rome travel

Airport Travel in Rome - Best Transfers

By Dom Bewley

Nothing can deflate the feeling of landing at your vacation destination and feeling lost. What do the words say? Why doesn't your GPS work? Does data really roam? So, let's talk about travel in Rome - getting to and from the airport, the airports themselves, and whether you're better off using public transport or booking a transfer!

Travel in Rome - which airport?

Rome has two airports: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport and Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport. So, depending on where you're flying from, you'll likely end up in one or the other.

Travel in Rome - how far away is each airport from the city?

The good news is that both airports are equidistant to the city center, each taking around 30-35 minutes by car.

Travel options in to Rome from the airport

Before we talk about transfers, which may be your best option as they take all the stress out of your arrival, let's explore alternatives first.

Hire a car

If you're planning on doing your own driving throughout your vacation, then hiring a car might be your best bet. Both Leonardo da Vinci International Airport and Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport have numerous rental companies based within walking distance.

If you're landing at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, you could rent a vehicle from Hertz, Enterprise, or Europcar, among others.

Or, if you're landing in Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport, you could try Firefly, LEASYS, or Thrifty. Prices differ depending on the vehicle you want and the length of time you want it, so it's best you do your own price comparison. That way, you can get the best deal for you!

Public transport

If you're only staying in Rome for a short period and your baggage is manageable, then you might consider taking public transport to the city center. Both airports have decent connections, so it's more than doable!

Public transport from Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport

You have two options here.

The first is a relatively simple shuttle bus, which will set you back €6, and takes around 35 minutes to get into the city center.

The second is via train. From the airport, get the Airlink shuttle to Stazione FS di Ciampino, and then a train to Roma Termini - Rome's central train station. This will take 35 minutes and will set you back €2.70.

Public transport from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport

Again, you have two options to choose from.

The first is another shuttle bus. It's slightly more expensive at €7 and takes around 35 minutes non-stop to the center of Rome.

Similarly again, your other option is a train. You can get it straight out of Leonardo da Vinci International Airport; it takes 32 minutes and costs around €3.

And now, let's talk about transfers.

Travel in Rome - why you should book a transfer from the airport

As a stranger in a strange land, it couldn't hurt to get some know-how from the locals. And that's what you'll get in spades if you book an airport transfer. Cab drivers will be able to provide you with local tips and tricks with a vacation twist, so be sure to strike up a conversation and see what tasty gossip nuggets you can mine.

Besides, you may have already started celebrating your vacation on the plane, so leaving the driving up to someone else might be the best - and legal - course of action!

Suppose you're traveling to a city that doesn't use English as a second language. In that case, it can be difficult to articulate directions, read bus and train timetables, or understand what stops and connections you need to make on any given journey. And, let's be honest, it's the last thing you want to worry about when arriving at your vacation destination! With a transfer, you've already booked the trip, and your driver will know exactly where to take you.

Plus, you needn't worry about being overcharged by a sly driver looking to make a quick buck off of a clueless tourist. Unfortunately, it's one of the most common issues you'll run into in Rome, but with a prepaid transfer, there's no need to negotiate!

Travel in Rome - types of transfer vehicles from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport

Minibus

In a group, a minibus is your best bet. They can sit up to 7 people depending on your choice of vehicle, and the baggage area will be yours to own! As it's a private vehicle, you won't have to worry about any other stops on your journey, and this halves the travel time to 35 minutes. Price-wise, you're looking at anything from €30-100 per head, so it's worth researching which works best for you.

Car

The most stylish choice on this list, a private car is also the most expensive. Like the minibus, your trip to Rome will take around 35 minutes. Unlike the minibus, prices range from €60-400 per person, depending on your vehicle type. That's a lot of dough, but if you've got it, why not flaunt it? Oh, and it's a car, so it can only seat 1-3 people.

Travel in Rome - types of transfer vehicles from Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport

Minibus

Seating 1-7 people, a minibus will set you back anything from €80-280 per person, and takes around 32 minutes.

Car

A private car from Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport will take around 32 minutes, can seat 1-3 passengers, and will cost anywhere from €60-450

And that's our guide to transfers and travel from the airport in to Rome! Need some vacation inspiration? Check out Go City. With us, you can see all of Rome's best bits when and how you want.

