Transfer Options
Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is the primary gateway. The train station is connected to the terminals via covered walkways.
Official Resources
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Rome Ciampino (CIA) is a secondary hub primarily for budget airlines. It is smaller and closer to the city than Fiumicino.
Official Resources
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Roma Termini is the central station. It is a massive hub with many levels; most high-speed trains arrive on the ground level (Level 0).
Official Resources
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Roma Tiburtina is a modern hub located in the northeast of the city, serving high-speed trains and national buses.
Official Resources
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Luggage Storage
Lockers (Fiumicino Airport)
Located in Terminal 3, Arrivals level. Look for the 'Left Luggage' sign near the exit.
Lockers (Ciampino Airport)
No storage inside the airport. Use the 'Stow Your Bags' shop in Ciampino town (short bus/taxi ride) or wait until reaching Termini Station.
Lockers (Roma Termini)
Located on the platform level (Floor 0) near Platform 24. Expect queues during peak hours.
Lockers (Roma Tiburtina)
Located on the ground floor near the main entrance hall.
Skip the Queue
Airport and Station storage often have long lines. Use apps like Radical Storage, LuggageHero, or Bounce to find “StashPoints” in nearby shops or hotels. It is often cheaper and faster.
Roma Pass & Transit Cards
Alternatively, ATAC Travel Cards are best for transit-only needs (e.g., Roma 24H for €7.00 or Roma 72H for €18.00).
These passes do not include the Leonardo Express or regional trains from FCO. Purchase them at the Tourist Information Points (PIT) located in FCO Terminal 3 Arrivals.
At CIA, these passes cover the 720 and 520 local buses to the metro. Purchase them at the Tourist Information Points (PIT) located in the CIA International Arrivals area.
At Termini, purchase passes at Tourist Information Points or Tabacchi shops within the station. Remember to validate physical cards at yellow machines on your first journey.
At Tiburtina, you can purchase passes at the ATAC ticket office or Tabacchi shops located in the main entrance hall. The station is a major stop on Metro Line B.
Use Citymapper for the most intuitive real-time navigation and precise station exit details, while MooneyGo is the essential choice for purchasing and validating digital transit tickets and parking in Rome.
Train / Tram / Metro
Price and Time
From Fiumicino (FCO), the Leonardo Express is a dedicated non-stop train to Roma Termini. It costs €14, takes 32 minutes, and runs every 15 minutes.
From Ciampino (CIA), the Ciampino Airlink combines a bus to Ciampino station and a train to Termini for €2.70.
Termini is the central hub for the Metro. A Single Ticket (BIT) costs €1.50 (valid for 100 minutes). The Metro is the fastest way to reach the Colosseum or Vatican (5–15 minutes).
Tiburtina is a primary stop for high-speed Italo and Frecciarossa trains. To reach the center, take Metro Line B (Blue) toward Laurentina; it is only 4 stops to Termini and 6 stops to the Colosseum.
Tickets & Validation
At FCO, purchase tickets at Trenitalia kiosks. You must validate physical paper tickets at the green/white machines on the platform before boarding.
Step-Free Boarding
The Leonardo Express allows you to roll luggage directly onto the train without steps.
At Termini, follow signs to Floor -1 for the Metro. Use red ATAC machines or simply Tap & Go with a contactless credit card at the turnstiles.
Validate Your Ticket
Physical tickets are worthless until timestamped. Transit inspectors will fine you €50+ if your ticket isn’t stamped in the yellow machines before the journey starts.
At Tiburtina, the Metro entrance is located on the lower level. Use the Tap & Go readers at the turnstiles with your contactless card for the easiest entry.
Unlike the older parts of Termini, Tiburtina is a modern “bridge” station with extensive elevator and escalator access to all platforms.
Bus
Airport Shuttles
Shuttle buses like Terravision, SIT Bus Shuttle, and T.A.M. serve both airports.
FCO to Termini takes 50–70 minutes for €6–€7. Exit Terminal 3 Arrivals and turn right to find the bus hubs.
CIA to Termini takes 40 minutes for €6. Bus stands are directly outside the single exit.
The Vatican Stop
If your hotel is near Prati or the Vatican, use the SIT Bus Shuttle from FCO. It has a dedicated stop at Via Crescenzio, saving you a taxi ride across the center.
City Buses (Termini)
The main bus terminal is in Piazza dei Cinquecento (outside the station). Digital displays show real-time arrivals.
Boarding Confusion
The Termini bus terminal is chaotic. Use Google Maps or Citymapper to identify your specific bus number and “banchina” (platform) letter, as signs can be hard to read.
