Unusually for a European city, Rome’s secondary airport is near the city than its primary airport. For travellers passing through Rome’s secondary airport, Ciampino, officially known as GB Pastine International Airport, the experience is straightforward and functional, offering a compact alternative to the larger Fiumicino hub. Located just 12 kilometres southeast of Rome’s city centre, this airport serves as a key base for low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air, handling millions of passengers annually with a focus on efficiency.
Getting to and from Ciampino is relatively simple, with several transport options available.
Taxis offer a fixed fare of around €30 to central Rome, taking approximately 35 minutes depending on traffic. For those preferring public transport, shuttle buses operated by companies like Terravision and SIT provide direct routes to Roma Termini station, with journeys lasting 40 to 55 minutes. Alternatively, passengers can take an Atral bus to Ciampino Railway Station for a regional train to Termini or a local bus to Anagnina Metro Station for Metro Line A. These options are cost-effective, with bus tickets starting at €6, though tickets must be purchased in advance as onboard sales are not available. The airport’s proximity to the city makes it a convenient choice, though public transport connections are less frequent than at Fiumicino, so planning ahead is advisable.
The airport’s layout is refreshingly uncomplicated, featuring a single, one-storey terminal divided into arrivals and departures. With 31 check-in counters and 16 departure gates, navigation is intuitive, and the compact design means short walking distances.
Security checks are generally swift, often taking less than five minutes, though the lack of air bridges means boarding typically involves a short bus ride or walk to the aircraft. The terminal can feel busy, particularly during peak times when multiple flights depart close together, so arriving at least two hours early is recommended to account for potential queues.
Delays at Ciampino can occur, particularly due to its role as a hub for budget airlines with tight schedules. Factors such as bird strikes, which have caused incidents in the past, or air traffic control issues in the wider European airspace can disrupt flights. Additionally, national strikes, such as those affecting rail or air transport, may impact operations, so checking flight status before heading to the airport is wise. On-time performance is generally solid for low-cost carriers, but the airport’s high traffic volume can strain resources, leading to occasional bottlenecks at check-in or boarding.
Dining and retail options are modest but sufficient for a small airport. Before security, a cafeteria offers Italian dishes like pasta and meat courses, while post-security, travellers can find a gelateria, a coffee bar with sandwiches and pastries, and a Rosso Pomodoro serving pizza by the slice. For a quick bite, McDonald’s and Lavazza provide familiar choices, and Just Poke offers lighter, fresh options. Retail is limited, with an Aelia Duty-Free shop open from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM and a couple of WH Smith stores for essentials. There are no gourmet dining experiences or extensive shopping, but the offerings cover basic needs for a short stay.
Facilities at Ciampino are practical, with free Wi-Fi throughout, currency exchange services, ATMs, and a pharmacy for non-prescription items. Baby-changing facilities are available in all restrooms, and a family room with child-sized toilets is located in the departures area. Accessibility is well-catered for, with ramps, elevators, and dedicated assistance services bookable in advance through the airport or airlines. However, there are no VIP lounges or showers, and the airport closes from midnight to 4:30 AM, preventing overnight stays. For those with layovers, nearby hotels like Villa Giulia or Plaza Rooms Ciampino are within easy reach, though no hotels are directly at the airport.
Connections at Ciampino are minimal, as the airport primarily serves point-to-point low-cost flights. For passengers with connecting flights, the minimum connection time is 30 minutes for domestic flights and 40 minutes for international ones. However, as arrivals and departures areas are not directly linked, passengers must exit and re-enter through security, which can add time. Ensuring sufficient connection time is crucial to avoid missing flights.
Overall, Ciampino offers a no-frills experience with enough amenities to keep travellers comfortable. Its small size and proximity to Rome make it a practical choice for budget-conscious visitors, provided they plan for transport and potential peak-time congestion.
