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Fiumicino airport to central Rome: every option compared

Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) is Rome's main airport, about 30 km south-west of the centre. Trains leave from the station next to Terminal 1, a short covered walk from arrivals.

The Leonardo Express is the easy choice for most hotels, but it only goes to Termini. Below are journey times to each area we cover.

The options

  1. Leonardo Express

    Non-stop to Roma Termini in about 32 minutes, every 15 to 30 minutes from early morning to late evening. From Termini, Metro A and B and taxis go everywhere else.

    Tip: Buy tickets from the machines or the Trenitalia app. Paper tickets must be validated before boarding.

    Stay nearby: Monti · ~$235/night

  2. FL1 regional train

    Cheaper and stops at Trastevere, Ostiense and Tuscolana, but not at Termini. About 25 minutes to Trastevere station.

    Tip: Best if you're staying in Trastevere: change to tram 8 at the station.

    Stay nearby: Trastevere · ~$220/night

  3. Airport buses

    Several companies run coaches to Termini and the Vatican area, cheaper than the train but slower, at 50 to 70 minutes depending on traffic.

  4. Taxi

    Official white taxis charge a fixed fare from Fiumicino to anywhere inside the Aurelian Walls, which covers all our central areas. Allow 40 to 60 minutes.

    Tip: Use the official rank outside arrivals and check the fixed-fare sign on the door.

Before you go

Ciampino, Rome's smaller airport used by low-cost airlines, has no train link; take a bus to Termini or a taxi. The times below are from Fiumicino.

Termini is busy and chaotic; if your hotel is in Prati or the Centro Storico, a taxi from the airport may be simpler than changing there.

Journey times from Fiumicino by area

AreaFrom FiumicinoFastest route
Trastevere~45 minFL1 train from Fiumicino to Trastevere station, then tram 8
Monti~45 minLeonardo Express to Termini, then Metro B to Cavour
Centro Storico~50 minLeonardo Express to Termini, then a taxi or bus
Spanish Steps & Tridente~50 minLeonardo Express to Termini, then Metro A to Spagna
Prati~55 minLeonardo Express to Termini, then Metro A to Ottaviano

Written by the StayAreas editorial team · Updated Oct 2026 · How we research our guides

Hotels we'd book in Monti

Our top area for this guide. Mid-range doubles cost about $235 a night.

Monti guide

Best value

Hotel Duca d'Alba

Why we like it: Classic small hotel a short walk from the Colosseum.

Typical mid-range rate in Monti: ~$235/night

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Boutique pick

The Fifteen Keys Hotel

Why we like it: Fifteen rooms around a quiet courtyard.

Typical mid-range rate in Monti: ~$235/night

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Luxury pick

Hotel Palazzo Manfredi

Why we like it: Rooms and a rooftop restaurant facing the Colosseum.

Typical luxury rate in Monti: ~$490/night

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FAQs

What is the cheapest way from Fiumicino to Rome?

An airport bus to Termini, or the FL1 regional train if you're staying near Trastevere or Ostiense. Both are cheaper than the Leonardo Express.

How long does the Leonardo Express take?

About 32 minutes non-stop from Fiumicino to Roma Termini. Most of our areas are 45 to 55 minutes from the airport door to door.

Is the taxi from Fiumicino a fixed price?

Yes. Licensed Rome taxis charge a fixed fare from Fiumicino to anywhere inside the Aurelian Walls, including luggage. Check the current price on the sign on the taxi door.

Does the train from Fiumicino go to the Vatican?

Not directly. Take the Leonardo Express to Termini and Metro A to Ottaviano, about an hour in total, or a taxi at the fixed fare.

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