A complete guide on how to get from Fiumicino Airport to central Rome — including trains, buses, taxis, prices, where to board, and how to reach the city at night.
- Fiumicino Airport
- Termini Station (Rome’s Central Train Station)
- How to Get From Fiumicino Airport to Central Rome
- How to Get From Fiumicino Airport to Central Rome at Night
- How to Get From Fiumicino Airport to Central Rome: MAP
- More information about Rome
- FAQ: Getting From Fiumicino Airport to Central Rome
Fiumicino Airport
Fiumicino is Rome’s main airport, handling more than 40 million passengers a year. Its code is FCO, and the full name is Fiumicino International Airport – Leonardo da Vinci.
The airport is located about 35 km southwest of Rome, so you can’t reach it by regular city public transport.
Fiumicino has three terminals — T1, T3, and T5. For arrivals, you’ll mainly deal with Terminals 1 and 3, depending on where you’re flying from. Terminal 1 serves most European flights, while Terminal 3 is used for long-haul international routes.
Termini Station (Rome’s Central Train Station)
Most buses and trains from the airport take you directly to Termini Station, Rome’s main railway hub and the key connection point for both local and long-distance travel.
Right outside the station, you’ll find Termini metro station, served by lines A and B. From here, it’s easy to reach Rome’s historic centre.
Many major sights — like the Trevi Fountain or the Colosseum — are within walking distance. The exception is the Vatican, which you can get to quickly on the metro directly from Termini.
Because of its strategic location, the area around Termini offers plenty of accommodation options. Here are several hotels with a good price-to-quality ratio near Termini Station:
- Hotel Impero – budget-friendly hotel with excellent breakfasts and a rooftop terrace; older furnishings but clean and cosy; quiet at night
- Hotel Borromeo – charming rooms with en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning (for 2–4 people); a few minutes from the metro and within walking distance of the historic centre; lovely rooftop terrace with seating and loungers
- hu Roma Camping in Town – accommodation in air-conditioned bungalows or cabins; restaurant, snack bar, free parking, hot tub, pool, bar
- The Hive Hotel – modern, stylish rooms and apartments (up to 4 people); spacious rooftop terrace with seating and a restaurant
We’ve put together a detailed guide on where to stay in Rome — including the best neighbourhoods, recommended hotels in each price range, a map, and tips on getting from your accommodation to the main sights or the airport.
How to Get From Fiumicino Airport to Central Rome
If you’re flying in from Europe (Prague, London, Berlin and others), you’ll land at Terminal 1. Long-haul flights from outside Europe (Dubai, New York, etc.) usually arrive at Terminal 3.
Getting around the airport is fairly straightforward, although compared to some other airports it can feel a little more confusing at first. But don’t worry — you’ll get used to Rome’s quirks quickly. 🙂
You have four main options for getting into the city: taxi, private transfer, train, or bus. Here’s how each one works.
Taxi
Taking a taxi is a popular way to get from Fiumicino Airport into central Rome. You’ll find the official taxi ranks right outside the main exits of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. The big advantage is comfort — you simply hop in and go.
The downside? They’re the most expensive option. There’s a fixed flat rate of €55 for both small and large taxis. One suitcase is included, and there’s an additional €1 fee per extra bag.
If you’re travelling as a group and want the simplest, door-to-door option, a taxi can be a good choice. The ride into the city usually takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
There are signs outside the terminals with up-to-date taxi information for Rome and the surrounding area. Official taxis are white and look exactly like standard city cabs.
Private Transfer
A private transfer is the absolute easiest way to get from Fiumicino Airport to Rome. Your driver will wait for you in the arrivals hall and take you directly to your accommodation.
This is especially convenient for early-morning or late-night flights, as you can book in advance and know you’ll have guaranteed transport into the city.
Transport from Fiumicino Airport
Note: We only recommend services we personally use and trust.
Trains
Trains are another reliable way to reach the centre — and also the fastest. The direct Leonardo Express takes you to Termini Station in 32 minutes. Trains run every 15–30 minutes between 06:08 and 23:23 (from Termini back to the airport between 05:20 and 22:35).
A one-way ticket costs €14, and children under 4 travel for free.
The train is also the most predictable option if you’re in a hurry. You won’t be delayed by traffic, and the schedule is generally very reliable.
The downside is that reaching the train takes longer than getting to the buses or taxis. You’ll need to walk to a separate building connected to the terminal. The signs are easy to follow, but the train station is still a bit farther away, while the bus area is quicker to reach.
Your second option is the regional FL1 trains, which stop at several stations across Rome — Trastevere, Ostiense, Tuscolana, and Tiburtina. A one-way ticket costs just €8, but the journey takes over an hour, depending on where you get off. This can be a good choice if you’re staying somewhere like Trastevere.
FL1 trains run from 6:00 to 22:30 (until 23:00 on Sundays) — every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends and public holidays.
Where to Buy Train Tickets From Fiumicino Airport to Rome
You can buy your train tickets easily from the ticket machines (you’ll find several in the arrivals area and more at the train station) or at the ticket counter. Cards are accepted. The machines usually have Roma Termini pre-selected — you only need to choose the date and departure time.
Your ticket will show your platform number. Before boarding, just scan your ticket at the turnstiles. The Leonardo Express trains are easy to spot — they’re red and green and clearly labelled Leonardo Express.
Tip: If you buy your ticket in advance, you simply scan the code on your phone (or bring a printed version).
Buses
Buses are the cheapest way to get from Fiumicino Airport to central Rome. Just follow the signs leading to the bus stands at the end of Terminal 3 — once you exit the building, the platforms are under the canopy on your right. From Terminal 1, walk out and follow the building to the right past T1 and then T3.
The bus platforms are just as easy to find as the taxi ranks.
