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What’s the best way to get from Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to the city? Everything you need to know about transfer options and wait times.
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Rome Fiumicino — officially Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci (IATA: FCO) — is Italy’s largest airport. More than 40 million travellers per year use the airport, which has been awarded best service in Europe since 2017.
The airport is located by the sea near the fishing village of Fiumicino, about 30 km from the city centre. A motorway connects it to Rome’s ring road and the southern district of Roma EUR. There is a direct rail connection via the Leonardo Express to Roma Termini, as well as the circular railway line FL1.
Fiumicino or Ciampino?
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 via the Leonardo Express. The downside: long distances within the airport and greater distance from the city (30 km). Taxi fixed fare: € 55.
Rome Ciampino (CIA), with 4 million passengers, is a small, functional airport served exclusively by low-cost airlines, with limited shops and fast-food outlets. After landing, however, you are outside in record time — from the plane to the car park in 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. Taxi fixed fare: € 40.
How Long Does It Take from Fiumicino Airport to the City Centre?
From the terminal to the centre of Rome there are five options: private transfer, taxi, Leonardo Express, FL1 regional train and shuttle bus.
All journey times and prices refer to a destination in the city centre around the Via del Corso. Where a transfer is required, the single public transport ticket (€ 1.50) is already included in the total price.
| Option | Journey time to centre | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle bus | 90–110 minutes | € 8.50 per person | Change at Termini for public transport |
| FL1 regional train | 1 hr 20 min | € 8.– train ticket € 9.50 BIRG 3 zones | Change at Trastevere; BIRG valid all day in Rome |
| Leonardo Express | 1 hr 15 min | € 15.50 per person | Change at Termini for public transport |
| Taxi | 60–80 minutes | € 55 up to 4 persons | Fixed price incl. luggage, 24/7 |
| Private transfer | 40–60 minutes | € 70 up to 4 persons | Pick-up at arrivals terminal |
How Much Time Do I Need After Landing at Fiumicino?
From landing to the airport exit takes around one hour; for Schengen flights with hand luggage only, allow 40 minutes. Add 20 minutes to reach the train station or bus terminal. If your flight lands at 3:00 pm, book the first train or bus departing after 4:20 pm.
What Is the Best Way from Fiumicino Airport to Rome City Centre?
It depends on your priorities. The cheapest options are the shuttle bus and the FL1 regional train. Faster is the Leonardo Express direct to Roma Termini. The most comfortable and quickest options are taxis and private transfers, which take you directly to your destination.
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 40–60 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
Taxi ranks are located at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. If the queue at T1 is long, the one at T3 is usually shorter. Only use taxis from the official taxi ranks — do not accept offers from anyone approaching you in the terminal.
The fixed fare for journeys within the city walls is € 55 for up to 4 persons — including luggage, around the clock, with no surcharges. Journey time to the centre is 60–80 minutes depending on traffic. For destinations outside the city walls, the meter applies. Further details in our article on taxis in Rome.
Taxis to the Airport
The journey from Rome to the airport can be pre-booked — particularly useful during rush hours or bad weather when taxis can be scarce. In this case as well, the flat rate of €55 applies, provided the driver does not have to wait for the passengers.
Leonardo Express
The Leonardo Express runs every 15 minutes from Fiumicino Airport non-stop to Roma Termini. The train journey takes 32 minutes. Including the onward connection by metro or bus to the city centre, allow around 1 hour 15 minutes in total. The fare is € 15.50 per person. Children under 12 travelling with a fare-paying adult travel free.
At Roma Termini, the Leonardo Express departs from platforms 23 and 24. Tickets can be purchased at machines near the baggage carousels or at the airport station, or paid contactlessly directly at the turnstile by card or smartphone (Tap & Tap — remember to check out at your destination).
Online tickets can be changed up to the scheduled departure time of the booked train. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
Ticket Fiumicino → Rome · Ticket Rome → Fiumicino · Return ticket
FL1 Regional Train
The FL1 regional train is slower than the Leonardo Express as it makes many stops — but it is cheaper and more practical for certain destinations. The FL1 runs in a semicircle around the city, stopping at Trastevere, Ostiense and Tiburtina, among others.
- At Trastevere: change for St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican
- At Ostiense: Metro Line B crosses here; the Ostia line also starts here
- Tiburtina: intercity rail hub with the central coach station
Total journey time to the centre is around 1 hour 20 minutes. There are two ticket options:
The standard train ticket costs € 8.– and covers the train journey only. The BIRG ticket (3 zones) costs € 9.50 and covers the entire FL1 journey from the airport to Rome plus all public transport within Rome on the same day until midnight — excellent value if you plan to use the bus or metro in Rome.
