Leonardo Express

4.1 out of 5.0 stars4.1

Still Best Way to/from Rome Fiumicino Airport

Have used this train service many times and have reviewed it before with lengthy explanations. One thing I must add since my review of November 2016 is that the walkway that used to go across to Terminal 3 has been pulled down. The façade at Terminal 3 has returned to its original design of mostly glass.

The walkway to Terminal 3 is now the same one that takes you to Terminals 1 and 2. So head straight ahead away from the train platforms and concourse until you come to what seems a dead end and turn right. The signs above will indicate T1, T2 and T3. This walkway has travelators and was the one I used back in my last review when they were doing works at T3.

In the reverse direction coming from Terminal 3 Arrivals to the train station, nothing has changed. There’s an underpass that will take you from the terminal to the platforms. You just have to go down a set of escalators and then up again.

The Leonardo Express is still the best way to get to central Rome and Roma Termini station. Price is still Euro 14 for adults. We were four leaving Rome in October 2017. I opted for the Leonardo Express because of its handiness, but if there are four of you and you want to save money you are better off catching a cab for Euro 48. Something your hotel can organise for you.

Buses also run from Roma Termini with prices as low as Euro 4 per person. I’ll stick to the Leonardo Express because I know it is efficient, you sit down and stow your luggage on the rack and in 30 odd minutes you are at Fiumicino Airport or vice versa. Also the trains run every 15 minutes.

Always remember though that your ticket needs to be validated in the green, white and red machines on the platform. Even the ones printed on paper at newsagents/newsstands. Hefty fines are in order. If you have an online digital version there are no issues with validating.

Another bit of advice. It’s been over a year now that you need to produce a ticket at the security checkpoints to enter the platforms at Roma Termini (and all major Italian city stations). There are two ways to get to the Leonardo Express. The first through one of several entrances along the main concourse, where all trains terminate and the second through the smaller single entrance on the southwest side of Termini at Via Giolitti which runs parallel with platform 24, the track where the Leonardo Express arrives/departs. 

Tickets can be bought from self service machines, at the counter, at newsagents (newsstands), at Tabacconists (where the white capital T on white background sign is displayed outside shops) and also online.

Don’t make silly remarks the Italian railways are out to rip you off. They don’t. Don’t be ignorant or feign ignorance. There are rules. As the Leonardo Express is considered a Regional train remember you must validate the ticket. If it is a digital one the QR code will be scanned by the inspector/controller. It’s that simple. I have written about this stuff before in a previous review published December 2016. Always read reviews and be informed.

For more information on the Leonardo Express, timetable and tickets go to the Trenitalia website.

Cleanliness	4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
Comfort	4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
Facilities	4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
Service	5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Staff	4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.5
Value	4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
WiFi	3.5 out of 5.0 stars3.5