Quick Overview

Route: Roma Termini (city’s main train station) to Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO), about 30 km southwest of Rome.
Typical Journey Time: ~32 minutes by Leonardo Express, 45–60 minutes by bus, around 40–60 minutes by taxi or private transfer, depending on traffic.
Main Options: nonstop Leonardo Express train, direct airport buses, taxis & rideshares, or private transfers.

Best for First-Time Visitors

Choose the Leonardo Express train from Roma Termini: it’s non-stop to Fiumicino, runs roughly every 15 minutes during the day, and avoids Rome’s traffic. Trains are modern, air-conditioned, and have space for luggage.

Best Budget Option

Direct airport buses from Termini to Fiumicino are usually cheaper than the train and still comfortable, with air-conditioning and luggage storage. Allow extra time in case of rush-hour delays.

Leonardo Express Train Ticket Termini–FCO Bus Transfer

Option 1 — Leonardo Express Train (Fastest & Easiest)

Recommended for most travellers, especially with flights in daytime or evening.

  • Find the Leonardo Express area at Termini: inside Roma Termini, follow the yellow signs for “Leonardo Express / Aeroporto Fiumicino”. Trains usually depart from dedicated platforms at the far end of the station (often platform 23/24).
  • Buy your ticket: You can book a mobile ticket in advance via trusted partners, or buy at ticket machines and counters in the station. Online e-tickets do not need validation; paper tickets must usually be validated before boarding.
  • Journey time & frequency: The Leonardo Express takes about 32 minutes non-stop between Termini and Fiumicino Airport, running roughly every 15–30 minutes throughout the day (check your exact departure time when booking).
  • On board: Seats are standard second-class, with overhead racks and luggage space near doors. Keep your ticket and passport handy in case of inspection.
  • Arrival at Fiumicino: Trains arrive at Fiumicino Aeroporto station, directly connected to the terminals. Follow the signs for your airline, security, and check-in desks – walking time is usually a few minutes.

Why Choose Leonardo Express?

It’s the most reliable and traffic-free way to connect Roma Termini and Fiumicino. No intermediate stops, predictable timing, and you avoid stress from rush-hour congestion on Rome’s ring road.

Check Train Times & Prices

Option 2 — Direct Airport Buses (Cheapest)

Where Buses Leave from Termini

Direct Fiumicino airport buses depart from streets just outside Roma Termini (often along Via Marsala or Via Giolitti, depending on the company). Look for buses clearly marked “Fiumicino Airport / FCO” and always arrive at least 15–20 minutes early to secure your seat.

Journey Time & Comfort

Expect around 45–60 minutes depending on traffic on the highway. Coaches are usually air-conditioned, with luggage stored underneath and free Wi-Fi on many services. It’s a good balance of comfort and price.

Buying Tickets

You can often buy tickets at stands near the bus stops, but advance online booking guarantees your spot on a specific departure time and avoids queues. Many tickets allow free date or time changes up to 24 hours before departure.

Who This Suits Best

Ideal if you want a low-cost transfer, are not in a rush, or travel with large suitcases and prefer not to lift luggage on and off trains. Avoid peak traffic hours if your flight is tight.

Traffic Tip

When using the bus, plan to leave earlier than you think. Add at least 20–30 extra minutes to the scheduled journey time during rush hour or bad weather.

Book Termini–FCO Bus

Option 3 — Regional Trains + Metro (Flexible Alternative)

If you are already near other stations such as Tiburtina, Trastevere, or Ostiense, you can use the FL1 regional train to Fiumicino instead of travelling back to Termini first. From Termini, this is usually a backup option rather than the main choice.

  • Reach an FL1 station: From Termini, take the Metro B or a short regional train to Ostiense (Piramide), Tiburtina, or Trastevere, where FL1 trains stop.
  • Take FL1 to Fiumicino: Board a train on line FL1 toward Fiumicino Aeroporto. These are regular commuter trains with multiple stops, so the journey is slower than Leonardo Express.
  • Ticketing: You need a regional train ticket that covers the full route (metro + train if needed). Remember to validate paper tickets before boarding regional trains.

