A detailed guide on how to get from Fiumicino Airport to the centre of Rome – trains, buses, taxis, prices, where to get on and how to get to the centre at night.
- Fiumicino Airport
- Termini Central Station
- How to get from Fiumicino Airport to the centre of Rome?
- How to get from Fiumicino Airport to the centre of Rome: MAP
- Booking transport from Fiumicino Airport to Rome city centre (and vice versa)
- More information about Rome
- FAQ: How to get from the airport to the centre of Rome
Fiumicino Airport
Fiumicino Airport is the main airport for Rome, serving over 40 million passengers a year. It is abbreviated FCO and the full name is Fiumicino International Airport Leonardo da Vinci.
The airport is 35 km south-west of Rome, so it is not accessible by public transport.
Fiumicino Airport has 3 terminals – Terminal T1, Terminal T3 and Terminal T5. We will be interested in Terminals 1 and 3 depending on where you are arriving. Terminal 1 is used for European flights and Terminal 3 for non-European flights.
Termini Central Station
In most cases, buses and trains will take you to Termini Station, the main central station in Rome and an important link for local and long-distance services.
There is also a Termini metro stop right next to the station, where lines A and B stop. The station also offers easy access to the historic city centre. All major sites, such as the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum, are within walking distance (except the Vatican, which can be reached by metro directly from Termini Station).
Due to its strategic location, there are plenty of hotels nearby where you can stay. Here are some tips for good value accommodation near Termini Station:
- Hotel Impero – cheap hotel with excellent breakfast and roof terrace; older facilities but clean and cosy; quiet at night
- Hotel Borromeo – cosy period rooms with private bathrooms and air conditioning (for 2-4 people); a few minutes from the metro and within walking distance of the historic centre; beautiful roof terrace with seating and sun loungers
- hu Roma Camping in Town – accommodation in air-conditioned bungalows or chalets, restaurant, refreshments, free parking, jacuzzi, swimming pool, bar
- The Hive hotel – trendy hotel with modern and clean rooms; rooms and suites for up to 4 people available; spacious roof terrace with seating and restaurant
We’ve created a detailed guide on where to stay in Rome (best neighbourhoods and hotels, a map and how to get from your accommodation to the sights or the airport).
How to get from Fiumicino Airport to the centre of Rome?
The plane arrives at Terminal 1 if you are arriving from Europe (Prague, London, Berlin, etc.) or Terminal 3 if you are arriving from non-European cities (Dubai, New York).
Orientation is relatively easy, but compared to other airports it can be a bit tricky at times. But you soon get used to it in Rome :).
You have 4 options to get to the city – taxi, private transfer, train or bus. We’re going to break them down one by one.
Taxi
Taxi is a popular option to get from the airport to the centre of Rome. Taxis stop just outside the main entrance doors to Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Their advantage is comfort.
On the other hand, they are the most expensive – fixed rates are €48. One suitcase is free of charge and each additional suitcase costs an extra € 1.
If there are more of you travelling and you are looking for the easiest option, taxis can be a good choice. The journey to the centre takes about 45 minutes – depending on traffic.
In front of the terminal there are signs with up-to-date information on taxi rides in Rome and the surrounding area. The official taxis are white and look like other regular taxis.
Private transfer
Private transfer is the easiest way to get from Fiumicino Airport to Rome. A driver will meet you in the arrivals hall and take you where you need to go.
This is particularly useful for late or early flights, when you can book your transfer in advance and be sure to get into town.
Trains
Trains are another option for getting from the airport to the centre of Rome. And it’s also the fastest, as the direct Leonardo Express train takes you to Termini Station in 32 minutes. Trains run every 15-30 minutes from 6:08-23:23 (from Termini Station back to the airport from 5:20-22:35).
The price for a one-way ride is 14 €. Children under 4 years travel free of charge.
Tip: Buy your ticket in advance and just scan the code on the spot (from your mobile phone or you can print the ticket).
The train is also the surest option if you’re in a hurry. You don’t have to worry about the train being delayed due to heavy traffic.
On the other hand, you will spend more time on the way to the train than if you take a bus or taxi. You have to go to the next building which is connected to the terminal. You just have to follow the signs, but even then the trains are more out of reach than the buses, which you can find faster.
The other option is the regional trains FL1, which stop at several stations in Rome – Trastevere, Ostiense, Tuscolana, Tiburtina. The price for a one-way ticket is only €8, but you’ll spend over an hour on the journey (depending on where you get off). This is a good option if you were staying in the Trastevere district, for example.
FL1 regional trains run from 6am to 10:30pm (until 11pm 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 train tickets simply at the ticket machines (there are several at the train station) or at the ticket counter. They take cards, too. Roma Termini Station is automatically preset on the machines, so all you have to do is select the date and departure.
You will see the platform number on the ticket. Mark your ticket at the turnstile before boarding. Leonardo Express trains are easy to recognize – they are red-green and have the Leonardo Express sign.
Tip: Buy your ticket in advance and just scan the code on the spot (from your mobile phone or you can print the ticket).
Buses
Buses are the cheapest way to get from Fiumicino Airport to the centre of Rome. Follow the signs that direct you to the bus platforms at the end of Terminal 3 – once you come out, the platforms will be under the canopy on your right. From Terminal 1, just walk out and take a right along Terminal 1 and then Terminal 3.
Bus stops are easy to find, as are taxi ranks.
There are several private companies that depart from Fiumicino Airport to central Rome – the name of each company is written directly on the bus. Of these, 3 carriers also have booths where you can buy your ticket on the spot. It is also within easy reach of Fiumicino or Ciampino Airport.
