Getting Around
Rome's network of buses, trams, metro and trains covers the whole city from 5.30am to around midnight, and night buses take over until about 5am, covering the main routes. The metro only has two lines, but is the easiest and fastest way to get around. The bus service is cheap and reliable, albeit slow due to traffic congestion. Tickets cover all forms of transport and must be pre-purchased and validated at the start of every journey; there are daily tickets valid for unlimited rides or standard tickets that allow for any bus or metro ride within a 75 minute time frame. Taxis are notoriously expensive and display a list of surcharges. The historic centre of Rome is compact and manageable on foot, and most of it is closed to normal traffic. Driving in Rome is an experience to be avoided.
Airports
Rome Fiumicino Airport
The airport is 19 miles (30km) southwest of central Rome.
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Location
The airport is 19 miles (30km) southwest of central Rome.Getting to the city
The train station is across the road from Terminal 3, near car park D. There are two trains to the city. The Leonardo Express travels directly to Roma Termini, the station in the city centre, every half hour from 6.30am to 11.30pm. Buy a ticket at the ticketing counter in the station and then validate it at one of the machines (the ticket will then be valid for an hour and a half). A cheaper option is the slightly slower Regional FL1 train, which runs to major stations (Tiburtina, Tuscolana, Ostiense and Trastevere) every 15 minutes, or every half hour on Sundays and holidays.
Cotral buses leave from Roma Tiburtina railway station and stop at Piazza dei Cinquecento in front of the national museum.
Time
GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).Car rental
The car rental desks are in the multi-level car park lots C and B, directly in front of the terminal and connected via passenger walkways. Simply follow the signs from the arrivals area. There are several major companies represented, including Hertz, Avis, Sixt and Budget, as well as a few local operators.
Airport Taxis
Authorised taxis can usually be found in the arrivals areas.
Transfer between terminals
A free shuttle bus operates between the terminals and car parks every 15 minutes.
Facilities
Airport facilities include ATMs and currency exchange, information desks, travel agents, pharmacies, massage parlours, a beauty parlour, a hairdresser, as well as slot machines and laundry facilities. There are business facilities, and there are myriad shopping and dining options.
Parking
Parking spaces are available in front of the terminal, and there is a variety of options within the garages and long-term lots. All parking options are connected to the terminals via walkways or shuttle buses.
Rome Ciampino Airport
The airport is situated nine miles (15km) southeast of Rome.
Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA)
Location
The airport is situated nine miles (15km) southeast of Rome.Getting to the city
Airport taxis are available, but taxi fares from Ciampino Airport into the centre of Rome (defined as the area within the Aurelian walls) can be prohibitively expensive. To combat this problem, the airport has set up an official taxi stand, located opposite the arrivals hall. Here, taxis operate on a fixed rate of about €30 per cab, good for a maximum of four passengers and their baggage. The trip should take 25 minutes but it'll be closer to an hour in traffic. Buses are another option, and there are many service providers. Travellers are advised to choose to go the public bus route.
Time
GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September).Car rental
Car rentals are provided by Avis, Budget, Europcar, National, Sixt and Hertz. The rental offices are well-signed and are located near the airport's entrance. You will require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in order to rent a vehicle, and all cars will feature automatic transmissions.
Airport Taxis
Only use authorised taxis (white cars with meters). The journey to central Rome will take about 40 minutes. A surcharge is added on Sundays, public holidays, late at night and for excess baggage.
Transfer between terminals
Not applicable - Ciampino Airport has only one terminal building, though you will take a shuttle from your plane to the arrivals area.
Facilities
A bank (Banco di Roma) is located in the departures area, and numerous ATMs and bureaux de change are scattered throughout the terminal building. A lost and found office is also available, as is a VIP lounge with a snackbar and private boarding/disembarkation gates. Other facilities include nursery and medical facilities; a passenger assistance and customer service desk; tour operators and travel agencies; shops and cafes; and full access and comprehensive facilities for disabled passengers (the airport is renowned for its convenience for disabled passengers).
Parking
Both short- and long-term parking is available at Ciampino Airport. The first 15 minutes are free, thereafter various charges are levied.