The Leonardo Express in Rome is certainly the most comfortable way to reach the center of Rome from Fiumicino Airport. This fast train will allow you to arrive in the center of Rome in less than 35 minutes, without any detours. In this article I will explain you everything you need to know about the Leonardo Express: Train schedules, buying tickets, how to get on the train plus, as always, some useful tips. Please note that the Leonardo Express is only available at Fiumicino airport. If you arrive at Ciampino airport or prefer another means of transport, you can consult this article.
Leonardo Express Rome: timetables, tickets and tips!
The Leonardo Express connects Fiumicino Airport with Termini Central Station in the heart of Rome. A direct journey without stopover takes about 35 minutes. The Leonardo Express trains are large enough and well laid out, so you can leave your belongings behind and enjoy the journey at your leisure. Since the train is direct, you don’t have to worry about your belongings. Also, there is no 1st or 2nd class, so you can settle wherever you like.
Leonardo Express Rome: Getting from the airport to the train station
Upon exiting the plane, go to the arrivals hall and follow the signs for “Uscita/Exit” (exit) and then “Treni” (trains). Once you are in front of the escalator, go down to the bottom floor and up the long corridor to the next escalator. At the top of this escalator is the train station. It takes about 10/-15 minutes to walk to the train.
Good to know: Since the airport station is the departure station of the Leonardo Express, you don’t have to worry about which direction to take, there is only one. The second advantage is that you will always find a seat!
Leonardo Express Rome: Where can I buy train tickets?
You can buy your tickets at the station of Fiumicino Airport or in advance on the Internet. Online purchases provide a little peace of mind and less stress for many. There are 3 points of sale on site: at the tobacco store, at the ticket office or at the ticket machines. All tickets are sold at the same price.
1. Tickets in the tobacco shop
You can buy your tickets at the tobacconist in the station hall. The tobacconist’s is called “Tabacchi” and has a red front with the sign “Train tickets”.
2. Tickets at the ticket office
The ticket office is located in the station hall, to the left of the tobacconist. You can recognize the ticket office by the blue sign that says “Zugfahrkarten / Biglietto Treno”.
3. Tickets at the ticket machines
The ticket machines are also located in the station hall. They are red and bear the name of the Italian railroad company “Trenitalia”.
The vending machines are very easy to use and practical. You must first select the language, for example English, the destination (Termini station) and then the departure time. For an immediate departure you just click on “confirm”. Please also note that the tickets are valid for one day. You must then indicate the number of passengers and whether you are traveling with a pet.
Payment can be made by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, AE) or in cash. You have the possibility to buy a return ticket directly as well. However, be sure to enter the correct information: the correct date and time of return, since the tickets are dated, and the correct departure station (Termini). If you make a mistake, don’t panic right away! Tickets can be exchanged at the ticket office. Alternatively, on the day of your departure, you can buy your return tickets at the ticket machine in Termini station. The station has many points of sale and ticket machines, so you won’t have to wait long.
Leonardo Express Rome: How much does a ticket cost?
The ticket for the Leonardo Express costs 14 euros for adults and 12 euros for 4-12 year olds. Children under 4 travel for free. Good to know: The price of the ticket is the same in all the mentioned points of sale.
Leonardo Express Rome: Train schedules
The Leonardo Express runs daily without interruption. The Fiumicino Airport – Termini Station line runs from 5:38 am to 00:23 pm, with a train every 15 to 30 minutes (depending on peak times). Trains departing from Termini Station to Rome Fiumicino Airport run between 4:50 am and 23:35 pm. One train every 15 minutes (peak times) or 30 minutes.
Leonardo Express: How long does the journey from the airport to Rome take?
Depending on the time of day, the journey between the airport and the city center takes between 30 and 35 minutes.
Leonardo Express Rome: Good to know
Tip 1: Validate your ticket twice
To get to the platform, you must first pass through the turnstiles. To do this, you must validate your ticket at the turnstile so that the doors open. This action only allows you to access the platforms, but it does not mean that your ticket is validated. The machines for validating tickets are located behind the turnstile at the beginning of the platform (green boxes).
Tip 2: Regular checks
The fine for using the Leonardo Express without a ticket is €100. Since there are regular ticket checks on the trains and the train goes to Termini station without stopping, it is better to buy a ticket beforehand.
Tip 3: Storage space for luggage
The Leonardo Express has several luggage racks. If you are traveling with light luggage (small bags or cabin suitcases), you can take it directly to your seat. For larger luggage, there are several marked locations on the train for suitcases and travel bags.