Several private companies run buses from Fiumicino Airport into the city — the company name is written directly on each bus. Three of them also have ticket booths at the platforms, where you can buy tickets on the spot.
From here, you can also catch buses to the Fiumicino area or to Ciampino Airport.
Tip: The most reliable operator is SIT Bus-Shuttle. They run well-maintained buses, offer the most consistent service, and if your flight is delayed, you can simply board the next available departure.
Each platform has an electronic board showing up-to-date departures, including the company name. Buses generally run every 40 to 60 minutes.
The journey takes about one hour, and tickets cost €6–7, depending on the provider. Buses are the cheapest option — but also the slowest. The main operators include Terravision, SIT Bus-Shuttle, and T.A.M.
Each company uses a different stand at Termini Station for arrivals and departures — wherever you get off, you’ll also board on your return. These exact spots are shown on the map below.
Terravision Buses
One of the options is Terravision, which departs from platform 14. A one-way ticket costs €7. Terravision buses run directly to Termini Station.
They operate from Fiumicino Airport to Rome between 06:05 and 20:25, and from Termini back to the airport between 05:10 and 21:30.
Tip: If you book your ticket online, you can simply show it on your phone. And if you miss your scheduled departure, you’re allowed to board the next available bus without any issues.
SIT Bus-Shuttle – the Most Reliable Airport Bus Service
Another option is the SIT Bus-Shuttle, widely considered the most reliable bus operator between Fiumicino Airport and central Rome.
SIT buses depart from platform 12 and stop first at Aurelia (near the Vatican) before continuing to Termini Station. The stops are marked with yellow signs, and there’s usually an attendant in a reflective vest nearby — it’s all clearly indicated.
If you’re staying near the Vatican, SIT is the best way to reach Fiumicino Airport, as the stop is just a short walk away. Here are some great places to stay near the Vatican and the SIT Bus-Shuttle stop:
- Orazio Palace Hotel – very modern, stylish hotel with a fantastic rooftop terrace and bar
- Trianon Borgo Pio Aparthotel – contemporary apartments (for couples or larger groups) with kitchenettes and the comfort of a 4-star hotel
- Domus Alberico – modern, clean, cosy guesthouse in a quiet area, offering privacy and easy access to everything you need
- Hotel Arcangelo – elegant 3-star hotel with a rooftop garden and views of St. Peter’s Basilica
- A Roma San Pietro Best Bed – affordable, small guesthouse between Borgo and Prati, close to the Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo
A one-way SIT Bus-Shuttle ticket costs €7, and a return ticket costs €13. If you buy a return ticket, your journey back to the airport is open-dated, with no time restrictions.
SIT buses run from Fiumicino to Rome between 08:30 and 21:55. From the city back to the airport, they run between 04:45 and 20:00.
T.A.M. Buses
T.A.M. buses run throughout the day and night. During the day they operate about every hour, and in the early morning and late at night they run every 1–2 hours. On the way into Rome, some services stop first at Ostiense Station before continuing to Termini Station.
A one-way ticket costs €7, and a return ticket costs €12. You can buy a fixed-time ticket online, but you must stick to the departure time you selected. For €8, you can buy an open ticket that allows you to board any bus.
Where to Buy Bus Tickets From Fiumicino Airport to Rome
Some companies (like Terravision) have ticket booths near the platforms, but these are not open 24/7. You can also buy tickets on board for a small surcharge.
The third option is to buy your ticket online. That way, you don’t need to do anything on arrival — just walk straight to your bus and show the ticket on your phone.
- Bus from Fiumicino Airport to Termini Station
- Bus from Fiumicino Airport to the Vatican
- Bus from Ciampino Airport to Termini Station
Tip: The most reliable operator is SIT Bus-Shuttle. Their buses are well maintained, the service is consistent, and if your flight is delayed, you can simply catch the next departure.
How to Get From Fiumicino Airport to Central Rome at Night
The easiest night-time option is to take a taxi, which will pick you up directly at your hotel and take you to the airport. In Rome, you can use the Free Now app just like in many other European cities.
For night services, you can also use T.A.M. buses, which depart from platform 13. Note that they stop at Ostiense Station first, and only then continue to Termini Station. For late-night departures, it’s best to book your ticket in advance.
For the return journey, T.A.M. buses from Rome to Fiumicino depart from Termini Station — see the timetable for exact times.
There are also Cotral buses running at night from the regional bus terminal near Terminal 1. You can buy tickets at newsstands or directly from the driver. Cotral buses also operate from Termini Station to the airport — you can find your connection by entering your travel details on their website.
How to Get From Fiumicino Airport to Central Rome: MAP
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above, you’ll find a detailed map showing all the ways to get from Fiumicino Airport to central Rome. Click the icon in the top-left corner to open the individual layers. You can hide or show different layers, or tap on any map icon to see the names of the places mentioned in this guide. If you’d like to save the map, simply star it — it will be added to your Google Maps and you’ll be able to open it anytime on your phone or desktop. For a larger version, click the icon in the top-right corner.
More information about Rome
If you’re planning a trip to Rome, here are some of our other guides that will make your visit easier — and help you enjoy the city to the fullest:
- Rome Travel Guide — transport tips, food, prices and practical insights from our own trips
- Rome Itinerary: 3 Days — a day-by-day plan covering all the essential sights
- Rome in 1 Day — what to see if you only have a few hours in the city
- Where to Stay in Rome — the best neighbourhoods and hotels for every budget + map
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel — what not to miss and how to avoid the lines
- Colosseum & Ancient Rome — tickets, opening hours and tips for your visit
- Best Museums in Rome — from the Capitoline Museums to the Borghese Gallery
- How to Save Money in Rome — tourist passes, cheap entrances and transport tips
- How to Get From Fiumicino Airport to Rome — all transport options explained clearly
