How to get to and from Rome’s Airport

HOW TO GET TO AND FROM ROME’S AIRPORT

There are two options when flying into Rome, but flying into Fiumicino Airport, or Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) is definitely easier. Ciampino Airport is the other option, but Fiumicino is better because more airlines fly into this airport and you will have much more transportation options flying into FCO! It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to travel into the center of Rome from FCO. Below are some methods to consider.

By Taxi

It is likely that upon exiting baggage claim you will be harangued by excitable men asking you, 

“Taxi?”

“You need to go somewhere? I can take you!”

“Looking for a taxi?”

Your best bet is to say, “No, grazie,” and move on. Make sure to get to the taxi line outside of the doors and take a registered white taxi. These taxis have meters so you will not be overcharged. 

Taxing in and out of the center will be €48; it’s a set charge, including baggage. Be firm if you are “charged” more than 48 euros! Airport taxis are required to take credit card as well, but some drivers will tell you their machine does not work. Find one who doesn’t say this. 

You might hit an evening rush between 5-7 pm, so just be aware of that. If you get into the airport at an odd time, try using the FreeNow app. It’s basically Uber for Taxis. Which brings us to our next category. 

By Uber 

Uber is not illegal in Rome, despite many taxi drivers and Italians confidently telling you so. You can expect charges to be much higher on Uber though; my friend was charged €70 to get to the center of Rome from FCO one time. The going rate is roughly €65. 

By Hired Car

If you want to take a pre-ordered car to and from Rome, Welcome Pickups is the same price as a taxi, €48. Your driver will speak English and be waiting for you inside the airport holding a sign with your name on it. If you are getting into the airport at an odd time or are just worried about taxiing, this could be a great option for you! Info here. 

By Shuttle Bus

Taking the bus from FCO into Rome is inconvenient because there is not a direct line into the city center. Fiumicino is not technically a part of the city of Rome, or Rome proper. 

However, if you book a private bus, it’s very affordable and a great option! 

Terravision leaves from Fiumicino and stops at Roma Termini Train Station, Rome’s main train station. The buses are nice with luggage storage, air-conditioning, free WiFi, and a price of only €5,80. The trip is approximately one hour or less. To be sure you are guaranteed a seat, buy one online. Credit cards are accepted in-person. More info here.

If you want to be closer to the Vatican area, the SIT bus goes from FCO to Via Crescenzio and then to Roma Termini. The buses cost €6 and have air conditioning and free WiFi. 

Another shuttle bus company is TAM. They take the same route with the same price, but there is a stop at the Ostiense train station. This is useful for those who then want to take the Metro line B (blue line).

By Car Sharing

There are a number of companies in Rome that offer car sharing. The only internationally operating supplier is the German company Car2Go, which runs with Smarts. You pay for a Smart Forfour (which is recommended if you have suitcases) between 21 and 31 cents (at peak hours) a minute. A €9.95 airport fee is also charged. The Smarts are in a specially reserved garage at the exit. We use Car2Go a lot in Rome’s city center. Those who do not have a Car2Go account must register first (keep your driver’s license + credit card handy).

By Train 

The train is an easy way to get to and from Rome’s Airport. There is a train that takes you and your luggage to Roma Termini Train station, and one that has stops in the Trastevere Station, Ostiense, and Tiburtina, and then off to the Roma Termini Station. 

The train costs €8 and leaves every 15 minutes. On Sundays and late at night it runs every 30 minutes. The first train leaves FCO around 6am and the last train leaves around 11:30 pm. 

Trains have no reserved seats and you can purchase tickets online or at the train station. Validate your ticket and be sure to get on the right train! 

The fast train station is the Leonardo Express which travels directly from Rome’s Airport to Roma Termini Station. Tickets are €14 but children can be free, with children under 4 going free and a child between 4-12 is free with each paying adult. 

The train is 30 minutes long and runs every 15 minutes, or 30 minutes it’s late at night. If there’s a public transportation strike, this train is guaranteed to go, which is nice to rely upon with the frequent strikes in Italy. 

In bocca al lupo, or good luck, with your travels! Let us know if you have any questions or comments down below. 

In short

Fastest transport: Taxi

Cheapest transport: Shuttle bus

Most luxurious transport: Uber (black)

Most freedom in your transport: Car2Go

Transport with the lowest carbon footprint: Train

Author: Sarah Lackey