Dom Bewley
Rome Travel Expert

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Things to see and do in Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese is one of Rome’s most popular parks and, endearingly, shaped like a heart. Nestled right in the centre of the city – aptly – it’s accessible from the top of the biggest shopping street, where Via del Corso meets Piazza del Popolo, and through the impressive marble pillar gates off the once exclusive, Via Veneto. So it’s on point for location. For a bit of context, originally, Villa Borghese was one of Cardinal Scipione Borghese’s many private vineyards surrounding his villa and was later turned into a park in 1605. Its sweeping natural and English-classic landscape, as we see today, was not actually in its initial design but was changed in the 1800s to fit in with the fashions of the time. The English heritage architecture and ponds provide a romantic backdrop to your park life, with the Lake Garden and Plain of Oaks to be enjoyed; there’s so much to see and do that you could easily spend all day there. Why not rent a row boat and row across the lake, or feed the ducks with your kids? There’s plenty of other places to explore in Villa Borghese; there’s a reason it’s dubbed the park of museums by locals. Full of cultural outlets to discover Rome’s rich history of art, sculpture and all things ‘refined’ there’s a tiny cinema, a prestigious art gallery and museum and even a zoo. Il Cinema dei Piccoli – The Tiny Cinema This little green house in the heart of Villa Borghese is a must-see for the kids – and is the smallest cinema in the world, according to the Guinness World Book of Records. With afternoon screenings of kid’s films and evening showings of adult popular culture it’s a great one if you’re semi-fluent in Italian as all the films are dubbed. With no subtitles. Even if you don’t stay for a screening, it’s a fun place to stick your head through the door if anything. Viale della Pineta, 15 (+39 06 8553485) Wednesday to Friday 5pm and 6:30pm; Saturday and Sunday 3:30pm, 5pm and 6:30pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Teatro Marionette San Carlino – San Carlino Puppet Theatre Indulge in Italy’s version of Punch and Judy and take your little ones over to the Marionette Theatre, or theatre of the puppets. In true Colombina and Pulcinello style, watch this puppet show throughout the week in this small theatre with hand painted backdrops and props. Viale dei Bambini, Pincio (+39 06 3335320) Bookings are necessary. Bioparco di Roma – Rome Conservation Zoo 106 years old, Rome’s Zoo has undergone huge transformations over the years from its original Hagenbeck design (where cages were replaced with large pits) to now a well-respected zoological conservation with numerous enclosures of a wide range of exotic animals. It’s a great place to spend a few hours and stroll around the lions, giraffes and Bengal tigers – and there are plenty of interactive exhibitions for the kids to get involved with, especially if you catch some of the feeding shows too. Viale del Giardino Zoologico, 20 (+39 06 360 8211) Galleria Borghese – Borghese Gallery This famous gallery was once a collection by the Borghese family that dates back 2,000 years. There’s an eclectic mix of items and artefacts within the museum and gallery that spans 2,000 years, through the Renaissance period and up to contemporary exhibitions. It’s the largest collection of private art in the world and features masterpieces from Caravaggio, Raphael, Botticelli and Bernini. Piazzale del Museo , Borghese, 5 (+39 06 32810) Free entry with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass but you must pre-book an allocated entry time before you arrive. Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 18:00 – Saturdays, 9:00 to 13:00
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Caesar: the first leader of Rome

