Rome Ciampino Airport is located around 15 kilometres to the south of the city of Rome. It was originally used as a military airport and has recently been developed into a passenger terminal specialising in budget airline traffic. The airport is smaller than Rome’s larger Fiumicino airport, yet this works in its favour as it is easy to navigate and reaching central Rome is a breeze.
There are many areas of interest close to the airport. One of the most impressive sites located nearby is Parco degli Acquedotti, located just 5 kilometres away. This public park is part of the ancient Appian Way, housing many of Rome’s original aqueducts. The park is often used as a location for movies, featured in the opening scene of the classic Hollywood blockbuster, La Dolce Vita. The park is a wonderful area for walking and cycling, where visitors can see the ancient viaducts and explore dungeons, museums, eerie catacombs and sculpted gardens. There is a tourist office at the entrance where bicycles can be hired, and is a wonderful way to explore another side to ancient Rome away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Roman Colosseum is just 12 kilometres away from Ciampino Airport, as is Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, and are easy to see in a day in combination with many other Roman attractions. Alternatively, stay outside the city and visit the Frascati region, famous for its white wine, historic centre, and scientific discoveries.
Rome Ciampino Airport is relatively close to central Rome with multiple ways to travel in and out of the city. There is a public bus service which connects the airport with the bus and metro stations at Anagnina. Ciampino railway station offers a mainline train into Stazione Termini in Rome and there is a direct bus service from the airport which runs in coordination with arriving and departing flights. This service takes approximately 40 minutes to reach the city. There are also taxi services, perhaps the quickest mode of transport, which offer set rates to and from the airport and central Rome.
Rome Ciampino Airport is the second airport utilised by the city of Rome. The airport opened in 1916 and is one of the oldest operating airports in the world. It was captured by Allied Forces in 1944 and became the main Roman airfield for the United States Army Air Forces. Today, it is a rapidly growing airport which is used by both commercial airlines and the military.