How to Get from Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to the City Center
Rome’s main airport, Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), is about 16 miles southwest of the city.
Landing at Rome Fiumicino Airport feels exciting… and a little chaotic.
You’ve just crossed an ocean, you’re tired, and suddenly you’re standing in a busy airport trying to figure out trains, buses, taxis, and people offering you rides who absolutely should not be offering you rides.
Getting into Rome is pretty straightforward, as long as you choose the right option for your arrival time, luggage, and destination.
The chaos of the Rome airport probably won't ease you in. It drops you straight into decision mode and so you'll need a plan before you go.
Here’s how to get into the city without turning your arrival day into your first travel regret.
Here are your Options to get from Rome Airport (FCO) so you can get the real part of your trip started:
1. The Leonardo Express
If this is your first time in Rome, the Leonardo Express is almost always the right call.
It’s a direct train from the airport to Roma Termini with no stops, no traffic, no guessing. You follow the signs, buy a ticket at the kiosk, get on the train, and about half an hour later, you’re in the city.
This is for you if you want the least amount of thinking after a long flight, you’re staying near Termini, or you just want something that works exactly the way it’s supposed to.
It's 14€, and they will come around and scan your ticket on the train. There's no need to buy a ticket ahead of time; it's always the same price, and you'll want to make sure you get a ticket for the next train that will be leaving.
Just remember: it only goes to Termini. From there, you’ll take a taxi or metro to your hotel if needed - see our Travel Tip below to help you decide.
Travel TIp: Make sure when you purchase your ticket that it is for the Leonardo Express, that you have time to make it to the train if it is about to leave, and that you get on the Leonardo Express, not the regional one. If in doubt, ask at the station. They will help you find the correct train.
2. The Regional Train (The Cheaper Train Option)
There are cheaper regional trains from the airport, and they can make sense in the right situation.
They stop at stations like Trastevere and Ostiense, take longer, and feel a bit less intuitive when you’re tired, but they do the job.
This is for you if your hotel is near one of these stations, you’re comfortable navigating trains, and saving a little money matters more than speed or simplicity.
If you’re jet-lagged and carrying luggage, this is not the easiest first impression of Rome.
3. Official Taxi from the Airport
Sometimes the best option is to have someone else handle everything.
Rome’s official taxis have a flat fare of approximately 48€ from the airport to anywhere in the historic center. No meter watching, no luggage fees, no surprises as long as you use the official taxi line.
This is for you if you’re arriving late, traveling with multiple bags, staying somewhere hard to reach by public transport, or just want to be dropped at your hotel and done for the day.
Always skip anyone approaching you inside the terminal offering a ride, not just in Rome, anywhere.
Travel Tip: The 48 euro fixed rate from the airport to the centre as the best option if there are at least 2 people. By the time you take the train, then Metro or taxi from Termini, it just about equals out.
We ended up walking from Rome Termini to our hotel, but it was farther than we expected with our luggage, and after a flight delay and not having had dinner yet, we wish we had just taken a taxi instead.
4. Uber
Uber is available, but because drivers in Rome have to be specially licenced, only Uber Black is allowed. This will cost you. Use the official airport taxi, or if you want to use an app, use FREENOW to call an official taxi. From the airport, you can just use the taxi stand, but this might come in handy at some point during your stay.
5. Private Transfer
A private transfer isn’t always about luxury; it’s about calm and peace of mind.
Your driver meets you at arrivals, walks you to the car, and takes you straight to your hotel. No lines, no decision-making, no stress.
This is for you if you’re landing after an overnight flight, arriving very late, or you want your first hour in Italy to feel easy instead of overwhelming.
It costs more than a taxi, but sometimes that tradeoff is worth it.
Explore Private Transfer Options Here.
6. Renting a Car (What We Don’t Recommend)
If Rome is your first stop, skip the rental car.
Between traffic, restricted driving zones, and fines that show up months later, this is not a great introduction to the city.
This ONLY makes sense if you’re leaving Rome immediately and heading straight to the countryside. Otherwise, pick up a car after your Rome stay.
