Originally Posted by hoyateach
Basically, I want to know if getting from Fiumicino Airport to downtown Rome and back in under 5 hours (including passing through security) is a realistic expection. I've consulted maps and checked out the airport's website but nothing gives me a good idea of the actual distances and times involved. The airport website made no mention of this but is there perhaps a super-short tour of Rome, ala Changi in Singapore, in which I could indulge myself? Or a private tour outfit, maybe?
www.romaturismo.com
Fiumicino Airport "Leonardo da Vinci" (FCO)
Rome's main airport is well-connected to the center during the day by a direct train and slower trains. The direct train between Fiumicino and Termini costs € 9,50 and takes approximately 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines, tickets offices and other vendors at both Termini and Fiumicino.
schedule: every 30 minutes
Fiumicino - Roma from 6.37am until 11.37pm
Roma - Fiumicino from 5.52am until 10.52pm
There is another train connecting Fiumicino airport to central Rome - when you are at the airport train station look for the train with the destination "Orte" or "Fara Sabina". It is slower (and cheaper) because it stops at some smaller local stations along the way and does not stop at Termini. Trains take about 45 minutes to reach Tiburtina. Tickets cost €5,00.
schedule: every 15-30 minutes
FCO is 36 km from Rome city center. The 30 min. transfers each way as mentioned above are approx. but even believing them that's a min. of 1 hour just into the city and back, not to mention the time waiting to catch trains or get from Termini to a major sight, leaving you with under 2 hours at most to see something before having to head back to clear security to be ready to board your flight. MHO? Don't roll the dice.