Online tickets can be changed up to the scheduled departure time. Children under 4 travelling with a fare-paying adult travel free. Tickets at Omio
Shuttle Buses
At the far end of Terminal 3 there is a bus station from which airport buses depart for Rome. The popular SIT Bus stops at the Via Aurelia and Castel Sant’Angelo on its way to Roma Termini. Terravision runs direct to Termini. The bus fare is around € 7.– per person; the total journey time to the centre is 90–110 minutes. The onward public transport ticket from Termini is included in the total price of € 8.50. Shuttle bus tickets
Car Hire
A hire car is not necessary for a stay in Rome — the city is well served by public transport and parking is difficult. For those wishing to explore the beautiful countryside around Rome, however, a rental car is the best choice.
Many car hire companies are located directly in the airport car parks. Others collect customers at a meeting point on the departures level: take the escalator one floor up and head to the meeting point in the car park between T1 and T3. Car hire at Booking.com
Visit city-pass.it for more information about car rentals in Italy
How Far in Advance Do I Need to Be at Fiumicino Airport?
For Schengen flights with hand luggage and online check-in, one hour before departure is sufficient. With checked luggage, allow up to 30 minutes for check-in, depending on the airline — low-cost carriers often request passengers to arrive up to three hours before departure. For non-Schengen flights, add up to 30 minutes for passport control.
When Do I Need to Go Through Security at Fiumicino?
As the walk to the gate can be long, aim to reach security at least 60 minutes before departure — for non-Schengen flights with passport control, 90 minutes.
Security at Fiumicino is equipped with modern technology: electronic devices and liquids do not need to be removed from bags (except for flights to the USA and Israel). Waiting times are therefore only a few minutes. Pregnant passengers and families use the family lane. A free priority lane called QPass can also be reserved at fco.clearme.com.
Lounges, Dining and Shopping at Fiumicino Airport
Arriving early at the airport is no problem. Once checked in, the airside area offers excellent restaurants and bars for an aperitivo or a meal, plus a wide range of shops — with tax-free shopping for non-EU flights.
Airport lounges are available in Terminal 1 and in the extra-Schengen area of Terminal 3, where you can relax, store luggage and charge devices. Book an airport lounge
More about airports in Italy
I love this website, thank you for helping out visitors to Rome.
Thank you 🙂
Thanks for being active for years, I am sure you are helping lost tourists like me.
While this might have been answered, I am asking for complete clarity so I can travel with peace of mind.
I am arriving from Delhi to Rome on ITA Airways at Terminal 3, then for some reason while it is a non Schengen flight, my flight from Rome to London which is 4 – 5 hour later on the same PNR says departure as Terminal 1.
I understand from your comments that most likely checkin maybe at Terminal 1, but actual departure will be from Terminal 3, I have asked the airline for clarification too, but worst case scenario, if I had to go from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 with my bags already checked-in, can I do so without passiMassport control.
Hi Ankush,
the information about Terminal 1 concerns check-in, but if you are checked through from Delhi to London baggage included, you do not need to leave the Extra Schengen Area. It’s not recommended to do a second check-in with baggage in Fiumicino and then you would have to go through passport control. The extra Schengen transit area is very nice and you can book the premium lounge for a comfortable waiting time.
Hi Bernhard,
I am flying into Rome FCO from Split landing at 2310 (no checked luggage)
Do you know if there are still shuttle buses going to Vaticano Prati area at that time? If not what are my options?
How would you get to your hotel at that time on a budget?
Hi Michelle,
at that time are no direct connections to the Vaticano Prati area, but only to the Termini train station with the Terravision bus or with the Leonardo Express train. From there you can take a bus to the final destination. After midnight run night buses.
If you are registered with a car sharing service like Enjoy you can use their cars.
Hello,
We arrive in Rome from the U.S. at 12:15pm at T3 and we have a connecting flight to Naples T1 at 1:30pm.
We did not check our bags.
Is that enough time?
Can we walk directly to T1 or do we need to go through immigration and customs first?
Thank you, Mary
Hello, without checked baggage is not a problem. You can go directly in the transit area from T3 to T1. When leaving T3 you have to go through passport control.
Hi!
I have arrival at T3 on Thursday 1st September at 16:20 and departure from T1 at 17:20. I am worried that this won’t be enough time for my luggage to be moved from one plane to another. Am I right to say that I don’t have to go through security again and go directly to T1 to catch another plane?
