Flying to Rome? Keep in mind that Rome has two airports. One is often more convenient than the other. The main airport is the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport Fiumicino (FCO). It offers a wide range of international and domestic connections. If you’re flying to Italy from the US, you’ll likely land at Fiumicino.
Then there is Rome Ciampino airport (CIA), the city’s second airport. It’s a popular choice for low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Wizzair.
Fiumicino Airport in Rome (FCO)
The Leonardo Da Vinci Airport is one of the most punctual in Europe, though it’s almost always busy. Fiumicino has two passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, and offers many services including lounges and restaurants.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals. If you’re planning to rent a car in Italy from Fiumicino, be prepared for long lines. For flights, plan to be at the airport at least two hours before departure to allow enough time for check-in and security.
If you’re traveling with children, Fiumicino has a dedicated security lane, similar to Milan Malpensa Airport.
When you’re connecting with kids through Fiumicino for a long layover, make sure to stay in the international lounge area (before crossing over to EU departures). The international lounge includes a special playroom for kids, which the European section does not have.
For long layovers, you’ll also find a luggage storage facility at Terminal 3, available during daytime hours.
How to Get from Fiumicino Airport to Rome
Fiumicino is located in the nearby town of Fiumicino, about 40 km (25 miles) from the center of Rome. It takes some time to get there, but the process is straightforward.
Train from Fiumicino to Rome
Follow the train signs from Arrivals. The station is a quick ten-minute walk, connected via an elevated walkway and several escalators. The best option is the Leonardo Express.
The Leonardo Express goes directly from Fiumicino to Rome Termini Station. The journey takes 32 minutes and costs €14 one way.
Departures are scheduled every 15 minutes. Service runs regularly—even during strikes—and is usually on time. From Roma Termini, you can connect to the city’s metro.
Buy tickets at the ticket office or vending machines in the arrivals area.
Bus from Fiumicino to Rome
Shuttle buses connect the airport with Rome’s city center. Services run regularly from about 5:30 am through 11:00 pm and link directly to Roma Termini.
Terravision is one of the big names and is cheaper than the train. Tickets start at €5.80—with further discounts if you book in advance or choose a round trip. Children under 4 travel free.
If you book your ticket online, you’ll need to select your date and time, but don’t worry—the ticket is valid for any departure on that day, depending on seat availability.
If you don’t pre-book the above buses, one will likely turn up within a short time due to their frequency. Fares generally range from €8 to €10.
Taxi from Rome Fiumicino Airport
The taxi rank is directly outside the airport exit. Taxis are costly, and some drivers may try to charge extra, but it shouldn’t cost more than €50 to reach central Rome.
Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA)
The Ciampino Airport is actually closer to Rome’s city center than Fiumicino. However, sometimes the journey might still take a bit longer due to traffic.
Ciampino is much smaller than Fiumicino and security lines are usually short. It’s a practical airport for Rome, with free Wi-Fi, though facilities are limited because of its size.
How to Get to Ciampino Airport
To get from Rome to Ciampino Airport, there’s no direct train like the Leonardo Express. You’ll need a train and bus combination.
First, take a train from Roma Termini to Ciampino (town), then connect with a direct bus to the airport. This combined route takes about 40 minutes, runs seven days a week, and costs €2.70.
Alternatively, you can take a Terravision bus directly from Roma Termini to Ciampino Airport. This is more convenient, with several daily departures, taking around 45 minutes and costing €6.
