Getting to Rome

As the Romans used to say, all roads lead to Rome, and this is more or less still true today. The city is easily reached by air via Leonardo da Vinci Airport, which is commonly known as Fiumicino Airport. The airport lies 26kms southwest of the city and handles virtually all of Romes air traffic. Rome is also well-connected to the rest of Italy and beyond by train, bus and car.

By car

Rome is surrounded by an urban ring road, which connects with major motorways heading off in each of the four directions. From Milan and Florence to the north, you can take the A1 (Autostrada del Sole) or the A12-E80 motorway from Genoa.

Anyone travelling from the south, including Naples, can take the A2, which leads directly to Rome. From the airport, the A12 motorway will lead you straight into the city. All of the surrounding motorways connect with the Grande Raccordo Anulare (GRA), which channels the traffic towards the city centre. Like the rest of Italy, signs with a bulls eye will direct you to the centre of town.

By rail

Romes central train station, the Stazione Termini, will connect you with every other train station in Italy. The station is located just east of the city centre, within a 15-minute walk of Piazza Vittorio and the Colosseo. There are English-speaking staff at the information office at the central station and you can purchase tickets up to two months in advance. Tickets can also be bought at most travel agencies or at the electronic ticket machines in the station, which have English instructions.

Romes other train stations, Tiburtina and Ostiense, service a handful of long-distance trains, commuter trains and the FM1 line to Fiumicino Airport. Trastevere Station handles some of the trains bound for Pisa and Genoa. Call Trenitalia for more information (tel: +39 06 4775).

By bus

There is no central bus station in Rome itself. Long-distance buses terminate either near the Tiburtina train station or near the outlying Metro stops, such as Anagnina and Rebbibia. Taking a bus is not the most convenient way to get to Rome, but it can be done. Once you arrive at one of the outlying stations, you simply need to use the local suburban bus company, COTRAL, to get into the city centre.

By air

Rome has two airports, although Fiumicino Airport handles most of the international flights and all of the domestic flights into the city. The smaller Ciampino Airport, located about 20kms south of the city, is primarily used by charter flights and budget carriers.

From Fiumicino Airport, there are two trains which head to the city centre. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or a private limousine at booths in the Arrivals Hall. Regular bus service connects Fiumicino with downtown Rome and there is also a night bus service to Stazione Tiburtina. From Ciampino Airport, you can take a COTRAL bus, which connects with the Metro system, or you can hire a taxi.

Rome international airports

Romes principal airport is called Fiumicino. Most international flights and all domestic flights arrive here at one of the three terminals, which are linked by a shuttle service. Fiumicino Airports terminals all have ATMs and banks and currency exchange counters. There are also several bars, restaurants and duty-free shopping. Airport information desks are located in each terminal as well as special tourist information desks and touch-screen information kiosks (tel: +39 06 65951).

Romes second airport, Ciampino Airport, mainly handles charter flights and low-cost carriers such as Ryanair, easyJet and Thomsonfly. The four small terminals are equipped with ATMs, currency exchange booths and a branch of the Banca di Roma. Airport information desks are located in each of the terminals (tel: +39 06 794941).

Rome international airport transportation

The easiest and cheapest way to get to the city centre from Romes Fiumicino Airport is to take one of the trains. There are two trains to choose from, depending on where you want to go downtown.

The Leonardo Express direct train to Stazione Termini is probably your best bet. This service runs every 30 minutes from 06:37 until 23:37, and the Stazione Termini is well-serviced by taxis as well as being the hub of Metro and bus routes. The journey on the Leonardo Express takes 30 minutes and the price is affordable. The other train option is the FM1, which runs into Rome and beyond, eventually terminating in the suburbs of Monterotondo.

A regular bus service connects Fiumicino Airport with downtown Rome and the surrounding area. These buses depart from outside the Arrivals Hall. A special night bus runs late to Stazione Tiburtina. Taxis are available, but they are rather expensive compared to the train. Official taxis are yellow or white. Dont use the gypsy taxi drivers, who will undoubtedly approach you inside the terminal. Private limousines can also be hired at transport booths in the Arrivals halls. They cost a little more than regular taxis, but can take more passengers.

If you rent a car, its fairly easy to get into the city. Follow the signs for Rome on the expressway, which runs from the airport and links up with the GRA, Romes ring road. The direction you take on the GRA depends on where your hotel is, so ask for specific directions before leaving the airport. The drive should take around 45 minutes.

From Ciampino Airport, the easiest but most expensive option is to take a taxi into town. Official taxis wait outside the Arrivals Hall. Make sure the metre is turned on before you set off and check the estimated fare cost. A bus service takes passengers to the nearest train station, where you can catch a train into Rome or another bus to the Stazione Termini. COTRAL buses run every 15 minutes from Ciampino Airport to Anagnina Metro Station. If you are driving, simply take the via Appia Nuova motorway north towards downtown Rome.