A high-speed train at a railway platform in Rome

Rome Airport to City Centre 2026: Leonardo Express, Taxi Fares & Buses

Fiumicino and Ciampino to central Rome in 2026: Leonardo Express (€14), fixed taxi fares (€55/€40), buses, plus how to use Rome’s metro, buses and contactless tickets.

Updated October 24, 2026 · 4 min read
Quick answer: from Fiumicino (FCO), the Leonardo Express train reaches Roma Termini in about 32 minutes for €14; an official taxi costs a fixed €55 to anywhere inside the Aurelian Walls (the historic centre); shuttle buses cost about €6–7. From Ciampino (CIA), there’s no direct train: take a €7 shuttle bus to Termini or a fixed-fare €40 taxi. In the city, a €1.50 BIT ticket covers 100 minutes of buses and trams plus one metro ride.

Rome has two airports: Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci), the main international hub 30 km west of the city, and Ciampino, used mostly by low-cost airlines, 15 km south-east. This guide compares every way into the centre, with 2026 prices from Untold Italy, and explains how to use the metro, buses and trams.

Fiumicino (FCO) to the city centre

Option Price (2026) Time Goes to
Leonardo Express train €14 (4 people: €40) About 32 min, non-stop Roma Termini
FL1 regional train €8 About 30–45 min Trastevere, Ostiense, Tiburtina (not Termini)
Official taxi €55 fixed, up to 4 people 40–60 min Anywhere inside the Aurelian Walls
Shuttle bus About €6–7 50–60 min Termini or Vatican area
Private transfer From about €60 40–60 min Your hotel door

Leonardo Express

The fastest and simplest option if you’re staying near Termini, Monti or Esquilino. Trains run frequently from about 5:38 in the morning until late evening; check the last departure if you land after 23:00. Buy tickets at the station machines or the Trenitalia app, and remember to validate paper tickets before boarding. The group ticket for four (€40) saves money for families.

FL1 regional train

Cheaper (€8) and useful if you’re staying in Trastevere or near Ostiense, but it doesn’t stop at Termini. Trains are less frequent at night and on Sundays.

Taxi

Official white taxis with the Roma Capitale logo charge a fixed €55 from Fiumicino to anywhere inside the Aurelian Walls (Centro Storico, Trastevere, Monti, Prati near the Vatican) — confirm the fixed fare before you set off, and only use the official taxi rank, never drivers approaching you inside the terminal. Other fixed fares: €57 to Tiburtina station and €47 to Ostiense.

Private transfer

A driver waits in arrivals with your name: easiest for late arrivals, families or heavy luggage. Compare Rome airport transfers.

Ciampino (CIA) to the city centre

Option Price (2026) Time
Shuttle bus to Termini €7 About 40 min
Ciampino Airlink (bus + train) €2.70 Slower, less frequent
Official taxi €40 fixed (inside the Walls) 30–45 min
Private transfer From about €55 30–45 min

There’s no direct train from Ciampino; the Leonardo Express serves Fiumicino only.

Uber and ride-hailing

Ride-sharing is limited in Rome: mainly Uber Black and similar premium services, which usually cost more than the fixed taxi fare. Official taxis or the taxi apps used by Rome’s taxi co-operatives are better value.

Getting around Rome

  • BIT ticket: €1.50, valid 100 minutes on buses and trams, plus one metro ride.
  • Passes: 24 hours €8.50, 48 hours €15, 72 hours €22, 7 days €29.
  • Contactless: tap a bank card or phone at metro gates and on board; daily spending is capped at €8.50. Use the same card all day.
  • Metro: line A (Spagna, Ottaviano for the Vatican), line B (Colosseo, Termini) and line C. Trains run about 5:30–23:30, later on Friday and Saturday nights.
  • On foot: the historic centre is compact — most sights are 10–25 minutes’ walk apart, and many streets are closed to traffic.

Prices: The Better Vacation (July 2026). Strikes (“sciopero”) happen several times a year, often on Fridays — check before travelling to the airport.

Tips

  1. Choose a hotel near your arrival line: Termini area for the Leonardo Express, Trastevere for the FL1.
  2. Keep valuables close on the metro, at Termini and on bus 64.
  3. Validate paper train tickets in the machines before boarding to avoid a fine.
  4. Buy an Italy eSIM before you fly — compare Italy eSIMs.
  5. Check the carry-on liquids rules for your flight home.

More Rome guides

FAQ: Rome airport to city

How much is a taxi from Fiumicino to central Rome?

A fixed €55 to anywhere inside the Aurelian Walls, for up to four people with luggage.

What is the fastest way from Fiumicino to Rome?

The Leonardo Express: about 32 minutes non-stop to Termini for €14.

Is there a train from Ciampino airport?

Not directly. Take the shuttle bus to Termini (€7) or the Airlink bus-and-train combination.

Can I use a credit card on the Rome metro?

Yes. Tap a contactless card or phone at the gates; daily spending is capped at €8.50.

Does Uber work in Rome?

Only premium services like Uber Black, which usually cost more than an official taxi.

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