Ciampino Airport

Ciampino Airport, officially Rome Ciampino “G. B. Pastine” Airport, is the second international airport serving Rome, after Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport. It is located southeast of the city, just beyond the Grande Raccordo Anulare, about 12-15 kilometers from central Rome.

The airport serves Rome, the surrounding metropolitan area, and the Lazio region, with a strong focus on low-cost flights, general aviation, state flights, and cargo activity. The airport is named after Giovan Battista Pastine, an Italian airship pilot.

Ciampino is smaller than Fiumicino, but its compact structure makes it easier to navigate. Passengers usually use it for short-haul European routes, especially with low-cost carriers.
 

Ciampino Airport Infrastructure

Location and General Layout

The airport lies partly in the territory of Rome and partly in the municipality of Ciampino. It is positioned close to Via Appia Nuova and south-east of the historic center. This location gives it direct access to Rome’s road network, although traffic can influence transfer times considerably.

Ciampino has a simpler layout than Fiumicino. The passenger area is concentrated in a single low-rise terminal, which includes both departures and arrivals.

The airport stands at an elevation of about 130 meters above sea level. Its operational runway measures approximately 2,203 meters in length and 45 meters in width. The runway surface is asphalt, and the airport also includes apron areas for commercial, military, cargo, and general aviation activity.

Passenger Terminal

The passenger terminal is small and functional. The departures area includes check-in desks, security controls, shops, food points, and boarding gates. The airport does not use jet bridges for standard passenger boarding, so passengers usually board aircraft on foot or by bus, depending on the stand position.

The Arrivals area is separate from Departures and includes baggage reclaim facilities, service counters, and direct access to public transport, taxis, and car services.

Ciampino is mainly designed for efficient short-haul traffic rather than large intercontinental operations. This explains its limited terminal scale, fast passenger flow, and strong connection with low-cost carriers.
 

Short History of Ciampino Airport

From Airships to Early Aviation

Ciampino was inaugurated in 1916, making it one of the oldest airports in Europe still in operation. It originally developed as a military airfield connected with airships, at a time when aviation was still evolving and airfields near major capitals had important strategic value.

Its position near Rome helped the airport grow quickly. The area was considered suitable because of its exposure, accessibility, and connection with existing transport infrastructure. In the early decades, Ciampino was linked with military aviation, airship operations, and experimental flight activity.

One of its most important early aviation moments came in 1926, when the airship Norge departed from Ciampino under Umberto Nobile’s command during the polar expedition. In 1930, Corradino D’Ascanio’s helicopter prototype was tested at Ciampino, marking another important chapter in aviation experimentation.

World War II and Postwar Development

During World War II, Ciampino was affected by the Allied bombing of Rome in 1943. In June 1944, it was captured by Allied forces and subsequently used as a military airfield by the United States Army Air Forces.

After the war, Ciampino became Rome’s principal airport. For many years, it was the city’s main international gateway, handling passengers arriving in the Italian capital before the development of larger airport infrastructure on the coast near Fiumicino.

Ciampino remained Rome’s main airport until the opening of Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in 1960-1961. After Fiumicino took over most international traffic, Ciampino continued to serve charter flights, executive aviation, military operations, cargo flights, and later the growing low-cost aviation market.

Low-Cost Traffic and Modern Role

From the early 2000s, Ciampino became increasingly associated with low-cost airlines. Its smaller terminal, short turnaround model, and proximity to Rome made it attractive for budget carriers serving European destinations. This transformed the airport from a mainly secondary facility into a busy passenger hub.

The terminal facilities were expanded in the 2000s to support higher passenger flows. However, Ciampino’s development has remained limited by environmental concerns, urban proximity, and regulatory restrictions. A ministerial decree limits the number of daily aircraft movements, reinforcing the airport’s controlled operational role.

Today, Ciampino works as Rome’s second airport, complementing Fiumicino rather than replacing it. It is especially relevant for travelers using low-cost routes, passengers staying in southeast Rome, and visitors who prefer a smaller airport with simpler internal movement.

