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Fiumicino Airport to Rome Hotels: Transportation Options for Every Budget

Your Roman holiday starts the moment you land at Fiumicino Airport. This guide walks you through the best ways to get from the airport to your hotel so you can begin your Roman holiday the right way.

Nare
By Nare
9 min

Arriving in Rome

You step off the plane at Rome’s Fiumicino (FCO) Airport, (also known as Leonardo da Vinci Airport), dreaming of sublime Italian food and a sun-drenched aperitivo on a Trastevere rooftop. The air smells faintly of espresso and possibility. La Città of Caravaggio and da Vinci; the Vatican and Colosseum wraps you in its rhythm. Your Roman holiday has officially begun.

But before you embrace la dolce vita with your first bite of cacio e pepe or that golden-hour photo by the Trevi fountain, one decision is yours to take: how you’re getting from Rome Fiumicino to your hotel.

Arriving at Ciampino Airport (CIA) instead? We've got you covered here with tailored transport options just for you.

Whether you’re booked into a room with the Colosseum in view or tucked away in a quiet courtyard near Campo de’ Fiori, how you arrive from Rome Fiumicino to your hotel matters. Rome is a city that reveals itself through slow moments, whether it’s wandering through cobbled streets, or lingering over a second (okay, third) glass of wine in Monti, and this is your first.

Will it be the comfort and style of a private transfer that whispers benvenuti as you glide past ruins and rooftops? The buzz of a local train ride that drops you straight into the city's pulse? The practical shuffle of a city shuttle? Or the wallet-friendly chaos of public transport?

Each transportation option comes with its own charm, compromises, and character. No matter your budget and preferences, Rome’s got it. Because in Rome, even the ride from the airport to your hotel can be part of la dolce vita.

Arriving in Rome

Private Airport Transfer

Want to skip the stress and slip straight into la dolce vita? There’s no better start to your Roman holiday than with Kiwitaxi airport transfer, whisking you from Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to your Roman hotel in style and comfort. After all, when you’ve just stepped off a long-haul flight, navigating taxi lines or train connections is hardly the warm Italian welcome you imagined. Instead, you step through Arrivals, where Kiwitaxi’s professional, English-speaking driver is waiting just for you, sign in hand and a warm smile to match. Your luggage is swiftly taken care of, and within minutes, you're en route to your hotel, gliding past cypress-lined roads, historic aqueducts, and the first golden glimpses of the Eternal City.

Whether you’re headed to a boutique hotel tucked away in Monti, a luxury suite overlooking the Spanish Steps, or a cozy flat near Campo de’ Fiori, your driver knows the way, plus the hidden Gelato shops along your route. With fixed, pre-arranged fares (no haggling, no surprise fees), 24/7 service, the right child seat already fastened and ready, and real-time flight tracking, Kiwitaxi’s private transfer offers comfort and peace of mind. It’s especially ideal if you’re traveling with children and luggage, arriving late at night, or simply prefer to begin your journey in style.

The ride from Fiumicino to your Rome hotel typically takes 35 to 45 minutes. Just long enough to catch your breath, refresh, and focus on what matters most. From sleek sedans to spacious minivans for groups or families, there’s a vehicle to suit every kind of traveler. And as you pass domes, ruins, and rows of shuttered windows soaking in the Roman light, you’ll know your Roman holiday has already started.

Airport Taxis

Taxis at Rome’s Fiumicino offer a classic, no-fuss option for reaching the city. Just outside the Arrivals halls of Terminals 1 and 3, you’ll find white cabs with the “Comune di Roma” signs. Simply follow the well-marked signs to the taxi rank, wait your turn in the queue, and you’ll be on your way to your hotel for a fixed fare of €55, no baggage fees, no bargaining. This flat rate covers any destination within the Aurelian Walls, making it a reliable choice if your hotel is in a central neighborhood like Trastevere, Monti, or Campo Marzio. While taxis are generally available 24/7, don’t be surprised if the wait stretches a little during peak travel seasons, especially in summer when the Eternal City hums with tourists. And if you’re traveling with oversized luggage, strollers, or in a group, taxis might feel a little snug. In these cases, a private pre-booked airport transfer might be well worth the upgrade for comfort alone. Pro-tips: Most taxi drivers don’t speak English, so having your hotel’s address written down or saved as a screenshot is wise. Also, while many taxis now accept cards, not all do, so having some euros on hand is a smart move. And be sure to board only the official Rome city taxis (Comune di Roma), not ones marked “Comune di Fiumicino,” as those charge a higher flat rate (€65) to the city center.

