Arrival & Transport
Arrival by Plane
Fiumicino Airport (FCO) — Leonardo da Vinci
Rome's main airport is located 32 km southwest of the city on the coast. Most international flights land here.
Flight Connections from Germany
- Ryanair — From many German cities, often from €20 one-way. Flies to Fiumicino and Ciampino.
- easyJet — From Berlin, Munich, Hamburg. Affordable, but pay attention to hand luggage rules.
- Lufthansa / ITA Airways — From Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf. Flight time: 1.5–2 hours.
- Eurowings / Wizz Air — Other affordable options from various cities.
From Fiumicino Airport to the City Center
| Option | Price | Duration | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leonardo Express | €14 | 32 Min. | Direct train to Roma Termini. Every 15 Min. Fastest option. |
| Regional Train (FL1) | €8 | 45–60 Min. | Stops at Roma Trastevere, Ostiense, Tuscolana. Cheaper but slower. |
| SIT / Terravision Bus | €6–7 | 50–70 Min. | To Termini station. Cheap but slow in traffic. |
| Taxi | €50 (fixed price) | 30–50 Min. | Fixed price to the center (within the Aurelian Walls). Only licensed white taxis! |
Ciampino Airport (CIA)
Rome's second airport, 15 km southeast, is mainly served by Ryanair and Wizz Air. Smaller and simpler than Fiumicino. To the center: Bus (Terravision/SIT, €6, 40 Min. to Termini) or Taxi (€31 fixed price).
Local Transport
On Foot — The Best Option
The historic center of Rome is surprisingly compact: From the Colosseum to the Vatican is only 3.5 km as the crow flies, from the Pantheon to the Trevi Fountain 5 minutes on foot. Most attractions are within an area you can comfortably explore on foot. Comfortable shoes are a must — Rome's cobblestones (Sampietrini) are charming but tricky.
Metro
Rome's metro has only 3 lines (A, B, B1) and is surprisingly small for a city of 2.8 million — the reason: Every excavation for a new station encounters ancient ruins and delays construction for years. The metro is useful for:
- Line A: Vatican (Ottaviano), Spanish Steps (Spagna), Piazza Barberini (Barberini), Termini.
- Line B: Colosseum (Colosseo), Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo), Pyramid/Testaccio (Piramide), EUR.
Single ride: €1.50 (valid for 100 Min., including transfers to buses). Day pass: €7. 72-hour pass: €18. Tickets at machines in every station or in tobacco shops (Tabacchi).
Bus & Tram
The bus network is extensive but chaotic — buses rarely arrive on time, signage is confusing, and schedules are more like suggestions. Nevertheless, some lines are useful:
- Bus 40 / 64: Termini → Vatican (fastest bus connection, but pickpockets!)
- Bus 23: Trastevere → Vatican along the Tiber.
- Tram 3: Trastevere → Colosseo → San Lorenzo. Convenient and scenic.
Taxi
Rome's taxis (white limousines) are relatively affordable: Base fare €3.50 (€6.50 at night/Sundays), then about €1.10/km. A ride through the center rarely costs more than €8–15. Only use official white taxis — no private drivers who approach at the airport or station! Apps: FreeNow or inTaxi.
Tipp
Do NOT buy tickets on the bus (not possible) — always in advance at the machine in the metro station or at the Tabacchi (tobacco shops, recognizable by the blue "T" sign). The BIT card (€1.50, 100 Min.) is valid for metro, bus, and tram. Don't forget to validate!
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