Rome is primarily served by two airports, with efficient public transportation, taxis, and ride-sharing services to the city center, as well as international trains and buses arriving at central stations.
By Air:
Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO), also known as Fiumicino (FCO), about 30 km (18 miles) southwest of the city, is the main international hub.
To the City:
- Leonardo Express train: This is the fastest and most reliable option, taking you directly to Roma Termini, the main train station. Follow signs from arrivals in Terminal 3 to the train station (5-minute walk). Direct non-stop service to Termini Station (32 min), running every 15 min from 5:38 AM to 00:23 AM. Tickets: approximately €14. Available to purchase at machines (English available), online via the Trenitalia app, or at counters (cash/card/mobile pay).
- FL1 regional train: A more affordable but slower train option connects Fiumicino Airport to various stations in Rome, including Trastevere, Ostiense, and Tiburtina. However, this train does not stop at Termini. The journey takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes and costs around €8. Trains run every 15 minutes from 5:57 AM to 11:32 PM. Tickets can be purchased at machines or through an app. You can connect to the metro or bus for access to the city center.
- Bus shuttle: Several companies provide direct and budget-friendly bus transfers to Roma Termini. Terravision and SIT Shuttle operate buses from stands outside Terminal 3 to Termini Station. The journey takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes and tickets cost around €11. Buses run every 30 to 60 minutes from 8:30 AM to 12:30 AM. Tickets can be purchased online, on board, or at kiosks (payment can be made by cash or card).
- Taxi: Fixed rate €50 to the city center (within Aurelian Walls, 40 min), from ranks outside terminals; 24/7, up to 4 passengers, includes luggage. Pay cash/card at the end; official white taxis only.
- Ride-Shares: Uber or Bolt from designated areas near Terminal 3 parking; €35-55 to the center (40 min), book via app (data required), cashless pay.
Ciampino (G.B. Pastine International Airport - CIA) is the smaller and closer of the two airports, located approximately 15 km (9 miles) southeast of central Rome. It is primarily used by low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air.
To the City:
- Shuttle Bus: Terravision or SIT Shuttle from bus stands outside arrivals to Termini Station (40 min, €6), every 30-60 min from 8:30 AM to 12:30 AM. Tickets can be purchased online or onboard (cash/card).
- Ciampino Airlink (Bus + Train): TRAL bus from outside arrivals to Ciampino train station (5 min, €1.20), then regional train to Termini (15 min, €1.50), every 20-30 min from 6 AM to 10 PM. Total €2.70; tickets from machines (cash/card) or app.
- Taxis: Fixed rate €30 to the city center (30 min), from ranks outside arrivals; 24/7, up to 4 passengers.
- Ride-Shares: Bolt or Uber from the parking area (short walk from arrivals); €25-40 to the center (30 min), book via app.
By Train:
Travelers can easily get to Rome by train, as it is well-connected to the rest of Italy and Europe via an efficient and reliable rail network. Two main operators, Trenitalia and Italo, offer frequent high-speed services, while regional trains connect smaller towns.
Roma Termini: The main and busiest station, located right in the city center. It is the best arrival point for easy access to central Rome and is a major hub for metro and bus connections.
Roma Tiburtina: Rome's second-largest station, located in the northeastern part of the city. Many high-speed services stop here before reaching Termini, and it is a good option if your accommodation is in the area, as it is generally less crowded.
Roma Ostiense: A historic station south of the city center, which primarily serves regional lines.
By Bus:
Bus travel is a popular and economical option for reaching Rome from other parts of Italy and Europe. Popular international and Italian operators serving Rome include FlixBus, MarinoBus, and Itabus.
Tiburtina Station: Most international and long-distance buses arrive at the Tiburtina Bus Station, which is adjacent to the Roma Tiburtina train and metro station.
Rome's local public transport system, run by the company ATAC, includes the metro, buses, and trams. All use an integrated ticketing system, meaning a single ticket is valid across all services within the city's urban area.
Tickets and passes:
Integrated ticket (BIT): A single ticket costing approximately €1.50 is valid for one metro ride or 100 minutes of travel on all other ATAC services, including transfers. It must be validated at the start of your journey.
Contactless "Tap & Go" payment: You can now pay for public transport directly with a contactless card or mobile device by tapping it on the readers inside buses and trams and at metro gates.
Time-based passes: For unlimited travel, you can purchase passes for various durations, including 24, 48, or 72 hours.
Roma Pass: This tourist card offers free public transportation for 48 or 72 hours, along with complimentary or discounted entry to attractions.
Tickets and cards are available at all metro stations and many major bus stops. They are multilingual and accept cash and credit cards. Many tobacco shops (look for a "Tabacchi" sign) and newsstands also sell single tickets and passes.
Metro: The metro is often the fastest way to get around Rome and is less prone to traffic delays.
Three lines—M1 (Orange), M2 (Blue), and M3 (Green)—serve the city. Lines A and B are most useful for tourists, as they connect major sites such as the Colosseum (Line B) and the Vatican (Line A). Line C is still under construction and mostly serves residential areas. Weekdays, the metro runs from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.. On Fridays and Saturdays, service is extended to 1:30 a.m.
Buses: A comprehensive bus network serves the entire city, operating from approximately 5:30 a.m. to midnight. A network of night buses also operates from midnight to 5:00 a.m.. However, buses can be significantly delayed by Rome's heavy traffic.
Trams: Rome's six tram lines offer a more scenic, above-ground travel experience but have a less extensive network than buses.
Taxis: Metered white cabs, short rides €5-15, night surcharge.
Ride-Shares: Uber or Bolt.
Bike Rentals: Major operators include Lime and Dott. Park the bike in a designated area and end the ride via the app.