When it comes to traveling to Rome, one of the first things you need to consider is which airport you will be flying into. Rome, being a major tourist destination, has two airports that serve the city and its surrounding areas – Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport and Ciampino-G.B. Pastine International Airport.
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport
The Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport, also commonly known as Fiumicino Airport, is the main international airport in Rome. It is located about 35 kilometers southwest of the city center. This airport is named after the Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci and is one of the busiest airports in Europe.
If you are flying in from an international destination or a long-haul flight, chances are you will land at Fiumicino Airport. It offers a wide range of amenities and services to cater to travelers’ needs.
Terminal Layout:
- Terminal 1: This terminal mainly handles domestic flights within Italy.
- Terminal 2: This terminal primarily serves low-cost carriers.
- Terminal 3: This terminal is the main international terminal and handles most international flights.
Transportation Options:
Fiumicino Airport provides excellent connectivity to Rome’s city center and other destinations through various transportation options:
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside each terminal at designated taxi ranks. Be sure to take only authorized taxis with white license plates.
- Train: The Leonardo Express train departs every 15 minutes from Terminal 3 and takes you directly to Rome’s central Termini Station in about 30 minutes.
- Bus: There are several bus services connecting the airport to different parts of Rome, including Termini Station and other major landmarks.
Ciampino-G. Pastine International Airport
The Ciampino-G. Pastine International Airport, commonly known as Ciampino Airport, is Rome’s second airport.
It is located approximately 15 kilometers southeast of the city center. While it is smaller than Fiumicino Airport, it serves as an important hub for low-cost airlines and charter flights.
Terminal Layout:
- There is a single terminal building at Ciampino Airport.
Transportation Options:
Getting to and from Ciampino Airport is convenient with multiple transportation options:
- Taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminal building.
- Bus: Several bus services connect the airport to Termini Station and other areas of Rome.
- Train + Bus: You can take a train from Ciampino Station (located near the airport) to Termini Station and then transfer to a bus or metro for your onward journey.
Differences between the Two Airports
While both airports serve Rome, there are some key differences between them:
- Fiumicino Airport has more extensive facilities, including multiple terminals catering to different types of flights, while Ciampino has a single terminal building.
- Fiumicino Airport handles a larger volume of international flights and long-haul carriers, while Ciampino is primarily used by low-cost airlines and charter flights.
- Fiumicino Airport is located further from the city center compared to Ciampino Airport.
- Transportation options from Fiumicino Airport to the city center are more varied and frequent compared to Ciampino Airport.
In conclusion, Rome has two airports – Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport and Ciampino-G.
Fiumicino Airport is the main international airport with multiple terminals, serving a wide range of flights, while Ciampino Airport primarily caters to low-cost airlines. Both airports offer transportation options that connect them to Rome’s city center and other areas. Make sure to check which airport your flight will arrive at to plan your onward journey effectively.