Jazmin Li
Rome is a popular tourist destination with lots to see and do, but with just a 6-hour layover, you'll have to move fast. The Leonardo Express train takes around 30 minutes to get from the airport to Rome's Termini Station, so you could be in the city in under an hour. However, you'll need to factor in time to get through customs and security, which could take up to an hour, and you'll need to be back at the airport at least an hour before your next flight boards. So, with these time constraints in mind, is it worth it?
Well, if you decide to stay at the airport, you could grab a bite to eat—there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars serving traditional Italian food and drinks. You could also opt for a spot of pampering at the Be Relax Spa, or simply catch up on some sleep.
If you decide to venture out, you could take a golf cart tour, or head straight to a bar or restaurant with a view. The Vatican will take up most of your time, so you might want to skip that, but if you're determined to see as much as possible in a short time, you could purchase a skip-the-line pass.
So, with just 6 hours to spare, will you stay or will you go?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Layover time | 6 hours |
| Is it enough time to visit Rome? | Mixed opinions, but leaning towards not enough time |
| Transport options to Rome city centre | Leonardo Express train, regional train FL1, taxi |
| Leonardo Express train details | €14 each way, 32 minutes, every 30 minutes, non-stop route to Termini station |
| FL1 train details | €8 each way, 30 minutes, every 15 minutes, connects to Trastevere, Ostiense, Tuscolana, Tiburtina stations |
| Time spent at Rome airport | 1 hour for security and customs |
| Time spent travelling to/from Rome city centre | 1 hour each way |
| Total time spent on travel and security | 3 hours |
| Remaining time in Rome | 3 hours |
| Things to do in Rome | Visit the Colosseum, Forum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Vatican |
| Things to do outside Rome | Visit Ostia Antica |
| Luggage storage options | At the airport, train station Termini, or companies like Luggage Hero, Nanny Bag, Stasher |
| Luggage storage cost | €6 per bag for 24 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Take the train to the city centre in 32 minutes
If you only have a 6-hour layover in Rome, you'll need to be efficient with your time. Taking the train to the city centre is a great option, as it only takes 32 minutes each way on the Leonardo Express train. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make the most of your time:
Step 1: Prepare in Advance
Before your layover, download an offline map of Rome and the surrounding area. This will help you navigate without using data or Wi-Fi. Have some euros on hand, as you may need cash for luggage storage and train tickets.
Step 2: Navigate to the Train Station
The train station at Fiumicino Airport is located in front of Terminal 3 arrivals. It's a 5-10 minute walk from the baggage carousels, and there are moving walkways and escalators/lifts to help with your luggage.
Step 3: Purchase Your Train Ticket
You can buy your train ticket at designated ticket machines or ticket desks inside Terminal 3 or the train station. The express ticket costs €14 EUR each way. Make sure to check which platform the next train will depart from, as there are multiple platforms at the station.
Step 4: Enjoy the Ride
The Leonardo Express train offers a comfortable and scenic ride into the city centre. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of ancient ruins and the modern cityscape.
Step 5: Explore the City Centre
Once you arrive at Roma Termini, Rome's central train station, you'll have easy access to various attractions. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City are all iconic sites within reach. You can also stroll through charming neighbourhoods like Trastevere or Piazza Navona for a taste of local life.
Step 6: Return to the Airport
Keep an eye on the time and allow enough buffer to return to the airport. Remember, it takes about 32 minutes each way, plus time for security and boarding. Aim to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your departure time, as recommended by airlines.
Taking the train to the city centre during your 6-hour layover in Rome is a feasible and enjoyable option. With careful planning and efficient time management, you can get a glimpse of this magnificent city and make your layover memorable.
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Store luggage at the airport for 6 euros a bag
Rome's Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport is not the most exciting airport to spend a 6-hour layover in. So, it's worth storing your luggage and heading into the city to explore.
There are several luggage storage options at the airport, including Nannybag, which offers storage for €6 per bag for 24 hours (or less). You can book online or via the app, and it's safe and fully insured. LuggageHero is another option, with storage sites inside shops or other businesses near crucial transport hubs and attractions. LuggageHero offers hourly rates starting at €4.90 per day and €1.49 per hour, and all luggage is covered against damage, loss, and theft.
With your luggage safely stored, you can take the Leonardo Express train from the airport to the city centre in 32 minutes. The train runs every 30 minutes, and tickets cost €14 each way. Remember to factor in travel time to and from the airport, and the time needed to collect your bags, check-in, and go through security.
Once in Rome, you can explore the city's famous attractions, such as the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Trevi Fountain. You can also enjoy some delicious Italian food and soak in the atmosphere. Just remember to leave enough time to get back to the airport and go through security before your next flight.
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Download offline maps to navigate Rome
If you have a layover of around 6 hours in Rome, you may want to consider leaving the airport to explore the city. However, it is important to keep in mind that you will lose some time going through customs, and getting to and from the city centre. The quickest way to reach the city is by taking the Leonardo Express train, which takes 32 minutes and costs €14 each way.
To make the most of your time in Rome, it is a good idea to download offline maps to navigate the city. Here are some options for doing so:
Google Maps
Google Maps allows you to download offline maps of specific areas. To do this, open the Google Maps app on your Android phone or tablet and make sure you are signed in. Then, search for the place you are interested in, such as Rome, and tap the name or address at the bottom. From there, you can tap "More" and select "Download offline map". You can also download offline maps based on future trips by pulling information from Gmail, Google Travel, and other sources. Once you have downloaded the map, you can use it offline to guide you to your destination, as long as your entire route is within the offline map.
