Rome is served by Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA). Average flight prices are €60-130 for short-haul European flights; €400-650 for transatlantic routes. Best time to book: Book 4-8 weeks ahead for intra-European flights and 2-3 months for long-haul. November through February (excluding Christmas) offers the cheapest fares. April-May and September-October are shoulder season — prices are moderate with excellent weather. Avoid Easter week and August when Italians travel en masse.. Top airlines: ITA Airways, Ryanair, Wizz Air.
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Rome is served by two airports, with Fiumicino handling the vast majority of international traffic as Italy's largest airport. Fiumicino serves over 40 million passengers per year across four terminals, with Terminal 1 dedicated to domestic and Schengen flights, and Terminal 3 handling most intercontinental services. The airport is the main hub for ITA Airways, Italy's national carrier that replaced Alitalia in 2021.
Ciampino is Rome's budget airline base, primarily used by Ryanair and Wizz Air. While smaller and more basic in facilities, Ciampino's proximity to the city center (15 km vs 32 km) can offset its lack of amenities. Flights from Ciampino are frequently the cheapest options for European city breaks, though baggage fees on budget carriers can narrow the price gap with full-service airlines from Fiumicino.
The Leonardo Express train from Fiumicino is the most reliable transfer into the city, running every 15 minutes directly to Roma Termini station. For Ciampino, dedicated shuttle buses are the standard option since the airport lacks a direct rail connection. Both airports are well connected, but Fiumicino's rail link makes it the more convenient choice for travelers heading to the city center.
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Fiumicino is better for international flights, full-service airlines, and ease of transport via the Leonardo Express train. Ciampino is cheaper if you are flying Ryanair or Wizz Air on European routes, though it has fewer facilities and no direct train link.
The Leonardo Express train takes 32 minutes non-stop to Roma Termini station, departing every 15 minutes. Tickets cost €14 and can be bought at machines in the airport. Taxis have a fixed fare of €50 to anywhere within the Aurelian walls.
November to February (excluding Christmas and New Year) offers the best deals, with European flights often under €40 one-way on budget carriers. Shoulder months of April-May and September-October offer a good balance of moderate prices and pleasant weather.
ITA Airways, which succeeded Alitalia, has modernized its fleet and service. It offers competitive fares on domestic and European routes and is a SkyTeam alliance member, making it good for connecting flights. Service quality is generally comparable to other major European carriers.
Arrive at least 2.5 hours before international flights and 1.5 hours before domestic or Schengen flights. Security lines at Terminal 3 can be long during peak morning hours (6-9 AM), so consider the earlier end of that range for summer travel.
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