How to get from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Colosseum
Getting from Rome Fiumicino (FCO) to the Colosseum is easy once you decide between the fast Leonardo Express train, cheaper airport buses, or door-to-door taxis and private transfers; this guide walks you through each option with typical times, costs and step-by-step directions so you can go from baggage claim to ancient arena with minimum stress.
At A Glance (Rome Fiumicino Airport to Colosseum)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Leonardo Express Train + Metro B (FCO → Termini → Colosseo) | ~32m train + 10–20m metro/walk | Fastest, traffic-proof, first-time visitors |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€15.50 (train + metro) » official Leonardo Express | alt. rail/bus passes | ||
| 🚌 Airport Shuttle Bus (FCO → Termini) + Metro/Walk | ~45–60m bus + 10–20m metro/walk | Budget travelers, simple route |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€7–8 bus + €1.50 metro » compare FCO→Termini buses | Rome airport shuttles | ||
| 🚕 Taxi, Ride-hailing & Private Transfer (Door-to-door) | ~40–70m (traffic-dependent) | Door-to-door comfort, late arrivals, groups |
| 🏷️ Cost: Official taxi flat fare ~€50 (airport → within Aurelian Walls) » compare taxis/shuttles | prebook transfers | ||
| 🚗 Car Rental / Self-drive | ~45–75m (traffic & parking) | Road trips beyond Rome, families with lots of gear |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€35–70/day car rental + tolls/parking » compare Rome car rentals | scooters for in-city | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest / Most Convenient: Leonardo Express + Metro B is usually the quickest and most reliable in rush hour; great if you are tired after a long flight and staying near the Colosseum or in Monti.
- Cheapest / Simple: Airport shuttle buses to Termini are the lowest-cost option, then hop on Metro B or walk/taxi to the Colosseum area.
- Least Hassle / With Luggage: Taxi or prebooked private transfer gives door-to-door service, ideal with kids, late flights or multiple bags.
- Best for Road Trips: If Rome is just your starting point, renting a car at Fiumicino or booking a scooter later is practical for exploring Lazio and beyond (but avoid driving right up to the Colosseum due to ZTL zones).
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Buy train tickets before boarding: Leonardo Express and regional train tickets must be bought from Trenitalia machines/counters or online; consider pre-booking or checking times via the official site or through bundles on Klook Rome.
- Use passes smartly: A standard Rome public transport ticket (BIT) is ~€1.50 and covers a Metro ride Termini ↔ Colosseo; you can combine it with the airport train or shuttle for a full journey.
- Prebook shuttles in busy months: In peak season and on weekends, airport buses and shared transfers can sell out. Compare FCO→Rome buses on 12Go or shuttle options via Trip.com airport transfers.
- Private cars vs ride-hailing: Prebooked cars with services like GetTransfer or premium ride apps often cost more than an official white taxi but include meet-and-greet and fixed pricing.
- Watch for ZTL zones: The Colosseum and much of historic Rome are in limited traffic zones (ZTL). If you rent a car, plan to park in a garage outside the core and walk or use the metro.
- Store luggage if rooms aren’t ready: If you want to sightsee first, you can drop bags at facilities near Termini or the Colosseum using Radical Storage in Rome.
- Stay near a Metro B stop: For quick Colosseum access, consider hotels near Colosseo, Cavour or Termini on Booking.com to minimise transfers.
🚆 Option #1 — Leonardo Express Train + Metro B (Fastest)
Fast Traffic-proof Easy with luggage
- Overview: Non-stop Leonardo Express trains run Fiumicino Aeroporto → Roma Termini in about 32 minutes. From Termini, take Metro Line B (blue) two stops to Colosseo or walk/taxi to your accommodation.
- How to book (with price): Leonardo Express costs around €14 one-way; Metro BIT tickets are ~€1.50. Buy train tickets from Trenitalia machines/counters or online via the official Leonardo Express page; you can also find bundled airport transfers and passes on Klook or other platforms.
- Pros: Fastest option, unaffected by road traffic, frequent departures (roughly every 15 minutes). Cons: Slightly higher cost than buses; you still need to change to Metro B or walk from Termini.
