Ciampino Airport (CIA) is Rome’s second airport, located around 15 kilometres southeast of the city centre. It handles most Ryanair and low-cost carrier flights into Rome. Unlike Fiumicino, there is no direct express train from the terminal. Your main options are a shuttle bus, train+bus link, a taxi, a private transfer, or a local bus connecting to the metro. This guide covers all of them with current prices and honest advice on which works best for your situation. If you arrived or are departing from Fiumicino (FCO) instead, see our how to get from Rome airport to the city center guide.
| Transport | Journey time | Price (one way) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle bus (SIT, Terravision) | 40 to 50 minutes | €6 per person | Most travellers, direct to Termini |
| Official taxi | 40 to 45 minutes | €40 fixed rate | Groups, families, door to door |
| Private transfer | 40 to 45 minutes | from €50 | Pre-booked comfort, meet and greet |
| Local bus + metro | 45 to 60 minutes | €1.50 | Budget travellers, light luggage only |
| Local bus + train | 45 to 60 minutes | around €2.70 | Budget travellers comfortable with connections |
The Best Way to Get from Ciampino Airport to the City Center
For most travellers arriving at Ciampino, the shuttle bus to Roma Termini is the right choice. It is direct, affordable, runs throughout the day, and drops you at the station with access to the full Rome metro network. For groups of three or four, a taxi at the €40 fixed rate works out cheaper per person and takes you all the way to your hotel door.
How do I go from Ciampino to Rome Termini?
The most straightforward route is the shuttle bus, operated by SIT Bus Shuttle or Terravision. Both run directly to Rome Termini, with no changes required.
Shuttle Bus: The Most Practical Option
Two main companies run direct shuttle services between Ciampino Airport and Roma Termini: SIT Bus Shuttle and Terravision.
SIT Bus Shuttle departs from the airport between 7:45 AM and 11:15 PM. The return service from Termini (Via Marsala 5) starts at 4:30 AM. A one-way ticket costs €6.
Terravision operates a similar route at comparable prices, with departures between 8:15 AM and 12:15 AM from the airport. One-way tickets around €8 .
Tickets can be bought on board (additional 2 euro fee per person), or online in advance with the normal price.
Both services take 40 to 50 minutes in normal traffic and stop directly outside Termini, giving you immediate access to metro Lines A and B and the main rail connections out of Rome.
Taxi and Private Transfer: Door to Door
How much does a taxi cost from Ciampino Airport to the city centre?
The official fixed rate for an authorised Rome taxi from Ciampino to anywhere within the Aurelian Walls is €40. This covers up to four passengers and all their luggage with no extras. For three or four people travelling together, this is often cheaper per person than the shuttle bus and gets you directly to your accommodation without changing at Termini.
Night supplements apply between 10 PM and 7 AM and on public holidays, which will push the fare above the standard rate.
Official Rome taxis are white with an illuminated sign on the roof. Take taxis only from the authorised rank outside the arrivals hall. Do not accept offers from drivers approaching you inside the terminal: unofficial drivers operate at Ciampino and charge significantly more.
Private transfers
Private transfers are pre-booked vehicles that meet you in arrivals with a name sign. They cost from around €45 and take you door to door to your hotel. Unlike a taxi rank, your driver is confirmed in advance and waiting regardless of flight delays. This is the most reliable option for late-night arrivals or if you are travelling with young children and heavy luggage.
Budget Option: Local Bus and Metro
If you are travelling light and comfortable with a connection, Ciampino has two local ATAC bus lines that connect the airport to the Rome metro network for just €1.50, the standard Rome public transport ticket.
Bus 720 departs from stand 4 outside arrivals every 20 minutes and connects to Laurentina, the southern terminus of Metro Line B.
Bus 520 also departs from stand 4 and connects to Cinecittà on Metro Line A.
Both lines run from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM. From either metro station you can reach Termini and the city centre in around 15 to 20 minutes.
Tickets cost €1.50 per person and can be bought at the Rome Tourist Information desk inside the arrivals hall (open 8:30 AM to 6 PM). Outside those hours, you can pay directly at the red validating machine using a credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay – just note that each card transaction counts per person. You can also buy tickets and plan your route in advance using the Moovit or MooneyGo app.
One honest note: this option works well for solo travellers with a single bag and some experience using public transport in a city they do not know yet. With heavy luggage, two or more people, or a late arrival, the shuttle bus or taxi is significantly less stressful.
Arriving Late at Night
The shuttle buses stop running between midnight and 12:15 AM depending on the operator. The local bus and metro option ends at 11:30 PM. For late arrivals, the options are an official taxi at the €40 fixed rate (available 24 hours) or a pre-booked private transfer. If your flight lands after midnight, book a private transfer in advance. Your driver will be waiting in arrivals regardless of any delays.
FAQ: Ciampino Airport to Rome City Center
The shuttle bus to Roma Termini is the best option for most travellers: direct, affordable at €6, and running throughout the day. For groups of three or more, a taxi at the €40 fixed rate often works out cheaper per person.
Around 15 kilometres. Journey time by road is 40 to 50 minutes in normal traffic.
The shuttle bus (SIT Bus Shuttle or Terravision) runs directly from the airport to Via Marsala, immediately next to Termini, in 40 to 50 minutes. No changes required.
Tickets can be bought at the airport desk, online in advance, or on board the bus. Card and cash (not on board) are both accepted.
No. The airport has no direct metro connection. Local buses 520 and 720 connect the airport to metro stations Cinecittà (Line A) and Laurentina (Line B) for €1.50.
Yes, but only UberBlack (licensed private hire), not UberX. Prices are generally higher than an official taxi. An official white taxi at the €40 fixed rate is usually the better option.
For the Ciampino airport route, yes. The official taxi fixed rate of €40 is generally lower than UberBlack pricing for the same journey. But sometimes Uber have some deals
No. Official Rome taxis are legally required to accept card payments. Carry some cash as backup in case a driver claims a technical issue with the card reader.