Rome / Ciampino Airport
Airport guide 2026

Rome / Ciampino Airport CIA

Italy

Rome Ciampino Airport represents the capital's second terminal, a logistical gem perched at the edge of the Greater Rome Ring Road. Historically born as a military and airship terminal, today it is the hub of choice for travelers seeking speed and unbeatable low-cost connections to major European cities.

Its importance lies in its strategic proximity to the city center, just 15 km away from the heart of Rome. Compared to the sprawling Fiumicino, Ciampino offers a more intimate and humane experience, where check-in and boarding times are minimal, making it the preferred choice for those seeking a pragmatic approach to flying.

Content verified on 04/09/2026

How to get to Rome / Ciampino Airport

Reaching Ciampino Airport from Rome city center is extremely easy thanks to an integrated transport network covering every budget and schedule need.

By Car

For those arriving by car, the main reference route is the Via Appia Nuova (SS7) heading out of Rome. If you use the Grande Raccordo Anulare (GRA), the dedicated exit is number 23. Once you take the ramp, signs for Departures are clearly visible and lead directly to the single passenger terminal.

By Train

Trenitalia's combined 'Ciampino Airlink' service connects Termini Station to Ciampino city railway station in 15 minutes, with a dedicated shuttle bus that completes the journey to the terminal in another 10 minutes.

By Bus

Numerous shuttle bus companies, such as Terravision and SitBus, connect Termini Station to the airport with a frequency of approximately 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, ATAC bus lines 720 and 520 connect the airport respectively to Metro B (Laurentina) and Metro A (Subaugusta/Cinecittà) stations.
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Tips Buy shuttle bus tickets online from the official company websites (Terravision, SIT): you'll save compared to the price on board and avoid queues at the station desks. Low-cost airlines operating at Ciampino are often strict about carry-on luggage limits: weigh and measure it before arriving at the airport to avoid surcharges at the gate.

Average travel time to CIA

Train25-30 minutes
Shuttle bus40-50 minutes
Taxi / Private hire25 min (weather permitting)

Parking near Rome / Ciampino Airport

The official Easy Parking system offers solutions for every stay. P3 is the parking dedicated to short stays, located right in front of the entrance, while sectors P4, P5 and P6 are optimized for long stays with decreasing rates.

For those seeking affordable parking, there are numerous private low-cost structures located in the immediate vicinity of Via Appia, offering 24-hour free shuttle service included in the price, ensuring transfer to the terminal in less than 5 minutes.

Among Easy Parking facilities, P3 short stay is the most expensive (approximately 2-3 euros per hour), while P4-P5-P6 progressively decrease to just a few euros per day for the longest stays. Private low-cost parking on Via Appia is often even cheaper, but since these are sometimes unenclosed or unsupervised areas, verify updated reviews, the actual frequency of the advertised shuttle, and never leave valuables in sight.

How to get to Rome from CIA

Once you exit the arrivals area, you have several alternatives to reach the city center quickly.

By Train

Look for the 'Ciampino Airlink' stop in the external plaza. The shuttle bus will take you in just a few minutes to Ciampino railway station, from where regional trains depart every 15-20 minutes to Rome Termini at the cost of a standard regional ticket.

By Bus

Bus stops are found immediately to the left upon exiting the terminal. From here depart direct shuttle buses to Termini and ATAC urban buses to metro stations. Tickets can be purchased at automatic machines or directly from authorized personnel at the stops.

By Taxi

Official taxis of the City of Rome are found in the plaza in front of the exit. A fixed rate of 40 euros (including luggage) is applied for destinations within the Aurelian Walls. Always be wary of unlicensed drivers inside the hall.

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

Car rental at Rome / Ciampino Airport

Desks of the major car rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Sixt, are located in a dedicated area situated on Via Appia Nuova, next to parking P6-P8.

To reach the rental area, a free circular shuttle is available, departing every 10 minutes from the plaza in front of the passenger exit, making vehicle pickup extremely convenient even with heavy luggage.

The free circular shuttle makes pickup comfortable even with heavy luggage; however, verify the opening hours of individual desks, which may vary from flight schedules in evening shifts. Bring your driving license, ID document, and credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit. Italian citizens and citizens of other EU/EEA countries drive with their national license alone; for all others, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally required.

 

Hotels near Rome / Ciampino Airport

Ciampino is closer to the centre than Fiumicino, but it has no direct train: the Terravision bus reaches Termini in 40-50 minutes, while the bus-plus-train combination via Ciampino station costs less without being any faster. For a dawn flight or a late-night arrival, staying in the airport area avoids the transfer. Those with more time can choose a Roman neighbourhood well connected to Metro A, such as San Giovanni, or head straight for the historic centre, around the Trevi Fountain, accepting a longer ride to the airport.
Airport area

Ciampino

About 2 km from the terminal, 5-10 minutes by car or taxi; the Terravision bus to Termini and the COTRAL bus to Anagnina metro station both leave from the arrivals forecourt.

