we're trying to find the cheapest way possible to get to the Fiumicano Airport from Rome for a flight leaving at 8:15am which means we should probably be there by 6am. we've been staying at the cheapest places possible (campsites outside of rome) to save money but are debating whether we should pay more to stay at a hotel in the city of rome if it means we'll be closer to the airport or we're hoping they will provide a free airport shuttle service. How can I get to the airport at the lowest cost so early in the morning?
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
First of all, you need to be at the airport 3 hours before departure. The security process is a little complicated there and lines can sometimes be a problem. You have to start in Terminal 5 to go through security and then be bused to the main terminal to catch your flight. All U.S. and Israel bound passengers must use this procedure. I suggest that you spend your last night in a hotel in Rome or near the airport and take a taxi or shuttle bus to the airport. Many hotels near the airport claim 24 hour shuttle service, but their claims don't always jive with reality. Your hotel can arrange a taxi from the Rome city center to the airport for a flat fee of 40 Euro.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
It's purely a guess, but a hotel that offers free shuttle service probably charges a premium rate for its rooms.
If you want cheap, then the Leonardo Express from Termini to Fiumicino is not for you (€14). Besides, the first train doesn't arrive at the airport until 06:23.
The first train from Tiburtina to the airport departs at 05:05, stops at Tuscolana, Ostiense, and Trastevere, and arrives at the airport at 05:48. The fare is €8.
However, if you're flying directly home rather than to another point in Europe, you should be at the airport three hours before departure.
Your absolutely cheapest option would be to spend the night at the airport. No hotel bill and no taxi fare if the trains don't start running early enough for you. See the Sleeping in Airports site.
Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
Helen, in my experience, it is a great idea to get to Fiumicino at least three hours prior to your flight. You might be OK early in the morning, but we almost missed fights even though we were there at least 2 1/2 hours prior to the flight. We alloted three hours this time, and had no problem.
We used "Rome cabs"for our transfer last week. They even had a person at the airport who could help wisk you threw the lines even faster.
Even though they cost a few bucks, it was actually really cheap when you figured out the cost for tranportation for two,or more, and the headaches trying to meet transportation schedules.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8067 posts
Just to add to the comment about the other train (the one from Tiburtina), it is cheaper from Trastevere Station, roughly 5.50 Euro.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
712 posts
Hi Helen,
I was in the same boat as you and posted a message about it a while back.
For one, I was told by multiple people that staying near the airport is not all it's crack up to be, and it's better to just go ahead and spend your last night in Rome near the city center. The price you pay to stay closer could end up being higher than a hotel near the center and transporation combined.
I thought the Leonardo Express would be the cheapest means, but I found out there there is now a bus shuttle to and from the airport. Check out these links:
http://www.roninrome.com/%20transportation/new-sitbus-shuttle-fco-service
http://www.sitbusshuttle.it/index.php?lang=en
The bus run starts at 5am, while the Leonardo Express start around 6am I believe. At only 8 euro one way (15 euro round trip) it's a better bargain. Not sure how long it takes to get to the airport however, but it's something to consider.
Private drivers may offer a good price, espcially if there are more people to split the price, but I know the few that I checked charged an extra fee for transportation before 7am.
Hope that helps.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Miami Beach, fl, usa/italy
6 posts
A taxi from down town Rome to Fiumicino cost about Eur 50.- Here goes a tip
Roberto Cicotti , tel +39 338 869 6876.
That is what I payed in 2008.
Posted by
Redmond, WA
295 posts
Whoa to the last reply. Taxis to the airport from central Rome charge 40 Euro by law. No exceptions if you are using an official taxi (pick one up the the stands around the city), not one of the unofficial ones. Rick has an excellent section on this in his Rome book, and we have found that' it's just easier to take the taxi direct to the airport. Especially if you have to take a taxi to Termini, then on to the airport by Leonardo.
Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
Whoa, I only paid $45 total EU last week to have a private limo take us from Ciampino to Fiumicino. "Rome Cabs" are awesome.