Transit Options from Rome Airport to Vatican City
Vatican City is a country located inside another country! Verily, the smallest country in the world lies in the city center of Rome and, despite being a self-governing state, is considered one of the city’s main attractions. Hence, if you want to reach Vatican City after arriving at Leonardo da Vinci Airport, you’ll have various options in your hands. Airport taxis and Rome airport transfers provide fast and convenient services from FCO to Vatican City, whereas journeys with Rome airport trains and buses are the cheapest transit alternatives. Last but not least, travelers, who plan on traveling to other Italian destinations as well, usually consider Rome airport car rentals the handiest option for their trip from Fiumicino Airport to Vatican City.
The Vatican City has two entrances, the Vatican Museum Entrance (Via Vaticano) and the entrance at Via Della Conciliazione, close to St Peter’s Basilica. The two entrances lie within a 5-10-minute walking distance.
| Options | Price (€) | Price ($) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 50 | 54.50 | 25-40 min |
| Leonardo Express | 15.50 | 17 | 75 min |
| FL1 | 9.50 | 10.40 | 80 min |
| Bus | 7 | 7.70 | 45 min |
Rome Airport to Vatican City by Taxi
Rome airport taxis are widely preferred by FCO passengers as they are always present at the airport taxi ranks, lying outside both terminals’ Arrivals. Even though they have a bad reputation, Rome taxi drivers offer fast and adequate services from Fiumicino Airport to Vatican City. On the other hand, individual drivers often approach unaware travelers offering not-to-be-missed deals while planning on scamming or overcharging them. Hence, it is strongly advisable to take your cab from the taxi rank. In any case, you should note that official Rome taxis are white and kitted with a “Taxi” sign on their roof and the “Comune di Roma” sign on their doors. What’s more, they have their license number displayed on the side and the back part of the vehicle as well as on their interior.
In general terms, Rome taxis are metered. Thus, their price is calculated by their taximeter. Still, rides from Leonardo da Vinci Airport to Rome (inside the Aurelian Walls) come with a set fare. Vatican City is situated inside the zone. Thus, your taxi journey from FCO to Vatican City will cost 50€/54.50$, all surcharges (luggage, night rides, etc.) included. You can expect to reach your destination in about 25-40 minutes. Nevertheless, during rush hours, that duration may be considerably higher.
As far as payment methods are concerned, theoretically, you are allowed to pay in cash or via a bank card. Still, some taxi drivers claim that their POS machines are out of order to avoid getting paid via a credit or debit card. On the other hand, tipping is optional. In fact, taxi passengers in Rome may simply round up the final fare. Moreover, you should ask for a receipt at the end of the ride. In that way, you’ll have all the necessary info in case you have forgotten personal items inside the car or wish to make an official complaint.
Our Tip: Have you settled on a ride-sharing option from Rome Airport to Vatican City? You’ll find available providers at the airport.
We selected one of the best, most trustworthy and convenient 5-star airport taxi companies for your transfer from Rome Fiumicino Airport based on user reviews across various platforms such as Google, Tripadvisor and Trustpilot. Welcome Pickups offers a great experience and safety to its travelers.
- Local English-speaking drivers
- Flat, pre-paid fee
- Flight monitoring for delays
- 24/7 Customer support + free cancellation
Rome Airport to Vatican City by Train
You can choose between two options for your train ride from Fiumicino Airport to Vatican City. Unfortunately, they are both indirect. Thus, the available alternatives are:
Leonardo Express
It is the fastest yet more expensive rail option from FCO to Vatican City. Leonardo Express travels directly to Roma Termini from 06:08 am to 11:23 pm. The airport train station is to be found in front of T3, close to both Leonardo da Vinci airport terminals. It has accessible cars and is equipped with luggage racks, charging outlets, and exclusively first-class seating. A one-way ticket costs 14€/15.40$ and can be purchased online (in that case, you won’t have to validate your ticket but have to use it within 90 minutes from the written departing time), from the ticket counters (operating from 06:45 am to 10:12 pm), the airport ticket machines, and some retail shops.
After a 32-minute ride, you’ll reach Termini Station. From there, you’ll hop on Metro Line A to Ottaviano-St Pietro Station (closer to St Peter’s Basilica) or Cipro-Musei Vaticani (near the Vatican Museums). In either case, an additional ticket for the subway ride will be required costing 1.50€/1.60$. Thus, your journey will last around 70-80 minutes and cost 15.50€/17$.
