Comparison · Italy
Rome's Two Airports, Fiumicino (FCO) vs Ciampino (CIA): Where to Land and How to Get Into Town
Rome has two airports, Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA). We compare the ways into town from each, with times and fares, and what to check when booking.
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Rome's airports: start here
Search for flights to Rome and you will see two airports: Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA). Both have airport buses to Roma Termini, but the airport train and flat taxi fares differ by airport.
Fiumicino has the Leonardo Express, a non-stop train to Termini. Ciampino is used mainly by low-cost airlines and has no train station at the terminal.
So before you book, check which airport is on your ticket. Same city, but a different way to your hotel and a different transport cost.
Fiumicino (FCO): Leonardo Express, airport buses and flat-rate taxis
The Leonardo Express is a non-stop train from the airport to Roma Termini. It takes about 32 minutes and costs about €14, and it is the easiest choice if you are staying near Termini.
Airport buses are the cheapest option. Several companies run buses to Termini, taking about 40-70 minutes for about €6-8. Travel time varies a lot with traffic, so allow extra time.
Official white taxis charge a flat fare to the historic center inside the Aurelian Walls: about €55, taking about 40-60 minutes. Never accept rides from touts.
Ciampino (CIA): airport bus or flat-rate taxi
Ciampino is used mainly by low-cost airlines. There is no train station at the terminal, so do not expect to step straight onto a train as you can at Fiumicino.
Airport buses also run from Ciampino to Termini, taking about 40-70 minutes for about €6-8. It is the cheapest option, but travel time varies a lot with traffic.
With luggage, a flat-rate taxi is easiest: about €40, taking about 30-45 minutes.
Which airport suits where you are staying
Around Termini, airport trains and both metro lines meet, and hotels are cheaper. The Leonardo Express from Fiumicino and the airport buses from both airports all go to Termini. The station area can feel rough at night, though.
From Termini you can change to the metro for neighborhoods it serves, such as Monti (Metro B) or Prati (Metro A). For Trastevere, which the metro does not reach, buses and trams are useful.
If your hotel is in the historic center inside the Aurelian Walls, the flat fare for official white taxis from Fiumicino applies. Centro Storico around the Pantheon and Navona puts everything within walking distance, which makes it popular with first-timers.
What to check when booking
A search for just "Rome" can mix both airports in the results. Before you book, check whether the airport on your ticket is FCO or CIA.
A cheaper Ciampino fare still means getting to your hotel without a train, by airport bus (about €6-8) or flat-rate taxi (about €40). Compare the fare together with the time and cost from the airport to where you are staying.
Airport buses take about 40-70 minutes depending on traffic, so keep that in mind if your arrival day is tight. If you arrive at one airport and leave from the other, double-check which airport your return flight uses.
At a glance
Choose by where you are staying and how much luggage you have. From both airports an airport bus gets you to Termini.
- Airport train: FCO has the Leonardo Express (non-stop to Termini, about 32 min, about €14); CIA has no train station at the terminal
- Airport buses: from both FCO and CIA to Termini, about 40-70 min, about €6-8 (cheapest, time varies a lot with traffic)
- Flat-rate taxi: FCO official white taxis to the center inside the walls, about 40-60 min, about €55; CIA about 30-45 min, about €40
- Best for stays: around Termini, where both the airport train and the airport buses arrive
- Airport type: CIA is used mainly by low-cost airlines (check which airport is on your ticket)
Your first day: a few essentials
In the city, tap a contactless card or phone at metro gates and bus validators to ride. If you use paper tickets, validate them on boarding; a single metro ticket is about €1.50 and valid for 100 minutes.
Pickpockets target Termini and the 64 bus. Secure your bags and wallet as soon as you get off the airport train or bus, and politely refuse people offering photos, roses or bracelets.
- In the city, use taxi ranks or official taxi apps rather than hailing, and make sure the meter is running
- Do not accept rides from touts at the airport
- Cards are widely accepted, but keep a little cash for small bars and shops
- Hotels usually collect a city tax per person per night, often paid separately on site
- On a tight budget, plan on about €70-90 per day (hostels, pizza al taglio and supplì, walking)
- Check the official EU website before travel for entry procedures and the current status of ETIAS
Plan your Rome trip
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FAQ
Which option is easiest if I am staying near Termini?
From Fiumicino (FCO), the Leonardo Express runs non-stop to Termini in about 32 minutes for about €14. From Ciampino (CIA), take an airport bus (about €6-8) or a flat-rate taxi (about €40).
Can I take a train from Ciampino into the city?
Ciampino has no train station at the terminal. Most travelers take an airport bus to Termini or a flat-rate taxi, and the taxi is easiest with luggage.
How much is a taxi from Rome's airports?
From Fiumicino, official white taxis charge a flat fare of about €55 to the historic center inside the Aurelian Walls; from Ciampino the flat fare is about €40. Never accept rides from touts.
The airport bus is cheapest. Any downside?
At about €6-8 it is the cheapest option, but it takes about 40-70 minutes and travel time varies a lot with traffic. Choose it when you have time to spare.
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