Best for: Those with a dawn flight or a late-night arrival who want to reach the terminal within minutes.

Pros
  • Minutes from the terminal, handy for a dawn flight or a late-night arrival
  • Accessible apartment, step-free with an adapted bathroom
Cons
  • Ciampino town is residential: evenings offer little neighbourhood life
  • Without a car you depend on buses to Rome, which take longer than staying in the airport area
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

San Giovanni

Metro A from San Giovanni to Anagnina in a few minutes, then a COTRAL bus to the airport in about 15 minutes; by taxi the direct ride is 20-25 minutes.

Best for: Those who want a genuine Roman neighbourhood, well connected by Metro A, which runs all the way to Anagnina, the terminus for buses to Ciampino.

Pros
  • Metro A just steps away, the same line that reaches the Anagnina terminus where buses to Ciampino depart
  • A neighbourhood lived in by Romans, with markets and trattorias away from the prices of the tourist centre
Cons
  • A long walk from the monuments of the historic centre, the metro is needed for the Colosseum and surroundings
  • Little nightlife in the evening compared with the centre
See more hotels in this area
City centre

Historic centre (Trevi Fountain)

Direct Terravision bus from Termini (15 minutes on foot or by metro) in about 40-50 minutes; by taxi the direct ride is about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.

Best for: Those who want to experience the heart of Rome, between the Trevi Fountain and Piazza di Spagna, and accept a longer transfer to the airport.

Pros
  • Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna and via Condotti just minutes on foot
  • The widest choice of restaurants and evening life, open late
Cons
  • Longer transfer to Ciampino, about 40-50 minutes by bus or taxi
  • A very touristy area, with crowded streets especially on weekends
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

Despite modest size, the airport offers high-quality services for a comfortable and productive wait.

Shopping & Duty Free

The Aelia Duty Free shopping area offers a wide selection of perfumery, tobacco, and especially local gastronomic specialties for last-minute gifts before takeoff.

Lounges & relaxation

A VIP lounge called AviaPartner Lounge is located beyond security, offering reclining seats, snacks and beverages in a sheltered space away from gate activity. Access is typically paid through a day-pass purchasable online or at reception, except for Priority Pass holders or travel credit card members with lounge access included. The AviaPartner Lounge operates at business-standard level, catering to the airport's low-cost traffic. Operating hours generally align with flight schedules.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Unlimited free Wi-Fi at high speed (network 'Free Wi-Fi Rome Airport') is accessible after quick registration via browser or social network. After registration, the connection remains active throughout your airport stay without needing to re-authenticate. There is no mobile carrier counter at the airport: for a local SIM card, it's best to visit a TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, or Iliad shop in the city, which are present in virtually every Italian urban center of medium size or larger.

Families & Children

Several well-equipped nurseries for baby changing and dedicated breastfeeding areas are strategically positioned both before and after security checkpoints.

Terminal guide

The airport has a single passenger terminal divided into Departures and Arrivals areas. This 'single-terminal' structure greatly facilitates orientation, making it impossible to get lost or select the wrong boarding gate.

All services, from security checkpoints to gates, are reachable on foot within a few minutes. For Extra-Schengen flights, passport controls are located immediately after the central Duty Free.

Security checks generally remain quick thanks to the compact structure, with possible longer queues only during peak hours of low-cost morning flights.

Historically a key hub in Italy for Ryanair and other low-cost airlines, with services primarily focused on European connections. Routes operated vary seasonally.

Map of Rome / Ciampino Airport

Map of Rome / Ciampino Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. How much does the Ciampino Airlink from Roma Termini cost?

The train+bus link (Ciampino Airlink) costs roughly 3.90-4 euros total: the Rome-Ciampino regional train ticket (about 2.70 euros) plus a 1.20-euro bus surcharge for the station-to-airport leg. Alternatively, the direct Terravision bus costs 6 euros online, 8 euros on board.

Q. Do low-cost carriers at Ciampino require a printed boarding pass?

Always check your airline's conditions: some charge extra for passengers who don't present a boarding pass already printed or downloaded to the app.

Q. How strict is the hand luggage limit at Ciampino?

As an airport with a strong low-cost carrier presence, checks on hand luggage size are generally strict: it's worth checking your airline's exact dimensions before arriving.

Q. Is it worth booking the bus transfer to Ciampino in advance?

Yes, especially on weekends and during peak season, when companies like Terravision can sell out seats on the most popular runs.

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