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Rome Fiumicino (FCO), also called Leonardo da Vinci airport, sits about 30 km southwest of the city centre. You have five good ways into town, and the best one depends on where you are staying, what time you land and how much luggage you have.
Quick answer
Staying near Termini: Leonardo Express train. Staying in Trastevere or near Tiburtina: FL1 train. Cheapest: an airport coach. Family, lots of luggage or a late arrival: an official white taxi at the fixed fare, or a pre-booked transfer with a driver waiting at arrivals.
All options at a glance
| Option | Goes to | Journey time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leonardo Express | Roma Termini, non-stop | About 32 min | Speed, hotels near Termini |
| FL1 regional train | Trastevere, Ostiense, Tuscolana, Tiburtina | About 30 to 50 min | Lower cost, hotels near those stations |
| Airport coach | Termini, Vatican area | 45 to 60+ min (traffic) | Lowest cost |
| Official taxi | Your door | 40 to 60 min | Groups of 3 to 4, heavy bags |
| Pre-booked transfer | Your door, driver meets you | 40 to 60 min | Families, late arrivals, peace of mind |
1. Leonardo Express: the fastest
The Leonardo Express is a non-stop Trenitalia train between the airport and Roma Termini, Rome's main station. It takes about 32 minutes and runs every 15 to 30 minutes from early morning until late evening; the last departure from the airport is at around 11:30 pm.
- Where: follow the "Treni / Trains" signs from arrivals. The station is connected to Terminals 1 and 3 by a covered walkway.
- Tickets: buy from the Trenitalia app or website, the red Trenitalia machines or the ticket office at the airport station. Ignore people offering to "help" at the machines.
- Luggage: no extra charge for suitcases.
- At Termini: trains arrive at the far end of the station (platforms 23 and 24), so allow 5 to 10 minutes to walk to the metro or taxi rank.
For a family or group, the Leonardo Express is not always the best value: four train tickets can add up to the taxi flat fare, and the taxi takes you to the door.
2. FL1 regional train: cheaper, but no Termini
The FL1 is a commuter train that stops at Roma Trastevere, Ostiense, Tuscolana and Tiburtina, among others. It does not go to Termini. It costs less than the Leonardo Express and is ideal if you are staying in Trastevere, Testaccio or near Tiburtina. It runs about every 15 minutes on weekdays and less often on Sundays and holidays.
Important: paper regional tickets must be validated in the small machines before you board. An unvalidated ticket can mean a fine. Tickets bought in the Trenitalia app for a specific train do not need stamping.
3. Airport coaches: the cheapest
Several companies run coaches from the bus stands outside Terminal 3 to Termini (most drop off on Via Giolitti, on the side of the station) and to the Vatican area. Operators include Terravision, SIT Bus Shuttle, Rome Airport Bus and COTRAL. Booking online is usually cheaper than buying at the stand.
The downside is traffic: allow 45 to 60 minutes, and much more at weekday rush hour.
4. Official taxi and the fixed fare
Rome's official taxis are white, with a "TAXI" sign on the roof, the Roma Capitale crest on the door and a licence number. From Fiumicino they charge a fixed flat fare to any address inside the Aurelian Walls, the ancient walls that enclose the historic centre, including the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and most central hotels. The fixed fare covers up to four passengers with their luggage at any time of day; there are no legitimate extras. Destinations outside the walls go on the meter.
- Where: the official taxi ranks outside arrivals at Terminals 1 and 3.
- Check the licence: some taxis at the airport are licensed by the town of Fiumicino, not Roma Capitale, and are not bound by the Rome flat fare. Make sure the car shows the Roma Capitale crest.
- Confirm before you go: say "tariffa fissa" (fixed fare) and confirm that card payment works.
- Never accept a ride from someone who approaches you inside the terminal offering a taxi.
Uber also operates at Fiumicino and can book licensed vehicles; the price is shown in the app before you confirm.
5. Pre-booked private transfer
A pre-booked transfer means a driver waits in the arrivals hall with your name on a sign, helps with bags and takes you to the door at a price agreed in advance. It is the least stressful option after a long overnight flight, and the most practical one if:
- you are travelling with children and need child seats;
- you land late at night, after the last train;
- you have lots of luggage or a group too big for one taxi;
- your hotel is outside the Aurelian Walls, where the taxi fixed fare does not apply.
Kiwitaxi lets you choose a car class and see the full price before you book. GetTransfer works the other way round: you post your trip and compare offers from local carriers.
For more cities, see our guide to airport transfers in Europe.
Landing at Ciampino instead?
Rome's second airport, Ciampino (CIA), is used mainly by budget airlines. It has no direct train into the city: take a coach to Termini, a bus to Ciampino town station and then a train, or a taxi, which also has a fixed fare to the historic centre.
Our tips
- Get a few euros in coins or have a card ready: machines and some stands do not take every card.
- Have your hotel address written down in full, including the postcode, for the driver.
- Download the Trenitalia app before you fly; tickets are on your phone and you skip the machines.
- Planning the Colosseum on your first day? Read our Colosseum tickets guide first: slots sell out.
FAQ
What is the fastest way from Fiumicino to Rome?
The Leonardo Express train is the fastest: it runs non-stop to Roma Termini in about 32 minutes, with no traffic to worry about.
Is there a fixed taxi fare from Fiumicino to Rome?
Yes. Official white Rome taxis charge a fixed flat fare from Fiumicino to any address inside the Aurelian Walls (the historic centre), for up to four passengers with luggage. Outside the walls the meter applies.
Does the Leonardo Express run at night?
No. It runs from early morning until late evening, with the last train from the airport at around 11:30 pm. After that, use an official taxi or a pre-booked transfer.
Does Uber work at Fiumicino airport?
Yes, Uber operates at Fiumicino and can book licensed vehicles, including taxis. The fare is shown in the app before you book.
Does the FL1 train go to Roma Termini?
No. The FL1 regional train stops at Trastevere, Ostiense, Tuscolana and Tiburtina, but not Termini. It is a good option if your hotel is near one of those stations.
Affiliate Disclosure: The Finer Route earns a commission from some of the services linked in this article, at no extra cost to you. Opening hours, ticket rules and schedules change, so confirm the details with the official source before you go.
