Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Rome City Center: Complete Transportation Guide

Traveling to Rome is always an exciting adventure. The city’s fascinating architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture hold an irresistible charm season after season.

But figuring out how to get from Fiumicino Airport (also known as Leonardo da Vinci Airport) to Rome city center can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time in the Eternal City.

Fiumicino is Italy’s largest and busiest airport, located about 30 km (18 miles) from central Rome. After a long flight, all you really want is to get to your hotel in the smoothest and most efficient way possible. And how exactly you get from Fiumicino Airport to the city center sets the tone for your entire trip and makes your trip unforgettable from the moment you set foot in Rome.

With several transportation options, from trains to airport transfers, knowing what works best for your schedule, the amount of luggage you're carrying, and budget can make all the difference. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, this guide breaks down all your options to get from Fiumicino to central Rome, helping you start your Roman holiday effortlessly.

Whether you’re dreaming of tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain or sipping espresso in Trastevere, here are your best options, each with a touch of Roman flavor.

Want to skip the stress and slip straight into la dolce vita? Start your Roman adventure effortlessly by booking a private airport transfer from Fiumicino Airport (FCO).

Booking a private transfer from Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to central Rome offers a comfortable and stress-free start to your Italian escape. This door-to-door service takes you directly from the airport straight to your hotel or any address in Rome, comfortably and efficiently. A dedicated chauffeur meets you at the airport and makes your first moments in Rome effortless and comfortable. Simply sit back, take in the scenery, and enjoy the first glimpses of the city. Whether you’re here for business meetings, a romantic escape, or a 3 day sightseeing tour, private transfers help you arrive relaxed and ready to explore.

Private transfers are perfect if you’re arriving after a long international flight, with kids, or late at night when public transport options are limited. With everything pre-booked, you won’t have to worry about finding a ride after a long flight or during busy travel seasons. Instead, you can relax, unwind, or simply take in your first views of the Eternal City as you glide into Rome in style and comfort.

Travel time from Fiumicino Airport to central Rome typically ranges from 35 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic, just enough time to relax, refresh, or even catch a quick nap after your flight. Private transfers offer a rich suite of vehicle options to match every traveler’s needs.

The Leonardo Express train is the fastest way to get to central Rome avoiding heavy traffic. It runs non-stop from FCO Airport to Roma Termini Station (the main train station) in just 32 minutes. If you’re headed straight into the heart of the city, the Leonardo Express train is your go-to. Trains run every 15 minutes from 6:23 AM to 11:23 PM, offering a reliable and fast service for €14 per ticket. Just follow signs to the train station inside the airport, buy a ticket, and validate it before boarding!

Pro-tip: Book your ticket in advance to skip waiting lines at the ticket counter.

Regional FL1 Train

Traveling without luggage and on a budget? The FL1 suburban train is a fast and affordable option if you’re heading to vibrant neighborhoods like Trastevere, Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Navona, or the Pantheon. It stops at key stations such as Trastevere, Ostiense, Tuscolana, and Tiburtina, each offering useful onward connections.

Trains run from 5:57 AM to 10:42 PM, with travel times of about 26 minutes to Trastevere and 48 minutes to Tiburtina. During peak hours, trains depart every 15 to 20 minutes. A one-way ticket costs just €8. You can easily connect to Metro Line B or catch Italo trains at Ostiense and Tiburtina. Perfect if you're traveling light. Need Metro Line A? From Tuscolana Station, it's a quick walk to Ponte Lungo, giving you fast access to other parts of the city.

Finding a taxi at Fiumicino Airport is pretty straightforward. The official taxi rank is located just outside the arrivals terminal with clear signs and a well-managed line. All official white taxis marked Comune di Roma charge a flat fare of €55 to any location within the Aurelian Walls (aka the historic center of Rome). This fare includes all your luggage with no extra baggage fees.

However, scam taxis do exist, especially drivers who approach travelers inside the terminal or try to charge inflated rates. To avoid unnecessary stress — especially after a long flight — it's often safer and more convenient to pre-book a private transfer. That way, you’ll have a driver waiting for you with a name sign, fixed pricing, and no surprises.

Most Roman taxis are compact, so if you're traveling with bulky luggage or a group, a private transfer is also more practical. Tip: Most drivers don’t speak English, so having a screenshot of your hotel’s address or having it written down goes a long way. Pro-tip: Not all taxis accept credit cards, so having some cash on hand is advisable.

Looking for the most economical way to reach central Rome from Fiumicino Airport? Bus services are hard to beat in terms of price, but they come with trade-offs like crowds, slower travel times, and less comfort.

T.A.M. Shuttle Operating from 08:00 to 23:30, the T.A.M. shuttle runs from Terminal 3 to Termini Station, with tickets at just €5 (buy online or onboard). Want an open return for €8? It also stops at Fiumicino town and Piazzale 12 Ottobre (near Ostiense station), making it handy for Italo train connections.

Terravision Shuttle Terravision is a popular pick for travelers on a tight budget, operating from 05:35 to 23:00 between FCO (Terminal 3) and Termini Station (Via Marsala). But while prices are cheap (€4 online, €6 at the booth), buses can be full or delayed.

SIT Bus Shuttle Need a bus that stops near Castel Sant’Angelo or Vatican City? SIT buses serve both Piazza Indipendenza (near Termini) and Via Crescenzio (close to the Vatican). Running from 08:30 to 00:30, SIT offers over 20 trips per day, with tickets costing €5 online or €6 at the station.

Cotral Night Bus The Cotral night bus might be your only option when other services shut down. It connects FCO to Termini and Tiburtina, with one-way fares at €5 in advance or €7 onboard.

So here you have it! Choose your transfer and let the city welcome you in style. Benvenuti a Roma!