Leonardo Express Train

Buy the tickets at the FCO station when you get there.
No discounts are applicable to regional commuter trains and seats are not reservable (the LE works like the NYC subway), therefore no reason to pre-purchase online.

And to add to the above, there isn't really much extra convenience in buying ahead anyway. There are plenty of (multilingual) ticket machines and "actual human" sellers at the airport. On a dozen trips, we've never been delayed in a queue, though perhaps it happens. For real convenience, consider a taxi.

Roberto, Thank you very much for your quick reply. When reading about the tickets for the Leonardo, it seems as though the online tickets are just good for 90 minutes, and as you have written the online tickets are no cheaper. As, you say, no advantage to buying them online. I will buy from ticket window at airport. Thank you.

Consider that a taxi may be a better deal if at least 2 of the the following is applicable to you:
1. Three or more people are traveling together
2. You have more than just carry on luggage
3. Your hotel is not walking distance from Roma Termini.
A taxi from airport to hotel is 48€ all inclusive

Nick, Thank you for your reply and advice. I will not buy online. thanks.

Roberto, Thank you. I am traveling alone, and my hotel is just across the street from the Roma Termini. The Leonardo sounds like the thing for me. thanks again. Gary

It has been a few years since we took this express train to the Termini, but I remember what we experienced at the ticket booth! Since I was the one making all the connections, I approached the window and my husband stood back. The guy behind the ticket booth tried to steer me to some guy standing nearby who could take us by car since the next train was going to be a wait. WHAT??? I didn't fall for it, and purchased the train tickets. I have no idea what that was all about, but I thought it was fishy at the time. Hmmmm. I looked like a tourist; I was a woman who might have appeared to be traveling alone------ all speculation, but I have never encountered a situation like that before or since. J

Barb, I appreciate your input and advice very much. I am quite certain that it will be very clear that I am a tourist as well, and I am traveling alone. Thanks for the heads-up. I will buy a ticket for the Leonardo Express from the booth, and not be dissuaded or talked into to something more expensive. I also considered the commuter train, but for 14 Euros, no stops and no transfer, the Leonardo seems best for me. Thanks much. Gary. I will have more questions, as I am now trying to learn about transportation to and from the Civitavecchia cruise port.

Buy the ticket when your arrival as has been suggested to the other answers to your similar questions. We have used the L Express a half dozen times over the years and never encountered anything similar to what Barb reported. So don't know what was up. However, make absolutely certain you validate that ticket prior to getting on the train.

Surprised it has not been mentioned yet, but make absolutely sure you validate your ticket before getting on the train. This is a little (Yellow I believe) box that stamps the date and time on the ticket, you need to seek one out, you do not go through a turnstile or other ticket control.

They check that train heavily, and failure to have a validated ticket (just having a ticket is not enough) will get you a hefty fine in the range of ~50 euros.

the LE works like the NYC subway

No it doesn’t, Roberto. The LE runs on time! 🤣

Glmorris, check where your hotel in Rome is located in regard to Termini and Tiburtina stations. If closer to Tiburtina, you can take an inexpensive Regionale train from FCO which is slower but less expensive. 48 minutes vs. 32, €8 vs. €14.

gl,

As the others have mentioned, the easiest solution is simply to buy your ticket when you arrive at the FCO rail station, at a staffed ticket window or from one of the Kiosks. DON'T forget to validate or you'll risk hefty fines, which will be collected on the spot. You may find this short video to be helpful - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0EdcvG002A .

One other important point to note is that there are two trains serving the airport, the Leonardo Express and the FL-1. Be sure you board the train that you've bought a ticket for!

Thank you to all who have replied.