If you are visiting Rome for the first time, you are likely wondering how to get from Fiumicino Airport to Rome city center. Don’t worry, it’s very easy. And since I travel to Rome on a regular basis (I was there last weekend) and fly into Fiumicino most of the time, I am ready to share everything you need to know.
Leonardo da Vinci Airport, which we commonly refer to as Fiumicino (airport code FCO) is located roughly 32 km (19.9 miles) from the center of Rome but getting to the city is very easy.
There are several factors you need to consider when deciding how to travel between the airport and the city. But the good news is that you have many options so no matter your budget or travel style you won’t have issue finding a suitable way.
Continue reading to discover how to travel from Fiumicino Airport to central Rome.
If you are going to Rome soon, my posts The Best Things To Do In Rome and The Best Things To Know Before You Visit Rome are essential reads.
Are you landing in the other airport in Rome? Then you need to read my post on How To Get From Ciampino Airport To Rome City Center.
How To Get From Fiumicino Airport To Rome City Center
When deciding how to travel from Fiumicino Airport to Rome city center, I encourage you to consider the following factors:
- Where are you staying in the city – some areas of Rome are better served by public transport, whereas for others it may be easier to travel by car (taxi or private transfer);
- What time your flight is landing;
- How long your flight was and whether you will be tired or jet-lagged;
- Whether you are traveling alone or with others – it may be more convenient to simply share a taxi;
- How much luggage you have.
Take the train from Fiumicino to Rome city center
The Fiumicino train to Rome is certainly the most budget friendly way to travel between the airport and the city. The train station is located at easy walking distance from Terminal 3, and trains depart at regular intervals.
There are two different kinds of train traveling from Fiumicino Airport to Rome – a direct one called Leonardo Express, and a slower regional train that stops at several stations along the way and that doesn’t go to Termini but to Ostiense station.
Leonardo Express Train
The Leonardo Express Train takes you from Fiumicino Airport to Rome Termini Station. This is the main train station in Rome. This is a direct train that makes no intermediate stop and takes around 32 minutes to get to Rome Termini Station (though there can be delays), stopping in either platforms 23 or 24.
Once in Termini Station, you have the option of using Metro lines A or B or hop on one of the many public buses that depart from just outside the station to reach your final destination.
The train runs roughly every 15 to 20 minutes during the day, and every 30 minutes at night, the first one departs from Fiumicino Airport at 5:38 am and the last one at 00:23 am.
The first train from Rome Termini Station to the airport leaves at 4:50 am; the last one leaves at 11:35 pm.
Tickets cost €14 one way for adults. Traveling is free for children under the age of 4, and kids between 4 and 12 can also travel for free as long as there’s a paying adult with them. Make a mental note of this exact ages because I have seen people from North America on the train that were fined for not paying tickets for their 14 -year-old child, convinced they could go for free.
The Leonardo Express Train is fully accessible, you can take your dog or cat on the train (as long as they are on a leash) and there’s enough room in each compartment to place your luggage. Keep in mind that seats on the train are not assigned.
You can buy Leonardo Express tickets online on the Omio App or on the website of Trenitalia. You can also get tickets in person – there are vending machines in the arrivals terminal and in the train station, where there are also kiosks with staff available. Just remember that if you buy tickets online you can depart on a later train if needed, but not on an earlier one.
Regional Train
The other train from Fiumicino Airport Rome to city center is a “regionale” train that goes all the way to Roma Ostiense making several intermediate stops. At times the trains go as far as Orte, which is actually closer to Viterbo.
The train takes 31 minutes to travel to Roma Ostiense. From there, you can take Metro line B from the nearby Piramide station to reach other areas such as the Colosseum or Cavour, where many excellent hotels in Rome are located.
The first train departs at 5:57 am, and the last one at 11:27 pm. Trains depart every 15 to 30 minutes, but are less frequent in the early morning, in the evening and on Sundays. Another thing to keep in mind is that this is a regional commuter train, so it can get packed with students and workers once it gets into Rome.
Tickets for the Fiumicino train to Rome costs €8 one way and much like for the Leonardo Express you can’t reserve a seat.
You can buy tickets online on the Omio App or on Trenitalia or directly at one of the vending machines or at the station in Fiumicino Airport in Rome. Remember to validate your (physical) ticket at one of the machines located along the platform before getting on the train.
Take a cab from Fiumicino to Rome
I have often taken a cab from Fiumicino Airport to Rome and can attest it’s very convenient. It takes you directly to the door of your hotel, so you don’t have to juggle your luggage to get on the train and then the metro or the bus, and it’s comfortable – plus you’ll get to enjoy the views along the way (you can even see the unique EUR buildings).