The TIBUS bus station is located just outside the station’s main entrance. This is the primary hub for long-distance coaches (like FlixBus) to other Italian and European cities.
Rideshare
Use FreeNow or itTaxi for the fastest city transit, as they hail official taxis authorized to use dedicated bus lanes to bypass Rome’s heavy traffic. Select Uber for premium reliability or a seamless transfer at Fiumicino Airport, where it is the official partner with dedicated priority pickup zones.
Pickup (Fiumicino)
For Uber Black/NCC: Follow 'NCC' signs to the Short Stay Parking (Parcheggio Breve Sosta) T3. For Freenow: Use the Official Taxi Rank outside Arrivals.
Pickup (Ciampino)
For Uber Black/NCC: Head to the NCC parking area in front of the terminal. For Freenow: Use the Official Taxi Rank directly outside the exit.
Pickup (Termini)
For Uber Black/NCC: Drivers typically pick up on Via Marsala (near Hotel Royal Santina) or Via Giolitti. For Freenow: Go to the Official Taxi Rank in Piazza dei Cinquecento.
Pickup (Tiburtina)
For Uber Black/NCC: Set pickup to the upper level 'Kiss & Ride' (Piazzale Giovanni Spadolini). For Freenow: Use the Official Taxi Rank at the main ground floor entrance.
Check the License
Ensure the vehicle has an “NCC” sticker (Rental with Driver) on the rear window. This is the only legal way for non-taxi rideshare vehicles to operate.
Official Taxi
Appearance and Price
Official Rome taxis are white, have a “Comune di Roma” crest, and a taxi sign on the roof.
- FCO to Center (Aurelian Walls): Fixed fare of €55.
- CIA to Center (Aurelian Walls): Fixed fare of €40.
- Termini to Center: Metered fare, usually €10–€20 depending on traffic.
- Tiburtina to Center: Metered fare, usually €15–€25. The taxi rank is located directly outside the main station entrance on the ground floor.
Finding the Rank
Always use the official rank outside the terminals/station. Ignore solicitors offering rides.
Payment & Fares
Say “Tariffa Fissa” (Fixed Fare) before the driver pulls away to prevent them from using the meter.
Payment & Fares
- Ask “Posso pagare con carta?” (Can I pay by card?) before loading bags. Drivers may claim the machine is broken to get cash.
- Always ensure the meter is started at the beginning of the trip. The rank is well-organized, but drivers may still prefer cash for shorter trips.
ATMs and currency
Locations
ATMs are available throughout airports and the station.
Avoid the ATM Trap
- Only use bank-affiliated ATMs (e.g., UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo). Avoid Euronet or generic kiosks.
- Always decline the machine’s currency conversion. Choose to be charged in Euros (EUR) to let your home bank handle the rate and avoid fees up to 13%.
Accessibility
ADR offers the Sala Amica service. Request assistance through your airline 48 hours in advance. If you cannot find an elevator in Terminal 3, ask Sala Amica staff to use service lifts.
Sala Amica assistance is also available at Ciampino; request in advance via your airline.
Sala Blu (near Platform 1) provides assistance. Termini offers step-free access, but if elevators to the Metro are broken, Sala Blu staff can facilitate access via service lifts.
Sala Blu assistance is available at Tiburtina. The station is one of the most accessible in Rome, featuring wide corridors and reliable elevators connecting the glass bridge to the platforms.
Safety
Scams: Ignore men with clipboards claiming to be “Official Airport Shuttles.”
Pickpockets: Be wary of “helpful” locals at ticket machines. Their goal is often to grab your change or distract you.
Navigation: The station is very large and spread out. Allow an extra 10-15 minutes to walk from the Metro entrance to the high-speed train platforms on the upper levels.
Cobblestone Warning
In the city center, “Sanpietrini” (black cobblestones) are slippery and uneven. Wear sturdy shoes and avoid rolling suitcases with small plastic wheels over them, as they may snap.
Transfer Options
Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is the primary gateway. The train station is connected to the terminals via covered walkways.
Official Resources
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Rome Ciampino (CIA) is a secondary hub primarily for budget airlines. It is smaller and closer to the city than Fiumicino.
Official Resources
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Roma Termini is the central station. It is a massive hub with many levels; most high-speed trains arrive on the ground level (Level 0).
Official Resources
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Roma Tiburtina is a modern hub located in the northeast of the city, serving high-speed trains and national buses.
