I rode the Leonardo Express Train Rome and what I learned was invaluable, as the laid-back website (Leonardo Express) shares basic information, but not the chaos that swarms the platform and carries into the trains until the train doors shut.
For those of you trying to figure out exactly what the Leonardo Express Train Rome is, I will tell you: It is a train whose sole duty is transporting people (and their luggage) back and forth from The Roma Fiumicino airport to Roma Termini. The Leonardo Express train Rome has zero stops, it is a direct train that takes 32 minutes from point A to Point B.
When we landed from our flight from Bari Airport we had a t-i-g-h-t time schedule to get back to our Rome apartment and repack, only to head back out on the train at Termini to Terni. We were unprepared to hop aboard the Leonardo Express Train Rome. Why you ask?
Table of Contents
Our Story & The Leonardo Express Train Rome
The Leonardo Express Tickets (We didn’t have)
First, we did not have tickets, and I was trying to navigate the Trenitalia app to purchase online without much luck. We were on a plane and we didn’t have WiFi. Even when I found articles on how to find tickets, they led me to a mystery site that kept telling me tickets would be emailed in 24 hours…Um No.
Then we got off the plane, our landing gate was at least 20 minutes walking (we were sprinting) and I am not exaggerating, to the train.
We found tickets at the first set of machines (that is when you have walked all the way from your flight gates, following the FCO airport signs to the Leonardo Express Train Rome.
The first two ticketing machines were not functioning, so we walked on a bit more and found a window (albeit not to buy tickets it was not for that) but the lady told me to go up to the next level and we could buy tickets there at many ticketing machines.
While still in nervous mode, as though we had not solved the ticketing dilemma, a few feet away from that info window was a set of ticketing machines, and we bought the tickets there.
However, when we got upstairs (I think it was level 2) there were more machines with fewer patrons buying tickets, unlike the chaos below. You see we were searching for a functioning ticket machine and the Leonardo Express train simultaneously.
Once upstairs, we were super desperate to make the next train leaving, so as I mentioned before we sprinted with our train bags on our backs because every minute counted. We made it to the train tracks, with other people, all running around in a chaotic scene (this is normal) we boarded one of the two trains marked Leonardo Express and sat down.
We stowed our luggage in the bin and just sat. But what ensued was further chaos. Whether Americans, Italians, Germans, Asians, everyone was boarding asking everyone else if this really was the Leonardo Express Train Rome and when it was leaving.
The confusion made us feel better as even those that lived there were as confused as we were. There are no different classes on the train, it is a one-ticket-fits-all all kind of deal so no Prima, Business, 2nd, etc. I should also mention we had no idea what time either train was leaving (we probably could have figured it out if we had taken a solid minute but we had to get back as I explained above) and we chose wrong.
We sat in the seats catching our breath, recomposing and sweating because we had just sprinted to make the Leonardo Express Train Rome! The ride was s-l-o-w, there is no Express in the engine trust me, it takes every bit of 32 minutes to reach Termini.
The Leonardo Express Train Rome Helpful Tips To Make It Easier
Stay calm is all I can say. I hope you do not have to rush as we did. But if you do, I hope that you read this article ahead of time. We made this list based on what we learned to help you get through this mess.
1. Where To Buy Tickets (Leonardo Express Train Rome)
- You can buy tickets on the Trenitalia App (valid for only 90 minutes from purchase)
- You can buy tickets at the freestanding ticketing machines (at the airport) like we did.
- You can buy tickets at the ticketing machines at the Train station (Roma Termini or FCO station)
If you can navigate the app for Trenitalia fast, use it, that is by far the fastest and easiest way to do that. Once your plane lands buy the tickets and then head to the train. You don’t have to validate these, they are auto-validated! The advantage here is you won’t wait in ANY lines at all!
If you prefer to buy them from the ticketing stations, they are in the airport and right at the terminal, whatever works best. If you are in a hurry, ticketing machines may have lines or the machines may be malfunctioning. But buyer beware you have to VALIDATE the ticket if you buy it online or from the machine or you could receive up to a €50 fine!
I have zero idea where real people were selling real tickets so don’t go with that option — IMO The cost of a taxi to the city center starts at $50 and can actually be $75 and that is crazy! IMO.
2. Leonardo Express Tickets Cost
The cost is only €14 per person. Kids ride free under the age of 12 with a paid adult (check out the Leonardo Express Train Rome website for more information on that)
3. Every Ticket Is First…With Leonardo Express Train Rome
First come, first serve, first seat you see, there are no class levels of tickets. So you pay the same €14 as everyone else and you find a seat and sit in it. If you see a seat, sit in it, we were lucky we did that or we would not have had seats together!
4. Leonardo Express Train Rome Luggage Policies
Don’t worry, you can bring as much luggage with you as you can physically haul, you just have to get in the train doors, get it stowed in the luggage racks, and sit for the ride. Easy Peasy. One price Leonardo express tickets for €14 is still the same no matter how much or how little luggage you choose to haul.
5. Leonardo Express TimeTable
Breathe easy because the timetable is simple to explain. The train runs every 15-30 minutes. There are usually 2 trains running. The train ride itself as I shared already is about 32 minutes it does feel like an eternity when you are in a rush.
Remember this is a direct train, so it the Leonardo Express Train Rome is referred to as express. Also, I should mention that the first train departs from the airport around 6:30 in the morning (not exactly that), and from Termini, it departs around 5:30A. (But check the Leonardo Express Timetable on their site to confirm times)
The End Of Our Leonardo Express Train Rome Story
The Leonardo Express Train Rome can be quite an adventure, but with these insider tips, you’re set to make it a breeze. Remember, the key is preparation and a dash of patience.
Whether you’re rushing to catch the train or leisurely boarding, knowing where and how to buy your tickets, understanding the luggage policies, and getting the hang of the timetable can make all the difference.
So, next time you find yourself at Roma Fiumicino or Termini, think back to these tips and stride forth confidently.
Plus, please if you’ve got your own Leonardo Express tales or tips, drop them in the comments – let’s help each other make travel smoother! Have a great trip to Italy! ~ Dana XO
About Dana
An award-winning travel writer, I’m your go-to guide for uncovering the best in every destination. My passion is to explore, experience, and share gems from around the world, offering insights and tips to inspire and assist in planning your adventures. I am always working to make your trip seamless even if mine had hiccups! Every share is a tried-and-true slice of my journey, tailored to elevate yours.
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