Arriving in Rome

Arriving in Rome

Rome has two international airports. The larger is Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci di Roma Fiumicino, which has airport code FCO. It is located about 36 kilometers (22 miles), southwest of Rome. A variety of public and private ground transportation is available to take you to Rome from this airport. All can be accessed by paying the fare in Euros.

The second airport is Ciampino, located about 16 kilometers southeast of Rome, with airport code CIA. Only the metro and taxis are available at Ciampino. Travel times are averages under average traffic conditions. Be aware that public transportation can be inconvenient when carrying luggage.

Arriving at Fiumicino airport (Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci)

This airport consists of three main terminals, plus a satellite terminal linked by an automatic shuttle called the Sky Bridge. Terminal A is for domestic flights, terminal B is for international flights and some national transit, while terminal C is reserved for international flights. The airport is open 24 hours a day. In the arrival hall you'll find automated teller machines, toilets, public telephones, and a few shops serving drinks and snacks.

• Taxi fare from Fiumicino to Rome is 45-65 €, depending on distance and traffic conditions. Taxi stands are located outside the terminal exits. Allow one to two hours travel time.
• Direct train is the best way to reach the city center. The Leonardo Express stops just in front of the airport and goes to Termini station, one train every 30 minutes, from 06h35 to 11h35. Allow half an hour travel time and about 12 € for a one-way ticket. Other trains go to Tiburtina, Tuscolana, Ostiense, and Trastevere, from 05h55 to 11h25, but are not inconvenient for tourists because they are slow and do not go to Termini station. A one way ticket is about 6 €.
• Night coaches depart from the international arrival hall for Termini and Tiburtina stations. Departures are at 01h15, 02h15, 03h30 and 05h00. A one-way ticket can be purchased on board for about 4 €.

Arriving at Ciampino airport

Ciampino is mainly a military airport, but it also receives charter and low cost flights. Smaller than Fiumicino, it offers less services, however, you'll find an automatic teller machine and a currency exchange. A shuttle bus links the airport to the Anagnina metro station (line A) from 06h45 to 11h35. Allow about half an hour travel time. You must buy a ticket from the machine located outside the arrival terminal. The one-way fare is about 1 €. Finally, you can take a taxi. A one-way trip will be at least 35 €.

Checking into your hotel

Rome hotels usually have a check-out time between 11h00 and 12h00, and a check-in time between 15h00 and 16h00. Travelers arriving in the morning may have to wait to check in. If you are very tired from travelling, mention politely to the receptionist how you feel and your room should be ready shortly. But if you have enough energy to stay up a few hours more, leave your luggage at the hotel, go to a caffetteria nearby, and enjoy your first day in Rome with a fresh espresso!