How to get from rome airport to city center
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Best Way to Get from Rome Airport (FCO) to City Center (2026 Guide)

Amy French the Roaming Historian

**Updated for 2026

Landing at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is exciting—but figuring out how to get into the city can be confusing. From trains and buses to taxis and private transfers, each option varies in cost, convenience, and travel time.

In this guide, I’ll break down the best ways to get from Rome Airport to the city center—so you can start your trip stress-free.

What is the best way to get from Rome Airport to the city center?

The best way to get from Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Rome city center depends on your budget and travel style:

  • Taxi/private transfer: fastest and easiest (best for couples/groups)
  • Leonardo Express train: fastest public option (~30 minutes)
  • Bus: cheapest but slowest

My Recommendation

If you’re traveling with 2+ people or have luggage, book a private transfer or take a taxi. The price difference is minimal, and the convenience is worth it. You don’t have to wait for a train. You don’t have to lug luggage around. You don’t have to get a taxi from the train station (Termini) to your hotel.

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Options (prices all one-way):

Bus—Terravision bus, SIT bus, or TAM bus (6-8€)

Shuttle—your hotel may offer some type of shuttle ( around 40€)

Regional Train (8€)

  • Pros: regular departures, fairly cheap
  • Cons: slow (reach Termini station in 55 minutes), not direct access to hotel—will still need transportation from train station where you are dropped at to lodging, have to walk throughout airport to get to train station, have to wait for scheduled departure, cumbersome with luggage
  • Book on Trenitalia (do not need to book ahead of time)

Leonardo Express (14€)

  • Pros: regular departures, fast (only about 30 minutes to Termini)
  • Cons: not direct access to hotel—will still need transportation from train station where you are dropped at to lodging, have to walk throughout airport to get to train station, have to wait for scheduled departure, cumbersome with luggage
  • Book on Trenitalia (do not need to book ahead of time)

Taxi (55€ to anywhere in city center—flat rate)

  • Pros: nearby flight arrival area (right outside baggage), quick, relaxing, easy with baggage, no waiting for scheduled departure (it’s ready when you are), takes you straight to lodging
  • Con: may be more expensive than most of the other options
  • Booking information: go the official taxi line outside of arrivals

Private Car (prices vary—start at 55€)

OptionTimeCostBest For
Taxi~35–40 min€55 flatConvenience
Private Transfer~35-40 min€55–85Stress-free arrival
Leonardo Express30 min€14Solo travelers
Bus45–70 min€7–15Budget travelers

Why a Private Transfer is Worth It

Buses are cheap, but you get what you pay for. Shuttles may not be a viable option, depending on where you are staying. Trains are a viable option, especially the Leonardo Express, but I think taxis (or private cars for virtually the same price) are the best way to go.

  • Comparable cost for 2+ people (might even be cheaper). Taxis have a set price of 55€ from FCO airport to anywhere in city center…and that includes luggage. If you have two people at 14€ for train and then have to get a taxi from the train station to your hotel, the train may end up costing you the same (or more!). I paid 25 euro in 2025 for a 15-minute drive from Termini to our hotel (and our hotel was relatively close). A taxi ride from Termini station to your hotel is the meter price plus several euro per piece of luggage.
    • If you’re stuck in traffic from Termini station to your lodging, or your lodging is a little further from Termini station (but still within city walls), you may easily rack up a taxi charge larger than the difference completing eliminating any savings from taking the train.
  • No navigating train stations–If you figure two Leonard Express train tickets for 28€ and a 25€ taxi ride from Termini station to lodging (and that’s conservative), your price for taking the train is 53€—for 55€ you can ride in comfort and not have to lug suitcases in and out of a train and then have to maneuver through the crowded Termini station to get a taxi.
  • It’s private. You’re tired—you’ve just flown across the Atlantic Ocean and been in a little tin can for hours on end—do you really want to be on a bus or train where you’re just one of many people?
  • Door-to-door convenience—you don’t have to navigate through the airport to find the departure spot—you just have to walk outside the airport and the cars are waiting for you and will take you to the door of your hotel.
  • It’s the “prettiest” entrance to the city and reasonably comfortable. There is nothing like the thrill of driving through the Roman walls. Train tracks go through areas of Rome that are not picturesque…to say the least.
  • It’s fast—sometimes terrifyingly so (it can feel like you’re in a Formula One race). Taxi drivers don’t want to sit in traffic with you; they want to get you out of their car so they can get a new fare in. Buses are going to sit in traffic. They have a route and no incentive to hurry.

Therefore, if you are two or more people and staying in the city center, I suggest taking a taxi (or private car at the right price) as the best way to get to the Rome airport. The relaxing drive sets the mood for your vacation. In my opinion, any small additional costs spent on this mode of transportation are well worth it…and you may find that for your party size and lodging location that it’s even cheaper than public transportation.

Pro Tip: Only use authorized taxis though: they are generally white, display the “TAXI” sign on the roof, and have the city’s emblem (SPQR) plus license number on the doors. Beware of unofficial drivers who may approach you inside the terminal—stick to the official taxi stand. Look to see that there is a plaque with the set rate on the side of the car (or right inside) to avoid being ripped off. Don’t take a taxi from the city of Fiumicino, because they don’t have the same set-rates as Rome city cabs do.

Happy travels!

FAQs

Is there Uber in Rome?
Limited—taxis and transfers are more reliable and less expensive.

How much is a taxi from FCO to Rome?
Flat rate around €55 to the city center. Luggage is included.

Is the Leonardo Express worth it?
Maybe, for solo travelers, but less convenient for couples and any savings might be minimal…the train can also cost more if your taxi from Termini station to your hotel is costly. Luggage is not included (as it is with set rate) from Termini to your hotel.

Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.

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