Leonardo Express

4.2 out of 5.0 stars4.2

Efficient and hassle-free train service

This is not so much a review, as I’ve done that twice before, but some comments and pointers. Just so to know, I have used this service for many years and continue to use it every time I arrive and leave Rome. It’s not the cheapest, but I find it to be the most efficient and hassle-free. So…

I find it hard to believe some people rate the service very lowly. First of all the Leonardo Express is a train service. It runs to and from the Rome airport at Fiumicino. It’s called Express because there are no stops in between. It’s not a bullet train. It’s not the Orient Express either. Occasionally it will not run at full speed and there are various reasons why. It could be because there are workers on the line or signalling issues. I know a lot of vegetation on the sides of the tracks has been cleared over the last two years. The service however does run by its timetable of every 15 minutes. Possibly a minute or so late. That can happen. What I say is, be happy you are getting to destination with no traffic hassles etc. If you are worried, and I’ve said this before, leave 20~30 minutes earlier. That way you will not be disappointed should the train not travel at your desired speed. 

Ticket scams. Do not buy tickets from unofficial vendors. Actually there shouldn’t be. Buy tickets at the vending machines. These operate in many languages. Or go to the Trenitalia counter. Even at the newsagent/newsstands. But only buy tickets and don’t get into any other discussion about taxis, buses, shuttles, your destination, etc.

With tickets the most important thing is to validate them. Do so in the green, white (and red) Trenitalia validating machines on the platforms or concourse. When your ticket is validated it will be good for 90 minutes. If you bought your ticket online you do not need validating. Online tickets have a time when they should be used. I think from memory it should be within 4 hours. You cannot use the ticket for an earlier train. The cost for Leonardo Express is Euro 14, no more, no less. I always buy mine on the day. I have a favourite newsagent/newsstand at Termini or I buy it from the Trenitalia counter at Fiumicino. The types of ticket vary: boarding pass sized card (Trenitalia counter), bus ticket style small card (vending machines) or a docket style ticket on thermal paper (newsagents/newsstands). All need to be validated. One last thing. The online ticket is also valid for 90 minutes after the QR code is scanned by the train conductor/inspector. That ticket cannot be used again for another run. Logically.

Do not confuse the commuter train that departs Fiumicino and stops at all stations except Roma Termini. The Leonardo Express is easy to identify. It says so on the side of the carriage. It is also red, white and green. The commuter train is recognisable by the double-decker carriages. If you are staying anywhere near Roma Trastevere, Roma Ostiense, Roma Tuscolana, Roma Tiburtina and Roma Nomentana, this is the train you should catch. There are other stations as well but those mentioned are the main ones. The commuter train (FL1) cost is Euro 8 but remember it does not stop at Roma Termini. Expect the commuter train to be well patronised. Also luggage space will be an issue. 

When travelling to the airport and your destination is Terminal 3, you have three options to get there. I’ll mention all, but the third is a little tricky. Since the remodelling of the Terminal 3 facade back in 2016 the walkway to the terminal is no more. It was ripped down so the original glass facade design could be reinstated. 

The first option: leave the station platform through the exit gates and walk about 20 metres (60 feet), turn right and go down a set of escalators and then up again until you reach Terminal 3 Arrivals. Go right and then left again in a short distance to a set of new escalators to the Departures concourse. This is the shortest and best method. Second option, and always undercover, is go straight ahead from the station platform and turn right at the overhead signs T1, T2 and T3. You’ll see travelators. After a couple of minutes further up you’ll need to go left at a junction. If you don’t you’ll end up at T2 or T1. There are signs overhead. When you arrive inside the terminal building turn left and go down a set of escalators. You are now in Terminal 3 Departures. The third option is mentioned only because it exists, but I don’t recommend it when going to Terminal 3. Use the same method as in option one but as soon as you’ve done one set of escalators going down you need to exit to the right at an entrance/exit. This will take you outside into the open. Cross the service roads at the zebra crossings. You are now at Terminal 3 Arrivals. From here you’ll need to go left and find the escalators mentioned in option one that will take you upstairs to the Departures concourse. These will be on your right. 

That last option is best done from Terminal 3 Arrivals to the station. In other words in the other direction. I do this undercover never going outside and crossing the service roads. As soon as you exit Customs go right. Follow the overhead sign for the train station. You’ll come to a set of escalators to your left. Go down then up again to the station platform. You’ll see vending machines and the Trenitalia ticket office to the right. This is basically the reverse of option one (to Terminal 3 Departures) minus the escalators going up to Terminal 3 Departures. 

If your destination is Florence, Bologna or Venice. There are four daily Frecciargento trains (fast trains) to/from Fiumicino Airport. The times currently are: 

Arrivals to Fiumicino Airport: 
Frecciargento 9401/9490 at 09.52
Frecciargento 9415/9492 at 13.52 

Departures from Fiumicino Airport: 

Frecciargento 9491/9422 at 11.08

Frecciargento 9493/9438 at 15.08

These trains need to be pre-booked. Your seat will be allocated. Should you miss the train you will need to see the customer service agent at the Trenitalia counter. Your ticket will be changed to next available train either at Fiumicino or at Roma Termini. You may have to buy a Leonardo Express ticket to Roma Termini though.

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

You can also check out my two reviews (6 December 2016 and 30 October 2017).

Update: The Frecciargento trains mentioned here no longer service Fiumicino Airport. The trains are now Frecciarossa and the timetable has changed. There is also a new service from/to Napoli Centrale.

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