Official Resources
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Luggage Storage
Lockers (Fiumicino Airport)
Located in Terminal 3, Arrivals level. Look for the 'Left Luggage' sign near the exit.
Lockers (Ciampino Airport)
No storage inside the airport. Use the 'Stow Your Bags' shop in Ciampino town (short bus/taxi ride) or wait until reaching Termini Station.
Lockers (Roma Termini)
Located on the platform level (Floor 0) near Platform 24. Expect queues during peak hours.
Lockers (Roma Tiburtina)
Located on the ground floor near the main entrance hall.
Skip the Queue
Airport and Station storage often have long lines. Use apps like Radical Storage, LuggageHero, or Bounce to find “StashPoints” in nearby shops or hotels. It is often cheaper and faster.
Roma Pass & Transit Cards
Alternatively, ATAC Travel Cards are best for transit-only needs (e.g., Roma 24H for €7.00 or Roma 72H for €18.00).
These passes do not include the Leonardo Express or regional trains from FCO. Purchase them at the Tourist Information Points (PIT) located in FCO Terminal 3 Arrivals.
At CIA, these passes cover the 720 and 520 local buses to the metro. Purchase them at the Tourist Information Points (PIT) located in the CIA International Arrivals area.
At Termini, purchase passes at Tourist Information Points or Tabacchi shops within the station. Remember to validate physical cards at yellow machines on your first journey.
At Tiburtina, you can purchase passes at the ATAC ticket office or Tabacchi shops located in the main entrance hall. The station is a major stop on Metro Line B.
Use Citymapper for the most intuitive real-time navigation and precise station exit details, while MooneyGo is the essential choice for purchasing and validating digital transit tickets and parking in Rome.
Train / Tram / Metro
Price and Time
From Fiumicino (FCO), the Leonardo Express is a dedicated non-stop train to Roma Termini. It costs €14, takes 32 minutes, and runs every 15 minutes.
From Ciampino (CIA), the Ciampino Airlink combines a bus to Ciampino station and a train to Termini for €2.70.
Termini is the central hub for the Metro. A Single Ticket (BIT) costs €1.50 (valid for 100 minutes). The Metro is the fastest way to reach the Colosseum or Vatican (5–15 minutes).
Tiburtina is a primary stop for high-speed Italo and Frecciarossa trains. To reach the center, take Metro Line B (Blue) toward Laurentina; it is only 4 stops to Termini and 6 stops to the Colosseum.
Tickets & Validation
At FCO, purchase tickets at Trenitalia kiosks. You must validate physical paper tickets at the green/white machines on the platform before boarding.
Step-Free Boarding
The Leonardo Express allows you to roll luggage directly onto the train without steps.
At Termini, follow signs to Floor -1 for the Metro. Use red ATAC machines or simply Tap & Go with a contactless credit card at the turnstiles.
Validate Your Ticket
Physical tickets are worthless until timestamped. Transit inspectors will fine you €50+ if your ticket isn’t stamped in the yellow machines before the journey starts.
At Tiburtina, the Metro entrance is located on the lower level. Use the Tap & Go readers at the turnstiles with your contactless card for the easiest entry.
Unlike the older parts of Termini, Tiburtina is a modern “bridge” station with extensive elevator and escalator access to all platforms.
Bus
Airport Shuttles
Shuttle buses like Terravision, SIT Bus Shuttle, and T.A.M. serve both airports.
FCO to Termini takes 50–70 minutes for €6–€7. Exit Terminal 3 Arrivals and turn right to find the bus hubs.
CIA to Termini takes 40 minutes for €6. Bus stands are directly outside the single exit.
The Vatican Stop
If your hotel is near Prati or the Vatican, use the SIT Bus Shuttle from FCO. It has a dedicated stop at Via Crescenzio, saving you a taxi ride across the center.
City Buses (Termini)
The main bus terminal is in Piazza dei Cinquecento (outside the station). Digital displays show real-time arrivals.
Boarding Confusion
The Termini bus terminal is chaotic. Use Google Maps or Citymapper to identify your specific bus number and “banchina” (platform) letter, as signs can be hard to read.
The TIBUS bus station is located just outside the station’s main entrance. This is the primary hub for long-distance coaches (like FlixBus) to other Italian and European cities.
Arrival Time
For long-haul flights to the US or Asia from FCO, arrive 3 hours prior to departure. FCO is massive; Terminal 3 is the primary hub for non-Schengen international flights.
Check-in
Most check-in desks are in Terminal 3. Look for the large overhead screens to find your flight’s “Area” (e.g., Area 200-300).
