More about: Rome Airport Transfers
Rome is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, so you have several options for getting from its two airports to the city centre. I'll summarise what you need to know, but I'll tell you now that the best option in terms of value for money is a shared transfer.
Transfer options to get to Rome from the airport
Ciampino Airport
Although smaller than Fiumicino Airport, Ciampino is one of the busiest airports in Rome in terms of international flights, many of which are operated by low-cost airlines. Its proximity to the city centre, just 15 kilometres away, makes it a very accessible airport. The best transfers from Ciampino are:
- Bus transfer between Ciampino and Rome — from S$11
- Private transfer from Ciampino to your hotel — from S$149
Fiumicino Airport
It has three terminals and is Rome's most important airport and **one of the busiest in Europe. It is modern and not far from the capital, about **26 kilometres **away **. Here are the options for getting from Fiumicino to your hotel in Rome:
- Bus transfer between Fiumicino and Rome — from S$13
- Leonardo Express train transfer from Fiumicino to the city centre — from S$31
- Private transfer from Fiumicino to your hotel — from 149
Transfers between Ciampino and Rome
You can get to Rome from Ciampino and vice versa in several ways. Here are the two main differences between shared and private transfers:
Shared transfer between Ciampino and Rome
If you are staying in the centre of Rome and want to get from Ciampino to your hotel door in an easy, fast and comfortable way at an affordable price, the shared minibus transfer from Ciampino to Rome isthe best option. You will travel in an eight-seater minibus and in 45 minutes you will be in the centre of Rome.
For the return journey, you can enjoy the same service and take a shared minibus transfer from your hotel in Rome to Ciampino, ending your trip stress-free.
The service works exactly the same on the return journey, but if I may offer some advice, it is important to calculate the transfer pick-up time carefully. Remember that traffic in Rome can be a bit chaotic, so it's best not to leave it too late.
They will also ask you for your hotel address and pick-up time in order to calculate the best route, but I would insist that it's best to give them a little leeway to avoid any unexpected traffic delays and ensure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.
Private transfer between Ciampino and Rome
Another option, instead of sharing transport with other travellers, is to book a private transfer from Ciampino to your hotel. You will have a private car waiting for you and your companions when you land, and you will be taken directly to your hotel without any waiting or unnecessary stops. When booking, you will also have the option of choosing a return transfer to the airport from your hotel.
Getting from Ciampino to Rome by bus
This is the most recommended option if you are not going to use a private or shared transfer. The cheapest option is to use the regular ATRAL buses that connect the airport with the last metro station on line A (Anagnina). However, from there you will have to reach the centre of Rome using the metro network, and what you save in price you will spend in time and effort.
If you choose this option and are staying in the centre of Rome, I recommend a bus transfer between Ciampino and Rome. For around £6, you will have several stops in the centre of Rome and the journey will be much shorter and more comfortable. These buses can also be booked in advance.
If you book your seat online, you will receive a voucher with instructions on how to find the bus stop for the relevant transport company (you can also ask at the airport). Buses from Ciampino to Rome usually take about 45 minutes to reach the centre, depart every 30 to 40 minutes, are air-conditioned and you can also book your return journey from Termini station. There is no extra charge for luggage.
Other options for Ciampino: taxi or Uber
Taxis from Ciampino to the centre of Rome have a fixed fare of around £30, not including the night supplement, if applicable. Taxi ranks are easy to find once you are at the airport. Remember to be wary of unofficial taxis (official taxis are white with the word "taxi" written on the roof and the licence number and city coat of arms clearly visible) that may offer you a ride at the airport.
If you prefer to use ride-hailing apps, Uber is available in Rome, but the journey to the city centre from the airport can be expensive. If you choose this option, check the price before ordering the car, make sure you agree on an accessible pick-up point and that you have an internet connection once you get off the plane.
Transfers between Fiumicino and Rome
The same options I mentioned for Ciampino Airport are also available from Fiumicino Airport to Rome. As you can see, the price and conditions are practically the same:
Shared transfer between Fiumicino and Rome
The same shared transport option is available for arrivals at Fiumicino. If you are staying in the centre of Rome and want to get from Fiumicino to your hotel door easily, quickly and comfortably at an affordable price, the shared minibus transfer is the best option. You will travel in an eight-seater minibus and in 45 minutes you will be in the centre of Rome.
It's not just important to get to your accommodation once you're at the airport. When you return from your trip, you'll face the same dilemma of how to get to Fiumicino or Ciampino from your hotel.
Shared transfers are also available from the centre of Rome to Fiumicino, something you'll appreciate even more when you're exhausted after a trip that's going to be intense (and wonderful, I promise) and when you want to be sure to calculate your timing well to make the most of your time in Rome.
When returning to the airport from your hotel with this service, you'll have the same booking procedure, the same conditions and the same price.
