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How do I get from Rome Ciampino Airport into the city? All information on transfer options and waiting times at CIA.
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Rome Ciampino Airport — officially Aeroporto di Roma Ciampino (IATA: CIA) — is located south of Rome in the suburb of Ciampino, around 15 km from the city centre along the Via Appia Nuova. It is served exclusively by low-cost airlines and handles around 4 million passengers per year. From the terminal to the city centre there are five options: private transfer, taxi, shuttle bus, Airlink rail bus and city bus. After landing, you can usually be outside the airport within 30 minutes.
Ciampino or Fiumicino?
Travellers who have a choice between the two airports should be aware of the following differences:
Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is Italy’s largest airport with around 51 million passengers (2025) — a multi-award-winning, modern facility with a wide range of restaurants and shops, short security queues (liquids and electronics do not need to be removed from bags) and a direct rail connection to the city centre. The downside: long distances within the airport and greater distance from the city (30 km).
Rome Ciampino (CIA), with 4 million passengers, is a small, functional airport with limited shops and fast-food outlets. The advantage: after landing you are outside remarkably quickly — from the plane to the car park takes barely 10 minutes, and luggage appears fast at the belt. The downside: long queues at check-in and security before departure, and no direct train to the centre. The taxi fixed fare is lower at € 40 (vs. € 55 at FCO).
The departures terminal is open at night exclusively for passengers with a valid flight ticket for the next 24 hours.
How Much Time Do I Need After Landing at Ciampino?
The longest part of the arrival process at Ciampino is disembarking — passengers usually walk directly to the terminal on foot; only those from remote parking positions are collected by bus. From the plane to the exit takes around 10 minutes, and luggage appears quickly at the belt. Within 30 minutes of landing you can be outside the airport.
What Is the Best Way from Ciampino Airport to Rome City Centre?
The cheapest options are the city buses and the Airlink rail bus, both of which require a transfer. Shuttle buses run directly to Roma Termini. The fastest and most comfortable options are taxis and private transfers.
How Long Does It Take from Ciampino Airport to the City Centre?
The airport is around 15 km from the city centre. Ciampino train station is about 5 km away. City buses connect the airport with Metro Lines A and B. Shuttle buses and the Airlink rail bus operate on an irregular timetable — check schedules before travelling.
All journey times refer to a destination in the city centre around the Via del Corso. Waiting times for public transport are included.
| Option | Journey time to centre | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| City bus | 90 minutes | € 1.50 per person | Bus 520 → Metro A / Bus 720 → Metro B |
| Airlink bus + train | 60–70 minutes | € 2.70 + € 1.50 per person | Bus → Ciampino station → train to Termini; check timetable |
| Shuttle bus | 60–70 minutes | € 8.50 per person | Direct to Termini; check timetable |
| Taxi | 30–40 minutes | € 40 up to 4 persons | Fixed price incl. luggage, 24/7 |
| Private transfer | 30–40 minutes | € 70 up to 4 persons | Pick-up at arrivals terminal |
Private transfer
The most comfortable option is pick-up at the arrivals terminal. The driver assists with luggage and takes you to your destination by the fastest route — no transfers, no waiting at a taxi rank. Journey time is 30–40 minutes depending on traffic; the price is € 70 for up to 4 persons.
Together with the booking, 72-hour public transport tickets can be ordered, which the driver will hand over on arrival.
Taxis at the Airport
The taxi rank is located directly next to the airport exit. The fixed fare for journeys within the Aurelian Walls is € 40 for up to 4 persons — including luggage, around the clock, with no surcharges. Journey time to the centre is 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.
As Ciampino is a small airport, taxis are not always available in sufficient numbers. It is common for passengers to share a people carrier spontaneously. In this case the driver will usually make several stops, as passengers alight at different destinations. The total fare is then split among passengers — which works out considerably cheaper than taking a separate taxi each. Alternatively, a taxi can be pre-booked via the app: Free Now
Further details in our article on taxis in Rome.
Shuttle buses
Shuttle buses depart from the bus stop directly outside the airport and run to Roma Termini. As the timetable is irregular, it is worth checking in advance and booking online where possible.
“Airlink” Rail Bus
The Airlink bus connects the airport with Ciampino train station, from where trains run to Roma Termini and other stations in Rome. The train journey from Ciampino to Termini takes around 30–40 minutes. The bus ticket costs € 2.70; the single public transport ticket for Rome costs € 1.50.
Airlink tickets can be booked on the Omio website by entering “Ciampino Aeroporto” as origin or destination. As the timetable is irregular, check schedules before travelling.
City buses
Rome Ciampino Airport is connected to Rome by two city bus lines.
Two city bus lines connect Ciampino Airport with Rome’s metro network — the cheapest option for the journey into the centre.
Line 520 runs from the terminus Subaugusta on Metro Line A to the airport and back, daily from 5:30 to 23:30, every 20 minutes.
Line 720 runs approximately twice per hour from the terminus Laurentina on Metro Line B to the airport and back.
The ticket costs € 1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes. No need to queue at the ticket office: tickets can be paid contactlessly by card directly on the bus. For the onward journey by metro, simply tap the same card at the turnstile — the fare is only charged once.
Further information on tickets and lines: Public transport in Rome
Car Hire
A hire car is not necessary for a stay in Rome. For those wishing to explore the surrounding area, many car hire companies have a stand directly in the car park opposite the airport; others collect customers at the terminal.
Car hire at Booking.com · Car rental in Italy – tips and advice
How Far in Advance Do I Need to Be at Ciampino Airport?
As queues at check-in and security can be considerable — up to one hour depending on how many flights are being handled simultaneously — allow: at least 1 hour before departure with hand luggage and web check-in, at least 2 hours with checked luggage.
The departures terminal is open at night exclusively for passengers with a valid flight ticket for the next 24 hours. The first shuttle buses from Roma Termini depart at around 4:00 am — early travellers can still take an evening stroll through Rome before heading to the airport.
Tips for Your Time at Ciampino Airport
Ciampino is a functional airport with limited seating, shops and dining — mainly fast food and simple bars. Those arriving early will find little to do. The great advantage: after landing, you are outside in record time — from the plane to the car park in barely 10 minutes.
More about airports in Italy