Tip 4: Power outlets to charge your battery
If your smartphone or laptop is empty when you arrive in Rome, you can recharge your electronic devices directly on the Leonardo Express. In each row of seats you will find two sockets under the window. Very practical!
So if I read this correctly, if we arrive FCO 09:30, we can buy LE tickets for about 11:00, if we’re early we take the 11:00 (can’t switch), but if we’re delayed, we can still use our tickets until 12:30. If that’s correct, do we need to switch the tickets for the later train (11:30, 11:45, etc.), or just board? Thx
Hi Solene,
my daughter is handicapped and travels in a bicycle trailer (child wagon). Is the train shuttle from FCO to Termini fully accessible and are there designated pram/wheelchair areas?
Thank you,
Hi Adela,
all the trains of the Leonardo Express are accessible and have a designated area for wheelchair yes.
Kind regards,
Solène
Do you get assigned seats or can sit anywhere on the train?
You can sit anywhere you want !
Are pick pockets a problem on this train? When we were in Paris, it was a problem.
Hi Nancy,
like in every big cities I would recommande to be careful yes
Best,
Solène from HelpTourists
Thank you for such useful information. Is it possible to check my luggage in at the Termini station for a BA flight?
Hi Simon,
yes you can 😉
Best,
Solène from HelpTourists
We are planning on taking a Freccarossa Train to Salerno from Rome Termi. Do you know how far away those lines are? Not sure how much time in-between getting off of the Leonardo and the Fracciarossa do I have. Trying too figure out how much time I have to book the 2nd train.
Also, Is there any benefit to booking Leonardo and FreeciaRossa on the internet in advance? I’m feeling stressed to make sure we make the appropriate train and not miss it but still blowing time for delays.
Hi Gianluca,
if I understand you come from the airport to Roma Termini with the Leonardo Express and want to take direct after that the train to Salerno , right ? I would plan 30 to 45 minutes in order to be as less stressed as possible.
I would also recommend to buy the train’s tickets in advance.
Best,
Solène from HelpTourists
Hi Solene, the photo of the ticket reader shows credit card symbols. Does that mean you can simply swipe your contactless credit card at the ticket barriers to get on and off (like in London underground) instead of buying a ticket ahead of time? Thank you
Hi Carl,
it’s possible yes : you can use the metro with your credit card , it’s called “tap & go” in Roma.
Best,
Solène from HelpTourists
We have e-tickets booked online for the Leonardo Express to the airport. Should these be exchanged for paper tickets?
Hi Marshall,
you can keep your e-tikcets , you don’t need paper tickets:)
Best,
Solène from HelpTourists
Hello,
I want to buy ticket for leonardo train but on website there’s information: “To travel, you must check in after midnight on the day of travel and before the scheduled departure of the train selected at the time of purchase.” – then what should I do so the ticket is properly validated? How can I check in with this online ticket?
Hi Monika,
you can buy your ticket anytime you want, if you want to make any changes or so you’ll have till 23h59. After that, so at midnight, you can’t change your tickets.
You can also book your ticket here.
Best,
Solène from HelpTourists
I will only have a carryon bag, arriving in T1. How much time should I allow to walk to the Leonardo Express? Thanks!
Hi Sandra,
it’s actually not so long; I would say 10/15 minutes to the train
Best,
Solène from HelpTourists
When walking from Terminal 1 to the Leonardo Express, I there an above ground walkway that is better than the street side walkway?
Hi Nick,
oh I would say the best way is through the airport following the train sign forLeonardo Express
Best,
Solène
Do you know if contactless payments are allowed on Leonardo Express? If possible do you need to tap at the turnstile and the ticket validator?
Hi,
what do you mean? If you can buy your ticket in the train with contactless payment ? That’s not possible no `
Solene,
If I get an online ticket for L.Express at 1308 hrs and arrive early can I use it for the 1253 hrs Train ?
Thank you for a great service.
Hi Ed,
That’s not possible no
There are 14 people in our group arriving at FCO then to Roma Termini via Leonardo Express. For a group that size, will we have trouble finding seats together on the Leo Express if we wait to buy tickets at the station? Thanks!
Hi Randy,
it depends on the day and the hour but the trains are big enough to welcome you all together. Since you are a group you can purchase a “mini group” ticket for 40 euros (instead of 56 euros)
Best,
Solène
Hej. I booked 8:20 train for monday 29th of Jan. But i want to catch the earlier train (bettween 7:30-8:00). Should i re – book my ticket ?
