There’s a moment between touchdown and baggage carousel when even the most seasoned parents feel it. The fatigue after a long flight, the mental calculus of stroller plus suitcase plus toddler, and the city of Rome spread out just beyond the automatic doors. You’re not quite ready to swoon over Bernini or marvel at the Colosseum just yet. First, you need to get to your hotel with your sanity intact.
Rome offers several ways to ease into the city from Fiumicino and Ciampino airports, each with its own rhythm, price point, and promise of ease. Some are swift and sleek, suited to discerning travelers who value style and smooth transitions, others are best for the unbothered and unburdened, or those on a shoestring budget.
But arriving with restless children in tow and a suitcase threatening to burst at the seams is a category of its own. And when you're traveling with little ones, the option you choose can color the entire start of your Roman holiday, whether it’s a three- or one-day trip. If you’re planning to venture beyond the capital, our Unforgettable Day Trips from Rome will help you choose easy escapes that work for families — from seaside towns to charming hilltop villages.
For those still deciding where to stay, Best Hotels in Rome offers hand-picked options for every budget and style, from luxury suites near the Spanish Steps to family-friendly hotels close to major attractions.
So here, curated with an eye for ease, grace, and minimal fuss, are the best ways to get from Rome’s airports to its historic center — distinctly better suited to family arrivals than others, and paired with tips to make the rest of your stay just as smooth.