One-way fare: €55 (fixed rate to central Rome) Return fare: Not available (standard metered fare applies from city to airport) Trip duration: 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic Booking: No reservation needed; follow taxi signs at Terminals 1 & 3

Airport Taxis

Leonardo Express

If you’re looking for a fast and affordable way to travel from Fiumicino to Rome Termini, enter the Leonardo Express. This sleek, no-stops train whisks travelers from FCO straight to Roma Termini in just 32 minutes. The journey begins just a short walk from Terminal 3. After exiting Arrivals, follow the signs marked TRENI and Uscita to the Fiumicino Airport train station. From there, the Leonardo Express departs every 15 minutes from early morning until late at night, with 100+ daily connections ready to carry you into Rome with ease. Just check the departure monitors, validate your ticket before boarding, and you’re on your way.

Tickets cost €14 each way, with no discounts for round trips, but the price includes one child (aged 4–11) per paying adult, and kids under 4 travel free. You can purchase tickets online via Trenitalia, at the airport’s ticket machines, or from the counters at the station. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy summer times. Roma Termini drops you into the city’s vibrant core, with metro lines A and B branching off to nearly every neighborhood, from the Spanish Steps to Testaccio, the Vatican to Trastevere. If your hotel’s nearby, a short stroll may be all you need to start exploring. Otherwise, hop on the metro or pause for your first espresso in one of Termini’s bustling cafés.

While the Leonardo Express is the most efficient public transport option, it can get crowded especially during peak travel months (June to August). It’s best suited to solo travelers and those traveling light. Travelers with bulky luggage, restless kids, or a preference for a more peaceful and stylish arrival might want to consider a private transfer instead.

One-way ticket: €14 Return ticket: Not available (no discount for round trips) Trip duration: 32 minutes (non-stop) Tickets: Available online (Trenitalia), at airport machines, or station counters.

FL1 Regional Train

If your Roman hotel lies beyond Termini, and near Campo de' Fiori, in the charming lanes of Trastevere, or closer to the buzz of Piazza Navona, the FL1 regional train may be just right for you. Departing directly from the airport station near Terminal 3, this commuter service links Fiumicino with multiple key stops across Rome, including Trastevere, Ostiense, Tuscolana, and Tiburtina. While not as speedy as the Leonardo Express (you’ll clock in around 48 minutes to reach Tiburtina), the FL1 offers affordability and connections to Metro Lines A and B.

Trains run roughly every 15 minutes on weekdays, and every 30 on Sundays or holidays, with tickets starting at just €8. Children up to 4 years travel for free, while each paying adult can travel with a kid aged 4 to 12 without purchasing an extra ticket. While you can still purchase your tickets at the automated machines in the airport or from the counters at the train station, to get the cheapest tickets, you should book online in advance.

The FL1 train is best suited to travelers who travel light and look to skip Termini altogether. That said, this is a true local commuter line: no frills, no luggage racks, and standing room only during rush hour. But if you’re comfortable weaving through Roman daily life from the moment you land, the FL1 line offers a budget-friendly transportation from Fiumicino into the city's more lived-in corners, with enough savings left over for your next gelato stop. Tip: Remember to validate your ticket using the machines on the platform.

One-way ticket: €8 Return ticket: Not available (purchase two singles if needed) Trip duration: 30–48 minutes, depending on destination Tickets: Available online (for best price), at airport machines, or station counters

Bus Services

Traveling from Rome Fiumicino Airport to your hotel on a budget? Airport shuttle buses are the cheapest option available, offering direct transfers to Termini Station and other key locations in Rome. While buses take longer than trains or taxis, they’re ideal for those looking to save money and aren’t in a rush.