Hello, You can go directly from T3 to T1 without security check. You must not leave the transit area to do this. If you go through the gates to the baggage carousels, you will then have to go to the exit, go up to the departure levele and through security. Baggage handling is the responsibility of the airline and this shall work in an hour.
Hi! We are staying in a hotel near the airport, in the seaport area, on our last 2 days in Italy. If we need to travel to Roma Termini via the airport Leonardo Express, can we enter the airport train station without going through security?
Hello, you can go directly into the station through the parking garages or even through the airport (T3 arrivals) without going through security.
Hey! I have booked a connection flight at FCO for the 2nd of sept. The first flight (from Abu Dhabi) lands at terminal 3 and the second flight takes off (to Toronto) at terminal 3 as well. What are the steps I have to go through during the connection? are there transit visas? customs process? etc. Please help as I am traveling soon. Thanks
Hello,
if you have checked through your baggage to the final destination you can stay in the transit area without any formalities. Otherwise, you must comply with the EU immigration regulations.
If I have to retrieve my baggage and then re-check in, what would be the process? also, how much time would an average person need to make a transit at FCO?
You have to go through passport control (remember that this is a regular entry into the EU) and then you can pick up your baggage. Then go up one level from Arrivals to Departures and check in with your airline. After that you have to go through security and passport control and then you are back in the transit area. For this, you have to expect at least two hours from the moment you got off the 1st plane.
We are 3 friends arriving to FCO in different flights.
Is there any area where we can wait for the rest of the group? some will have to wait 3 hours so searching options where to wait besides next to baggage claim.
Thanks!
FCO has a very nice transit area airside, but if you need to pick up luggage, you can’t wait there. Terminal 3 has a large area with bar, restaurant and stores on the second floor. When you arrive in T3, after customs go left and you find escalator and elevators. When you arrive in T1, take the pedestrian bridges to T3. Or you take the pedestrian bridge to the Hilton Rome Airport and meet there at the bar.
Hey. I plan on arriving a day early and staying at the adjoining Hilton. The next day we walk back to the airport and take a transfer service (taxi) to the cruise port. Is it safe to assume there is no issue going back into the airport and waiting for the taxi at the arrivals area after leaving customs? Can you recommend a transfer company? Thanks!
Hello. Yes, you can go back to the airport and take a cab there. But if you book a private driver, he will also pick you up safely at the Hilton at the airport. I could recommend you this transfer service from the airport to Civitavecchia.
Hi. In your experience, how long is the immigration clearance at FCO? I’m planning to go directly to Florence via high speed train from Roma Termini. If I arrive at 6am at FCO, will I make it to my 930am train at Roma Termini? I’m not an EU citizen, if that helps. Thank you!
Yes, this is feasible. On average, passport control takes 20 minutes. You should catch the Leonardo Express train at 8:38 at the latest, which arrives at Termini at 9:10.
We are departing Rome on Tuesday October 11, 2022. Our flight departs at 11:00 am for the US. What time do we need to get to the airport?
The rule is to be at the airport two hours before departure.
I am departing FCO to the United States and do not plan on checking a bag. Can I go directly to Terminal 5 and by pass baggage drop off?
Hi Susan, I think, terminal 5 is closed. You shall leave from T3 and if you have a web check-in you can go directly to the security control.
I’m staying in Fiumicino along the seafront and wondered how much a taxi will be from the airport please. Also if I get a 3 day pass can I use it starting the nxt day or does it start from the day I buy it.
Hi Kath, there are no fixed taxi prices from Fiumicino village to the airport. I don’t know which pass you mean. Fiumicino is not part of the metropolitan area of Rome and you can’t use the city tickets of Rome, which are valid 24/48/72h from the first trip. The city tickets are valid in Ostia Lido, which is part of the City of Rome. From Fiumicino to Rome you need a 3 zone ticket (this is not valid for the express train from the airport to Termini main railway station) and you can buy tickets for more days.
There is a ticket for 3 days that is called BTR and is valid until midnight of the 3rd day after the first trip. For 3 zones it costs 22 €. Then there is a 7 day ticket CIRS and it costs 34,50 € for 3 zones. The day ticket BIRG is valid from the first trip until midnight and it costs 8 € for 3 zones.
Hi,
I have arrival at T1 on Sunday 29th May at 08:45 and departure from T3 at 10:35. Will this be enough time? I do not have hold luggage only hand luggage. Am I correct in saying I don’t have to go through security again?
Hello,
yes, that’s enough. You can go to T3 without leaving the transit area and don’t need to pass security.