Rome Ciampino Airport: A Complete Guide

Ciampino Giovan Batista Pastine International Airport handles mostly low-cost European flights and charters, in contrast to Rome’s larger Leonardo da Vinci – Fiumicino Airport which handles most long-haul international flights. Ciampino Airport is located just 15 km south of the city center.

Overview of Ciampino Airport

Ciampino Airport consists of a single two-story passenger terminal building serving both arrivals and departures. The airport has a single runway and can handle up to 6 million passengers annually.

The main airlines flying out of Ciampino are Ryanair and Wizz Air, offering cheap flights around Europe on smaller aircraft. As I use Ryanair and Wizz Air a lot for my city breaks in Europe, I’m familiar with Ciampino Airport. That’s where I landed when I visited Rome a while ago.

Other airlines operating out of Ciampino include Air Europa, Air Malta, and Scandinavian Airlines.

The airport offers various services including free WiFi, ATMs and currency exchange counters, duty-free shops, cafes, restaurants, and car rentals.

I’d not advise you to use the currency exchange facilities in the airport, unless you check the exchange rates and decide they are good. Also, check out some essential things to know when traveling to Italy for the first time.

More often than not airports are the worst places to exchange money. Just take a few euros if you must, but that should be all.

Getting To and From Ciampino Airport

Ciampino Airport has easy transport links to get you to and from central Rome.

The 15km Rome – Ciampino Airport distance is one of the shortest in Europe.

How To Get to Rome from Ciampino Airport By Rail

The Ciampino railway station is directly beneath the passenger terminal. Regular trains run to Rome’s central Termini railway station, taking just 15 minutes and costing €1.50 for a ticket. Trains run every 30 minutes.

This is my favorite way to travel to Ciampino from Rome and vice-versa.

Getting from Ciampino to Rome by Bus

Several bus companies including Terravision, Schiaffini, and BusShuttle run direct buses from Ciampino Airport to Rome’s Termini station.

The journey takes 45-50 minutes and costs €5-€8 per ticket. Buses depart regularly throughout the day.

If you book your ticket online, make sure you check the flight departure time carefully, in order to get on the right bus for you.

I used Terravision and I was happy with their services. You can check out timetables and prices, and book your tickets on their official website, here.

Rome – Ciampino Airport by Taxi

Taxis are available right outside the Ciampino terminal. A taxi to Rome’s city center costs a flat fare of €30 for the 30-40 minute journey. Be sure to only use licensed taxis and to agree on the price in advance.

If you travel light and you have accommodation in Rome near Termini, you’ll be fine with getting to Rome from ciampino by bus or by train. If you have a heavy suitcase, though, taxi might work much better for you. Rome’s streets and sidewalks are difficult to walk on due to uneven cobblestone. The last thing you want to do in Rome is to drag your massive wheeled luggage along those sidewalks.

Getting into Rome from Ciampino by Car Rental

Major car rental companies like Hertz, Europcar, Avis, and Sixt all have desks at Ciampino Airport. Renting a car allows you to explore Rome and surrounding regions at your leisure. Average rental costs are €50-€70 per day.

If this is what you prefer, keep in mind that Rome is a busy city, with lots of cars, so you should ensure you have accommodation with parking.

Facilities Inside Ciampino Airport

Ciampino’s compact terminal has all key services and facilities needed for a comfortable airport experience:

Food & Drink – There are several cafes and restaurants before and after security for snacks and meals. Options include the self-service Cafe Spizzico, RossoSapore pizzeria, and Tartufi&Friends cafe.
Shops – Stores sell souvenirs, electronics, Italian luxury goods, clothing and accessories. Duty free shopping is available after passport control.
Lounge – The Marconi Executive Lounge offers business facilities plus food and drinks for a fee.
Money – ATMs and currency exchange are located on the ground floor arrivals area.
Other – Other facilities include luggage storage, free WiFi, showers, and luggage wrapping. There is also a first aid office and pharmacy.

Flying Out of Ciampino Airport

Ciampino Airport is small and only has a single terminal building, making departures straightforward. Here are some tips for flying out of CIA:

• Arrive 2 hours before your flight time to leave enough time for queues and security. Peak times are early morning and late afternoon/evening.
• Collect a tax refund for VAT paid on purchases if eligible. I’m a resident of the EU, so I haven’t used this facility for a long while now. I still remember, though, how good it felt to get my VAT refunded.
• Check-in online and print your boarding pass if possible to save time. Or check-in at your airline’s desk in the terminal.
• The departures area has duty free shopping and restaurants after you pass through security screening and passport control.
• Gates are located on the top level. Check departure screens for your gate number.
• Leave extra time to reach your gate, as some involve taking a bus to stands away from the main building.
• Ensure you know the departure and hand luggage restrictions to avoid delays. Regular security rules apply.

Arriving at Ciampino Airport

Arriving at Rome Ciampino Airport is simple given the single terminal. Here are some tips on navigating your arrival:

• Disembark the plane via skybridge and follow signs for the baggage claim area. This is on the ground floor.
• Pick up your checked bags from the baggage carousels if applicable.
• Clear customs control by scanning your passport or EU ID card.
• For non-Europeans, proceed to the immigrations desk.

After customs, enter the landside arrivals concourse. This area has ATMs, car rentals, and tourist information.

For onward ground transport, follow signs to the railway station below the terminal for trains, or proceed to the arrivals exit for taxis/buses.

Following these tips will make for a smooth arrival into Rome’s Ciampino Airport GB Pastine. For more information, check out the official website of the airport.

If you need to find a place to stay, check out my article on Rome’s neighborhoods, hotels and apartments. If you need help with travel planning, you may like this other article about the number of days to spend in Rome.

Last but not least, check out one of my favorite spots in Rome, the Gianicolo Hill.

Before you go:

Learning how to navigate Rome’s Ciampino Airport is only the first step to an awesome trip to Italy’s capital city. Read my next article to make sure you pick the right accommodation for you, whether you prefer to stay in a hotel or in a private apartment.

Where to stay in Rome: A Guide to the Best Neighborhoods

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