Transfer from/to Rome

Rome is one of the most touristic cities in the world, so you have several alternatives to get from its two airports to the city center. I am going to summarize what you should know, but I can already tell you that the best quality/price option is the shared transfer.

Ciampino Airport

Although smaller than Fiumicino airport, Ciampino is one of the airports that receives more flights to Rome internationally, many of these from low cost airlines. Its proximity to the city center, only 15 kilometers away, makes it a very accessible airport. The best transfers from Ciampino are:

• :Shared transfer from Ciampino to your hotel
• Bus transfer between Ciampino and Rome - from $7

Fiumicino Airport

It has 3 terminals and is the most important airfield in Rome and **one of the busiest in Europe. It is modern and not far from the capital, about 26 kilometers. Here are the options to get from Fiumicino to your hotel in Rome:

• Shared transfer from Fiumicino to your hotel
• Bus transfer between Fiumicino and Rome - from $8.

You can get to Rome from Ciampino and vice versa in several ways. Here are the two main differences between shared and private transfers:

Shared transfer between Ciampino and Rome

If you are staying in the center of Rome and you want to get from Ciampino to the very door of your hotel in an easy, fast and comfortable way with an affordable price, the shared minibus transfer from Ciampino to Rome isthe best option. You will travel in an eight-seater minibus and in 45 minutes you will be in the center of Rome.

For the return trip, you can enjoy the same service and make a shared minibus transfer from your hotel in Rome to Ciampino: to end your trip without stress.

The service works exactly the same on the outward and return journeys, but if you allow me to give you a tip, it is important that you calculate the pick-up time of the transfer. Remember that the traffic in Rome can be a bit chaotic and therefore it is better not to go with just enough time.

Also tell you that they will ask for your hotel address and pick-up time to calculate a good route, but I insist that it is better if you give them a little margin to avoid possible unforeseen traffic problems and arrive at the airport with peace of mind.

Private transfer between Ciampino and Rome

Another option, instead of sharing transportation with other travelers, is to book a private transfer from Ciampino to your hotel. You will have a private car waiting for you and your companions upon landing, and you will head directly to your hotel without unnecessary waiting or stops. When booking, you will also have the option to choose a transfer back to the airport from your hotel.

Transfer from Ciampino to Rome by bus

This is the most advisable option if you are not going to use the private or shared transfer. The cheapest way is to use the regular ATRAL buses that link the airport with the last metro station on line A (Anagnina). Of course, from there you will have to reach the center of Rome using the subway network and what you save in price you will spend in time and effort.

If you choose this option and are staying in the center of Rome, I recommend a bus transfer between Ciampino and Rome. For about six euros you will have several stops in the center of Rome and the trip will be much shorter and more comfortable. These buses can also be booked in advance.

If you book your seat online, you will receive a voucher with instructions on how to find the bus stop of the corresponding transport company (you can also ask at the airport). Buses from Ciampino to Rome usually take about 45 minutes to reach the center, leave every 30 to 40 minutes, are air-conditioned and you can also book the return trip from Termini Station. There is no extra charge for luggage.

Other options for Ciampino: cab or Uber

Cabs from Ciampino to the center of Rome have a fixed fare of about 30 euros excluding the night supplement if applicable. Cab ranks are easy to find once you are at the airport; remember to be wary of unofficial cabs (official cabs are white, with the word "cab" written on the roof and with the license number and city crest visible) that may be offered at the airport.

If you prefer to use VTC apps, Uber is available in Rome, but the ride to the center from the airport may be more expensive. If you choose this option, check the price before ordering the car, make sure you meet at an accessible pick-up point and that you have an Internet connection once you get off the plane.

The same options I mention from Ciampino airport are also available from Fiumicino airport to Rome. As you will see, the price and conditions are practically the same:

Shared transfer between Fiumicino and Rome

There is the same shared shuttle option on arrival at Fiumicino. If you are staying in the center of Rome and you want to get from Fiumicino to the door of your hotel in an easy, fast and comfortable way with an affordable price, the shared minibus transfer is the best option. You will travel in an eight-seater minibus and in 45 minutes you will be in the center of Rome.

