Rome's Airports: Which Is The Best Gateway To Italy?

Rome has two international airports: Leonardo da Vinci / Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA). Fiumicino is the biggest, best-served, and best-connected airport in Rome, with the largest number of flights by the largest selection of airlines. It is located about 35km from the city centre and is well-equipped with restaurants, duty-free shops, cafes, and even children's areas. Ciampino Airport is the smaller of the two Rome airports, located about 13km southeast of the city centre. It is the typical Ryanair airport and has minimal shops and restaurant facilities. Both airports offer multiple ways to reach the city centre, with the airport shuttle bus being the quickest and most economical option.

Rome Airports Comparison Table

Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

Fiumicino is a modern airport with several terminals. It has good facilities, including restaurants, duty-free shopping, cafes, shops, currency exchange, and even children's play areas. The airport offers free WiFi, with an option to upgrade to a faster connection. There are also parking lots, a train station, and bus services available.

Fiumicino has been recognised as the "best European airport" for six consecutive years. It has efficient security procedures, with upgraded scanners that allow passengers to keep their electronics and liquids in their carry-on luggage. The airport also has good food options, clear signage, and clean bathrooms.

The quickest way to get to and from the airport is by train, which takes approximately 40 minutes. There are direct train services from Fiumicino to Naples and Florence, making it a convenient option for those heading to those cities without stopping in Rome.

Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA)

Ciampino 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 per year. Since the opening of the larger Fiumicino Airport, Ciampino has been handling almost exclusively charter and executive flights. However, in recent years, Ciampino has become a base for two low-cost carriers, boosting its passenger numbers to almost 6 million in 2019. The airport is now one of the busiest and fastest-growing in Italy.

Ciampino Airport has just one terminal, making it easy to navigate. The terminal has all the amenities you would expect, including foreign currency exchange, VAT refund, ATMs, shops, restaurants, and a post office. There is also a business room for those travelling for work. The airport provides free wireless internet access, and there are internet kiosks throughout the terminal.

In terms of transport options, Ciampino Airport is well-connected to the city. The cheapest option is the bus, with fares as low as €1.50 for a one-way journey to the city. Taxis are also readily available, with a standard flat rate of €30 to the city centre. Alternatively, you can take the Ciampino Airlink train service, which connects the airport with downtown Rome. If you prefer to drive yourself, there are several car rental companies operating at the airport.

Ciampino Airport is a good choice for those with accommodation in the southern part of Rome or those planning to rent a car and drive south without passing through the city centre.

Transport options to Rome city centre

Rome has two airports: Fiumicino, the main international airport, and Ciampino, which is smaller but closer to the city centre. Here are the transport options for getting from each airport to the city centre.

Fiumicino Airport

Fiumicino Airport is approximately 30km from Rome city centre. The best transport option depends on your budget, your time of arrival, and your final destination in the city.

Train

If you're travelling during the day and don't have much luggage, the fastest and best way to get into Rome is by train. The train station is located at a ten-minute walk from the Arrivals area. The Leonardo Express is a direct, non-stop service to Termini station, the main train station in the city centre. The train runs every 15 minutes and takes around 32 minutes. Tickets cost €14 for adults, while children under 4 travel free, and children between 4 and 12 travel free with a paying adult.

There is also a cheaper regional train option, the FL1, which is ideal if you are staying near Trastevere, as the train stops near that area. The train runs every 15-30 minutes and takes roughly 50 minutes to get to the last stop. The train stops at Trastevere, Ostiense, Tuscolana, and Tiburtina stations in Rome. Tickets cost €8 for adults, while children under 4 travel free.

Bus

The most budget-friendly option is the bus, although it takes longer than the train (up to an hour depending on traffic). There are several private bus companies to choose from, with prices starting at €6 for adults and children under 4 or 5 travelling free. The journey time varies between 40 minutes to an hour, depending on the company and the number of stops.

Taxi

Taxis are one of the easiest and most reliable ways to get to the city centre, but they are not the cheapest option. There is a flat fixed rate of €48 for journeys within the Aurelian Walls, which cover most of the city centre. For destinations outside the walls, the ride will be charged by the meter. You can pay by cash or card, and tipping is not mandatory but appreciated.

