Rome is home to some of the best and most historic cities on earth, so there are plenty of things to see and do there. Not sure which airport is the most central or which is the best to fly into while in Rome? Rome has two airports, Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA), both of which are international. So how do you choose between them?
Rome's Airports at a Glance
Fiumicino (FCO) Airport: As a major global hub, Fiumicino Airport connects passengers worldwide. Offers various budget-friendly choices for major and low-cost airlines. Rome's centre is easily reachable by public transport.
Ciampino Airport: South of Rome, Ciampino Airport is a small airport for budget airlines. It provides easy travel for budget travellers despite its size. Smaller than Fiumicino, its layout ensures efficient operations.
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Airport Code: FCO
Distance from City Centre: 30 km
Airport Facilities: Numerous facilities at Fiumicino Airport such as restaurants, lounges, duty-free stores, currency exchange businesses, and car rental services.
Terminals: Fiumicino Airport serves Rome with terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5. Terminal 4 is under construction, adding a unique touch to the airport's design.
About the Airport
Due to its proximity to the small town of Fiumicino, the airport, also known as Rome-Fiumicino, is the busiest airport in Italy, second only to Milan Malpensa Airport. In 2023, it accommodated nearly 40 million passengers with 111 airlines flying to 208 destinations in 76 countries, providing extensive global connectivity for travel.
Pro Tip: Have trouble pronouncing the name of the airport? "Fyoo-muh-chee-now" is the answer.
Getting to/from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport
Leonardo Express Train
The Leonardo Express Train reaches Roma Termini in under 32 minutes, departing every 15 minutes. Tickets cost €14 or about $15 each way. Popular times might make it crowded, particularly difficult for large groups with bags or small kids.
FL1 Regional Trains: With departures every 15 minutes during the week and every 30 minutes at weekends, the FL1 regional trains are a slower option to Rome. These trains, which cost €8, take a different route to the main Termini station and take around 50 minutes to get to the city centre.
Frecciarossa Trains
Passengers travelling from Rome to cities like Florence can choose the Frecciarossa trains, also known as the 'red arrow.' Multiple daily departures ensure frequent connections to other Italian cities.
Bus
Several bus companies run routes from/to Terminals 1 and 3, with a one-hour trip to the city centre on average. Bus services are overcrowded, especially during peak hours. Tickets cost €6, with an average trip duration of around 50 minutes.
Taxi
Taxis are expensive and costs range from €50 to €100. Communication issues may arise due to the limited English skills of taxi drivers.
Private Transfer Services
For a personalised travel experience, book private transfer services from Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport at AirportTransfer.com. The Journey has Wi-Fi and English-speaking drivers to assist with luggage and offer tips. With fixed pricing and 24/7 customer support, AT ensures a smooth journey. You can also pre-book Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino coach transfers for large groups and Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino hotel transfers for a stress-free ride to your Rome hotel for those travelling to Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa, NorthPoint Houses, Hilton, Radisson Blue, Mövenpick, Olivemare or any other hotels. Simply compare prices, provide details, and let us handle the rest. Your comfort and convenience are our priority at AT.
Ciampino-G. B. Pastine International (CIA) Airport
Airport Code: CIA
Distance from City Centre: 15 km
Airport Facilities: Ciampino Airport has stores, fast-food restaurants, and cafés. Departure café offers excellent coffee. Duty-free shops and luxury brands like Burberry and Valentino are available. Travelers might need alternate lodging for overnight stays due to the airport closing at 4:00 am.
Terminals: Ciampino Airport has one terminal for arrivals and departures, with restaurants, shops, cafés, rest areas, and charging stations.
About the Airport
Giovan Battista Pastine, Italian airship commander, honoured at Ciampino Airport, Rome–Ciampino International Airport "G. B. Pastine." Airport code "CIA" adds a cool factor. Ciampino smaller than Fiumicino, serves military and commercial users. Less than four million passengers in 2023, focuses on low-cost airline ops. Ciampino connects Rome, Europe, with 27 airlines, 122 trips, and 26 countries.
Getting to/from Ciampino-G. B. Pastine International Airport
Ciampino Airlink
Ciampino Airlink bus and train for €2.70 per journey. Trains depart every 20 minutes from Ciampino town station to Roma Termini. Passengers catch the bus at the airport gate for a direct journey. The commute takes an hour, and delays are possible in peak seasons.
Bus
Fiumicino Airport is served by several bus routes. Buses cost €6 for each trip and take about an hour. They are a cheap but potentially busy mode of transport, especially during peak times.
Metro
For travellers near Esquiline or San Giovanni, Metro Line A is a choice. Buses depart every 30-40 minutes from the airport gate to Anagnina metro station. The trip from Anagnina takes 15-20 minutes, and tickets cost €1.20 each way plus an extra €1.20 for big luggage.
Taxi
Taxi are the most expensive alternative. Taxis can carry four people and three pieces of luggage and cost between €50 and €100.
Private Transfers
Want to add a personal touch to your travel experience? AirportTransfer.com provides private transfer services from Ciampino G. B. Pastine International Airport (CIA). Our journey vehicles are equipped with Wi-Fi and English-speaking drivers are ready to assist with your luggage and provide helpful tips.
With fixed prices and 24/7 customer support, you can enjoy peace of mind and a seamless journey from start to finish. Whether you're travelling in a large group or just need a lift to your Rome hotel, we offer Ciampino-G. B. Pastine International (CIA) airport coach transfers and hotel transfers for a stress-free journey for those travelling to Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa, NorthPoint Houses, Hilton, Radisson Blue, Mövenpick, Olivemare or any other hotels. Simply compare prices and provide your details.
Which Airport to Choose- Ciampino-G. B. Pastine International Airport Vs Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport
Ciampino-G. B. Pastine International Airport (CIA): For budget travellers in Europe, Ciampino Airport is 15 km from Rome's city centre, with easy access and basic facilities. It serves low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air, ideal for local travel, though limited dining and seating options are available.
Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO): Rome's main airport, Fiumicino, is an important global hub with connections to the US. Despite its distance from the city, it offers modern facilities across four terminals. It hosts major airlines like American and Emirates.