The Regional FL1 Rome Airport Train
The much cheaper FL1 Trains depart from the airport rail station every 15 minutes (every 30 minutes on Sundays and public holidays) from 05:57 am to 11:27 pm (00:27 am on Sundays). However, they don’t travel to Vatican City. Thus, you’ll have to take the FL1 train to Tuscolana Station, paying 8€/8.80$ for your ticket. You can buy your ticket online. Online tickets don’t need validation but have to be printed and shown at the turnstiles. Aletrnatively, you can opt for a ticket from the ticket counters (from 06:45 am to 10:12 pm) or the automatic machines. In that case, you’ll have to validate it before your onward rail ride. FL1 Trains need 41 minutes to get to Tuscolana Station. Please note that they don’t have luggage space. Thus, traveling via regional trains can be very uncomfortable if traveling with lots of baggage.
Once alighting at Tuscolana, you’ll have to take Metro Line A from Ponte Lungo, located 500m away. Metro Line A heads to Ottaviano-St Pietro Station and Cipro-Musei Vaticani as well. An extra subway ticket will be required (priced at 1.50€/1.60$). Therefore, your travel from Fiumicino Airport to Vatican City will last around 80 minutes and cost 9.50€/10.40$.
No matter the chosen train line, children up to 4 travel for free, whereas one kid from 4 to 12 years of age for each paying adult is out of charge.
Rome Airport to Vatican City by Bus
SIT Buses handle journeys from Fiumicino Airport to Vatican City. Their stop is to be found at FCO terminal 3, adjacent to Exit 6. Explicitly, SIT Buses call at bus stand no.12. Their routes are hourly, and their operating hours are from 08:30 am to 09:55 pm. You can expect a 45-minute ride from Rome Airport to Vatican City under normal traffic levels. The price of a one-way ticket is 7€/7.70$, whereas round trips cost 13€/14.20$. You can purchase your bus fare online, from the driver inside the bus, or from the company’s personnel present at the bus stop. They usually wear orange vests. Children younger than 4 travel for free.
Our Tip: Did you miss your bus? As long as there are empty seats, you are allowed to take the next one!
Car Rental from Rome Airport to Vatican City
A Rome airport car rental may not be the handiest option to travel from Fiumicino Airport to Vatican City as traffic levels in the city center are usually high, while Rome’s historical center is a ZTL (zona traffico limitato) zone. Thus, it isn’t accessible for most part of the day. Still, Rome car rentals are the ideal alternative for visitors planning on exploring nearby areas or even other Italian destinations. In fact, a rental car from Rome Airport may be the only way to reach remote yet worthwhile sites and attractions. In any case, the ride from FCO to Vatican City should last around 25-40 minutes. Nonetheless, when roads are congested, traveling time can be up to 50 minutes. On the other hand, parking in Rome’s city center is hard. Hence, your best option is to use one of the private car park facilities lying in the area.
Book your car rental as soon as possible. In that way, you’ll find value-for-money deals and more available vehicle types.
Rome Airport Transfers from Fiumicino Airport to Vatican City
Rome airport transfers are the most luxurious and convenient way to travel from Rome Airport to Vatican City. Verily, private airport transfers are highly appreciated by travelers having comfort as their ultimate journey priority. When booking a Rome airport transfer, your driver will be waiting for you at the Arrivals hall even if your flight is canceled or delayed, assisting you with your luggage and escorting you to the vehicle of your choice parked outside the terminal. Furthermore, you’ll enjoy a smooth and safe ride to your destination while being given useful advice about your stay in Rome. Should you have any concerns about the cost of your ride, all you have to do is compare your options. FCO Airport hosts plenty of private airport transfer providers. Thus, their services are top-quality, and their prices are considered competitive.
FAQs
How do I get from Fiumicino to Vatican?
Apart from ordinary taxis, various private airport transfer companies offer premium services to passengers landing at FCO Airport. What’s more, Rome airport car rentals are ideal for travelers wishing to travel outside the city limits, whereas bus and train rides are the most affordable way to travel from Rome Airport to Vatican City.
How to go by train from FCO to Vatican City?
Unfortunately, Fiumicino Airport isn’t directly connected to Vatican City via train. Still, indirect rail rides are an option for journeys from FCO Airport to Vatican City. Thus, the ride with Leonardo Express (to Termini Station) and Metro Line A to your destination will cost 15.50€/17$ in total, while the traveling time will be around 70-80 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the regional FL1 Trains and change to Metro Line A at Tuscolana Station, paying a total fare of 9.50€/10.40$. The duration of your journey will be around 80 minutes.
How much is a taxi from Rome Airport to Vatican City?
Vatican City is located inside the Aurelian Walls. Rome airport taxis have set fares for rides from Fiumicino Airport to Vatican City. Hence, you can expect to pay 50€/54.50$ for your taxi, all extra charges (night ride, luggage, etc.) included.