Maps.me
Before your trip, download the Maps.me app and the Rome map while you still have Wi-Fi. This will allow you to access maps offline during your layover in Rome.
Map of Rome Offline
This is an app available on Google Play that provides highly detailed offline maps of Rome that are adapted for mobile devices. The app also includes features such as location sharing and free map updates.
By downloading offline maps, you can navigate Rome without worrying about internet connectivity or roaming charges. This can be especially useful if you plan to explore areas of the city with limited or no internet access.
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Visit a bar near the Colosseum
Rome's Fiumicino Airport is not the most exciting place to be stuck during a layover. Luckily, with just a 40-minute train ride, you can get from the airport to the city and visit a bar near the Colosseum.
First, you'll need to store your luggage. Luggage storage at the airport costs 6 euros per bag for 24 hours (or less). Then, make your way to the train station located in front of Terminal 3 arrivals. The quickest option is the Leonardo Express train, which connects the airport with the main train station in Rome, Termini. This non-stop service option takes roughly 32 minutes and leaves the airport every half hour, or every 15 minutes during peak hours. Tickets cost €14 each way.
Once you arrive at Termini, you can easily access the metro to get to your chosen bar. One option is The Court, an exclusive cocktail bar located in Palazzo Manfredi. The Court stands on a panoramic terrace overlooking the Colosseum and the ancient monuments of Imperial Rome. It offers innovative cocktails made with modern techniques and ingredients. The Court is located above the Ludus Magnus, the ancient gymnasium of Rome's gladiators, and commands a rare view of the illuminated Colosseum.
Another option for drinks near the Colosseum is the Hotel de la Ville, a Rocco Forte hotel atop the Spanish Steps. This glamorous rooftop bar offers top-notch cocktails and drop-dead gorgeous views of the Colosseum, which is especially magical at sunset.
Keep in mind that rooftop bars in Rome tend to have high-priced drinks, as you are paying for the view. Dress codes are generally enforced, and reservations are recommended, especially during peak times when you could wait in line for over an hour.
With just a 6-hour layover, time is of the essence, so be sure to leave enough time to get back to the airport and go through security and customs before your next flight.
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Eat traditional Italian food at the airport
Rome's Fiumicino Airport offers a diverse range of culinary experiences, from tasty snack bars to gourmet restaurants, catering to all tastes and dietary needs. Here are some options for eating traditional Italian food during your 6-hour layover:
Antonello Colonna Open Bistro: Located in the upper level area of the airport, this restaurant offers an a la carte menu and an all-you-can-eat buffet curated by the renowned Italian chef Antonello Colonna. Indulge in dishes like the negativo di carbonara, a decadent twist on the classic Roman dish, made with fresh egg pasta, egg yolks, and creme fraiche.
Pizza Chef: If you're craving a slice of pizza or some fried food, Pizza Chef is the place to go. They offer a wide range of pizzas and focaccias, served by the slice, ensuring both speed and nutritional quality. They also have a variety of traditional pasta and meat courses, as well as an a la carte menu with a fine selection of wines.
Grill Fish&Steak: This grill restaurant offers a unique "tailor-made" experience. Guests can choose their desired products from the refrigerated showcase, select the quantity, and specify their preferred level of cooking. You can enjoy a range of pasta dishes, from gratin to stuffed pasta, all prepared, cooked, and served in front of you.
Farinella: For a quick bite, head to Farinella in the upper level, main area. In the morning, you can enjoy sfogliatella pastries with coffee, and by midday, they serve Neapolitan-style pizzas topped with mozzarella and tomato sauce, along with some pasta and meat dishes.
Assaggio: Located in the lower level, main area, Assaggio is a wine bar with a relatively quiet atmosphere. They offer an Italian wine list featuring bottles and glasses from renowned regions like Veneto, Puglia, and Tuscany. The bar menu includes dishes created by Rome's Michelin-starred chef Cristina Bowerman.
While you may not have enough time to venture into the city during your 6-hour layover, you can still enjoy a taste of Italy and indulge in some delicious traditional Italian cuisine right at the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on how much risk you can tolerate. It takes about an hour to get to the city centre from the airport, so that only leaves you with about 4 hours. You also need to factor in the time it takes to get through security and customs, which can take up to an hour. If you want to play it safe, you might want to consider staying at the airport or exploring the nearby areas of Ostia or Fregenae.
Rome's Fiumicino Airport offers unlimited free WiFi, and you can download the Rome Airports app for faster service. There are also several restaurants, cafes, and bars offering traditional Italian cuisine, as well as spots for sandwiches, burgers, salads, and seafood. A few eateries are open 24 hours, and airport lounges are open to all travellers. You can also pay for shower facilities and spa treatments.
If you decide to venture into the city, you can take the Leonardo Express train or the regional train FL1 from the airport to Termini Station, the main train station in Rome. From there, you can easily access the metro. Tickets for the Leonardo Express train cost €14 each way, while tickets for the FL1 train cost €8. You can also download offline maps to help you navigate the city. Once you're in the city, you can visit popular attractions like the Colosseum or the Spanish Steps, or opt for a golf cart tour to see more of the city in a short amount of time.
