The 3 Closest Airports to vatican city rome

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The 3 Closest Airports to Vatican City, Rome

Rome, the Eternal City and home to the independent city-state of Vatican City, is served by two primary commercial airports, with a smaller general aviation airport also located nearby. Choosing the right airport depends on your airline, origin, budget, and preferred mode of transport into the city.

1. Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport (CIA)

Ciampino is Rome’s secondary international airport, situated southeast of the city center. While smaller than Fiumicino, it is geographically the closest commercial airport to Vatican City. It primarily serves low-cost carriers and charter flights, making it a popular choice for budget European travel.

  • Distance to Vatican City Rome: Approximately 17-20 km (10.5-12.5 miles), depending on the route. Travel time is typically 30-50 minutes by car/taxi, or longer via bus and metro combinations.

  • Address: Via Appia Nuova, 1651, 00040 Ciampino RM, Italy

  • Pros: Closer to the city center/Vatican than FCO, generally quicker to navigate due to smaller size, often cheaper flights. Cons: Fewer flight options (mostly budget/European), fewer amenities, public transport requires a bus connection to reach the metro/train network, can close overnight. Airlines: Primarily Ryanair, Wizz Air. Car Rental: Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Maggiore, etc., available in dedicated P8 lot.

  • Official Website: https://www.adr.it/ciampino

  • Phone: +39 06 65951 (Aeroporti di Roma General Information)

  • Rating: Approx. 3.7/5 (Google Reviews – subject to change)

2. Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

Fiumicino is Rome’s main international airport and the largest hub in Italy. Located southwest of Rome, it handles the vast majority of intercontinental and domestic flights. While physically further than Ciampino, it is the closest major international airport serving Vatican City and Rome, offering superior transport links and facilities.

  • Distance to Vatican City Rome: Approximately 30 km (18.5 miles). Travel time is around 32 minutes via the direct Leonardo Express train to Termini Station (then transfer), or 45-60 minutes by car/taxi.

  • Address: Via dell’ Aeroporto di Fiumicino, 320, 00054 Fiumicino RM, Italy

  • Pros: Wide range of international and domestic airlines, excellent direct train connection (Leonardo Express), extensive amenities and services, operates 24/7. Cons: Further from the city/Vatican than CIA, can be very busy, transport (especially taxis/direct train) can be more expensive. Airlines: Major carriers like ITA Airways, Delta, American Airlines, United, British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, EasyJet, Vueling, etc. Car Rental: Numerous companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Maggiore, etc.) located in Office Tower 2, connected via pedestrian walkways.

  • Official Website: https://www.adr.it/fiumicino

  • Phone: +39 06 65951 (Aeroporti di Roma General Information)

  • Rating: Approx. 4.0/5 (Google Reviews – subject to change)

3. Rome Urbe Airport (LIRU)

Rome Urbe is a small urban airport located north of the city center along the Via Salaria. It is technically the closest airfield to Vatican City by sheer distance. However, it is crucial to note that Urbe is a general aviation airport and does not handle scheduled commercial passenger flights. It’s used for private planes, flight training, and civil protection services.

  • Distance to Vatican City Rome: Approximately 11-14 km (7-9 miles). Travel time is roughly 20-30 minutes by car.

  • Address: Via Salaria, 825, 00138 Roma RM, Italy

  • Pros: Geographically the closest airfield to the Vatican and northern Rome. Cons: Not served by commercial airlines, unsuitable for typical tourist travel, very limited facilities compared to commercial airports. Airlines: None (General Aviation, Private Aircraft, Flight Schools). Car Rental: Not typically available on-site; arrangements needed separately.

  • Official Website: Primarily managed via ENAC (Italian Civil Aviation Authority) – Information often via Aeroclub di Roma or specific operators. (No dedicated passenger service website).

  • Phone: Contact specific entities like Aeroclub di Roma (+39 06 8832 7444 – verify purpose) or ENAC for official info.

  • Rating: N/A (Not typically rated by commercial passengers)

Conclusion:

  • The closest airport to Vatican City by geographical distance is Rome Urbe Airport (LIRU). However, it is not a viable option for commercial air travel.

  • The closest commercial airport is Ciampino (CIA), primarily serving budget airlines.

  • The closest major international airport with the most flight options and best direct transport links (though slightly further away than CIA) is Fiumicino (FCO).

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