Rome Fiumicino Airport

Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) Airport is about 30 km or 20 miles from the center of Rome. Here's how to reach the city:

By "Leonardo Express" train. The Leonardo Express is a first-class train that runs between the airport and Termini (Rome's main railroad station) in 32 minutes with no intermediate stops.

Trains depart at 15- to 30-minute intervals. For details, including illustrated step-by-step instructions for buying tickets and using the train, see our Leonardo Express article.

• Note: Departing passengers who use the Leonardo Express to reach FCO get a discount on the optional "Fast Track" security line in Terminal 3 and cheaper access to VIP lounges.

By regional train. The FL1 rail line runs between the Fiumicino Airport railway station to Rome's Trastevere, Piramide/Ostiense, and Tuscolana stations. It's cheaper than the Leonardo Express and more convenient for some parts of the city and the cruise port at Civitavecchia. See "Cheaper trains and other Rome stations" in our Leonardo Express article for more information.

Train tips:

• If you've booked a hotel near Termini Station, the Leonardo Express is your best bet. The Fr1 may be more convenient if you're staying in Trastevere or near the Vatican.

• Whether you're taking the Leonardo Express or the FL1 line, be sure to validate your ticket in one of the machines on the platform. Traveling with an unstamped ticket can result in a hefty fine.

By bus. SIT operates bus shuttles that stop at Fiumicino City, Fiumicino Airport, the Vatican, and Termini Station, with frequent departures from the crack of dawn until mid-evening. Travel times from the airport are 45 minutes to the Vatican and 60 minutes to Termini,  or possibly longer in heavy traffic. For English-language information and timetables, click here.

A slightly cheaper alternative is Schiaffini's Rome Airport Bus to Termini Station, which offers free Wi-Fi on board and has comparable fares.

By taxi. You can hire a licensed cab at the official taxi stand outside Terminal 3 on the arrivals level. The flat fare between Fiumicino Airport and locations within Rome is  €50 in either direction.

For fixed fares to other locations, click here.

Rail connections to other cities in Italy

The official Trenitalia Web site has an interactive timetable and other information for travelers.

Here are some tips to minimize confusion and delays on your day of departure from Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino Airport:

• Know your departure terminal before leaving for the airport. (Check ahead with your airline's Web site, or click here.)

• Before checking in, look for your flight's check-in counter number on the electronic signs or monitors. (In many cases, an airline and/or flight may be using more than one counter or wicket.)

• Take advantage of the airport's new (and free) QPass system, which lets you avoid long security lines by booking a time for your security check in advance.

For travelers to the U.S. or Israel:

• If you're changing planes at a European airport on your way back to the U.S. or Israel, you'll check in at Terminal 1, 2, or 3, depending on your airline and connection city. (See page 1.)

• If you're traveling on a "codeshare" ticket, the airline you're flying on may not be the one that sold you the ticket. For example, the first leg of a Delta routing to the United States through Amsterdam will be on KLM or Alitalia (departing from Terminal 1), while a direct Delta flight to New York or another U.S. city will leave from Terminal 3.

Aeroporti di Roma: Fiumicino
ADR's English-language Web pages can be confusing at first glance, but the site does have timetables and enough shopping information to keep you busy if you've won a lottery and are stuck at FCO.

Hilton Rome Airport
This comfortable, well-equipped hotel is connected to the terminals, shops, restaurants,and train station at Fiumicino Airport by an enclosed pedestrian bridge. It's by far the most convenient hotel for catching an early-morning flight from FCO. Although the hotel isn't cheap, our Booking.com link offers guaranteed lowest rates.