I bought my Leonardo Express tickets from Fiumicino to Termini but my final destination is Venice Santa Lucia, in the Frecciarossa, how should I do the train change_
Hi Lindsay,
you’ll take the train to Venice (Frecciarossa) at the Rome’s train station Termini. You’ll join the station with the Leonardo Express.
Have a nice time!
Kind regards,
Solène
HI
If I buy a ticket online and save to my phone, does anything need to be validated or can i simply show the pass?
thanks
Hi James,
you don’t need to print you ticket , you can just show it from your phone.
Best,
Solène
Very helpful article and a great summary!
those the Leonardo Express travel undegound or can you see the city while you go from fiumicino to central Rome
Hi Gladys,
you will see the city and the outside during the travel !
Kind Regards,
solène
Hi! i just bought my adult ticket throughHeadout, and it says that Tickets for 4-12yo are free as long as the child is accompanied by adult. can you please confirm? Thank you!
Hi Justine,
it’s true yes 🙂
Kind regards,
Solène
Hello –
If my international flight is at 10:10am, what time should I depart Roma Termini?
Thank you.
Hi Eric,
you need app. 65 minutes from Termini to the airport with the Leonardo Express !
regards, Solène from HelpTourists
we are staying in Rome for 6nights, we would like to visit our ancestor came from, san donato di comino, any advice what train to get there,from and to.1 day. parioli in Rome we are staying.
Hi Laurence, it is less than 150km to get from Rome to San Donato. You can rent a car or use public transport: a train from Roma Termini to Cassino and then a bus that starts fourth times a day.
Hello,
My flight arrives at FCO at 8.10am on 23 Dec – what time should I book my Leonardo Express train ticket to Roma Termini. How long does it take to clear immigration and walk to the train station please?.
Hello Valerie,
I would plan approximately 45 minutes to be sure if anything takes longer. Have fun !
Kind regards,
Solène
Hello, I seem to be having a very silly problem trying to buy tickets from Roma Termini to the FCO Airport. Every website says that direct trains are available throughout the day, but when I try to buy tickets, the ONLY available time slot is 13:05. Am I doing something wrong? Our flight is at 11:46 am, so we would like to be at the airport before 9:30 am. The 13:05 train cannot possibly be the only one, can it?
Hey Anna,
It’s actually not so easy, you’re not the first who having some issues buying the ticket ! There are so many sites where you can buy your tickets here.
Have fun !
Best wishes,
Solène
Hi, is the Leonardo Express a train only or sometimes a bus? I bought a ticket online from Trenitalia but it states “auto bus LE084”?
Hi Michael,
the Leonardo Express is a train. What you bought on the website of Trenitalia is another ticket to go to the center of Roma with the bus (that’s why auto bus LE084).
Kind regards,
Solène
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE TICKETS *TO* THE AIRPORT?
Hi Jack,
you can buy your tickets here.
Kind regards, Solène
Hi Solene,
A couple of questions:
– Can tickets purchased online be changed of time more than once? Our flight was rescheduled twice, we could manage online the first time change for Leonardo Express but the option is not showing anymore to do a second change.
– Is it possible to catch a later train than the one booked? If so, is it s only possible to catch one 1,5 hours after the initial scheduled time (as your previously mentioned)?
E.g departure 8 am, is it ok if we pick up a train at 11 am or should we do 9:30 am at most?
– Do tickets online need to be validated twice or only once (before the turnstiles)?
Thank you so much for all your help. Truly appreciate it 🙂
Best
Marta
Hi, Do you know why some websites say the ticket is valid for the day while the Trenitalia website has you pick a time slot? I want to purchase our tickets online, but I’m confused with the different information.
Hi Rebekah,
You do have to choose a time slot for the tickets (be sure to arrive 15 minutes before the time indicated). Trains leave every hour or so ans travel time is 32 minutes.
Kind regards,
Solène von HelpTourist
What happens if you book in advance on-line, but miss the time slot because of flight delays? Would the tickets still be valid for the next available train?
Hi Marc,
Your ticket is valid for 1.5 hours after the initial scheduled time of use. If you are delayed for more than 1.5 hours, you must go to one of the trenitalia ticket offices and they will take care of you (but you will have to wait in line).
Kind regards,
Solène von HelpTourists
Hi Solene, may I also check if you’d know what can happen if we have purchased the tickets online for a scheduled time but we have arrived early. Would it be possible to board an earlier train?
Hi Pris,
that’s not possible , you can only take the train on the time you’ve booked.
Best,
Solène