About Ciampino Airport
Ciampino is an international Airport that focuses mostly on flights from elsewhere in Europe. As the base for budget airlines such as Ryanair, Ciampino receives around six million passengers per year, and is the gateway to Rome for many European visitors. It is also a military airport for the Italian Air Force.
Ciampino is one of the oldest airports still in use. It was first opened in 1916. And in 1926, it was the point of departure for Umberto Nobile, who flew the first aircraft to the North Pole.
During World War II, the airport was captured by US forces and used as a military airfield. Following the war, it became a civilian airport, and was the main airport for the city of Rome until 1960, when the larger Fiumicino- Leonardo da Vinci airport was opened on the west side of the city. For decades afterward, Ciampino was used mostly for private and charter flights. However, that all changed in the early 2000s with the growth of budget airlines. The airport was expanded in 2007 to meet the growing demand, and is now a significant hub of European travel.
Things to do near Ciampino Airport
Most visitors to Ciampino airport head to Rome right away. That's understandable. However, while the airport may not be a destination in itself, there are some interesting places to visit to the south of the city. If you have time, it might be worth seeing some of the attractions around Ciampino before you go into Rome itself.
- Soak up the tranquil atmosphere of Castel Gandolfo. This beautiful lakeside town has been the summer residence of the Popes for centuries, and it's not hard to see why. Go boating on the lake, visit the Papal palace, and enjoy the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the charming village.
- See where many Romans escape the heat of the city in Frascati. This hillside town is a popular day trip from Rome, and is known for the white wine it produces.
- Explore the world of Italian film at Cinecitta studios. First established by Mussolini for propaganda purposes, the studio has become synonymous with legendary Italian directors and classic films of cinema's Golden Age such as Cleopatra, Ben Hur, La Dolce Vita, and Roman Holiday.
- Get some fresh air at the Park of Aqueducts. This underrated Roman park is home to magnificent ruined aqueducts and plenty of green space, with lots of walking trails to stretch your legs.
- Explore the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian. During the early period when Christianity was persecuted by the Romans, these and other catacombs were dug into the ground south of Rome as a burial place for Christians. The ancient tombs are a fascinating place to explore and experience the history of one of the world's major religions, whether you're a believer or not.
Transit options at Ciampino Airport
- SitBus, Atral, and Terravision all offer shuttle buses that run from Ciampino Airport to Rome’s main train station, Termini.
- Trains run from Ciampino train station to Termini and other stations in Rome. However, you will need to catch a bus from the airport to the town of Ciampino. A shuttle bus makes the journey in around 10 minutes.
- Taxis have a fixed charge to take passengers from Ciampino airport to the center of Rome. This is usually displayed on the outside of a licensed taxi, but make sure to confirm the price with the driver before getting in to be on the safe side.
Luggage storage near Ciampino Airport
While it may be outside the city, Ciampino is close to some of what makes Rome such a fascinating place to visit. But to reach what's best about the Eternal City, you'll need to use public transport. Make the journey easy on yourself by dropping off your belongings at a luggage storage service near Ciampino Airport. You'll enjoy your trip a lot more if you travel light.
Activities and attractions near Ciampino Airport
- Colosseum: You can't really say you've visited Rome until you've seen the Colosseum. This gigantic amphitheater is an icon of the city and of Italy, and a marvel of ancient engineering. Once the site of gladiatorial combats and even naval battles, the vast arena now functions as a museum that explains the role these games played in the ancient world. It's worth the long lines to see this unique monument. Note that large bags are not allowed inside the Colosseum, so make sure you drop yours off at a luggage storage shop in Rome before you visit.
- Roman Forums: The Roman Forums were the heart of the sprawling Empire for centuries. This complex of temples, administrative buildings, arches, and columns is the best place to see the grandeur of the vanished Empire and the monuments it left behind. A guided tour will explain more about the significance of the buildings you see, or you can just wander the ruins for yourself and imagine what life would be like in the heart of ancient Rome. The forums get crowded, so make sure you drop off any unnecessary bags at a luggage storage in Rome before you visit.
- Gelato crawl: Ask five Romans where to get the best gelato in the city, and you'll get six different opinions. Everybody has their favorite place to try this delicious Italian treat, and part of the fun is finding your own preferred store. Luckily, Rome has hundreds of places to buy gelato. Of course, you'll need to try several different places before you settle on a favorite.
