Eternal City Moto Show 2026: arriving from Fiumicino and planning your visit

The 10th edition of Eternal City Moto Show takes place from 25 to 27 September 2026 and this anniversary marks a genuine step change in the event’s scale and ambition. For the first time, the show moves to the Gazometro Eni di Roma Ostiense, a 120,000 square metre industrial site in the Ostiense district that has been reimagined as a creative and innovation hub. The venue change is significant, and it changes the practical logistics for visitors arriving from Fiumicino airport.

This guide covers what the Eternal City Moto Show is, why the 2026 edition is worth the trip, how to get from Rome Fiumicino (FCO) to the Gazometro efficiently, and what experienced motorcycle show visitors know that first-timers don’t.

What the Eternal City Moto Show actually is

Eternal City Moto Show is Rome’s major motorcycle event, established in 2017 and now the central reference point for two-wheel culture in central and southern Italy. The 2025 edition drew over 30,000 visitors across two days, with 350 exhibitors and more than 7,500 demo rides — figures that justify the move to a larger, more capable venue for 2026.

The show is not just a static exhibition. Its defining feature is its demo ride programme: over 300 motorcycles from major brands including Ducati, BMW Motorrad, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Triumph, Aprilia, Kawasaki and others are available to test on the streets of Rome during the event. This is the largest demo ride park in the capital, and the experience of riding new models through a historic city is something that distinguishes Eternal City from standard indoor motor shows.

The 2026 format extends to three days (Friday 25, Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September) from the previous two-day format, providing more space for the exhibition programme, which includes custom bike displays, live art, personalisation culture, music, street food and industry talks. The Gazometro setting  (a former industrial gas plant now operating as a design and creativity district) adds an aesthetic dimension that the previous convention centre venues could not offer.

The Gazometro: understanding the new venue and its location

The Gazometro Eni sits in the Ostiense neighbourhood, south of the Aventino hill and Testaccio. Ostiense is one of Rome’s most interesting districts: formerly industrial, now home to creative spaces, the Roma Tre university campus, contemporary galleries and a significant nightlife scene. The area is accessible and well-connected to both the city centre and to Fiumicino via the rail corridor running southwest through Rome.

For visitors arriving at Fiumicino, the Ostiense location is genuinely useful. Fiumicino is connected to Rome’s rail network via the Leonardo Express to Termini, but Ostiense also sits on a parallel line (the FL1 regional train) which runs between Fiumicino and Orte via Trastevere and Ostiense. This means travellers heading specifically to the Gazometro can, under the right circumstances, arrive closer to the venue than to Termini.

Terravision’s direct transfer from Fiumicino to Roma Termini remains the most straightforward option for most visitors, as Termini is a well-understood navigation hub. From Termini, Ostiense is reachable by metro (line B to Piramide / Ostiense) in under 15 minutes. The Gazometro is a short walk from the Ostiense station area.

Practical planning: what to prepare before flying

The 10th anniversary edition introduces new elements that require some advance preparation:

• The demo ride programme requires a valid motorcycle licence. Bring your licence (and an international permit if applicable) and appropriate technical gear: helmet, jacket and gloves are mandatory. Riding gear is not provided at the event.
• Register for demo rides early. The popularity of the programme means that the most in-demand models and time slots fill quickly. Checking the official site at eternalcitymotorcycleshow.com for pre-registration options before arrival gives you the best chance of riding the bikes you want.
• Confirm your transfer from Fiumicino before your flight. September is still a busy period in Rome, and the Ostiense area will see additional traffic during the show weekend. Pre-booked transfers avoid the decision overhead at the airport.
• Book accommodation in the Ostiense, Testaccio or Trastevere area if possible. These neighbourhoods are closest to the Gazometro and among the most interesting in Rome for evening exploration.
• Allocate at least two days to the show. The three-day format has been deliberately expanded to accommodate more content; one day is unlikely to cover the exhibition hall, the demo ride programme, the custom displays and the cultural programme adequately.
• Check the Transitalia Marathon programme. The 2026 edition coincides with the arrival of the Transitalia Marathon at the Gazometro on Friday 25 September :a major adventouring event whose participants will be present at the show. This adds an additional layer of programming worth planning around.

What visitors to Eternal City Moto Show underestimate

The first surprise for first-time visitors is the breadth of the event beyond the motorcycles themselves. The show has a strong custom culture and personalisation strand: artists, craftsmen and international custom builders display work that is genuinely closer to sculpture than transport. The custom bike competition and the associated art programming attract a different audience from the mainstream motorcycle buyer, and the integration of both within the same event gives Eternal City its distinctive character.

The second underestimated element is the demo ride experience in Rome specifically. Riding a new motorcycle through the Ostiense neighbourhood and into Rome’s road network is not a circuit lap or a parking lot figure-eight. It is a real urban ride in a real historic city, which adds a dimension to the test ride experience that is difficult to replicate at any other Italian motorcycle event. The streets around Gazometro include access to the city’s broader road network, and the rides are designed to give meaningful saddle time rather than token circuits.

Third: the Gazometro venue in the 10th anniversary edition represents a deliberate elevation of the show’s ambition. The site is five times larger than previous venues in terms of outdoor space, and the industrial architecture creates a backdrop that is genuinely photogenic and atmospheric. Visitors who have attended previous editions at La Nuvola or other locations will find the scale and character of the 2026 venue substantially different. Budget time to explore the site itself, not just the stands.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own motorcycle gear to participate in the demo rides at Eternal City Moto Show?

Yes. The demo ride programme at Eternal City Moto Show requires participants to bring their own helmet, motorcycle jacket and gloves in good condition. Closed shoes are also mandatory. The event does not provide rental gear on site. A valid motorcycle licence must be presented at the demo ride registration point, bring the original document rather than a copy.

What is the best day to visit the Eternal City Moto Show if I can only attend for one day?

Saturday 26 September tends to offer the fullest programme in terms of live events, competitions and evening programming, but it is also the most attended day, which creates queues at popular stands and at the demo ride registration points. Friday 25 September (the opening day) typically has lower attendance and is the best day for demo rides, since slots fill more slowly in the morning. Sunday 27 September often has a strong final-day atmosphere, with closing events and competitions, but some exhibitors begin breaking down displays in the late afternoon. For visitors prioritising demo rides and hands-on access to motorcycles, Friday morning is the clearest choice. For visitors prioritising atmosphere, competition finals and cultural programming, Saturday or Sunday offers the richer experience.

Is the Gazometro di Roma Ostiense easy to find and navigate for first-time visitors to Rome?

Yes. The Gazometro is a landmark structure in the Ostiense district. Its industrial cylindrical towers are visible from a significant distance and serve as a natural navigation point. The area is well-served by public transport, with the Ostiense train and metro station within walking distance.