Fiumicino Airport to Rome City Centre: Train €14, Taxi €55

Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) Airport is about 30 km west of central Rome. There are five ways in: the non-stop Leonardo Express train to Termini, the FL1 regional train to Trastevere, Ostiense and Tiburtina, coaches to Termini and the Vatican area, the official fixed-fare taxi and a pre-booked transfer.

Leonardo Express train

The Leonardo Express runs non-stop from the station inside the airport to Roma Termini in 32 minutes, every 15 minutes from 05:38 to 23:27, according to Aeroporti di Roma. A single costs €14. Trenitalia's 'Minigruppi' ticket covers four adults travelling together for €10 a head, bought in one transaction. Validate paper tickets at the turnstiles before boarding; Metrebus passes are not valid on this train.

FL1 regional train

The FL1 is the cheaper train: €8 one way to any station in Rome's rail-ring zone, which includes Trastevere, Ostiense (change here for Metro B), Tuscolana and Tiburtina. It leaves every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes at weekends and on holidays. It does not stop at Termini, so it suits hotels in Trastevere, Testaccio or near Tiburtina better. Buy the ticket before you board; it is not sold on the train.

Coaches

Terravision coaches run to Termini and the Vatican area, from €4 one way when booked online. SIT Bus Shuttle runs a similar route via Via Crescenzio near the Vatican, and COTRAL runs the regional public bus. Coaches are the cheapest option, but the journey depends on traffic.

Official taxi

Roma Capitale fixes the taxi fare from Fiumicino at €55 per car to anywhere inside the Aurelian Walls, with luggage, night and holiday supplements included. Tiburtina station is €60 and Ostiense €50. Outside the walls but inside the GRA ring road the meter runs, capped at €80. Take a white licensed taxi from the rank at arrivals and agree the fixed fare before setting off; parts of Prati and the Vatican area may be outside the walls, so check with the driver.

Pre-booked transfer

A private transfer from Fiumicino to central Rome was quoted at €82 for a sedan and €99 for a minivan for a mid-October arrival, well above the taxi fare. It makes sense mainly for late arrivals, larger groups or anyone who wants a driver waiting at arrivals.

Which should you choose?

Alone or as a couple, the Leonardo Express is quickest to Termini, and the FL1 is cheaper for Trastevere, Ostiense or Tiburtina. Four adults pay less on the Leonardo group ticket than in a €55 taxi, but the taxi drops you at the door with your bags. After the last train at 23:27, a taxi or a pre-booked transfer is the practical choice.