All major shuttle companies operate from the bus terminal at Terminal 3. Exit from Arrivals (Exit 6) and follow the signs to “Bus/Autobus” stands. You’ll find stops for all three companies: T.A.M., Terravision, and SIT Bus. Shuttle buses are easy to book, and have plenty of space for luggage. However, they’re slower than trains or taxis, especially during peak traffic hours. All buses are modern, air-conditioned, and equipped with USB outlets, and free WiFi. Pro-tips: Book online to get the lowest fares and guarantee a seat.

Online tickets can typically be used for the next available bus if you miss your scheduled departure. If you plan to travel during busy hours or summer months, arrive early to avoid delays or full buses.

Bus Services

T.A.M. Shuttle

The T.A.M. shuttle runs from 08:00 to 23:30 between Terminal 3 and Termini Station, with stops at Fiumicino town and Piazzale 12 Ottobre near Ostiense Station. This route is ideal for travelers connecting to Italo trains from Ostiense, especially if you’re planning day trips from Rome.

One-way ticket: €5

Return ticket: €8 (open return)

Trip duration: 50–60 minutes

Tickets: Available online or onboard

Note: The standard €7 ticket is valid only for the specific date and time booked. For greater flexibility, a Flexi ticket is available and can be used any time until midnight on the day of travel.

Terravision Shuttle

One of the most popular airport transfer options, Terravision offers a non-stop service from Fiumicino Airport (Terminal 3) to Termini Station (Via Marsala). Buses operate from 05:35 to 23:00, with departures every 45 minutes.

One-way ticket: €4 (online), €6.50 (at the booth)

Return ticket: €11

Trip duration: Approximately 55 minutes

Tickets: Available online, at airport counters, or directly from the driver

Tip: If you miss your scheduled departure, you can take the next available bus with the same ticket, subject to seat availability.

SIT Bus Shuttle

SIT Bus is a convenient option if you're staying near the Vatican or Castel Sant’Angelo. These buses run from FCO Terminal 3 and stop at Via Crescenzio (close to the Vatican), Piazza Indipendenza (near Termini), and Circonvallazione Aurelia.

Buses run from 08:30 to 00:30, with over 20 services per day. The journey takes a bit longer due to multiple stops, but it's well-suited for travelers staying outside the Termini area.

One-way ticket: €5 (online), €6 (at the station)

Return ticket: €12–€13

Trip duration: Around 60 minutes, depending on the stop

Tickets: Available online, from the driver, or directly at the stop

Cotral Buses

Cotral Buses provide a budget-friendly option to travel between Fiumicino Airport and hotels located in various parts of Rome, including metro stations like Cornelia (line A) and Magliana (line B). Three main lines operate daily: the Magliana and Cornelia routes during the day, and the Cotral night bus connecting the airport to Tiburtina station. The buses depart from the regional bus station outside Terminal 1, and while this is the cheapest option, longer travel times and busy conditions during peak hours are common. The night bus is particularly useful for early arrivals when train services are unavailable, but tickets are single-use and don’t cover transfers on metro or other buses. Cash payment is required on board.

One-way ticket: €2.80–€5 (advance purchase), €7 (onboard) Return ticket: Not typically available Trip duration: 45–80 minutes, depending on the route Tickets: Available from the driver or authorized kiosks in the airport (cash only)

Why Choose Chauffeur Hire Service in Rome

You could ride the metro, flag down a taxi, or fight for a spot on a crowded bus. But there’s a better way to experience Rome. Imagine gliding past the Pantheon in the plush backseat of a private car, with the cabin set to your ideal temperature, sipping chilled water while your chauffeur handles the busy Roman traffic.

Hiring a private chauffeur in Rome isn’t just about getting from Rome Fiumicino airport to your hotel, it’s about having a dedicated chauffeur at your side throughout your stay.

With Kiwitaxi’s Chauffeur Hire Service, you can explore Rome’s iconic sights in complete comfort and at your own pace. Your chauffeur ensures you enjoy a fully customized ride tailored to your preferences. From hotel pickups to full-day city excursions or trips beyond Rome, Kiwitaxi’s chauffeur service is a seamless, stylish, and smart way to make the most of your time in Italy.

Whether you’re in town for business, pleasure, or a bit of both, our Chauffeur Hire Service will make your Rome trip unforgettable.

Why Choose Chauffeur Hire Service in Rome
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