Taxis from Fiumicino Airport to Rome work on a fixed rate of €55 and you can pay cash or card. Since the rate is fixed for official taxis, you don’t have to worry about being scammed. To be clear, official taxis are white and the drivers never wait for passengers inside the terminal offering them a ride. If anyone offers you a ride, that’s an illegal taxi.
You will find taxis outside Terminal 1. There can be a line to get one – especially when there are disruptions to the train line – but it usually goes quite fast.
I have written a detailed post on Scams In Italy which you may want to read if it’s your first time in the country.
Traffic in Rome can be quite bad, so depending on the time of day you are arriving, getting from the airport to your final destination in the city can take up one hour. I don’t recommend taking a taxi from Fiumicino Airport to Rome during rush hour – usually between 7:30 and 9:00 am when locals are going to work and kids to school, or between 5:00 and 6:30 pm.
Get a transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Rome
Rome airport transfers are a great option if you prefer traveling to the city center by car but don’t want to wait in line for a taxi. Private transfers are only slightly more expensive than taxis – you are looking to pay around €65 in total, which you can split if you are traveling with others.
The main advantage of booking a private transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Rome is that you can pay in advance – you won’t have to take cash out or use your credit card after a long flight.
The driver will be waiting for you inside the terminal, holding a sign with your name on it, and will be there to help you with your luggage. He will know your final destination so you don’t even have to communicate the address.
There are various options for private transfers from Fiumicino Airport to Rome. Here are the ones I recommend:
- Welcome Pickups – I use it whenever I travel in Italy and elsewhere. They have great cars and drivers and are always punctual.
- Fiumicino to Rome private transfer in luxury vehicle – It’s not nearly as expensive as you may imagine.
- Fiumicino to Rome private transfer – Perfect for a small group of up to 3 passengers.
Take the bus from Fiumicino to Rome
You won’t find a public bus from Fiumicino Airport to Rome city center because the airport is actually located in Fiumicino, which is outside of the city of Rome. There are however some private buses that cover the route and depart from the bus station west of Terminal 3.
Terravision is a popular option for buses from the airport to Termini Station in the center of Rome, and to a bus stop near Vatican City too. A one way ticket costs just €7 and there are many departures every day (literally a bus every 10 minutes during peak times), with the first bus departing at 5:00 am and the last one leaving the airport at 00:30 am.
The bus journey lasts around 45 minutes with only an intermediate stop in Fiumicino city center.
You can get Terravision bus tickets online or once you land in Fiumicino Airport.
Another company that runs a bus service from the airport to the center of Rome is SIT Bus Shuttle. The bus makes a stop near the Vatican (on Via Crescenzio 2). It’s a convenient service if you are staying near the Vatican. There are departures every 20 to 30 minutes.
SIT bus tickets cost €7 and can be bought via GetYourGuide.
You can also find SIT bus roundtrip tickets on Tiqets for the same price.
Rome Airport Bus by Schiaffini offers regular departures throughout the day – the first one at 3:15 am and the last one at 11:35 pm. A one way ticket costs €6,90 (but they sometimes run offers if you buy your tickets online and it only costs €5,90).
Finally, there’s TamBus which stops at both Ostiense and Termini stations. A one way ticket bought online is just €7 (€12 roundtrip), but you can also buy tickets in person at in Terminal 3, next to bus stop 13 (though it’s more expensive). They have regular departures throughout the day, from 1:30 am to 00:15 am.
Use Uber
Yes, Uber is legal in Italy, and you can actually call an Uber to travel from Fiumicino Airport to Rome city center.
Honestly I always leave this as the last option because it isn’t cheaper than a regular taxi – in fact, the first available option when you try to book one is a regular white cab. Also, you need to have internet connection (which you may not have once you land in Italy) to book a ride.
If you want an Uber Black, an Uber Van or an Uber Lux it’s significantly more expensive than a private transfer – so I fail to see the point. It’s much easier to simply get in line for white cab or book a private transfer and have a driver wait for you as soon as you land.
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Claudia Tavani
Claudia Tavani was born and raised in Sardinia, and after moving between the United States and the United Kingdom, she's now back living in her hometown, Cagliari. She's a travel blogger and certified travel designer who loves planning trips and publishing guides, travel tips, and packing lists so that you don't have to. Owner of Strictly Italy, cat mom to Minnie. Loves pizza, hiking, archeology, cities, beaches, swimming, and running. Hates peppers.