Cheap/close attractions to Fiumicino?

Question

Is the train to Termini Station from Fiumicino above or below ground? I would like to see a little of the city even if it's just riding a bus/train a few blocks, while I have a 5 hour layover. Any suggested destinations?

Answer 1

You can take the FM1 (5 euros, above ground) to Ostiense. From there you can take Metro Line 1 (1 euro, below ground) to Coloseo which is right next to the Coliseum.

Worst case times and I'll assume you need to be at the airport 30 minutes early:

15 minutes to get to the train station from the airport and to purchase your ticket.

The train departs every 30 minutes.

It is 50 minutes to Ostiense

It might take 15 minutes to get on the metro from the train station.

10 minutes to Coloseo

5 minutes to walk the Coliseum

That's 250 minutes round trip traveling time plus 30 minutes before your flight leaves you with 20 minutes minimum at the Coliseum. You can go in, or you can walk around it and also see some of the Roman Forum. A favorable flight schedule and timing and you can have up to an hour more.

Otherwise, Ostia Antica (ancient city ruins, like Pompeii) is 3 miles (~10 euro cab ride) from the airport.

Answer 2

Five hours isn't all that long for a layover, especially if you're going to have to go through passport control/security in both directions. The quickest way to see some of the interesting parts of the city would be to hire a car with a driver to meet you at the airport, but that won't meet your criteria for cheap.

It takes roughly a half hour to get to either Roma Termini or Trastevere on the train. You could consider going to Trastevere and walking around for an hour or so before heading back to the airport.

Ostia Antica is close to the airport - it's the old Roman port and worth a visit. http://www.ostia-antica.org/.