As Rome celebrates 2000 years from the death of its first Emperor, Augustus, let's look back at who reigned before and how the Rome looked that he inherited. So who ran Rome before Augustus? Well, none other than his great-greatuncle, Julius Caesar. To what do we owe Julius Caesar? - The introduction of the Julian calendar - William Shakespeare’s play which depicted the Roman dictator’s tragic death and the events that followed - The King of Diamonds in a traditional playing pack of cards is meant to represent Julius Caesar - If you study Latin or classics, it is highly likely you will be tought some of Caesar’s prose - The month of July is named after him: Julius Julius Caesar is a name synonymous with Rome. He is remembered as being the leader and dictator of Rome during its most prosperous reign and Empire. Born in 100 BC, Caesar inherited his name from a prestigious family with ancient pedigree. However, the surname stems from various meanings: some believe it comes from the Latin ‘to cut’; others believe it was due to his predecessor’s thick head of hair, or that he had bright grey eyes; alternatively some say Caesar killed an elephant in battle. Considering Caesar issued coins printed with elephants could mean that he had a soft spot for this large mammal and preferred this definition of his name. Who knows... In his later life Julius was a Roman general, statesman and Consul – not to mention prolific author of Latin prose (bet you didn’t know that!) After losing his inheritance due to a marriage that went wrong - and a battle of alliances that ‘hit the fan’ - he joined the army and became known for his public speeches, animated gesticulations and high-pitched voice. By the age of 31 Caesar had fought in numerous wars and his presence was deep rooted in politics and he was soon to revolutionise the Roman Empire and expand its reach. Taking sides with Pompey, he went onto serve in various military roles across the government, including governor of the Roman province of Spain. A shrewd man, Caesar aligned himself with those he thought could be of benefit; including Crassus – a man who was to bolster Caesar’s financial and political status. Acting as a go-between for Crassus and Pompey, who were bitter rivals, he turned them from enemies into allies and the three of them became known as the powerful First Triumvirate. It was from then Caesar used this alliance as a springboard to take over the world; so to speak. Caesar’s tactics were pretty simple: take all and leave nothing behind. He charged his troops across the Rhine after building a bridge and proceeded to invade Britain, once he had seized Gaul. The Triumvirate in later years lost their alliance and after Crassus’ death Caesar went after Pompey and his territory. Since Pompey was supported by nobility, they saw Caesar as a national threat which meant Civil War was inevitable. Despite nobility being against him, his enemies were no match and Caesar swiftly pushed them out of Italy and into Egypt – where he met Cleopatra and fathered a son by her. Caesar was crowned the ultimate dictator upon his return to Rome and was even hailed Father of his Country. Albeit he used rather forceful tactics, you can’t deny that he didn’t reform his country – he alleviated debt, reformed the Senate and he even monetised coins to bear his face! However he was only to be in rule in Rome for a year before he was assassinated. Although Caesar brought great reform, he was more popular in the middle and lower classes than the Senate itself who thought he was vying for a place to be king – and since Roman’s didn’t desire a monarchic rule, they were suspicious of his behaviour, not to mention put off by his power as dictator to veto the Senate. As absolute dictator he had his fair share of enemies within the Senate – of whom he was meant to be a part. It was two of his former enemies who conspired against him to plot his death on the Ides of March. Cassius and Brutus were the two convicted – and guilty – of his death and they were mobbed by angry supporters of lower and middle class Romans. After his death, the Roman Republic fell and Caesar became a martyr – later on, the Senate even named him The Divine Julius. Because of his great-granduncles popularity and esteem, Gaius Octavian later reclaimed victory over his relative’s death and took power in 27BC, under the name Augustus, and later became the first Roman Emperor. Visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, as well as the Coliseum, for free with the Roma Pass.
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St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City
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Things to do in Rome at Night Time

