There are 3 options for getting from Fiumicino airport to Rome city center: the Leonardo Express train, a shared shuttle, and the taxi. Find out below the pros and cons of each solution, and choose the best one for you to go from Fiumicino airport to Rome. Let’s go!
- Going to Rome on the Leonardo Express train 🚆
- Getting to the city center by shared shuttle 🚍
- Taking a taxi at the airport Fiumicino 🚖
1. Getting from the airport to Rome city center by Leonardo Express train
Leonardo Express is a direct train between Fiumicino Airport and Rome Termini Station. This station is not in the heart of the historic center of Rome, but pretty close. To give an idea, it’s a 25-minute walk from Termini station to the Trevi Fountain.
- The price is about 22 usd per person. There is a reduced price for children between 4 and 12. Children under 4 can travel for free.
- Travel time: 32 minutes
- Frequency: every 15 minutes during peak hours, otherwise every 30 minutes
- Arrival: Rome Termini Station
1.1 Pros and cons of Leonardo Express in Rome
Pros. Going from Fiumicino Airport to Rome city center by train is comfortable. The train is clean and air-conditioned, and the trip is fast.
Cons. If the hotel is far from the station, you can struggle for the rest of the journey: take the metro or the bus, which is impractical with your luggage.
Best areas in Rome. Before departure, find out which areas of Rome are the best to visit and the ones to avoid for the first trip. Read our blog post: Where to stay in Rome.
1.2 How to buy tickets for Leonardo Express in Rome?
Two solutions. You can buy the tickets on-site, on ticket vending machines, or at the cash desks. You can also purchase tickets in advance online. On arrival, finding the ticket vending machine and understanding how it works can be a hassle. That’s why we recommend buying online. Tickets online are valid all day, so it’s not a problem if you arrive earlier or later than expected.
Buying tickets on-site, on ticket vending machine. The purchase process is quite simple; credit card or cash payments can be made. Ticket vending machines can be set in English.
Buying tickets online in advance. The second solution to go from Fiumicino airport to Rome city center by Leonardo Express is to purchase tickets online. Tickets are a bit more expensive; a commission is added. Tickets are valid all day. Therefore, if you miss your train, you can catch the next one.
2. Getting to the city center from Rome Fiumicino Airport by bus shuttle
Several shuttle buses run between Fiumicino airport and Rome’s city center.
- The price per person is about 7 usd.
- Free for children under 4 years old
- Travel time: 55 minutes
- Frequency: every hour
- Arrival: Rome Termini Station
2.1 Pros and cons of the bus shuttle
Pros. The price: it is cheap. You can get off at Via Crescenzio 19, behind the Castel Sant’Angelo, near the Vatican. It can also be convenient if you stay in this district of Rome.
Cons. The journey is long and uncertain. It can be longer if there are traffic jams. There are fewer buses than trains; you may wait longer for the bus to depart. Like the Leonardo Express train, the bus arrives at Termini Train Station. Thus, you may need another transfer from the station to your hotel. Plan additional travel time accordingly.
2.2 How to buy tickets for a shuttle from Fiumicino airport to Rome?
As with the Leonardo Express train, you can buy tickets on-site or online. Places are much more limited, so we recommend buying online. If you miss your slot, you can take a later bus if seats are available.
3. Rome airport transfers from Fiumicino to the city center
It is possible to take a taxi once there or book in advance.
Pros. The taxi drops off directly at the accommodation: no need for additional trips. More comfortable than the bus.
Cons. Taking a taxi is the most expensive way.
3.1 Booking an airport transfer from Fiumicino Airport
You can also book a taxi transfer in advance without last-minute stress. For example, a “Comfort” taxi costs about 100 usd.
- Price: about 100 usd
- Travel time: 45 minutes
3.3 Order an Uber to get from the airport to downtown Rome
We have made estimates for Rome Fiumicino airport transfer several times on the Uber site and once there. Prices are still relatively high. Several sites explain that Uber is prohibited. In reality, Uber operates. We did use it. Uber service in Rome is very classy and very comfortable.
- Price: about 100 usd
- Journey time: 45 minutes
Itinerary to visit Rome. If you visit Rome in 2, 3, or 4 days, you can find all the best sights in this beautiful city in our blog post: what to do in Rome!
In summary. Which is the best way to get from Fiumicino airport to Rome? The Leonardo Express train is the fastest solution: no traffic jams and reliable. If you have luggage, taking an airport transfer that will take you directly to your accommodation is much more comfortable. Lastly, we recommend shuttles only for budget travelers or if you stay in Rome near Castel Sant’Angelo.
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