Hi, I am a solo traveler staying in a room near the Cipro metro stop. I need to get to the FCO airport in the morning. My flight leaves at 9:50 (easyjet). I can take a car for 50 euros or Public transportation. I would like to save money, but don’t want to be stupid if it’s going to take hours and lots of connections. I am new to Rome. Could you give me your advice?
Thank you!
When we were younger we used the Leonardo Express from Stazione Termini, which is a direct connection to FCO. Leonardo will take you to the airport and then you will need to walk to your departure terminal. The common recommendation is to arrive at the airport three hours prior to an international departure and two hours before an intercontinental flight. Since you are using Easyjet the two-hour time slot will work for you. When we flew on Easyjet we departed FCO in Terminal 1.
Or, hire a car service or taxi for door-to-door service and it's worth every dime. We always use romashuttle.com and highly recommend their service. Easy, easy...
Buon viaggio,
The 7:05 Leonardo Express will get you from Termini station to the airport in 32 minutes at 7:37, in time for the 2 hours before departure that you need to be there.
Cipro is 7 stops from Termini, figure getting on around 6:45 and you will have time.
To do it that way, you need to be heading out the door after checking out with enough time to be delayed leaving for one reason or another, etc., I'd budget 6:30 depending on just how very close you are to the Metro entrance. So total time door to door, maybe 70 minutes. I'm padding it quite a bit because you don't want problems on your leaving day.
A taxi will probably get you there in around half of that. You can't flag them down, you must go to a taxi rank, there will be one near the Metro somewhere. Or you could have a pre-arranged taxi collect you or a pre-arranged car service. There won't be much traffic at that time of day.
What day of the week is it?
The taxi or service will cost more but it is likely easiest for you on the day. Or you may decide after you have been in Rome for a while - "I can do this" and take the Metro and train.
Whichever you decide - have a great trip.
Hi Amy,
A couple of thoughts: Are you traveling light? Even though the Leonardo is good and has a good price point, it's still a train. It'll be crowded of course, and you'll have to keep an eye on your luggage and any other bag/personal item you have on your person. Since it's an early flight home for you, it may be less stressful? to book a ride.
It's up to you, but, I'd like to suggest what I've used the last couple of times I visited Rome.
http://www.airportshuttlexpress.com/who-we-are/
I booked RT each time. (Last time I got a discount as a repeat customer.) Anyway, these guys are professional, on time and courteous. I had Sergio my first visit and again on my second visit as a pickup from hotel. I can't recall the other driver's name. The manager is very nice. He speaks English if you don't know much Italian.
Keep in mind, it is a shared shuttle. So, you may be sharing the shuttle or not. You may be the first or last pickup depending on the logistics. (Each trip, to and fro, I shared the shuttle with one other couple, so it was not packed.) The driver drops you off right at your airline. There are the luggage trolleys around most entrances. If you need help, the driver will get one for you. No charge.
It's easy to book online. You fill in your flight times. I always allow a bit of wiggle room, so, it's best to add at least one-half hour to your commute. Rome traffic, picking up other people, detours. This happened on my last visit. Plus, the day I left Rome, it was raining.
They send you an email confirmation with the (single trip) price. Make sure you keep a copy of the confirmation either on your phone or have your hotel print it out if possible.
The driver takes the payment before you exit at the airport. You don't need to pay upfront; or at least I don't think so for a single trip. I guess it depends on how much advance notice is given. If it's the day or night before, I can't answer that. (Since I've booked RT well in advance, I pay the day of arrival at FCO.)
If you reserve a trip; change your mind and decide to grab a taxi or take the train, no worries. But, I would think, as a courtesy, you could email them and say you changed your mind so they aren't waiting.
eta I changed/removed some info that seemed a bit confusing.
You can easily take the metro to the Leonardo Express to the airport. Save your extra money for something else on your trip.
Thank you for your help!
We stayed in Monteverde in November and had our Airbnb host hire his driver to drive us to the airport. Cost a few extra Euros than the other options, but worth every "penny!" Have to get to the international airport safely and on time. Way to costly to try to save any money on this.
