


How to Get to Rome — Train, Bus, Flight & Airport Transfer
Travelling to Rome? Compare trains, buses, flights, and airport transfers in one search.
As the capital of Italy, Rome (Roma) is the country's ultimate transit hub, receiving millions of international and domestic arrivals every year. Whether you are flying into Rome from the US or taking a high-speed train from Milan, Omio lets you compare all transport options. Find the cheapest and fastest routes to the Eternal City, plus plan easy day trips to Pompeii, Amalfi, and Positano.
Transport Options to Rome: Which is Best?
When planning your trip to Rome, you have four distinct modes of transportation to choose from:
- Flights to Rome: Rome receives the highest volume of international flights in Italy. The city is served by two major airports (FCO and CIA), making it incredibly easy to fly in from across Europe and the globe.
- Trains to Rome: The fastest and most efficient way to travel domestically. High-speed trains connect major hubs (Milan, Florence, Naples) directly to Roma Termini, the most central station.
- Buses to Rome: The most budget-friendly option. Companies like FlixBus offer extensive European and domestic routes, usually terminating at the Roma Tiburtina bus station.
- Airport Transfers: Rome's dedicated airport shuttle trains and buses (like the Leonardo Express) offer quick, stress-free transit from the runway to the city center.
Flying to Rome from the US
If you are travelling from North America, Rome is likely your point of entry. Major airlines offer direct flights to Rome from major US hubs, including New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Boston (BOS), and Miami (MIA). Use Omio to compare international flight prices and book your onward Italian train tickets in the exact same search.
Rome Airports & Transfers
Rome is uniquely served by two different airports. Knowing which one you are flying into will determine your transfer options.
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Also known as Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Fiumicino is the main international hub. (If you are searching for the primary Rome airport code, it is FCO). It is located about 32 km from the city center.
- Train: The dedicated Leonardo Express train is the fastest way to the center. It runs every 15 minutes and takes exactly 32 minutes to reach Roma Termini directly.
- Bus: Several shuttle buses (like Terravision) run from the airport to Termini, taking about 50 minutes at a lower cost than the train.
Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA)
Ciampino is the secondary airport, located just 16 km southeast of the center. It almost exclusively serves low-cost carriers operating within Europe.
- Bus: The most efficient way to access the city center is via a direct shuttle bus to Roma Termini, which takes roughly 40 minutes.
- Bus & Train combo: You can take a quick bus to the nearby Ciampino railway station, and then catch a 15-minute regional train to Termini.
Day Trips from Rome
Because Rome is so centrally located on the high-speed rail network, it is the perfect launchpad for exploring the rest of Italy.
- Rome to Pompeii: Take a high-speed train from Rome to Naples (1h 15m). From Napoli Centrale, transfer to the regional Circumvesuviana train straight to Pompeii (35 minutes).
- Rome to the Amalfi Coast: Take the high-speed train to Naples, switch to the local train to Sorrento, and then board the SITA bus that drives along the stunning Amalfi Coast.
- Rome to Positano: Follow the same route to Sorrento. From Sorrento, you can catch a quick ferry or bus directly to Positano.
- Rome to Florence: Taking a high-speed train day trip is incredibly easy. Direct trains from Roma Termini to Florence take just 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Rome to Tuscany: Take a regional train from Rome into the Tuscan countryside, stopping at beautiful hilltop towns like Orvieto or Siena.
Travelling to Rome FAQs
From the US, flying directly into Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is the only option, with daily flights from JFK, LAX, and Miami. From London or Paris, you can fly into either FCO or Ciampino (CIA) using budget airlines. Alternatively, you can take a scenic train from Paris to Milan, and connect down to Rome.
If you are flying internationally from outside Europe, you will land at Fiumicino (FCO). If you are flying on a budget airline (like Ryanair) from another European city, you will likely land at Ciampino (CIA). Both have excellent transfer links to Roma Termini.
The fastest and most reliable way is the Leonardo Express train. It departs from the airport station every 15 minutes and takes 32 minutes to arrive directly at Roma Termini.
The key is to travel through Naples. Take a fast train from Rome to Naples (1h 15m). From Naples, take the local Circumvesuviana train to reach Pompeii or Sorrento. From Sorrento, you can catch local buses or ferries directly to Positano and the rest of the Amalfi Coast.
If travelling from within Europe, budget flights into Ciampino (CIA) or long-distance buses (like FlixBus) are the cheapest options. For domestic travel within Italy, booking high-speed or regional train tickets 1 to 3 months in advance offers huge savings.
The best time to visit Rome is during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). The weather is mild, and you avoid the extreme heat and massive crowds of July and August. Booking travel during these shoulder seasons often results in cheaper fares and better availability.
