Riding the Leonardo Express Train (2026)

Our Leonardo Express guide covers train times, tickets, where to find the train at Fiumicino Airport and Roma Termini, and useful travel tips.

We love taking the Leonardo Express from Fiumicino Airport to Rome—it’s a quick, pleasant 32-minute ride

Our experience on the Leonardo Express

We didn't know about the Leonardo Express the first time we visited Rome.

Instead, we took an airport shuttle bus from Fiumicino Airport—a decision we later regretted after one of our suitcases was stolen.

On our next trip, we chose the Leonardo Express, the non-stop train from Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini, which takes just 32 minutes.

From there, it’s an easy walk to Piazza della Repubblica, where we hopped on a golf cart tour of Rome with LivTours—and honestly, it ended up being one of our favourite experiences in the city.

Since then, we've taken it every time we travel from Fiumicino to Rome. It's easy, comfortable, reliable, and runs frequently.

Our Leonardo Express train guide covers:

• Leonardo Express schedule in 2026
• Ticket price for 2026
• Where to find the trains
• Easiest way to buy tickets
• Luggage rules on the trains
• When is a private transfer worth it?
• Best hotels near Termini Station
  

How we reach the Leonardo Express at Fiumicino Airport

Good thing is that we don't need to leave the airport building to get to the train station from where Leonardo Express departs.

From Terminal 3

After leaving Customs, we turn right and follow the yellow "Train" signs. We take the escalators on our left, then walk for about 4–5 minutes until we reach the Leonardo Express platform.

From Terminal 1

After collecting our suitcases, we walk for about a minute and take the elevator on the right to Level 2.

From there, we continue following the yellow "Train" signs for another 5–6 minutes until we reach the train platform.

Follow the yellow sign "Train" to reach Leonardo Express platform at Fiumicino Airport

How long is the train ride on the Leonardo Express?

What we love about the Leonardo Express is that it gets you from Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini in just 32 minutes, with no stops along the way.

The journey covers about 30 km.

Best Ways to Visit the Colosseum

Golf Cart Tour of Rome with LivTours

Leonardo Express ticket price 2026

💶 Adult fare (from age 12)

There’s just one class of service, costing €14 (no discount for round-trips).

👉 Important: Children aged 12 and over pay the full adult fare. During our journey, we saw the conductor ask the parents for their child's age and passport to verify it.

🧒 Child fare (ages 4-11)

Children aged 4 to 11 travel free when accompanied by a paying adult.

👶 Child fare (ages 0–3 years)

Children under 4 travel free and don't need a ticket.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Group fare (Mini-groups)

If you're travelling with others, you can buy a pack of four tickets for €40 instead of €56.

You’ll find plenty of ticket machines near the train platform at Fiumicino Airport

What’s the simplest way to purchase Leonardo Express tickets?

There are three ways to buy Leonardo Express tickets—choose the one that’s most convenient for you.

3. Purchasing Leonardo Express tickets on Trainline website

Getting Leonardo Express tickets online is great if you want to save time when you land at Fiumicino.

You’ll have your ticket ready on your mobile, and you can go straight to the train to reach Rome faster.

We love using TRAINLINE website for buying Leonardo Express tickets! In just a few clicks you'll get digital ticket to your mobile!

Why we loved the Rome golf cart tour with LivTours:

✨ Saw SO much in just 3 hours

🛺 Cruised around Rome in total comfort

🏛️ Learned tons of history facts and stories

👟 Saved our feet from A LOT of walking

Bassically, the easiest way to see Rome!

Click Here to Find Out More

1. Getting Leonardo Express Tickets from Ticket Machines

• At Fiumicino Airport, follow the signs to the Leonardo Express platform. Near the platform, you’ll see red Trainline ticket machines. You can easily buy tickets with cash or a card.
• At Termini Station, ticket machines are everywhere. The easiest ones to use are inside the Trenitalia office on the platform level, open daily from 6:30 am to 10:05 pm. Turn left when you enter to find the machines. Staff are nearby if you need help.

2. Buying Leonardo Express tickets at the ticket window/office

A few steps from the ticket machines is a ticket window with helpful, English-speaking staff. You can buy Leonardo Express tickets here in just a few minutes, as the lines are usually short.

At Termini Station, there is a Trenitalia office on the platform level (open daily 6:30 a.m. to 10:05 p.m.). You can buy train tickets here for Naples, Florence, Venice, and other destinations in Italy. Lines form, but they move quickly.

