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 centre. I am going to summarise what you should know, but I can already tell you that the best value for money option is the shared transfer.

Ciampino Airport

Although smaller than Fiumicino airport, Ciampino is one of the airports that receives more flights to Rome at an international level, many of them from low cost airlines. Its proximity to the city centre, just 15 kilometres 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 CAD 9

Fiumicino Airport

With 3 terminals, Ciampino is Rome's most important airfield and **one of the busiest in Europe. It's modern and not far from the capital either, about 26 kilometres. Here are the options for getting from Fiumicino to your hotel in Rome:

• Shared transfer from Fiumicino to your hotel
• Bus transfer between Fiumicino and Rome - from CAD 11.

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 centre of Rome and want to get from Ciampino to your hotel door easily, quickly and comfortably at 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 centre of Rome.

On the way back, you can enjoy the same service and make a shared minibus transfer from your hotel in Rome to Ciampino: to end your trip stress-free.

The service works exactly the same on the outward and return journeys, but if you will allow me to give you some advice, it is important that you calculate the pick-up time of the transfer. Remember that the traffic in Rome can be a bit chaotic, so it is better not to go at short notice.

They will also ask you for the address of your hotel and the 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 transport with other travellers, is to book a private transfer from Ciampino to your hotel. You'll have a private car waiting for you and your companions when you land, and you 'll head straight to your hotel without unnecessary waiting or stops. When booking, you will also have the option to choose a return transfer from your hotel to the airport.

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 option is to use the regular ATRAL buses that link the airport with the last metro station on line A (Anagnina). However, from there you will have to get to the centre of Rome using the metro network and what you save in price you will spend in time and effort.

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

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

Other options for Ciampino: taxi or Uber

Taxis from Ciampino to the centre of Rome have a fixed fare of about 30 euros excluding the night supplement if applicable. Taxi ranks are easy to find once you're at the airport; remember to be wary of unofficial taxis (official taxis are white, with the word 'taxi' written on the roof and the licence 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 centre from the airport may be more expensive. If you choose this option, check the price before you order the car, make sure you meet at an accessible pick-up point and make sure 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 option of shared transport on arrival at Fiumicino. If you are staying in the centre of Rome and you want to get from Fiumicino to the door of your hotel in an easy, fast and comfortable way at 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 centre 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 from the centre of Rome to Fiumicino, something you will appreciate even more when you are exhausted after a trip that is going to be intense (and wonderful, I assure you) and when you want to be sure to calculate your time well in order to make the most of the city of Rome.

When you return 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, don't want to wait or simply prefer to go at your own pace and not depend on other travellers, you can book a private transfer service between Fiumicino and Rome. The car will be just for you (and your companions, if you are travelling as a couple, with friends or family) and will take you directly to your hotel or wherever you tell it to go, as long as the destination is in the centre of Rome.

Bus from Fiumicino to Rome

This 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 operating direct services between Fiumicino and the centre of Rome with stops at Termini Station and other central points in the capital.

The most useful way to find the company in question is to follow the information you will receive by email when you make your booking or to ask directly at the airport information points, although if you wish, you have the option of hiring a separate pick-up service when you make your booking. The journey takes about 45 minutes, buses leave every 30-40 minutes from Fiumicino and have luggage space.

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

Fiumicino to Rome by train

Rome is served by two metro lines: A and B. To reach them from Fiumicino airport you will have to use a direct train. You have two options:

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

Other options to Fiumicino: taxi or Uber

Make sure you know the fare before you leave the airport and that the taxi is official (you'll recognise them because the licence number is visible next to the city's coat of arms, the cars are white and the word 'taxi' is written on the roof). The fixed fare set by Rome' s City Hall to get from Fiumicino airport to any point in the city (as long as it is within the Aurelian walls) is about 48 euros.

Remember that taxis may charge night bonuses and that sometimes they may ask for a "luggage surcharge". If you are going outside the boundaries of the Aurelian Walls, it is best to negotiate the price before you leave. Taxi ranks are easy to find from the signs around the airport.

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

In any case, almost all transport 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 the address of your hotel so that 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 centre, so if your city has flights to both airports, you can choose the cheapest one.

• If you are travelling in a large group (8 people maximum) it will probably be more economical to opt for a private transfer, as you will pay the cost of the journey together and it will be cheaper than a shared transfer.
• 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 as the minibus or luxury car (always air-conditioned) in which you are travelling will not make stops to drop off other passengers at their hotel.
• If you are carrying a lot of luggage, it will be easier for you as you will not be sharing space in the vehicle with other passengers.

Once in Rome you should organise 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 make sure you don't miss out on the city's must-see sights. Reading this post about Top 11 tours of Rome you can get more information about the best tours in Rome.

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