Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is around 30 kilometres from the centre of Rome. You have four practical options: the Leonardo Express train, the regional FL1 train, a shuttle bus, or a taxi and private transfer. This guide covers all four with current prices, journey times, and honest advice on which works best for different situations. If you are arriving at Ciampino Airport (CIA) instead, the transport options are different and covered separately in our Ciampino airport guide Ciampino airport to Rome city center.
| Transport | Journey time | Price (one way) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leonardo Express | 32 minutes | €14 per person | Speed and simplicity |
| FL1 regional train | 45 to 50 minutes | €8 per person | Budget travellers |
| Shuttle bus (Terravision, SIT) | 45 to 70 minutes | from €7 per person (buying in advence) | Lowest cost |
| Official taxi | 45 to 60 minutes | €55 fixed rate | Groups, families, late arrivals |
| Private transfer | 45 to 60 minutes | from €55 | Door to door, pre-booked comfort |
The Fastest Option: Leonardo Express
The Leonardo Express is a direct, non-stop train between Fiumicino Airport and Roma Termini station. It runs every 15 minutes between 6:23 AM and 11:23 PM and takes exactly 32 minutes. It is the most straightforward option for a first-time visitor: one train, no stops, no decisions to make on the way.
How much does the Leonardo Express cost?
A standard one-way ticket costs €14 per adult. Children aged 4 to 11 pay €12. Children under 4 travel free. A group of four adults can buy a mini-group ticket for €40 instead of €56, saving €16. Luggage is included at no extra charge with no size restrictions.
Can you buy tickets at the airport?
Yes. Tickets are available at the Trenitalia machines inside the terminal, at the ticket windows, and online in advance. The train departs from the airport’s dedicated rail station connected to Terminal 3. Whichever way you buy, validate your ticket at the yellow machines on the platform before boarding. Inspectors check every journey and unvalidated tickets result in a fine.
The Budget Options: FL1 Train and Shuttle Bus
If the Leonardo Express price is more than you want to spend, two cheaper alternatives get you into the city for less. They both take longer, but the difference in cost is meaningful for solo travellers and couples.
FL1 regional train
The FL1 is the regional train connecting Fiumicino Airport to multiple stations across Rome: Trastevere, Ostiense, Tuscolana, and Termini. It costs €8 per person one way and takes around 45 to 50 minutes to Termini. It runs every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the day. If your hotel is near Trastevere or Ostiense, the FL1 actually drops you closer to your destination than the Leonardo Express does, making it not just cheaper but more convenient.
The trade-off is that it makes multiple stops and the carriages are standard regional trains with less space for luggage during busy commute hours.
Shuttle Bus: The Cheapest Option
Three main operators run direct shuttle buses between Fiumicino and Roma Termini: Terravision, Tambus and SIT Bus Shuttle. Prices start from €7 buying in advance is cheaper, at the airport there will be 2-3 euro fee . Journey time is 45 to 70 minutes depending on traffic. Terravision also offers a route stopping at the Vatican before Termini, which is useful if you are staying in that area.
Note: If your hotel is at the zone of Vatican, SIT Bus operating also for that direction, see the link below 👇
The bus is the slowest option and most affected by Rome’s traffic. On a Sunday morning it can be quick. On a weekday afternoon it can take 80 minutes or more. Budget extra time if you have an onward train or connection from Termini.
Taxi and Private Transfer: Door to Door
How much is a taxi from Rome airport to the city center?
The official fixed rate for an authorised Rome taxi from Fiumicino to anywhere within the Aurelian Walls, which covers virtually all central accommodation, is €55. This is a flat rate regardless of traffic, time of day, or the number of passengers up to four. Luggage is included at no extra charge. Night supplements may apply between 10 PM and 7 AM and on public holidays.
Official Rome taxis are white. Take only taxis from the authorised rank outside the arrivals hall. Do not accept offers from drivers approaching you inside the terminal.
Is Uber available in Rome?
Yes, Uber operates in Rome but only the UberBlack service (licensed private hire vehicles), not UberX. Prices are generally higher than an official taxi for the airport route. For a standard arrival, an official white taxi from the rank is the simpler and usually cheaper option.
The Uber stop is located at the second floor (in Departure part, go left until you will see the sign of Uber taxi stop)
Are taxis in Rome cash only?
No. Official Rome taxis are legally required to accept card payments. That said, some drivers claim the machine is broken. Carry a small amount of cash as a backup, but you are within your rights to insist on paying by card.
Do taxis charge extra for luggage?
No extra charge applies for standard luggage in an official Rome taxi. The €55 fixed airport rate covers up to four passengers and their bags.
What about private transfers?
Private transfers are pre-booked vehicles that meet you in arrivals with a name sign. They cost from €55 and go door to door to your hotel. The advantage over a taxi is certainty: the price is fixed before you travel and you do not queue at the taxi rank after a long flight.
There are various private transfer companies. I want to mention the most trusted ones:
The first is WelcomePickups, a reliable provider where you can customize your needs, for example a child seat or the quantity of luggage.The second option is through another trusted provider, GetYourGuide.
What to Do If You Arrive Late
The Leonardo Express runs until 11:23 PM. After that, no direct train service connects the airport to Termini. The options for late arrivals are a taxi (€55 fixed rate, available 24 hours), a private transfer booked in advance, or a bus – fortunately, in Rome there is only one operator working night hours.
FAQ: Rome Airport to City Center
For most solo travellers and couples, the Leonardo Express at €14 is the best balance of speed, simplicity, and price. For groups of three or more, an official taxi at the €48 fixed rate often works out cheaper per person.
€14 per person on the Leonardo Express (direct, 32 minutes). €8 per person on the FL1 regional train (45 to 50 minutes, multiple stops).
€14 one way for adults. €12 for children aged 4 to 11. Children under 4 travel free. A group of four pays €40 with the mini-group fare.
An official white taxi at the €55 fixed rate is generally cheaper than UberBlack for the airport route. But sometimes there are offers in Uber.
The €55 fixed airport rate is reasonable for a 30 to 45 minute journey, especially for two or more people travelling together. For solo travellers, the train is significantly cheaper.
No. Card payment is legally required in official Rome taxis. Carry some cash as a backup in case of claimed technical issues.
No. Standard luggage is included in the fixed rate with no supplements.
No free shuttle exists between Fiumicino and the city centre. Paid shuttle buses from Terravision start from €7.
No. There is no metro connection between Fiumicino Airport and the city centre. The closest metro access is at Roma Termini after arriving by train or bus.