Exploring Rome: Multiple Airports, One Historic City

Rome, Italy, is served by two airports: the Intercontinental Airport Leonardo da Vinci, more commonly known as Fiumicino Airport (FCO), and the Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport, also known as Ciampino Airport (CIA). Both airports are international, with Fiumicino being the main international airport and Ciampino serving as the secondary international airport.

Rome has two airports: Fiumicino and Ciampino

Ciampino, officially known as Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport, is Rome's secondary airport. It is used by budget airlines such as Easyjet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air. The airport is much smaller than Fiumicino, with just 16 gates, and fewer amenities. However, it is closer to the city centre and is well-served by public transport.

Both airports offer convenient transport links to the city centre. Fiumicino has a train station, with direct trains to Rome's main station, Stazione Termini, taking just 30 minutes. There is also a bus service to Termini, which takes around 45 minutes. Ciampino does not have a train station, but it is a five-minute bus ride away, and the journey from the airport to Termini takes around 30 minutes.

Fiumicino is the airport that most international travellers will arrive at, especially if travelling from North America. However, those on a budget or flying from within Europe may find themselves landing at Ciampino.

Fiumicino is Rome's main airport

Rome has two airports: Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA). Fiumicino is Rome's main international airport, located in the town of Fiumicino, about 28-30km from the Italian capital. It is the busiest airport in Italy, serving over 49.2 million passengers in 2024, and is the world's 28th busiest airport.

Fiumicino Airport, officially known as Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport, opened in 1961, replacing the smaller Rome Ciampino Airport. It is named after Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci, and reproductions of some of his most famous works and inventions are displayed inside the airport. The airport covers 16 square kilometres and currently has four terminals, with plans to build a fifth.

Fiumicino serves as the principal hub for ITA Airways, Italy's largest airline and flag carrier. It is also an operating base for several other airlines, including Neos, AeroItalia, Ryanair, Vueling, and Wizz Air. The airport has three runways and a category III B instrument landing system, enabling it to handle 30 takeoffs and landings per hour, even in thick fog.

Fiumicino offers various transport options to and from the city centre. The Leonardo Express train connects the airport to Termini Station in Rome's city centre in just 30 minutes. Additionally, the FL1 line, a suburban commuter and rapid transit line, departs every 15 minutes and connects the airport to other major stations in Rome. The airport is also served by buses, shuttle buses, car-sharing services, and taxis.

Fiumicino provides a range of amenities for travellers, including shops, restaurants, and a hotel connected to the terminals. The airport also offers a baggage storage service, a multi-religious prayer hall, and a Christian/Catholic chapel hosting daily celebrations.

Ciampino is a military airport

Rome has two airports: Fiumicino and Ciampino. Ciampino Airport is a former military airport that was converted for civilian use. It is located 7.5 miles (12 km) southeast of the city centre of Rome, making it the closest airport to the downtown area. It is also known as G. B. Pastine–Rome Ciampino Airport, named after Giovan Battista Pastine, an Italian airship pilot who served in World War I.

Ciampino Airport is a joint civilian, commercial, and military airport. It is a base for two low-cost carriers and general aviation traffic. It also serves as a headquarters for the 31º Stormo and the 2nd Reparto Genio of the Italian Air Force. The airport was opened in 1916 and is one of the oldest airports still in operation. It was Rome's main airport until 1960, serving over 2 million passengers annually. After the opening of the Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, Ciampino shifted to handling charter and executive flights exclusively.

In recent years, Ciampino Airport has experienced a boost in traffic due to the influx of low-cost carriers. This growth has led to noise complaints, prompting the Italian Ministry of Transport to consider building a third airport in Rome to alleviate some of the congestion at Ciampino. Ciampino is a relatively small airport with only one terminal, making it easy to navigate. It has 16 gates, most of which are located after Duty-Free, and four gates after passport control. The airport offers essential amenities, including foreign currency exchange, VAT refund services, ATMs, and a post office.

Ciampino's proximity to the city centre makes it a convenient option for travellers. However, it can be more challenging to reach compared to Fiumicino. The airport is accessible by car, taxi, bus, and train, with various transportation options available to get to Rome quickly and safely.

Fiumicino is 32km from Rome

Rome has two international airports: Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA). Fiumicino Airport, officially named the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, is located in the municipality of Fiumicino, about 32km from the centre of Rome.

Fiumicino is Rome's main international airport, and Italy's largest airport by number of passengers. It is served by major airlines such as Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Alitalia, American, British Airways, Delta, Emirates, and Lufthansa, as well as budget airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair. The airport has four terminals, three of which are in the same building. Terminal 5, which serves passengers arriving from the US and Israel, is a short shuttle bus ride away.

Fiumicino is well-connected to Rome's city centre by train. The Leonardo Express train connects Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini station in 32 minutes, with trains running every 15 minutes. Tickets cost €17.90 one way. Alternatively, the FL1 train connects Fiumicino to Rome's main transport hubs, including Roma Tiburtina, in 48 minutes, with departures every 15 minutes on workdays and every 30 minutes on Sundays and public holidays. Tickets for children under 12 are free if accompanied by a paying adult.

Fiumicino is also accessible by bus and taxi. Shuttle buses to Termini station take 50 minutes and cost €7 one way. Taxis to the city centre take approximately 40 minutes and cost around €50.

Ciampino is 12km from Rome

Rome has two airports: Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA). Ciampino Airport is located 12km from Rome and is the second most important international airport in the city. It is a civil and military airport, situated along the Appian Way, and receives a large number of flights from budget airlines.

The airport is very small, with only 16 gates, and has minimal amenities. It is an airport designed purely for flying, with no shopping or dining experiences. Ciampino caters only to budget airlines, such as EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air.

There are several ways to get from Ciampino Airport to Rome's city centre. The most affordable option is to take the bus, with tickets costing around €6-7 for a single journey. The official Rome Airport Ciampino Bus provides a direct route to Rome Termini Station, with buses departing every 30-60 minutes. There are also private shuttle companies offering direct routes, with tickets costing around €6 for a single journey and €11 for a return. These buses typically operate from 08:15 to 22:30.

Taking a taxi from the airport is another option. Official airport taxis are white with a 'taxi' sign on the roof, and the flat rate for a taxi from Ciampino Airport to the city centre is €40. The journey takes around 25 minutes in usual traffic conditions.

For those on a budget, taking the train is a good option, although the route is not direct. First, take the Ciampino Airlink Bus from outside the arrivals terminal to Ciampino Train Station, and from there, take a regional train to Roma Termini Station. A combined ticket for the bus and train costs €2.70.

Ciampino Airport is a convenient option for those flying on a budget airline and looking for a quick and easy travel experience.

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