More about: Transfers between Ciampino Airport and Rome
Ciampino is Rome's low-cost airport, perfect for a weekend getaway. Unlike airports that operate with low-cost airlines in other cities, Ciampino is the same distance from Rome as Fiumicino, the city's main airport.
And that's not the only good news! There are three different ways to get to the city, and if you keep reading, I'll tell you which one I personally consider the best, as well as a few tips to make the worst part of the trip, getting to your hotel, very easy and comfortable. Without further ado, here's how to get to Rome from Ciampino Airport.
Options for getting to Rome from Ciampino Airport
Here are the best options for getting to your hotel once you land at Ciampino Airport:
- Bus transfer between Ciampino and Rome — from £6
- Private transfer from Ciampino to your hotel — from £79
Shared transfers between Ciampino and Rome
By booking this transfer in advance, you won't have to worry about how to get to your hotel once you land in Rome. Shared transfers work as follows: a driver will be waiting for you at the airport exit to take you and up to 5 other passengers to your respective destinations.
If you are travelling to Rome with others, you can request shared transport to take your group to the hotel. Vehicles usually have a maximum capacity of 6 passengers, and if there are four or more of you, it may be worth booking a private transfer, which I will tell you all about below.
Similarly, when you need to return to the airport at the end of your trip, you can book a shared transfer from Rome to Ciampino. This way, you can relax and enjoy the last moments of your trip, knowing that you have a driver who will pick you up at the exact time to get to the airport ahead of time.
Private transfers between Ciampino and Rome
These are VIP transfers, the premium experience, the classiest way to get to Rome. Or simply the most economical way to get from the airport to the city if you are travelling in a group of six people.
The private transfer from Ciampino to Rome works much like the shared transfers, except that you will not be sharing the vehicle with other passengers. If there are only two of you, this is not the most cost-effective option, but it will be like taking a taxi to your hotel with the added advantage that the driver will be waiting for you at the airport and will help you with your luggage.
As with shared transfers, you can book a private departure transfer from Rome to Ciampino and make the most of your day in Rome until the very last minute.
What you need to know before booking a transfer between the airport and the city
- Book your transfer after you have booked your plane ticket! You will need to provide some key details about your flight, such as the flight code and approximate landing time (to book an arrival transfer) or departure time (for departure transfers). This way, the driver will know if your flight has been delayed, which exit to wait at to make your life easier and, in the case of return transfers, will pick you up at the exact time to drop you off at the airport with plenty of time to spare.
- You will also be asked for a contact telephone number so that the driver can call you in case of any problems.
- The service operates Monday to Sunday at any time.
- How long does it take to get to Rome from Ciampino? About half an hour, maybe 40 minutes at most on a busy day.
- Your driver will wait for you for a maximum of 30 minutes. But don't worry, they will have your flight details and will know roughly how long it will take from departure to the meeting point.
- The luggage allowance for the transfer is one suitcase and one handbag, and the driver will help you load it into the boot. If you are travelling with extra luggage such as an instrument or a large bag, I recommend that you mention this when making your booking or contact the transport agency before the day of your flight.
- Transfers cover the central area of Rome, and you can ask to be dropped off at your hotel or any other location you prefer, but it is quite possible that the driver will not take you outside the city limits.
- It is usually recommended that the return transfer be made 3½ hours before your scheduled flight time. The transport agency will recommend a time, which you are free to change.
Child seats and baby seats are available. Please request them when making your booking.
How to get to Rome from Ciampino by public transport
Now you know the best way to get to Rome when you land at the airport, but if you're not convinced by the transfers, you have two other options for getting to your hotel: take the bus or order a taxi.
Getting to Rome by bus from Ciampino
This is the best alternative to booking a transfer, as the train does not go to Ciampino. The cheapest option is the ATRAL buses that connect Ciampino Airport with Rome's metro line A (at Anagnina station). Once you arrive there, you will have to take the metro or another form of transport to get to your hotel, which can be a bit tedious.
There are also buses between Ciampino Airport and the centre of Romethat go directly to the centre of Rome. They have several stops, so you can get off at the one closest to your hotel. One advantage of this form of transport is that you can also buy your ticket in advance online, which I recommend if you choose this option to ensure you get a seat. For the return journey to the airport, you can buy your ticket at Termini station.
Buses from Ciampino take about 45 minutes to reach Rome and run every half hour or so.
Getting to Rome from Ciampino by taxi
With transfers from the airport to your hotel, taking a taxi from Ciampino to Rome is not really worth it. The price can be more expensive than a transfer, with a fixed fare set by the City Council of €30, to which the taxi driver may add a night surcharge or luggage surcharge.
The only advantage is that you don't have to book anything in advance, but you should be very careful not to take an unofficial taxi (look for white cars with a "taxi" sign on the roof and a clearly visible licence number), and to be on the safe side, agree the price with the driver before setting off for Rome.