Arriving in a New Country: My Travel Anxieties and Rome’s Airport to City Center Journey
Arriving in a new country always makes me feel anxious. No matter how much experience I have or how well-researched I am, those last few minutes before landing are always filled with questions. How will I get to my hotel? Will I get ripped off on the way? These are the nagging thoughts that plague many travelers, including me. When I first arrived in Prague, we spent nearly 32 euros just to get from our airport, to the hotel only to realize later that we could have done it for less than half the cost. Anyway that is a story for another time. This feeling of uncertainty is heightened even more when arriving in a new city in a foreign land for the first time. And if that city happens to be Rome—one of the world’s most visited cities—it can feel completely overwhelming.
The most important of all these questions at the start is how will I reach my hotel. I am not a veteran, when it comes to international travel ( Italy, Czechia, Germany, Thailand), but I have done enough road trips around India, (thanks to my personal trips and the travel shows, that I helped write/produce) to tell you, that getting lost is perhaps the best thing ,that can happen to you as a traveler, and it works all the more, if you are in Rome, Italy.
Having learned from my experiences, I can guide you on how to navigate Rome’s airport to your accommodation smoothly and affordably. Let’s dive into the most budget-friendly way to get from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport to the city center—without the headache or high costs.
How to Reach Your Hotel in Rome (Without Breaking the Bank)
1. Reaching Rome City Center for Just 8 Euros!
After a long 14-hour flight from Ahmedabad, India, with a layover in Abu Dhabi, we arrived at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport at 6:30 AM. With immigration out of the way, the next hurdle was how to get to our hotel in Tiburtina, a district on the outskirts of Rome.
2. Options for Getting into Rome from Fiumicino Airport
There are several ways to travel from Fiumicino Airport to the city center. From taxis and private shuttles to trains, the options can seem overwhelming. But for those of us traveling on a budget, trains tend to be the quickest and cheapest option. With the added bonus of avoiding the infamous Rome traffic, they are my go-to.
At the exit gates we came across, Tourist Information center, but that was not much of use , as it was only going to open at 8:30 AM. Meanwhile, our senses were bombarded by the hoardings of Leonardo Express Shuttle all across the airport.
3. Leonardo Express: Fast But Pricey
The Leonardo Express departs every 15 minutes and takes you from Fiumicino to Rome City Center (Rome’s Termini station) in about 30 minutes. The cost? 14 euros per person. You’ll see signs for it everywhere, and it even has its own ticket kiosks throughout the airport.
But here’s where our pre-trip research came in handy. There’s a cheaper, better alternative: Trenitalia’s FL1 Regional Train, which costs just 8 euros per person.
4. FL1 Regional Train: A Budget-Friendly Alternative
Located right next to the Leonardo Express ticket counter is an escalator that takes you down a few meters to the FL1 TrenItalia ticket counter. From there, you can buy your ticket for just 8 euros—almost half the price of the Leonardo Express. On your right side is platform no 1, from where the FL1 departs, interestingly the Leonardo Express departs from the platform no 2, which will be on your left.
And the best part? The FL1 train makes multiple stops in Rome, unlike the Leonardo Express, which only stops at Rome Termini station.
5. Why FL1 Is a Better Option for Most Travelers
While the Leonardo Express is fast, it only takes you to the Rome Termini, where you’ll need to figure out additional transportation to reach your hotel. And trust me, after a long international flight with heavy bags, that’s the last thing you want to deal with. Basically , what this means is that, you have to first get off at Rome Termini, and then take another train, taxi, metro or the bus to reach your hotel or accommodation. I think this becomes much of a hassle, if you are fresh out from the airport, after having travelled 12 + hours and carrying around 2 Bags weighing 25 Kgs each , like we did.
On the other hand, the FL1 has several convenient stops, including Roma Trastevere, Roma Ostiense, Roma Tuscolana, and Roma Tiburtina. This flexibility allows you to choose the station closest to your accommodation, saving you time and hassle.
You can find more Infor about the station at the official site of Train Italia
In our case, we stayed at the Best Western Blu in Tiburtina, so getting off at Roma Tiburtina was perfect for us. The trip took about 43 minutes, and we stepped off the train into a crisp 11-degree morning—an ideal start to our Italy adventure.
6. Comparing Travel Options from Fiumicino Airport
To help you make an informed decision, here’s a quick comparison of the various options available to travelers arriving at Fiumicino Airport:
Taxis and Private Shuttles
- Cost: Around 48-50 euros to the city center.
- Travel Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Best For: Travelers with lots of luggage or those looking for a more comfortable, direct route.
Leonardo Express
- Cost: 14 euros per person.
- Travel Time: 30 minutes.
- Best For: Travelers going directly to Termini and not worried about the extra cost.
FL1 TrenItalia
- Cost: 8 euros per person.
- Travel Time: 35-45 minutes, depending on your stop.
- Best For: Budget-conscious travelers, especially those staying outside the city center.
Why Staying in Rome’s Suburbs Is a Smart Choice
Rome is a beautiful city, but staying in the city center can be incredibly expensive. Hotels near Termini or the Colosseum can quickly eat into your budget. That’s why I recommend staying in a nearby suburb like Tiburtina. It’s well-connected by train, metro, and bus, allowing you to explore the city without paying a premium for central accommodation.
Other Travel Options from Fiumicino Airport
If the train doesn’t suit your needs, there are still a few other options you can consider:
7. Airport Shuttles
Several companies offer shared shuttle services from Fiumicino to various parts of Rome. These typically cost around 20 euros per person, and while they are cheaper than a taxi, they can take longer depending on how many stops the shuttle makes.
8. Public Buses
For the truly budget-conscious, buses like the Terravision or SIT Shuttle cost around 6-8 euros but take about 55 minutes to reach the city center. They are a great option if you’re not in a hurry.
9. Rental Cars
If you’re planning on exploring more of Italy beyond Rome, renting a car at the airport might make sense. Just be aware that Rome’s traffic can be challenging, and parking in the city is both difficult and expensive..
We chose our mode of transport from Fiumicino airport, based on our circumstances and budgets, while I recommend FL1 to get into the city of Rome( quick and cheap) , I also suggest you to have a look at the table below , so that you can make a more informed choice, depending on the location you are staying at.
Conclusion
Arriving in a new country can be daunting, but with a little planning, you can make your journey from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport to your hotel as smooth as possible. For budget travelers, the FL1 TrenItalia is the best option—it’s affordable, convenient, and gets you closer to your destination without the hassle of navigating from Termini.
Whether you’re staying in a hotel in the city center or in one of Rome’s more affordable suburbs, the train is a smart, stress-free choice. So the next time you find yourself landing in Rome, skip the expensive options and take the FL1 for a wallet-friendly start to your Italian adventure.
FAQs
- Is the FL1 train from Fiumicino Airport reliable?
Yes, the FL1 train runs frequently and is known for being both reliable and efficient. - Can I buy FL1 tickets online?
Yes, you can purchase tickets on the TrenItalia website or at the airport’s ticket kiosks. - How long does it take to get to the city center from Fiumicino by train?
The travel time depends on which train you take. The Leonardo Express takes 30 minutes, while the FL1 takes 35-45 minutes. - Are there other affordable ways to get into Rome?
Yes, you can take a public bus like the Terravision or SIT Shuttle for around 6-8 euros, though it takes longer than the train. - Should I stay in the city center or a suburb like Tiburtina?
Staying in the suburbs can save you a lot of money on accommodation, and with Rome’s excellent public transport, it’s easy to reach all the major attractions.