Tip: SIT Bus-Shuttle buses are the most reliable bus service. The buses are in good condition and the quality of service is the best. It is better to book SIT Bus-Shuttle buses in advance . In case of delays, you can take the next connection.
On each platform there is a board with the current departures including the name of the transport company. Buses run approximately every 40 minutes to an hour.
The bus ride takes around an hour and costs 6-7 € depending on the chosen carrier. Buses are the cheapest option, but also the longest. There are several transport companies – you can choose between Terravision, SIT Bus-Shuttle or T.A.M.
Each of them then stops elsewhere at Termini Station from/to the airport – where you get off, you get on. You can find the locations on the map below.
Terravision buses
For example, you can choose Terravision buses departing from platform 14. The price for a one-way ride is 6 €. Terravision buses run directly to Termini Station.
Terravision buses run from the airport to Rome from 6:05-20:25 and back from Termini Station to the airport from 5:10-21:30.
Tip: Book your bus tickets online and just show them on your mobile phone on the spot. The advantage is that if you miss the original connection, you can take the next one without any problems.
SIT Bus-Shuttle buses
Another option is SIT Bus-Shuttle, the most reliable bus service from Fiumicino Airport to Rome city centre.
It departs from platform 12 and stops at Aurelia station, near the Vatican and then at Termini station. The bus stops are marked with a yellow sign and there is usually a worker wearing a reflective vest – it’s well signposted.
If you are staying in the Vatican area, this is the best option to get to Fiumicino Airport as it stops a short walk away. The best accommodation near the Vatican and the SIT Bus-Shuttle stop:
- Orazio Palace Hotel: very modern and design hotel with a fantastic roof terrace and bar.
- Trianon Borgo Pio Aparthotel: accommodation in modern apartments (for couples and larger groups) with private kitchenette and full comfort of a 4* hotel.
- Domus Alberico: Modern, clean and cosy guesthouse in a quiet area where you will have plenty of privacy while close to everything you need.
- Hotel Arcangelo: Elegant 3-star hotel with a roof garden overlooking St Peter’s Basilica.
- A Roma San Pietro Best Bed: A cheap smaller guest house between the Borgo and Prati districts, just a short walk from the Vatican and the Castel Sant’Angelo.
The fare for the SIT Bus-Shuttle is €7 and the return fare is €13. If you buy a return ticket directly, the return journey is open and not limited by date or time.
Buses run from the airport to the city centre between 8:30-21:55. Return from the centre to the airport between 4:45 and 20:00.
Buy tickets for transport in Rome:
T.A.M. buses.
T.A.M. buses run continuously day and night. It runs every hour during the day and every 1-2 hours in the early morning and at night. On the way to Rome, some services also stop at Ostiense Station and then Termini Station.
The price for a one-way trip is 6 € and for a return trip 11 €. Tickets can be buy here but you must keep the time you booked in advance. For €7 you can take any of the connections.
Where to buy bus tickets from Fiumicino Airport to Rome?
Some transport companies (e.g. Terravision) have a stand a short walk from the platforms, but they are not open 24 hours a day. You can also buy tickets on board the bus for an additional fee.
The third option is to buy your bus ticket online. You don’t do anything else on the spot and go straight to the bus, where you just show the ticket on your mobile phone.
Tip: SIT Bus-Shuttle buses are the most reliable bus service. The buses are in good condition and the quality of service is the best. It is better to book SIT Bus-Shuttle buses in advance . In case of delays, you can take the next connection.
How to get from Fiumicino Airport to the centre of Rome at night?
The simplest option is private transfer that will take you directly from your hotel to the airport.
For night services, you can also use the T.A.M. bus service, which departs from platform 13. Just beware that they stop first at Ostiense station and then at Termini station. It is better on night connections book a ticket in advance .
The T.A.M. bus returns to Fiumicino Airport from Termini Station – see timetable .
Cotral buses also leave from the regional bus station at Terminal 1 at night – tickets can be bought at the ticket office or on board the bus. Cotral buses also run from Termini Station to the airport – you will find your connection after entering your details here .
How to get from Fiumicino Airport to the centre of Rome: MAP
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map to get from Fiumicino Airport to the centre of Rome. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in the article. If you want to save the map, mark it with an star. It will then be saved to your Google Maps and can be retrieved at any time on your mobile phone or computer. For a larger version of the map, click on the icon in the top right corner.
Booking transport from Fiumicino Airport to Rome city centre (and vice versa)
More information about Rome
THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN ROME: In our article on what to visit in Rome, you will find detailed descriptions of the most beautiful places, including information on admission fees and opening times. We also have special guides for the monuments of ancient Rome or the best museums in Rome.
We’ve created a detailed guide to the Vatican that tells you everything you need to know before your visit.
Read the guides for the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum to avoid queues on site. What not to miss in the Sistine Chapel is covered in a separate article.
ITINERARY FOR ROME: Get inspired by our itinerary for Rome in 3 days. You only have one day? The itinerary for Rome in 1 day will help you plan the perfect trip.
ACCOMMODATION IN ROME: We’ve created a detailed guide on where to stay in Rome (best neighbourhoods and accommodation on a budget, a map and how to get from your accommodation to the sights or the airport).
HOW TO ENJOY ROME: For tips on the best things to do in Rome, check out our article on what in. We also share some tips on how to save in Rome and more than 35 tips for travelling around Rome.
FAQ: How to get from the airport to the centre of Rome
Fiumicino Airport is about 35 km south-west of Rome.
The journey from Fiumicino Airport to Termini Station in the centre of Rome takes around 30-60 minutes, depending on your choice of transport.
There are 4 basic options – taxi for a fixed rate of 50€, private transfer, buses for 6-7€ (depending on the carrier) or train for 8-14€ (depending on the type of service). For details on individual shipments, see the article.
