Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport

Rome Ciampino - G. B. Pastine Airport (CIA) is Rome's secondary airport, located approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) southeast of the city center. While significantly smaller than Fiumicino (FCO), Ciampino handles over 5 million passengers annually as the primary hub for budget carriers serving Rome.

The airport has a single terminal with a compact, one-story layout:

• Gates A1-A8: Schengen flights (no passport control required)
• Gates B1-B8: Non-Schengen flights (require passport control)

Important: There are no shops or restaurants in the B gates area after passport control. Eat and shop before entering the non-Schengen zone.

Ciampino is primarily served by two low-cost carriers:

• Ryanair: Largest operator, handling approximately 95% of traffic
• Wizz Air: Secondary carrier with routes to Central and Eastern Europe

The airport operates daily from 4:30 AM to 12:00 AM. Overnight stays inside the terminal are not permitted.

Fiumicino (FCO) - Rome's Main Airport

Rome's primary airport, Leonardo da Vinci - Fiumicino (FCO), is located 31 km (19 miles) to the west. Most full-service carriers, long-haul flights, and intercontinental routes operate from FCO.

When to use Ciampino vs. Fiumicino:

• Ciampino (CIA): Budget carriers (Ryanair, Wizz Air), European short-haul routes, closer to city center
• Fiumicino (FCO): Full-service airlines, long-haul/intercontinental flights, more amenities

Connecting between CIA and FCO:

Method	Time	Cost	Notes
FlixBus	30-35 min	EUR 6-9 (USD 6.50-10)	Direct service, 3-4 departures daily
Taxi	30-45 min	EUR 55-70 (USD 60-75)	Traffic dependent
Via Termini	60-90 min	EUR 15-20 (USD 16-22)	Bus/train to Termini, then Leonardo Express

Minimum connection time: Allow 4 hours minimum between flights at different Rome airports on separate bookings.

Ciampino is located 12 km (7.5 miles) southeast of Rome's city center. Unlike Fiumicino, there is no direct train service to the airport.

Method	Time to Termini	Cost	Notes
Taxi	25-35 min	EUR 40 (USD 43)	Fixed rate to center
Shuttle bus	40-50 min	EUR 5-7 (USD 5.50-7.50)	Terravision, SIT Bus
Ciampino Airlink	45-55 min	EUR 2.70 (USD 3)	Bus + train combo
Public bus + Metro	45-60 min	EUR 1.50 (USD 1.60)	Budget option

Traffic between Ciampino and Rome can be congested during rush hours (7-10 AM, 5-8 PM). Shuttle buses are the most popular option for budget travelers.

Important: Uber does not operate reliably in Italy. Use official taxis or pre-booked car services.

Official Taxis

Licensed white taxis are available at the taxi rank outside the arrivals exit, operating 24/7.

Fixed rate to Rome city center: EUR 40 (USD 43)

Destination	Fare	Notes
Rome center (within Aurelian Walls)	EUR 40 (USD 43) fixed	Termini, Vatican, Trastevere, historic center
Fiumicino Airport (FCO)	EUR 55 (USD 60) fixed	30-45 min journey
Outside Aurelian Walls	Metered	Rate varies by distance

Important taxi tips:

• Only use official white taxis from the designated rank
• Fixed rates are per taxi (up to 4 passengers, luggage included)
• Confirm the fixed rate before departure
• Beware of unlicensed drivers approaching you inside the terminal
• Fixed rate applies only to destinations within the Aurelian Walls (historic center)

Pre-Booked Car Services

For private transfers, book in advance:

• Welcome Pickups: Fixed prices, meet-and-greet service
• Blacklane: Premium sedan service
• Local NCC services: Book through hotels

Typical pre-booked transfer cost: EUR 35-50 (USD 38-54) to central Rome

Shuttle Buses (Most Popular)

Direct bus services to Roma Termini station are the most popular option:

Terravision Bus

• Fare: EUR 6 one-way (USD 6.50), EUR 12 round-trip
• Duration: 40-50 minutes (traffic dependent)
• Frequency: Regular departures throughout the day
• Hours: 8:15 AM - 12:15 AM from airport; 4:30 AM - 10:00 PM from Termini
• Drop-off: Via Marsala 29 (near Termini station)

SIT Bus Shuttle

• Fare: EUR 7 one-way (USD 7.50)
• Duration: 40-50 minutes
• Hours: 7:45 AM - 11:59 PM from airport
• Drop-off: Via Marsala 5 (next to Termini station)

