This comprehensive guide covers transportation options from airports to city centers in Rome, Milan, and Venice, detailing train, bus, water transport, and taxi services with current pricing and practical tips.
Italy's magnificent cities draw millions of visitors annually, and your Italian adventure begins the moment you land. Navigating from the airport to city center can set the tone for your entire trip. This guide breaks down the most efficient, affordable, and scenic transportation options from Rome, Milan, and Venice airports.
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to City Center
Rome's main international airport, Fiumicino (also called Leonardo da Vinci), sits about 30 kilometers southwest of the city center. Travelers have several transport options to reach central Rome:
Leonardo Express Train
This dedicated airport train offers the fastest connection to central Rome:
- Journey time: 32 minutes non-stop
- Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes
- Cost: €14 one-way
- Destination: Roma Termini station (main transport hub)
- Operating hours: First train at 6:38 AM, last train at 11:38 PM
- Advantages: Avoids traffic, comfortable seating, dedicated luggage space
Regional FL1 Train
A more budget-friendly rail option:
- Journey time: 45-55 minutes with stops
- Cost: €8 one-way
- Destinations: Stops at Trastevere, Ostiense, and Tiburtina stations (but not Termini)
- Advantages: Lower cost than Leonardo Express, connects to other areas
Airport Shuttle Buses
Multiple companies operate direct shuttle services:
- Journey time: 50-60 minutes (depending on traffic)
- Cost: €6-10 one-way
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Destination: Termini Station
- Advantages: Most economical option, no need to transfer
Taxi
Official white taxis offer fixed rates:
- Journey time: 30-45 minutes (traffic dependent)
- Fixed fare: €50-55 to destinations within the Aurelian Walls
- Advantage: Door-to-door service, no need to navigate public transport
- Note: Confirm the fixed fare before departure
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) to City Center
Milan's largest international airport, Malpensa, is located approximately 50 kilometers northwest of the city center. Here are your transit options:
Malpensa Express Train
The premium rail connection:
- Journey time: 50 minutes to Milano Centrale station; 43 minutes to Cadorna
- Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes
- Cost: €13 one-way
- Destinations: Milano Centrale, Cadorna, or Porta Garibaldi stations
- Operating hours: First train from Terminal 2 at 5:25 AM, last train at 11:25 PM
Airport Shuttle Buses
Multiple companies operate direct service:
- Journey time: 50-60 minutes (traffic dependent)
- Cost: €8-10 one-way
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes (combined services)
- Destination: Milano Centrale station
- Advantages: Economical option with regular departures
Taxi
Official taxis provide direct service:
- Journey time: 45-50 minutes (traffic dependent)
- Fixed fare: €95-110 to central Milan
- Advantage: Convenient for late-night arrivals or heavy luggage
- Note: Confirm the fixed fare before departure
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to City Center
Venice offers a unique arrival experience, as the historic center is accessible only by water or by reaching the mainland edge first. Here are your options from Marco Polo Airport:
Alilaguna Water Bus (Vaporetto)
The scenic water route:
- Journey time: 60-80 minutes (depending on the line and destination)
- Cost: €15 one-way, €27 round-trip
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Routes: Blue Line (to St. Mark's Square area), Orange Line (to Rialto)
- Advantages: Scenic introduction to Venice, reaches central areas directly
Airport Express Buses
Direct land connection:
- Journey time: 20-25 minutes (ATVO Express), 30 minutes (ACTV Line 5)
- Cost: €8-10 one-way
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Destination: Piazzale Roma (Venice's main bus terminal)
- Note: From Piazzale Roma, you'll need to walk or take a water bus to your final destination
Water Taxi
The premium arrival experience:
- Journey time: 25-30 minutes
- Cost: €120-140 (can be shared with other passengers)
- Advantages: Door-to-door service, fastest option, can navigate smaller canals
- Note: Most luxurious but expensive option
Combined Bus and Vaporetto
The economical combination:
- Option: Take bus to Piazzale Roma, then connect to public vaporetto
- Total cost: Approximately €15-18 (bus + water bus ticket)
- Advantage: More economical than water taxi but requires a transfer
Tips for Airport Transfers in Italy
- Book in advance: During high season, train tickets and shared shuttles can fill up
- Allow buffer time: Italian transportation is generally reliable but delays occur
- Validate tickets: Always stamp/validate train and bus tickets to avoid fines
- Currency: Have some euros on hand, as not all services accept credit cards
- Language: Save your destination address in Italian to show drivers if needed
- Apps: Download transport apps like Trenitalia, ACTV (Venice), or ATM (Milan)
The right transfer choice depends on your budget, luggage amount, arrival time, and accommodation location. Consider the first leg of your Italian journey as part of the adventure – whether racing into Rome on the Leonardo Express, watching Milan's skyline approach, or making a grand entrance to Venice by water.