There are many compelling reasons why London is one of the most visited cities on the planet, with an unbeatable assortment of hip attractions, sights and iconic landmarks. London's network of airports sees millions of visitors pass through their terminals each year, and flights from London to Rome can leave from any of them. London Heathrow is the largest airport, with the capacity to handle around 80 airlines travelling to 185 destinations. Gatwick is the second busiest, handling approximately 41 million passengers annually. Stansted and Luton mainly operate low-cost airlines, while London City is the smallest of the five, located in the city centre. All the airports have extensive facilities, shopping and dining on-site.

Travel to London airport

If you decide to fly from London to Rome, you may leave from one of London's five main airports. The easiest way to arrive is by train. Heathrow in the west is connected by the Heathrow Express from Paddington Station or the Piccadilly Line on the underground. Gatwick in the south is linked by the Gatwick Express or Thameslink train services starting from London Victoria. Stansted in the northeast can be reached by train from Liverpool Street, while Luton Airport in the northwest by a train that runs from St Pancras train station to Luton Airport Parkway station, where a shuttle bus runs passengers to the terminal. London City is already in the city centre.

Arriving in Rome

The Eternal City is famously draped over seven hills and at its core lies an array of spectacular sights. You can start by marvelling at the imposing Roman Forum and the vast Colosseum, where brutal gladiatorial battles once occurred. Then take a stroll through the elegant streets and squares in the historical quarter and pop into the Pantheon to admire its great dome. Have lunch at a pavement cafe or bustling trattoria and then hit the shops around the Spanish Steps. Across the river you can spend time at St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and bask in the splendour of Michelangelo's frescoed Sistine Chapel.

Travelling to the city centre

Rome has two main airports: Fiumicino Airport and Ciampino Airport. If you travel from London to Rome your flight may arrive at either one. Fiumicino Airport is about 16 miles from the city centre. The Leonardo Express train runs from the airport to Rome Termini railway station in the city centre. You can also pick up a bus from Terminal 2 or Terminal 3, such as the Terravision bus service that runs to Termini station. Ciampino Airport is about seven miles from Rome, connected by several bus services, or a train that leaves from Ciampino station to the city centre, which is about five minutes away from the airport by shuttle bus.