Private transfer between Fiumicino and Rome
If you are in a hurry, don't want to wait or simply prefer to go at your own pace and not depend on other travellers, you can book a private transfer service between Fiumicino and Rome. The car will be just for you (and your companions, if you are travelling as a couple, with friends or family) and will take you directly to your hotel or wherever you tell us, provided that the destination is in the centre of Rome.
Getting from Fiumicino to Rome by bus
This is the cheapest option (the price is around six euros) and you can also book your ticket from Fiumicino to Rome in advance. There are several bus companies that run direct services between Fiumicino and the centre of Rome, stopping at Termini station and other central locations in the capital.
To find the company in question, the best thing to do is to follow the information you will receive by email when you make your booking or ask directly at the airport information points, although if you wish, you can book the pick-up service separately when you make your booking. The journey takes about 45 minutes, buses leave every 30-40 minutes from Fiumicino and have luggage space.
This option is also available for returning to the airport from the centre of Rome with stops at Termini, the Vatican and Via Aurelia.
Getting from Fiumicino to Rome by train
Rome has two metro lines: A and B. To reach them from Fiumicino Airport, you will need to take a direct train. You have two options:
- The Leonardo Express train, which will drop you off at Termini station and takes about 55 minutes. The approximate price is £18.
- The regular FL-1 train takes about an hour and a quarter (as it makes more stops) and costs around £8.
You can ask about buying tickets at any of the information desks at the airport, but both options are clearly signposted.
Other options for Fiumicino: taxi or Uber
Make sure you know the price before leaving the airport and that the taxi is official (you can recognise them because the licence number is visible next to the city coat of arms, the cars are white and the word "taxi" is written on the roof). The fixed fare set by the Rome City Council to travel from Fiumicino Airport to any point in the city (provided it is within the Aurelian walls) is approximately £48.
Remember that taxis may charge night surcharges and that they may sometimes ask you for a "luggage surcharge". If you are travelling outside the Aurelian walls, it is best to negotiate the price before setting off. Taxi ranks are easy to find thanks to the signs distributed throughout the airport.
How to book your transfer
As you can see, the price and conditions at both airports are practically the same. Once you book a transfer, you will receive a confirmation email with all the details and instructions. You will probably be asked for your flight number and the airline you are travelling with, so that they can check if your flight arrives on time.
In any case, almost all transport companies have a stand or corner at the airport with staff available 24 hours a day so you can contact them when you land. They will also ask you for your hotel address so they can calculate the best route and drop you off at your accommodation as quickly as possible.
How to make a booking step by step
- Book your seat online.
- You will receive a voucher indicating where and how the driver will pick you up at the airport.
- You will be asked for your flight details and given the contact details of the company that will pick you up at the airport in case of any problems.
- When your plane arrives at Fiumicino, your transfer driver will be waiting for you at the agreed meeting point.
- You will board the shared transfer with the other passengers (there are 8 seats).
- The minibus will take you to your respective hotels.
Ana's Traveller Tip
Rome's two airports are the same distance from the city centre, so if your city has flights to both airports, you can choose the cheapest one.
What should you know about shared transfers to the centre of Rome?
- Each passenger is entitled to one suitcase and one handbag. If you have special luggage (instruments, bicycles, professional photographic equipment, etc.), please check with the transport agency before booking.
- If your flight is delayed, the driver will know because they have your flight details. The transport company will contact you if there are any changes to the pick-up that you need to know about.
- If you are late arriving at the meeting point, please note that the driver will wait for you for a maximum of 30 minutes. This does not mean that you have to rush when you get off the plane; your transfer driver will use your flight details to calculate how long it will take you to locate and reach the meeting point.
- This transfer service does not reach all hotels outside the centre of Rome; if you are staying outside the centre, the transfer may not be covered. If you have any doubts, please check when making your booking that your hotel is included.
Advantages of private transfer over shared transfer:
- If you are travelling in a large group (maximum 8 people), the private transfer option is probably better for you, as you will share the cost of the trip and it will work out cheaper than a shared transfer.
- The driver will be exclusively at your disposal and will wait for you at the terminal with a sign with your name on it.
- You will get to your hotel faster as the minibus or luxury car (always with air conditioning) will not make any stops to drop off other passengers at their hotels.
- If you have a lot of luggage, you will have more space as you will not be sharing the vehicle with other passengers.
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Once in Rome, you should organise your time well, as there are many things you should not miss, although you can always leave some for your return to the city. Taking a tour of Rome can be one of the best options for not missing the city's must-see sights. By reading this post about Top 11 tours of Rome you can find more information about the best tours of Rome.
In addition, if you have enough time, I also recommend visiting the surroundings of Rome on an excursion. It's really worth it, as you can see if you take a look at this post about 8 Best Day Trips from Rome.