It is not only important to get to your accommodation once you are at the airport. When you return from your trip you will have the same dilemma of how to get to Fiumicino or Ciampino from your hotel.

The shared transfer is also available to go from the center of Rome to Fiumicino, something you will appreciate even more when you are exhausted after a trip that will be intense (and wonderful, I assure you) and when you want to be sure to calculate well the times to make the most of the city of Rome.

Returning to the airport from your hotel with this service you will have the same booking procedure, the same conditions and the same price.

Private transfer between Fiumicino and Rome

If you are in a hurry, do not want to wait or simply prefer to go at your own pace and not depend on other travelers, you can book a private transfer service between Fiumicino and Rome. The car will be just for you (and your companions, in case you are traveling as a couple, with friends or family) and will take you directly to your hotel or wherever you tell him, as long as the destination is in the center of Rome.

Transfer from Fiumicino to Rome by bus

It is the cheapest option (the price is around six euros) and you have the opportunity to book your ticket from Fiumicino to Rome in advance. There are several bus companies that make direct trips between Fiumicino and the center of Rome with stops at Termini Station and other central points of the capital.

To locate the company in question, the most useful is to follow the information you will receive by mail when booking or ask directly at the information points of the airport, although if you wish you have the option to hire the pick-up separately when making your reservation. The journey takes about 45 minutes, buses leave every 30-40 minutes from Fiumicino and have room for luggage.

This option is also available to return to the airport from the center of Rome with stops at Termini, the Vatican and Via Aurelia.

Fiumicino to Rome by train

Rome has two subway lines: A and B. To get to them from Fiumicino airport you will have to use a direct train. You have two options:

At any of the information booths at the airport you can ask about buying tickets, but both options are signposted.

Other options for Fiumicino: Taxi or Uber

Make sure of the price you will be charged before leaving the airport and that the cab is official (you will recognize them because the license number is visible next to the city's coat of arms, the cars are white and the word "cab" is written on the roof). The fixed fare established by the Municipality of Rome to go from Fiumicino airport to any point in the city (as long as it is within the Aurelian walls) is about 48 euros.

Remember that cabs may charge night bonuses and that there are times when they may ask you for a "baggage surcharge". If you are going outside the limits established by the Aurelian Walls, it is best to negotiate the price before leaving. The points where you can find cabs are easily located through the signs distributed throughout the airport.

As you will see, the price and conditions at both airports are practically the same. Once you book a transfer, you will receive a confirmation email with all the details and instructions. You will probably be asked for your flight number and the company you are traveling with, to make sure they check if the flight arrives on time.

In any case, almost all transportation companies have a stand or corner at the airport with staff available 24 hours a day so that you can contact them when you land. They will also ask you for your hotel address so they can calculate a good route and drop you off at your accommodation as quickly as possible.

How to book step by step

Ana's Traveller Tip

Rome's two airports are the same distance from the center, so if your city has flights to both airports, you can choose the cheapest one.

• If you are traveling in a large group (8 people maximum) it will probably be more economical to choose the private transfer option since you will pay the cost of the trip together and it will be cheaper than a shared one.
• The driver will be exclusively at your disposal and will be waiting for you at the terminal with a sign with your name on it.
• It will take you less time to get to your hotel since the minibus or luxury car (always with air conditioning) in which you travel will not make stops to drop off other passengers at their hotel.
• If you carry a lot of luggage you will have more facilities since you will not share space in the vehicle with other passengers.

Once in Rome you should organize your time well, as there are many things you should not miss, although you can always leave some for your return to the city. Taking a tour of Rome can be one of the best options to not miss the must-sees of the city. Reading this post about Top 11 tours of Rome you can get more information about the best tours in Rome.

Also, if you have enough time, I recommend you to visit the surroundings of Rome with an excursion. It is really worth it as you can see if you take a look to this post about The 9 best excursions from Rome.