A sightseeing Shangri-La during the day, Rome is arguably even more exciting after dark, when lights illuminate its spectacular ancient ruins, swoonsome fountains, imposing statues and vast Roman amphitheaters. It’s also a lot less hectic in and around the main attractions as the majority of tourists have already retired, footsore, to their hotels and apartments. Read on for our guide to all the best things to do in Rome at night time, including: Colosseum night tours People-watching on the piazzas Trevi Fountain The Catacombs of Rome The best rooftop bar views A night at the opera Gelato! Up on the Roof Let’s start our tour of night time Rome as we mean to go on: with a Campari cocktail at sunset in one (or two) of the Eternal City’s excellent rooftop bars. The sixth-floor terrace at Eitch Borromini Hotel is just about as good as it gets, with panoramic 360-degree views across the rooftops of Piazza Navona and beyond, and a list of cocktails as long as your arm. Watch the sun set over the Pantheon’s iconic dome from atop Hotel Raphael, see the illuminated Roman Forum from (where else?) Hotel Forum, and hit up the art-deco Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo for some of the finest rooftop views in Rome. Do be aware that you’ll be paying for the view as well as the drink so expect significantly higher prices than at most street-level Rome bars. The Colosseum by Night Fewer tourists, shorter queues, cooler temperatures, better views… there’s literally no downside to making your pilgrimage to the Colosseum at night, when light floods the world’s largest (and best-preserved) ancient amphitheater and you can almost hear the roar of the crowd baying for gladiator blood. Night tours need to be pre-booked and usually kick off around 9PM, so plenty of time to scarf down a pizza before you get there. Night tours are also a great way to get into the guts of the Colosseum and unleash your inner Russell Crowe as you step out onto the arena floor, activities that are traditionally waaay oversubscribed during the daytime. People-Watch on the Piazzas The evening atmosphere on Rome’s piazzas is second-to-none. This is the magic hour, when the sun sets, bars bustle, and street entertainers come out in force. Hit up Piazza Navona – home of the beautifully illuminated Bernini fountain – grab yourself a gelato and find somewhere to perch as you admire the fairytale churches and palazzos and, well, just watch the world go by. Piazza di Spagna is no less enchanting and has the added bonus of lying at the foot of the Spanish Steps, while the lesser-spotted Piazza Trilussa over in Trastevere is an unsung hero beloved of locals who meet and mingle by the fountain here, overlooking Ponte Sisto and the Tiber, nightly. A Night at the Opera For the quintessential night time Rome experience, book a performance of one of the greats at the historic Teatro dell’Opera. We’re talking nothing less than the likes of Turandot, La Traviata, Madame Butterfly and La Bohème, right here in Italy, the birthplace of opera. Between its grand opera-house setting and extraordinary open-air summer home at the Baths of Caracalla, the Teatro dell’Opera has hosted performances by Maria Callas, The Three Tenors and Joan Sutherland, as well as the world premier of Puccini’s Tosca way back in 1900. Quite the pedigree, then. The Catacombs of Rome Night time activities in Rome don’t come much spookier than a tour of the Catacombs. Brace yourself for thrills, spills and chills as you descend deep beneath the city streets for a blood-freezing meet-and-greet with the city’s oldest permanent residents. For down here in the Catacombs lie the mortal remains of thousands of ancient Romans, often arranged in bizarre and macabre displays. These creepy underground ossuaries are spread across the city, but most tours will include a stop at the famous Capuchin Crypts, where the bones of countless friars are displayed in weird, wonderful and frankly shiver-inducing ways. Chapels down here include the Crypt of the Pelvises, Crypt of the Leg Bones and Thigh Bones, and Crypt of the Three Skeletons, and are very much not for the faint of heart. Trevi Fountain Photo Shoot Nothing says romance like an evening stroll to the Trevi Fountain. I mean, can you even say you’ve been to Rome if you haven’t flipped a coin into its waters at some point during your visit? No, dear reader, you cannot. And there’s really no better time to make your Trevi pilgrimage than at night after the crowds have dissipated, and when your chances of nabbing that essential ‘alone in Rome’ selfie for your Insta feed are at their highest. Pizza and Beer in Trendy Trastevere Bohemian Trastevere is one of Rome’s coolest neighborhoods, a medieval labyrinth of cobbled lanes and colorful piazzas chock-full of artisan stores, independent trattorias and hip brewpubs. The district really comes alive at night as locals gather for aperitifs on Piazza Trilussa before heading on for dinner and drinks at some of the best bars and pizza joints in town. Hit up local fave Pizzeria ai Marmi for a slice of the good stuff: wafer-thin, wood-fired and ultra-crispy with a kaleidoscopic range of toppings to choose from, then make for the likes of Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà or Bir & Fud for craft brews that go above and beyond the ubiquitous Peronis and Birra Morettis favored by less adventurous travelers than you, dear reader. Gelato! It doesn’t matter a jot whether you’re visiting Rome during summer or in the depths of winter: Italian gelato should be considered an utterly essential part of your experience. Still in Trastevere? Hit up Otaleg for some of the city’s more unusual flavors (artichoke sorbet, anyone?). Or head back over the Tiber, where the chestnut flavor at Ciampini near Piazza Navona, and tiramisu from Il Gelato di Claudio Torcè may prove life-changing. Gelato parlors stay open well into the evening for all your night-time frozen snack needs. And Finally… McDonalds Bear with us here. In the event you get an attack of the late-night munchies that only a Big Mac can satisfy, make for the branch at Termini station, where your burger and fries come with a large side order of Roman history. For inside this otherwise identikit restaurant you can view a section of the Servian Wall that defended the city against invading Carthaginians and Gauls in the 4th Century BC. We're lovin' it. Save on attractions in Rome Save on admission to Rome attractions with the Vatican and Rome Omnia Pass. Check out @omniavaticanrome on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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