Getting in and out of town: Airports

Leonardo daVinci Airport (Fiumicino)
Ciampino Airport

When arriving or leaving Rome, you are likely to do it at the "Leonardo da Vinci" airport in Fiumicino, a little town by the seaside, 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) west of the ring of Rome. It is more known in Rome with the name of the locality, i.e. as "Fiumicino airport" ("Aeroporto Fiumicino" in Italian).

The other possibility is that you arrive or leave at the "Ciampino airport", a little town 4 km (2.5 miles) south of the ring of Rome.

Fiumicino airport
There are two possibilities: by a) taxi or b) train.

Arrival:

After landing at the airport you will be taken to the arrival terminal by shuttle bus, go through passport check, there are two control counters , EU citizen and no EU citizen, or Shengen/non Shengen nationality.

Do not be surprised if your passport is not stamped by the airport police, if you really need a stamp as a souvenir or for your reentry papers just ask kindly the police officer at your counter, if any problems arises at this point do not make a scene, try to speak basic english, slow and clear explaining the reason of your request.

Passed the passports checks you are in the luggage claim area, look for the well-made trolleys to put your luggage and follow the signs to the custom area, whereby you have to go through to exit the terminal.

Custom officers speak several languages are kind and well skilled so be honest and true when you answear their question about ...anything to declare?, remember that a smiling approach together with a ...good morning, ...thank you and ...have a nice day
always help.

a) by Taxi:

When outside the custom you are in the main arrival lobby, follow the arrows and signs to the taxi station, located on the terminal forecourt, which is outside and at the same floor of the check out area. You have to stand in line sometimes, but it is always a fast procedure.

The avarage fare for a taxi ride to the center of Rome is about Itl. 75000 (aprox. 45$ US). If you have many luggages a fee will be charged to you in addition to the meter fare in a range of Itl. 5000/10000,(aprox 3/6$ US)

Make sure that the taxi is an official one, and beware of nonofficial taxies or drivers that with various excuses (nicer car, exsecutive service, limousine car) or simply taking advantage of the fact that you ignore the real transfer cost, are able to drammaticly dry out the cash in your wallet and charge you up to Itl. 200000 or more (aprox. 120$ U.S).

These companies basicly offer a rental car service with driver from the airport to downtown and viceversa, anyway, if fate brings you to face whatever situation, that is not a regular yellow or white taxi make, sure that you agree the price without possibility of misunderstanding before accepting the service (i.g. require a trasportation voucher with the company details and the services included in the fare).

Gulliver's House is able to ease all your fears and troubles by arranging you a prsonal transfer for just Itl.60000 (aprox. 35$ U.S.), or, if you are a group from 4 to 7 people, a comfortable minivan for the same price of the train ride, Itl.15000 per person (aprox. 9$ U.S.).

b) by Train:

From the arrival lobby, wich is located on the -1 floor, look for the not very clear signs to the train station, you cannot miss it, elevators and moving walkways will bring you there. You are not allowed to put trolleys with luggage on the walkways, but you can roll them along the corridors next to them.

There are 2 trains:

1) Destination Stazione Termini:
One called "non stop" (because it does not have in-
between stops) and it takes only 30 minutes to get into Rome.

Timetable:
7.37 -8.07 -9.07 -10.07 -11.07 -12.07 -1.07 -14.07 -15.07 -16.07
-16.37-17.07-18.07-18.37-19.07-20.07-20.37-21.07-22.07.

The ticket** cost Itl. 15000 (aprox. 8.00 $ U.S.) and can be purchased:

a) at automatic vending machines or news stands at both Termini station and Fiumicino Airport

b) at train ticket counters at both Termini station or Fiumicino Airport.

c) at the Alitalia bureau near track 22 at Termini (6.30 AM - 9.00 PM)

**It is important to validate your ticket before boarding the train, by doing so you avoid being fined.