Step-by-step: Leonardo Express + Metro B
- After baggage claim at FCO, follow the signs with a train icon and the word “Treni/Train” to the Fiumicino Aeroporto railway station, connected by indoor walkways from Terminals 1 and 3.
- Buy a Leonardo Express ticket from Trenitalia ticket machines, the ticket office, or online (mobile QR ticket). If you have a paper ticket, validate it in the green/white machines before entering the platform.
- Board the Leonardo Express heading to Roma Termini. All seats are 2nd class; store large luggage in racks near carriage doors and keep valuables with you.
- On arrival at Termini, follow signs for Metro Line B (blue line, direction Laurentina) and purchase a BIT ticket if you don’t already have one.
- Ride Metro B two stops from Termini → Colosseo. When you exit at Colosseo station, you will emerge directly in front of the Colosseum.
- From Colosseo, walk to your hotel in Monti/Colosseum area, or transfer to other buses/lines as needed.
Getting to the main embarking points (FCO Train Station / Termini / Colosseo)
- Within Fiumicino Airport: From arrivals in Terminals 1 or 3, follow clearly marked “Train” signs along moving walkways to the station building above the parking area.
- At Roma Termini: Metro B is accessed from the lower level of the station; look for the blue “M” signs and Linea B directions.
- At Colosseo station: Exits open directly to the amphitheatre and Via dei Fori Imperiali, making onward walking simple.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — Airport Shuttle Bus + Metro/Walk (Cheapest Simple)
Low cost No transfers until Termini Traffic-dependent
- Overview: Several companies run direct shuttle buses from Fiumicino to Roma Termini (central station). From Termini you can ride Metro B to Colosseo, take a short taxi, or walk (~25–30 minutes through Monti).
- How to book (with price): Expect around €7–8 one-way per adult; return tickets are slightly discounted. Check timetables and operators or reserve online via comparison tools like 12Go for FCO→Termini buses; you can also find bus and shuttle tickets bundled with tours on GetYourGuide or Klook.
- Pros: Cheapest straightforward option; no need to change until Termini. Cons: Journey time is affected by traffic; seats may sell out around peak flight times.
Step-by-step: Shuttle Bus + Metro B
- Follow “Bus/Coach” signs from arrivals at Fiumicino to the long-distance bus bays outside Terminal 3.
- Locate your bus company (e.g., Terravision, SitBus, TAM); show your online ticket or buy on the spot at the kiosk if seats are available.
- Place large luggage in the underfloor compartment, keeping valuables with you in a small bag.
- Ride the bus to Termini; most services stop on Via Giovanni Giolitti or another street adjacent to the station.
- From the bus drop-off, walk into Termini and follow signs for Metro B to ride two stops to Colosseo, or take a metered taxi if your hotel is close and you prefer not to use the metro.
- Exit at Colosseo station or at your hotel stop and walk the remaining few minutes.
Getting to the main embarking points (FCO Bus Stands / Termini / Colosseo)
- FCO bus departure area: Buses to Rome typically leave from bays just outside Terminal 3; check signage for your operator and allow a little extra time to find the correct stand.
- Termini bus arrival: You will usually arrive along the south side of the station (Via Giolitti); metro, taxis and some hotels are a short walk away.
- Colosseo access: Metro B Colosseo stop and multiple bus routes along Via dei Fori Imperiali bring you directly to the monument.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚕 Option #3 — Taxi, Ride-hailing & Private Transfer (Door-to-door)
Door-to-door 24/7 Most expensive
- Overview: Official white taxis wait at ranks outside arrivals. There is a fixed city fare from Fiumicino to central Rome (within the Aurelian Walls), which covers most areas around the Colosseum. Private transfers and app-based rides offer prebooked comfort with meet-and-greet.
- How to book (with price): The official flat rate from FCO to central Rome is around €50 for up to four passengers including luggage. For prebooked rides, compare services like GetTransfer Rome, curated airport transfers on GetYourGuide, or premium ride apps such as Uber (usually pricier than city taxis).