Trenitalia ticket office at Termini Station (inside you can also find ticket machines)

Do I need to validate Leonardo Express tickets?

✅ If you buy a paper ticket at the station (from a machine or ticket counter)

Yes, you must validate it before boarding.

All paper Leonardo Express tickets must be validated. Look for “convalidare sul retro” (“validate on the back”). Use the green machines on the platform—listen for a click. 👉 Skip this, and you could face a €50 fine!

The Leonardo Express tickets are checked onboard, so have them ready.

Make sure to buy your Leonardo Express ticket before boarding, as conductors check tickets once the train departs

✅ If you buy your ticket online or via app

No, validation is usually not needed, but:

• Check the ticket time — some digital tickets are time-specific or have a 4-hour window.
• You may be required to activate the ticket in the app before use (similar to validation).
  

Where to catch Leonardo Express train at Termini Station?

Finding the Leonardo Express at Termini Station is easy—trains always leave from platforms 23 or 24, near the Coin department store.

Getting to Termini is simple by metro, bus, or taxi. From Sophie Terrace Hotel, it’s just a 5-minute walk. From Laurina 33 near Piazza di Spagna, we usually take a taxi.

What is the luggage allowance on the Leonardo Express train service?

We love that Leonardo Express trains have plenty of comfortable seats and luggage space. Large suitcases go in the luggage areas at the front or back of each car, while smaller bags fit on the overhead racks.

If the train isn’t crowded, we keep our suitcases with us. Otherwise, we sit near the luggage area for easy access and quick exit.

Leonardo Express train boats plenty of room for luggage

Best way to get from Fiumicino Airport to Rome: Leonardo Express or car transfer?

Sometimes it’s worth spending an extra €20–30 on a private car transfer from Rome Fiumicino Airport, especially when traveling in a group or with lots of luggage.

Managing suitcases on a crowded train can be challenging.

We usually book with Welcome Pickups online and receive all transfer details by email. The driver is always waiting with a sign, making the arrival stress-free.

Being escorted to the car while someone else handles the luggage is a real convenience.

We’ve never had to update them about flight delays, and at around €60, the cost is only slightly higher than a regular taxi.

Once you arrive by Leonardo Express to Termini Station...

Once you arrive to Termini, you can easily find a taxi or use metro to reach your hotel or apartment.

Some parts of Rome are not served by metro (such as Trastevere), so you'll need to take a taxi. From Termini you can catch a metro to Spanish Steps, the Vatican or the Colosseum area.

👉 From Termini, you can easily join a Rome golf cart tour with LivTours — it's just a 5-minute walk to Piazza della Repubblica.

The breathtaking view from Sophie Terrace Hotel near Rome's Termini Station — a favourite spot we always look forward to during our stays

Where to stay near Termini Station: Our top hotel picks

We found it convenient to stay close to Termini Station, so we can easily reach our accommodation once we arrive by Leonardo Express train. These are our two favourites:

Sophie Terrace Hotel

• Just a 4–5 minute walk from Termini station
• Warm, friendly staff who welcome you like an old friend
• Comfortable and spacious rooms
• Beautiful rooftop terrace - perfect spot to relax, enjoy fresh air, and have a drink after a day of exploring the city

Nerva Boutique Hotel

• It's about a 15-minute walk from Roma Termini - Walk straight down Via Cavour, turn right onto Via di Tor de' Conti. You’ll find yourself just steps away from the Colosseum.
• A charming small hotel in the heart of Rome, offering a warm, homely atmosphere and comfortable, cosy rooms.
• Friendly and attentive staff.
• Tasty breakfast served in the ground-floor restaurant — a great way to start your day.

🏷️ Need to drop your luggage at Termini? Here’s how:

When we have a few hours in Rome before heading to Florence, the big question is: where to leave our bags?

We usually use the luggage deposit at Termini, open daily 7AM–9PM, costing about €10– €12 per bag, per day.

From the train, we take the left exit toward Via Giolitti, walk past the Coin Department Store, enter the tunnel, and right by the car rental area is the luggage room. Easy!

More from Tasty Italian Travels

• Visiting Rome on a Budget
• Best Places to Stay in Rome
• Rome City Tours - Our Top Picks
• Exploring Rome in One Day

Handpicked Italian Tours