Leonardo Express

Another short review about the best way to travel between Rome’s airport at Fiumicino and central Rome at the Roma Termini railway station.

I have used this service virtually every time I am in Rome and I cannot fault it. It’s not cheaper than catching one of the bus services that run the same route to Roma Termini. If time is important the Leonardo Express is the best solution as the buses take about twice as long to get to Fiumicino and traffic can be a problem depending on the time of day. Also the buses do not run as frequent. Taxis are expensive and Ubers although more competitive are still prone by those road issues. If your destination is not central Rome or the area surrounding Roma Termini then Ubers are the best option. Check their app for destinations and prices.

Cost and how to buy tickets

The train ticket price hasn’t changed for many years and it is still at Euro 14. Tickets can be purchased at the counter on the station concourse at Fiumicino Airport and at Roma Termini, or via ticket machines or online. I usually buy a ticket at the counter at the airport and when I have access to data will buy online via my smartphone (iPhone) using the Trenitaliaapp. If you have a SIM already activated buy the ticket online for the next train. You can pay using credit or debit card or another payment method, PayPal, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, etc. Check-in via the app before accessing the platform and scan the QR code at the gate. Paper tickets need to be validated and can be done by getting them stamped at the green and white (with a red backing) validating machines. If you don’t validate your ticket you can be fined by the ticket inspector. This regardless if you are a local or a visitor (tourist). Inspectors speak English and so do the ticket vendors at the ticket office. If you have any questions ask any of the Trenitalia personnel if unsure about something.

When at the platforms make sure you board the Leonardo Express which is well distinguished from other trains by its green, white and red paint job and by Leonardo Express written on the sides. The others are the Regionale trains that will not go direct to Roma Termini and requires a change of trains. These trains are good if your destination is a suburban station. Tickets for these trains are cheaper at Euro 8. You can still get to Roma Termini but you’ll need to alight at one of the preceding stations and catch another Regionale train. These trains in Rome are basically for commuters so depending on time of day are full of workers and students. Space for luggage is minimal.

The Leonardo Express as its name implies is a direct service and the carriages have plenty of luggage space. There are also Frecce high-speed trains, namely the Frecciarossa. These are more expensive so do not book a ride on them to Roma Termini unless you are travelling to Florence, Bologna, Padova and Venice on one train or to Naples on another. Same from Roma Termini to Fiumicino Airport. The Leonardo Express runs mostly on time; every 15 minutes in both directions most of the day. Check the Trenitalia website or app for exact times.

The ETR 425 5-carriage train sets are made by Alstom and are still in good condition and kept reasonably clean by onboard staff. Seats are comfortable for the 32-odd minute ride and are similar to those found on Regionale trains that travel longer distances. Overall it is a very good service that hasn’t let me down.