09 Apr Just arrived in Rome? Getting to Rome from Fiumicino Airport
Just arrived in Rome? From Fiumicino Airport to central Rome
You’ve just landed, probably it has taken about 30 minutes to collect your luggage and hopefully, you’ve had the chance to sip your first cappuccino at the airport in Fiumicino. If now you are only dreaming about having a shower and crashing into bed, these are the best ways to travel from Fiumicino Airport to central Rome.
Travel to Rome by train
This is my favorite solution to reach Rome from Fiumicino. Whenever I need to go to Fiumicino airport I prefer to take the train, cheap and quite reliable.
There are 2 options: 1) the direct train from Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo Express) to Termini Station (where you can transfer to the Metro, both lines A and B): the ticket costs 14 € (one way only); 2) the local train from the airport that makes various stops, such as Roma Trastevere or Roma Ostiense, and gets to Roma Tiburtina (the main train station in Rome with Roma Termini): the ticket costs 8 €.
The direct train takes 30 minutes, and the local train takes about 45 minutes from Fiumicino airport to Roma Tiburtina. At Roma Tiburtina you can easily transfer to the Metro but only to B line; anyway it’s a few stops to get to Roma Termini where you can take the A Line. So if you’re traveling on a low budget this is the best solution.
Tickets can be purchased at the train stations or online here (Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina to Fiumicino Aeroporto):
https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html
Remember that you will need to validate your tickets before getting on the train (not necessary in case you have purchased the ticket online and have your reservation number).
At the Fiumicino airport, the station is near the international flights terminal. You can buy your tickets at the official counter, newspaper store, or vending machine near the platform. Once you’ve reached the arrival hall and collected your luggage, leave the hall, go right-hand side and follow the train sign.
On the downside, the local train tends to get crowded during peak hours but you should be fine at least from the airport to Magliana train station. Also, there are no real compartments to store your luggage on the train that goes to Roma Tiburtina, so you will have to put it in front of your legs. The direct train has storage compartments but mostly at the entrance of each wagon. Sometimes, the local train to/from Roma Tiburtina might be canceled or late, especially if it is scheduled very early in the morning or late at night but it has not been occurring so frequently. Be always aware of pickpockets when leaving your luggage near the wagon’s entrance.
Travel to Rome by Taxi
Overall I tend not to use taxis that I find a little pricey in Rome. Anyways, it’s the most comfortable way to travel from/to the airport but be aware that during peak hours it can take you longer than the train (if you are staying in central Rome and need to travel to the airport between 7-10 am and 5-8 pm, it can take you more than one hour due to heavy traffic). The rate is fixed: 48 € from the airport to downtown Rome. Normally, it takes about 40-45 minutes.
Travel to Rome by Bus
from the airport to Roma Termini. This service is kind of new and I haven’t used it yet but it is less expensive than the taxi: 6 € per ride. The journey takes around 55 minutes. Here you can find a timetable and purchase tickets:
http://www.terravision.eu/rome_fiumicino.html
There are other companies providing bus transportation but these buses make some stops before your destination: Tambus, offering 2 different fees (6 or 7 € per ride) and Rome Airport Bus, which travels also to Ciampino airport, SIT Shuttle Bus
1) https://www.tambus.it/en/rome-fiumicino/
3) https://www.sitbusshuttle.com/fiumicino/
For some ideas on what to see on your first day in Rome, read our post dedicated to Downtown Rome Tour:
https://www.seeromewithme.com/portfolio_page/downtown-rome-tour/