Ciampino-Rome Airport Transfers
Here are the best options for getting to the centre of Rome from Ciampino airport.
Arriving in Rome from the airport | ©Dan Gold
Ciampino is **Rome'**s low-cost airport, perfect for a weekend getaway. Unlike airports operated by 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! You have three different ways to get to the city, and if you read on I'll tell you which one I personally consider the best, plus a few tips to make the worst part of the trip, getting to the 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:
- Shared arrival transfer from Ciampino to Rome
- Bus between Ciampino Airport and Rome
Shared airport transfers between Ciampino and Rome
By booking this transfer in advance, you take all the worry out of getting to your hotel once you land in Rome. The shared transfers work as follows: you will have a driver waiting for you at the airport exit to take you and 5 other passengers to each of your respective destinations.
If you are travelling to Rome in company, you can request a shared transfer to go to the hotel as a group. The vehicles are usually a maximum of 6 seats, and if you are four or more people it may be worth booking a private transfer, which I'll give you all the information about below.
And also, for when you have 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 enjoy the last few minutes of your trip in peace and quiet, knowing that you have a driver who will pick you up at the exact time you need to be at the airport in advance.
Private transfers between Ciampino and Rome
These are the VIP transfers, the premium experience, the way to get to Rome with more class. Or simply the cheapest way to get from the airport to the city if you are in a group of six people.
The private arrival transfer from Ciampino to Rome works in much the same way as the shared transfers, only you won't be sharing the vehicle with strangers. If there are two of you, it is not the most cost-effective option, but it will be like taking a taxi to the 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 transfer from Rome to Ciampino and squeeze the last minute out of your day in Rome.
What you should know before booking a transfer between the airport and the city
- Make your transfer booking after you have booked your flight ticket! You will need to provide some key information about your flight, such as the flight identification code and the approximate landing time (to book an arrival transfer) or take-off time (in the case of a departure transfer). In this way, the shuttle driver will know if your flight has been delayed, which departure to wait for you 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 in good time.
- You are also asked for a contact telephone number, so that the driver can call you in case of any problems.
- The service runs from 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, he will have your flight details and will know more or less how long it will take you from departure to the meeting point.
- The luggage allowed on the transfer is one suitcase and one handbag, and you will have the driver's help to put it in the luggage compartment. If you are travelling with any extra luggage such as an instrument or a large bag, I recommend that you discuss this at the time of booking or contact the transport agency before the day of your flight.
- Transfers cover the area of central Rome, and you can ask to be dropped off at your hotel or anywhere else you prefer, but it is quite possible that the driver will not take you outside the city's metropolitan area.
- It is generally recommended that the return transfer be made 3.5 hours before your scheduled flight time. The transport agency will recommend a time that you are free to change. Child and baby seats are available. Please request these at the time of booking.
How to get to Rome from Ciampino by public transport
You already know the best way to get to Rome when you land at the airport, but in case the transfers didn't convince you, you have two other options to get to your hotel: take the bus or book a taxi.
Getting to Rome from Ciampino by bus
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 get there, you will have to take the metro or another form of transport to get to your hotel, which can be a bit of a hassle.
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. An advantage of this form of transport is that you can also purchase your ticket in advance online, which I recommend if you choose this option to secure your place. For transportation back to the airport, you can buy your ticket at Termini Station.
Buses from Ciampino take about 45 minutes to get to Rome, and leave 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 the fare set by the City Council at €30, to which the driver may add a night or luggage surcharge.
The only advantage is that you won't have to book anything in advance, but you should be very wary of taking 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 a price with the driver before you set off for Rome.