Getting to the City from Rome Airports

Rome is served by two major airports. Both are well connected to the city, but the best option depends on which airport you land at, where you are staying, and the time of day. This guide follows a clear structure for each airport, allowing you to choose the most practical connection based on speed, price, and comfort.

Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

Rome Fiumicino Airport is Rome’s main international gateway. It lies southwest of the city and offers several rail-based connections, ranging from a fast non-stop airport train to cheaper regional services with multiple stops inside Rome.

The Fastest Connection: Leonardo Express

This is the most direct and uncomplicated way to reach the city. The train runs non-stop between the airport and Roma Termini.

• Price one way: €14.00, $16.70*
• Destination: Roma Termini
• Travel time: 32 minutes
• Operating hours: 6:08 a.m. to 11:23 p.m.
• Frequency: Every 15 minutes 

* Prices as of January 2026

The Cheapest Connection: Shuttle Coaches

The bus operators Terravision, SIT Bus, and T.A.M. run direct services into the city. These buses depart from Terminal 3 and offer one of the most affordable and straightforward airport transfers.

• Price one way: €7.00, $8.30*
• Promotional fares: €4.00, $4.80*
• Destination: Roma Termini, some services also stop near the Vatican
• Travel time: 45 to 60 minutes, traffic dependent
• Operating hours: 6:30 to 1:15, depending operator
• Frequency: every 20 to 30, depending on the time of day and the operator

* Prices as of January 2026

The Cheapest Rail Connection: Regional Train FL1

The FL1 is the practical choice if your accommodation is closer to Trastevere, Ostiense, or Tiburtina. FL1 does not run to Roma Termini, but you can change at Roma Ostiense and continue to Termini on a connecting train.

• Price one way: €8.00, $9.50*
• Key stops: Roma Trastevere, Roma Ostiense, Roma Tiburtina
• Travel time: 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the stop

* Prices as of January 2026

The Night Connection: Cotral Night Service

For late arrivals, this dedicated night service connects the airport with Rome’s major rail hubs.

• Price with advance purchase: €5.00, $6.00*
• Price when bought on board: €7.00, $8.30*
• Destinations: Roma Termini and Roma Tiburtina
• Travel time: 30 to 40 minutes
• Operating hours: 0:45 a.m. to 6:15 a.m.
• Frequency: every 30 minutes

* Prices as of January 2026

Important note: For a complete overview of public transport in Rome, please refer to our guide Getting Around Rome – Public Transport and Tickets Made Simple. 

Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA)

Rome Ciampino Airport is smaller and closer to the city. It is mainly used by low-cost carriers and does not have a direct train connection into central Rome. Transfers rely on buses, either direct shuttle services or city buses combined with the metro.

The Fastest Connection: Shuttle Coache

Terravision also runs direct buses from Campino airport to Roma Termini. This option requires no transfers and is easy to use, especially with luggage.

• Price one way: €7.00, $8.30*
• Destination: Roma Termini
• Travel time: 45 minutes, traffic dependent
• Operating hours: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Frequency: every 30 to 60 minutes, depending of the time of day

* Prices as of January 2026

The Cheapest Connection: ATAC Bus plus Metro

City buses link the airport with Rome’s metro network and allow a very low-cost transfer into the city. This option works best when travelling light and without time pressure.

• Price for a BIT ticket, valid 100 minutes: €1.50, $1.80*
• Bus 520 to Metro Line A
• Bus 720 to Laurentina on Metro Line B
• Bus travel time from the airport to the metro station is 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the route. Services usually run every 20 to 30 minutes during the day, with slightly reduced frequency in the evening.
• From the metro stations, onward travel time depends on your final destination in Rome, but central areas are usually reached within another 20 to 30 minutes.

* Prices as of January 2026

The Cheapest Rail-Based Connection: Ciampino Airlink

Rome Ciampino Airport is connected to Rome by Ciampino Airlink, a combined bus-and-train service.

• Price one way: €2.70, $3.20*
• Destination: Roma Termini
• Travel time: 40 to 50 minutes
• Operating hours: 5:55 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Frequency: every 15 to 50 minutes, depending on the time of day

* Prices as of January 2026

Please note: There are no night-time public transport connections into the city. For late arrivals, taxis or private transfers are the only reliable options.

Taxis from Rome Airports

Official taxis are a reliable option at both airports, especially late at night, with luggage, or when direct door-to-door travel is preferred. Licensed taxis are white, clearly marked, and wait at the official taxi ranks outside arrivals.

Fixed Fares to Central Rome

• Fiumicino Airport to central Rome, within the Aurelian Walls: €55.00, $65.50*
• Ciampino Airport to central Rome, within the Aurelian Walls: €40.00, $47.60*

Please note: These fixed fares apply only to destinations inside the Aurelian Walls. Outside this area, standard metered rates apply.

Uber at Rome Airports

Uber operates in Rome, but it does not function as a low-cost alternative to taxis. In practice, it is positioned as a premium service and is often more expensive than official taxis, particularly on airport routes.

Private Transfers from Rome Airports

Private transfers are pre-booked, door-to-door services with a driver waiting on arrival. They offer maximum predictability and comfort and are particularly well suited for families, groups, late-night arrivals, or travellers who prefer a fixed price without decisions after landing.

Summary

Fiumicino is best handled by rail, with the Leonardo Express offering the fastest route to Termini and the FL1 providing a cheaper alternative for other parts of the city. Ciampino relies on bus connections, with shuttle coaches as the easiest option and city buses plus metro as the lowest-cost solution. For maximum convenience, official taxis and private transfers remain the most straightforward choices, especially when travelling within the historic core of Rome.