Tips:

• Buy tickets online in advance for discounts
• Buses depart from the square outside arrivals
• Allow extra time during rush hours

Ciampino Airlink (Budget Option)

The cheapest way to reach central Rome combines a bus and regional train, operated by Trenitalia and ATRAL:

Fare: EUR 2.70 (USD 3) - covers both bus and train

Journey:

1. Take the ATRAL bus from the airport to Ciampino train station (10 minutes)
2. Board regional train to Roma Termini (30-40 minutes)

Where to buy: Trenitalia website, app, or at the tourist information point in arrivals

Notes:

• Total journey time: 45-55 minutes
• Children under 4 travel free
• Ticket is not valid for Rome metro or city buses

Public Bus + Metro

For the most budget-conscious travelers, ATAC buses connect to Metro stations:

Bus 520 to Metro A (Cinecittà):

• 7 stops to Cinecittà Metro station
• Take Metro A toward Battistini to reach Termini
• Total journey: ~45 minutes

Bus 720 to Metro B (Laurentina):

• 22 stops to Laurentina Metro station
• Take Metro B toward Rebibbia to reach Termini
• Total journey: ~60 minutes

Fare: EUR 1.50 (USD 1.60) for 100-minute ticket (valid for bus and metro)

Night Transport

When shuttle buses stop running (after midnight):

• Taxi: EUR 40 fixed rate (available 24/7)
• Pre-booked transfer: EUR 35-50

Ciampino offers several parking areas managed by ADR (Aeroporti di Roma):

Short-Term Parking (P3)

Lot	Spaces	Distance	Notes
P3	110	200m from terminal	First 15 min free, no online booking

Best for: Pick-up/drop-off only

Long-Term Parking (P4, P5/P7, P6)

Lot	Location	Spaces	First Free
P4	Via De Bernardi	104	15 min
P5/P7	Via Leonardo da Vinci	280	15 min
P6	Via Mameli	104	30 min

Tips:

• Book online at adr.it for best rates
• Rates vary by season and promotions
• All lots are open-air, street-level
• Compare with off-airport alternatives (ParkinGO) for longer stays

Ciampino has limited dining options compared to larger airports. Plan accordingly, especially for non-Schengen flights.

Before Security (Public Area):

• McDonald's: Open 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Panella Bakery: Open 4:00 AM - 9:00 PM, pastries and sandwiches
• Cafe Lavazza: Open 4:30 AM - 10:00 PM, quality Italian coffee

After Security (Schengen Gates A):

• Caio Antica Pizza Romana: Traditional thin-crust Roman pizza
• Just Poke: Fresh poke bowls
• Piadina di Casa Maioli: Traditional Romagna flatbread sandwiches
• Chef Express Bar: Coffee, croissants, panini
• Cioccolati Italiani: Ice cream and Italian chocolates

After Passport Control (Non-Schengen Gates B):

• No food or shops available
• Eat before passing through passport control

Tips:

• Grab food before entering the B gates area
• Airport prices are higher than in Rome
• For a quick Italian breakfast, try an espresso and cornetto (croissant) at Lavazza

Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal.

Network name: "AIRPORT FREE WIFI"

How to connect:

1. Select "AIRPORT FREE WIFI" network
2. Open browser for redirect to ADR portal
3. Accept terms and connect

Details:

• Duration: Unlimited
• Speed: Adequate for browsing and email
• Charging points available throughout terminal

SIM card options are limited at Ciampino compared to Fiumicino:

At the airport:

• Small electronics kiosks in the terminal
• Limited carrier options and higher prices than city stores

Major Italian carriers:

• TIM: Best nationwide coverage
• Vodafone: Strong network, good tourist plans
• Wind Tre: Competitive pricing

Typical costs: Prepaid tourist SIMs with 20-50GB data start around EUR 15-30 (USD 16-32). EU roaming included.

Tips:

• Consider ordering an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) before departure
• EU residents: Your home SIM works at domestic rates
• Better selection and prices in Rome city shops (TIM, Vodafone stores)

Required for purchase: Passport and Italian address (hotel address acceptable)

ATMs are available in the departures area.