Ciampino Airport Services

Passenger Facilities

Ciampino offers the main services expected at a small international airport. Passengers can find shops, food outlets, parking services, car rental desks, assistance points, and transport connections. The airport website also provides real-time flight information for departures and arrivals.

For passengers who want faster processing, the airport offers Fast Track, allowing quicker access through security controls.

The airport also provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. Travelers who need support should request it through their airline before departure, following standard European airport procedures.

Shopping, Food, and Business Services

The commercial area includes shopping and food options suitable for a short wait before boarding. Because Ciampino is smaller than Fiumicino, passengers should not expect a large shopping gallery or extensive restaurant selection. The offer is practical and focused on essential airport needs.

The airport also offers meeting rooms, useful for business travelers who need a practical space near the terminal. Parking can be booked online through Aeroporti di Roma, and passengers can choose among different parking options depending on travel duration and proximity to the terminal.
 

How to Get to Ciampino Airport

Getting to the Ciampino Airport by bus

The airport is connected with Rome by several bus services operating daily. Bus stops are located opposite International Departures, and tickets can be bought online, at authorized agents in the arrivals area, or in some cases directly on board. Timetables and fares vary by operator.

Direct buses connect Ciampino with Roma Termini, the city’s main railway station. Companies serving the route include operators such as SIT and Terravision. Travel time is usually around 40 minutes, although it can be longer during heavy traffic, especially on routes entering central Rome.

Ciampino Airlink by Train and Bus

Another practical option is Ciampino Airlink, the combined Trenitalia train and bus service between Roma Termini and the airport terminal. The route uses a train between Termini and Ciampino railway station, followed by a dedicated bus connection between the station and the airport.

The bus segment between Ciampino railway station and the terminal takes about 10 minutes and runs without intermediate stops. The combined ticket costs €2.70 per person for one journey between Roma Termini and the airport, making it one of the cheapest public transport options.

Ciampino railway station is also connected with other destinations in Lazio, including the Castelli Romani area and towns in the province of Frosinone. This makes the Airlink service useful not only for travelers going to central Rome, but also for passengers connecting with regional rail routes.

Taxi, Car Sharing, and Private Transport

Taxi service is available outside the arrivals terminal. Official taxis are white, have a TAXI sign on the roof, and display the municipality symbol and license number. Passengers should avoid unofficial drivers offering rides inside or near the terminal without proper authorization.

Fixed taxi fares apply to selected destinations. The fare from Ciampino to Rome city center within the Aurelian Walls is €40, including supplements. Fixed fares also apply to Ostiense Station, Tiburtina Station, and Fiumicino Airport, but passengers should always check current municipal fares before traveling.

Car sharing is another option from the airport, with services listed by Aeroporti di Roma for passengers arriving after midnight or needing flexible transport. Travelers can also reach the airport by private car via Via Appia Nuova and the road network connected with the Grande Raccordo Anulare.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ciampino Airport

Where is Ciampino Airport located?

Ciampino Airport is located southeast of Rome, near the municipality of Ciampino, about 12-15 kilometers from the historic center, depending on the exact point of reference.

Is Ciampino Airport the same as Fiumicino Airport?

No. Ciampino Airport and Fiumicino Airport are two different airports. Ciampino is smaller and closer to Rome, while Fiumicino is larger and handles most international traffic.

What is the official name of Ciampino Airport?

The official name is Rome Ciampino “G. B. Pastine” Airport. It is named after Giovan Battista Pastine, an Italian airship pilot.

How can I get from Ciampino Airport to Roma Termini?

You can reach Roma Termini by direct coach or by Ciampino Airlink, which combines a shuttle bus to Ciampino railway station with a train to Termini.

How much is the taxi from Ciampino Airport to central Rome?

The fixed taxi fare from Ciampino Airport to central Rome, within the Aurelian Walls, is €40, including supplements, when using official licensed taxis.
 
Sources:

• AI-generated illustration (Nano Banana Pro / Google AI Studio)
• ADR.it
• Wikipedia.it