The Terminal 3 Bridge
If your flight departs from Gates E, you will likely take a short, automated shuttle train after security. It is reliable and frequent, but once you cross to the satellite terminal, you cannot easily return to the main shopping area. Do your duty-free browsing before taking the shuttle.
Security & Screening
Watch the Lanes
Look for signs for “Family/Fast Track” or “Over 65” lanes. While not always open, FCO staff often proactively direct senior travelers to shorter, more relaxed security lanes to minimize standing time.
Arrival Time
For flights from Ciampino (CIA), especially with budget airlines, arrive 2 hours before departure. CIA is smaller but can get crowded.
Check-in
Check-in desks are located in the main hall. Since CIA is smaller, finding your check-in area is generally straightforward.
Security & Screening
Security lines at CIA can be slow during peak hours. Be prepared to remove liquids and electronics from your bag.
VAT refunds
Instructions
- Before Check-in: Take your “Tax Free” forms, passport, and unused goods to the Customs/VAT Refund desks in Terminal 3 (Check-in Area).
- Validation: If you have a Global Blue or Planet form, use their kiosks for digital validation.
- Customs Stamp: If the kiosk fails, you must see a Customs officer. Do this before checking your bags, as they may ask to see the items.
Instructions
- Before Check-in: At CIA, the VAT refund desk is located before security in the main departures hall.
- Validation: Present your tax-free forms, passport, and unused goods to the Customs officer.
- Customs Stamp: Ensure you get a stamp on your forms before proceeding to check-in.
The 'Boarding Pass' Requirement
You cannot process a VAT refund without showing a confirmed boarding pass. If you haven’t checked in yet, you must show your e-ticket/itinerary. However, the Customs desk is located before security, so make sure you visit it before dropping your luggage at the airline counter.
Arrival Time
For high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo), arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. For regional trains to nearby towns, 15 minutes is sufficient.
Security & Screening
- Have your physical or digital ticket ready.
- Present the QR code to the staff or scan it at the glass gates to enter the “Track Area.”
- Once inside, check the large “Partenze” boards for your Binario (Platform) number.
Platform Changes
At Termini, platform numbers are often announced only 10–15 minutes before departure. Platforms 1 Est, 2 Est, and 25–29 are a significantly longer walk (up to 10 minutes) from the main hall. If your train is assigned to these “far” tracks, start walking immediately.
Arrival Time
For high-speed trains (Italo or Frecciarossa), arrive 30–45 minutes before departure. Tiburtina is a “through” station, meaning trains only stop for a few minutes; you must be on the platform ready to board when the train arrives.
Check-in & Security
Like Termini, Tiburtina uses access gates to separate the main hall from the platforms.
- Scan your ticket QR code at the automated gates to enter the departure zone.
- Check the overhead “Partenze” monitors for your platform (Binario) number.
Station Layout
Tiburtina is a modern, multi-level station. The main passenger hub is the Galleria Sopraelevata, a massive glass bridge spanning across the tracks.
- Navigation: Waiting areas, shops, and cafes are located on the bridge level.
- Platforms: Once your platform is announced, take the designated escalators or elevators down from the glass bridge to the tracks.
Don't Wait on the Bridge
Because trains at Tiburtina do not originate there, they stop for a very short window (often 3-5 minutes). As soon as your platform is announced, head down immediately. Look for the “Carrozza” (Carriage) numbers on the platform screens to position yourself correctly for your assigned seat.
Accessibility
ADR offers the Sala Amica service. Request assistance through your airline 48 hours in advance. If you cannot find an elevator in Terminal 3, ask Sala Amica staff to use service lifts.
Sala Amica assistance is also available at Ciampino; request in advance via your airline.
Sala Blu (near Platform 1) provides assistance. Termini offers step-free access, but if elevators to the Metro are broken, Sala Blu staff can facilitate access via service lifts.
Sala Blu assistance is available at Tiburtina. The station is one of the most accessible in Rome, featuring wide corridors and reliable elevators connecting the glass bridge to the platforms.
Safety
Scams: Ignore men with clipboards claiming to be “Official Airport Shuttles.”
Pickpockets: Be wary of “helpful” locals at ticket machines. Their goal is often to grab your change or distract you.
Navigation: The station is very large and spread out. Allow an extra 10-15 minutes to walk from the Metro entrance to the high-speed train platforms on the upper levels.
Cobblestone Warning
In the city center, “Sanpietrini” (black cobblestones) are slippery and uneven. Wear sturdy shoes and avoid rolling suitcases with small plastic wheels over them, as they may snap.