Private Transfer

If you are travelling with a large group or have a lot of luggage, you can book a private transfer. This should be arranged before your flight so that your driver can pick you up in Arrivals. Like taxis, private transfers have a flat fare, but the prices tend to be higher.

Rental Car

Fiumicino Airport has several rental car companies for those who prefer to travel autonomously. However, having a rental car can be more expensive in the long run, and it may not be the best option if you plan to stay only within the city, as you can waste time in traffic.

Ciampino Airport

Ciampino Airport is located 15km from the city centre, but it doesn't have as many transportation options as Fiumicino.

Shuttle Bus

The easiest and cheapest way to get into Rome from Ciampino Airport is by taking a private shuttle bus. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes, and the buses leave you at Termini Station. Tickets cost around €6 for adults, and children under 4 or 5 travel free.

Taxi

Taking a taxi from the airport to your accommodation is one of the fastest and easiest options. There is a flat fixed rate of €31 to get to anywhere within the Aurelian Walls, which enclose much of the city centre. For anywhere else, you'll have to pay by the meter. There is no extra fee for luggage.

Private Transfer

If you don't want the hassle of arguing with taxi drivers or waiting for a bus, you can book a private transfer. Your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall and help with your luggage. This service is available 24/7 for a fixed price, and you can book online to avoid worrying about currency conversions or negotiating with drivers.

Rental Car

Ciampino Airport has a selection of car rental companies. However, renting a car is not recommended if you plan to stay only in Rome, as it can be challenging to drive around and find parking. Instead, it could be a good option if you intend to explore more of Italy.

Accommodation and airport proximity

Rome has two airports – Fiumicino and Ciampino – serving more than 45 million passengers annually, making Rome the busiest Italian city in airline traffic. Both airports operate with international airlines, offering flights to most countries around the world.

Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

Fiumicino Airport is the main airport in Rome, located about 35km from the city centre. It is one of the largest international airports in Italy, serving over 43 million passengers in 2018. It is the main hub for Alitalia and Vueling and also has flights for low-cost airlines like easyJet and Ryanair. Fiumicino is well-connected to the city of Rome, with train and bus services available. The airport has several terminals with restaurants, duty-free shops, cafes, and shops.

The Hilton hotel at Fiumicino is the only hotel within walking distance of the airport and is directly connected to the passenger terminals. All other hotels near Fiumicino require a transfer or shuttle service.

Ciampino Airport (CIA)

Ciampino Airport is the smaller of the two Rome airports, located about 13km southeast of the city centre, making it the closest airport to Rome. In 2018, Ciampino served around 6 million passengers, offering flights from low-cost companies like Ryanair and Wizz Air. Like Fiumicino, Ciampino also has great connections to the city, with public transportation and airport transfer options available.

Ciampino has minimal shops and restaurant facilities, and there are no shops or restaurants after passport control. There is very little to keep children entertained, so it is usually recommended as an airport to arrive at rather than depart from.

There are no hotels within walking distance of Ciampino Airport; accommodation options require a shuttle or transfer to reach.

Airport facilities and services

Rome has two airports – Fiumicino and Ciampino – serving more than 45 million passengers annually. Both airports operate with international airlines, offering flights to most countries in the world.

Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

Fiumicino is the main airport in Rome, located about 35km from the city centre. It is one of the largest international airports in Italy and the best airport in Europe for the sixth year in a row. It is well-equipped with restaurants, duty-free shops, cafes, shops, currency exchange, and even children's areas. Fiumicino has four terminals for domestic and international flights. It is also the only airport in Rome with a direct train to the city centre, which takes approximately 40 minutes.

Ciampino Airport (CIA)

Ciampino Airport is the smaller of the two Rome airports, located about 13km southeast of the city centre. It is the closest airport to Rome and is preferred by those staying in the Southern part of the city. It has minimal shops and restaurant facilities, with nothing available after passport control. There is very little to keep children entertained, so it is usually recommended as an airport to arrive at rather than depart from.

Frequently asked questions