly serves low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet. Though smaller and less modern than Fiumicino, it’s efficient and close to the city, making it perfect for short trips and budget flights.

Getting from Ciampino to Central Rome

  • Bus + Train Combination: Take the ATRAL bus (€1.20) to Ciampino Station, then a regional train (€1.50) to Termini (15 minutes).
  • Direct Bus: Shuttle buses from companies like Terravision and SITBus go straight to Termini for €6–€7. The journey takes 40–50 minutes.
  • Taxi: Fixed rate of €31 to central Rome (official white taxis only).

Despite its size, Ciampino has all basic amenities: cafés, ATMs, small duty-free shops, and car rental desks. It’s best for travelers with light luggage who value speed and simplicity over luxury.

Transfers Between Fiumicino and Ciampino

If you’re connecting between the two airports, note that there are no direct train links. Shuttle companies such as SITBus operate direct transfers (around €14–€18), or you can take a train via Termini Station. The total transfer time is about 1.5 hours.

Rome Airport Hotels

For early morning flights or long layovers, several convenient hotels are located within 5–10 minutes of both airports:

  • Hilton Rome Airport: Directly connected to Fiumicino via a covered walkway.
  • Air Rooms Rome by HelloSky: Inside Terminal 3, ideal for overnight connections.
  • Mercure Roma West: Great mid-range option with shuttle service.
  • Hotel Louis II (Ciampino): Small family-run hotel with easy bus access.

Airport Transfers to Key Areas in Rome

  • Rome Termini (Central Station): Leonardo Express (FCO) or bus (CIA)
  • Vatican City / Prati: Shuttle bus or taxi (30–40 min)
  • Trastevere: FL1 train from Fiumicino → Trastevere Station (€8)
  • Colosseum / Monti: Taxi or Termini metro connection

Car Rentals

Both airports offer major international rental services (Avis, Hertz, Europcar). Driving in Rome’s city center is challenging due to limited traffic zones (ZTL). For exploring the countryside or nearby regions like Tivoli or Ostia Antica, a rental car is a great choice.

Practical Tips for Travelers

  • Book transfers online in advance to avoid queues.
  • Keep small coins for bus and train ticket machines.
  • Use Google Maps or Trenitalia’s app to check real-time train schedules.
  • Beware of unofficial taxi drivers — always look for the official white taxis.
  • Allow at least 3 hours before international departures.

Nearby Attractions for Long Layovers

If you have a layover of 6 hours or more, you can easily explore a bit of Rome:

  • From Fiumicino: Take the train to Trastevere for charming cafés and riverside walks.
  • From Ciampino: Visit the Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) or the Catacombs of San Sebastiano — both just 20 minutes away.

Conclusion

Rome’s airports are efficient gateways to one of the world’s most remarkable cities. Whether you arrive at Fiumicino for a luxury holiday or at Ciampino for a quick city break, both provide easy access to Rome’s history, food, and culture. With good planning, your first impression of the Eternal City will be as smooth and inspiring as the journey that awaits beyond the runway.