Rome: Getting from the airport to your accommodation

The main airport in Rome is the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Aeroporto internazionale Leonardo da Vinci).

The main tourist attractions are located in central Rome, which is approximately thirty kilometres from the airport. The best and cheapest transport option is the train. The Fiumicino Airport train station is located within the airport.

There are two options for trains:

1. The Leonardo Express Line (Leonardo Linea Espressa) runs direct from the airport to Roma Termini, located in central Rome. The trip is approximately half an hour to get from the Airport to Roma Termini. The cost of a ticket is €14,00 per person.
2. The FL1 Regional Train runs from the airport and stops at main stations throughout Rome, including Roma Termini. The regional train takes longer and costs €8,00. Ideal for anyone staying in regional areas of Rome.

Getting to the train station

Locating the Fiumicino Airport train station within the airport is quite simple:

1. After collecting your belongings from baggage claim, walk out to the next corridor (this may sound vague but will make sense on arrival, the airport is set up to 'follow the bouncing ball')
2. There is plenty of signage, look for blue overhead signs containing 'Train station' (yes, written in English) or the illustration of the train.

Buying a ticket

Once at the train station you can attempt to play around with the ticket machines, I personally go to a manned booth and order a ticket (quote the train line as per above you want to travel along).

Most employees speak English, but it can't hurt and is only courteous to attempt to learn and speak a little Italian (more on this another day). If you only memorise one line then I suggest: 'Scusi, parla l'Inglese?'--'Excuse me. Do you speak English?'

Important

Validate your ticket. As you approach your platform there are light blue stall machines erected just before entering, make sure you put your ticket into the machine to validate it. If you don't validate your ticket, you will be fined! I am yet to go on one train in Italy where staff have not checked my ticket along the way.

Useful links

Trenitalia - official website of the operating train company. You can book through this website as well.

Rome for visitors - a step by step guide to catching the Leonardo Express. It is a little outdated.