ATM locations:

• Departures hall (Euronet ATM)
• Limited options compared to larger airports

Currency exchange:

• Best And Fast Change Italia: Located in arrivals
• Rates are unfavorable (reportedly 12% worse than market rates)

Tips:

• Use ATMs instead of currency exchange for better rates
• Decline "dynamic currency conversion" - always pay in euros
• Euronet ATMs may charge high fees (around EUR 5) - consider using your card directly
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) widely accepted in Italy
• Carry some cash (EUR 50-100) for small purchases

Shopping at Ciampino is modest compared to Fiumicino. Don't expect luxury brands or extensive duty-free.

Available shops:

• Aelia Duty Free: Basic duty-free (alcohol, tobacco, perfume, Italian products)
• WHS: Newspapers, magazines, snacks (before security)
• Sanifarma Pharmacy: Open 5:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Small souvenir shops: Limited selection

Italian products to buy:

• Limoncello and Italian spirits
• Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• Italian snacks and chocolates

Tips:

• Shopping closes before midnight when the airport closes
• Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds on purchases over EUR 154.94
• For better shopping, visit Fiumicino or Rome city stores

Ciampino has very limited lounge options due to its budget carrier focus.

HelloSky Lounge

Access: Pay per use only Cost: EUR 8 (USD 9) per person Amenities:

• Free WiFi
• Reading materials
• Flight information
• Showers, drinks, and private rooms available for additional cost

Note: No Priority Pass lounges at Ciampino

Business Lounges

Two business lounges are available for premium travelers:

• Corradino D'Ascanio Lounge
• Umberto Nobile Lounge

These require reservation and are primarily for business aviation clients.

Tips:

• No Priority Pass, Amex Platinum, or credit card lounge access available
• If you need lounge access, consider arriving via Fiumicino instead
• The HelloSky Lounge is basic but affordable

At Ciampino:

There are no hotels directly at Ciampino Airport. The closest options are in the town of Ciampino or along the route to Rome.

Near the Airport:

• Hotel Cristoforo Colombo: 2 km from airport, budget-friendly option (~EUR 60-90/night)
• Hotel Maroussi: Ciampino town, 3 km from airport (~EUR 50-80/night)

Between Airport and City:

• Mach 2 Airport Hotel: 5 km from airport, free shuttle on request (~EUR 70-100/night)
• Hotel Rinascimento: Near Ciampino, modern rooms (~EUR 60-90/night)

Tips:

• No direct terminal access hotels - all require taxi or shuttle
• For early morning flights, staying near Termini and taking a shuttle bus may be more convenient
• Consider staying in central Rome if your layover exceeds 6 hours
• The area around Ciampino Airport has limited dining and nightlife

Rome is one of the world's great historic cities, with 3,000 years of history. From Ciampino:

Getting to central Rome attractions:

Attraction	Travel Time from CIA	How to Get There
Colosseum	40-50 min	Bus 520 + Metro A + walk
Vatican City	50-60 min	Shuttle to Termini + Metro A
Trevi Fountain	35-45 min	Shuttle to Termini + walk
Pantheon	35-45 min	Shuttle to Termini + walk
Trastevere	40-50 min	Taxi or bus + metro

Neighborhoods to explore:

• Centro Storico: Historic center with Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo de' Fiori
• Trastevere: Charming cobblestone streets, best trattorias, nightlife
• Testaccio: Authentic Roman food scene, local vibe
• Monti: Trendy area near Colosseum, vintage shops, wine bars

Day trips from Rome:

• Pompeii/Naples: 1.5 hours by high-speed train from Termini
• Florence: 1.5 hours by high-speed train
• Ostia Antica: 45 min by metro/train, Roman ruins without crowds
• Tivoli: 1 hour by bus/train, Villa d'Este gardens

Transport tips:

• Buy a Roma Pass (48 or 72 hours) for unlimited public transport and museum entries
• Rome Metro has only two lines (A and B) - walking is often faster in the center
• Download Moovit app for public transport routing
• Book Vatican and Colosseum tickets in advance

Food essentials:

• Cacio e pepe: Roman pasta with pecorino and black pepper
• Carbonara: Egg, guanciale, pecorino, pepper (never cream)
• Supplì: Fried rice balls, Roman street food
• Pizza al taglio: Roman-style pizza sold by weight

Dining tips:

• Avoid restaurants directly facing major monuments
• Lunch: 12:30-3:00 PM, Dinner: 8:00-10:30 PM
• "Coperto" (cover charge) of EUR 1-3 per person is standard
• Espresso at the bar is cheaper than sitting at a table