- Pros: No transfers, ideal with heavy luggage, children, or late-night arrivals. Cons: Highest cost; subject to road traffic; need to watch for unofficial taxi touts inside the terminal.
Step-by-step: Taxi or Private Transfer
- After exiting customs, ignore anyone inside the terminal offering taxi rides. Follow signs to the official taxi ranks outside the terminal doors.
- If taking a city taxi, confirm the fixed fare to central Rome before getting in and ensure the taxi is white with an official “TAXI” sign and licence number.
- For prebooked transfers, your driver will usually meet you in the arrivals hall with a sign; confirm the meeting point in your booking from platforms like Trip.com car & transfer services or other providers.
- Give your Colosseum-area address (e.g., hotel in Monti or near Via dei Fori Imperiali). Journey time is typically 40–60 minutes depending on traffic.
- Pay the driver in cash or card depending on the taxi; prebooked transfers are usually paid online in advance.
Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi Ranks / Drop-off near Colosseum)
- Airport taxi ranks: At FCO, official taxi stands are directly outside arrivals; follow the overhead signs and queue in the marked lane.
- Colosseum drop-off: Taxis and private cars typically stop along Via Labicana, Via Celio Vibenna or Via dei Fori Imperiali, all within a few minutes’ walk of the Colosseum entrances.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #4 — Car Rental / Self-drive
Good for road trips Flexible ZTL & parking hassles
- Overview: Renting a car at Fiumicino is useful if you plan to explore the countryside or other Italian regions immediately. However, central Rome’s traffic, ZTL restrictions and limited parking make driving to the Colosseum itself impractical.
- How to book (with price): Day rates usually start around €35–70 for a compact car, depending on season and insurance. Compare offers on Booking.com Car Rental or arrange a scooter or motorbike later via BikesBooking in Rome if you just need two-wheeled mobility inside the city.
- Pros: Maximum flexibility for day trips (e.g., Ostia Antica, Tivoli, hill towns). Cons: ZTL fines if you enter restricted zones by mistake; high parking fees; not necessary if you are staying only in Rome.
Step-by-step: Car Rental / Self-drive
- From arrivals, follow signs to Car Rental/Autonoleggio; rental desks and pick-up garages are connected via walkways to the main terminal complex.
- Collect your car, inspect it for any existing damage, and set your GPS to a parking garage near (but outside) the Colosseum’s ZTL, or to your accommodation if it offers secure parking.
- Drive on the A91 motorway towards Rome, then follow signs into the city centre, avoiding marked ZTL entries.
- Park in a garage or authorised street parking; from there, walk or use the metro/bus to reach the Colosseum.
Getting to the main embarking points (Car Rental Centre / Parking Near Colosseum)
- Car rental centre at FCO: Major international brands cluster in the multi-storey car park connected to Terminals 1 and 3; follow airport signage for rental car pick-up.
- Parking near the Colosseum: Look for private garages or supervised lots in the Monti or Celio areas and complete the final approach on foot or by metro.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Rome Fiumicino Airport to Colosseum)
How long does it take to get from Fiumicino to the Colosseum?
Most travellers take 45–75 minutes door to door. Leonardo Express plus Metro B is usually around 45–60 minutes total, shuttle buses plus metro about 60–75 minutes depending on traffic, and taxis/private cars can range from 40 minutes in light traffic to over an hour at rush hour.
Is there a direct train from Fiumicino to the Colosseum?
There is no single train that stops at the Colosseum. The most direct rail route is Leonardo Express from Fiumicino to Roma Termini, then Metro Line B two stops to Colosseo. Regional FL1 trains serve other city stations but still require a metro/bus connection.
Are taxis from Fiumicino to central Rome a fixed fare?
Yes. Official white taxis from the airport to destinations within Rome’s Aurelian Walls (which include the Colosseum area) operate on a fixed fare posted on the taxi doors, rather than a meter-based price. Always confirm the flat rate before departing and avoid unsolicited drivers inside the terminal.
What if I arrive early and my hotel is not ready?
You can store luggage near Termini, the Colosseum or other landmarks using services such as Radical Storage Rome. This lets you explore the area and even visit the Colosseum before check-in.