When to Use This Route

This option can be useful if your accommodation or connection is directly beside an FL1 station. For most visitors starting at Roma Termini, the Leonardo Express or bus will be simpler and more straightforward.

Option 4 — Taxi, Rideshare & Private Transfers

Official Rome Taxis

City taxis are white with a “TAXI” sign and city crest. There is usually a fixed official fare between Rome city center and Fiumicino (including luggage and up to a set number of passengers). Confirm the current flat rate before you start and make sure the taxi is licensed, not an unmarked car.

Rideshares

Depending on regulations at the time of your trip, services like Uber / app-based rides may be available. Pricing can vary by time of day and demand but offers door-to-door convenience from your hotel to the airport.

Private Airport Transfers

Pre-booked private transfers pick you up at your hotel or at Roma Termini and drop you directly at your departure terminal, with a driver waiting at the arranged time. This is ideal with late-night flights, lots of luggage, or when travelling in a group.

Travel Time & Traffic

Expect around 40–60 minutes for a taxi or private transfer. During heavy traffic or strikes on public transport, a private car can be a less stressful backup, though still affected by road congestion.

Booking Tip

For very early or very late flights, consider a pre-booked transfer so you don’t have to worry about taxi queues or night-time public transport schedules.

Book Private Transfer

Driving, Rental Cars & Drop-offs

Returning a Rental Car

If you’ve rented a car in Italy, follow the “Car Rental Return / Autonoleggio” signs at Fiumicino. The rental center is located in a dedicated area connected to the terminals by walkways and shuttle routes; allow extra time for refuelling and paperwork.

Driving from Central Rome

From the Termini area, routes to Fiumicino use Rome’s ring road (GRA) and the highway towards the airport. Traffic can be heavy, especially on weekday mornings and evenings, so plan for possible delays and leave well in advance of your flight.

Drop-off Zones

If someone is dropping you by car, use the short-stay / drop-off areas signed near the terminals. Check current rules for time limits and fees, as they may change.

Local Rules

Be mindful of limited traffic zones (ZTL) in central Rome when collecting your car. Exiting from Termini by taxi, bus, or train is often simpler than driving yourself unless you are already travelling by car.

Practical Travel Tips

Leave Early

For international flights, aim to arrive at Fiumicino at least 2–3 hours before departure. Work backwards: add your transfer time plus an extra 20–30 minutes buffer for delays.

Tickets & Validation

Always keep your ticket or QR code accessible. Paper tickets for regional trains must usually be validated in machines before boarding, while most online/mobile tickets are scanned directly.

Strikes & Disruptions

Italy occasionally has transport strikes (sciopero). On such days, services may run on reduced schedules. If your travel date coincides with a strike, consider private transfers or taxi and allow extra time.

Night-Time Travel

Late at night, Leonardo Express and buses run less frequently. For very early or late departures, a pre-booked taxi or private transfer is often the simplest option from Roma Termini.

See Leonardo Express Options See Bus Transfers

Termini → Fiumicino Cheatsheet

Distance

~30 km between Roma Termini and Fiumicino Airport (FCO).

Fastest Option

Leonardo Express – non-stop, about 32 minutes.

Cheapest Option

Direct airport buses from Termini (45–60 minutes, traffic-dependent).

Most Comfortable

Taxi or private transfer – door-to-door, ideal with luggage or late flights.

Departure Hub

All options start right by or just outside Roma Termini, Rome’s main station.

When to Leave

For long-haul flights, depart Termini 3.5–4 hours before take-off to stay relaxed.

Browse Train Tickets Browse Bus & Transfers

Ready to Travel from Roma Termini to Fiumicino Airport?

Choose the option that fits your budget and schedule – Leonardo Express train, airport bus, taxi, or private transfer – and reach Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino (FCO) smoothly for your 2025 flight.

See Termini–FCO Tickets