Fiumicino Airport

The Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, also known as Fiumicino (FCO), is Rome international airport and is the one more commonly used. It offers a wide selection of both domestic and international flights.

Serving tens of millions of passengers a year, it’s the busiest airport in Italy and also ranks high on the list of busiest airports in Europe. It’s a well-structured and efficient airport full of all the amenities you made need to make your passage through here as safe and comfortable as possible.

Location and Transport

So you’ve made it to Rome. You’ve cleared passport control, got your bags, and now beauty, history, and amazing food await. Let’s get you there as soon as possible. Here are your main options from Rome airport: 

1. Taxi

Taxi ranks are located at the exits of both Terminals 1 and 3. Follow the yellow signs for Taxi, where you will join a line outside managed by FCO staff directing you to the rank (shown below). 

Do 

Because you’re worth it. And you’ve got a full itinerary, meaning you don’t have any time to waste figuring out train journeys (see below if you change your mind though). Fares are currently capped at 50 euros in Rome city centre. 

Don’t 

In peak season, there will be long lines outside the terminal, but there should be an abundance of taxis, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long. You’re quite likely to hit traffic on one of the main arteries taking you into Rome, meaning your journey could take anywhere between 40 minutes and an hour and a half. 

Insider tip: You can pay by card. However, sometimes Italian merchants are reluctant to take card payments. That said, a recent law obliges them to now, so check first that they’ll take a card. If they make a face, just insist or move on to the next taxi. 

2. Train, option 1: Leonardo Express

Follow the signs for the train advising you to take the elevator up to the second level (Arrival is on level 0). This will take you to a bridge-tunnel that connects both airport terminals with the train station. There are moving walkways too. It’s approximately a seven-minute walk to the station in total.

At Arrivals (at both Terminals 1 and 3), you will see helpful signs like these directing you to the elevators to head up to level 2, where you can walk over to the train station.

Do

Trains leave every 30 minutes and take you straight to Rome’s main train station Termini in around 30 minutes. Perfect if you’re travelling light and/or your hotel is located close to Termini. 

A good option if you’re in San Lorenzo or Reppublica too.

Don’t 

The Leonardo Express takes you to Rome’s main train transport hub Termini; an overwhelming behemoth of a train station. Not exactly the ideal start to your Dolce Vita getaway. 

If, on the other hand, you’re travelling reasonably light and you’re keen to sink your teeth into some Eurostyle hustle and bustle, by all means, go for it.

The metro will be extremely busy in peak season, so not ideal for large suitcases. (FYI, Elevators and escalators are frequently out of order on the Roman metro).

Insider tip: Don’t follow the herd and wait in line at the airport ticket machines to get your tickets; you can get them at the airport train station itself.

Plan B. Humans are also on hand at the Train Station ticket office in case the machines are out of order or especially indiscernible after your long flight. 

Trenitalia (the national trainline) is wonderful, but their ticket machines can be somewhat temperamental or just a bit slow sometimes. 

Insider tip: Validate your ticket. Paper tickets need to be time stamped. Ticket inspectors can be real sticklers for this sort of thing in Italy. Fail to do it and risk a hefty fine, depending on how benevolent the inspector is feeling that day. 

Align your ticket to the left of the ticket-validating machine and wait for a ping. You’ll find the machines at the beginning of each platform.

From Outside the Airport

If you get a bit sidetracked and end up following the exit signs which lead you outside instead, fear not. The station is closest to Terminal 3, which is right next to Terminal 1,  just a 4-minute walk away. 

Follow the signs for the train until you need to cross the road, as shown below. The station is marked by the Trenitalia symbol (which looks more like a slanted ‘f’ than a ‘t’) on the building to the right of the carpark labelled D.

Enter and go up the escalator. You’ll arrive at the same place had you used the bridge-tunnel from inside the Terminal. 

2) Train, Option 2: Regional Train

Another option is to take the cheaper regional train from the airport. If you’ve done your research and have a good idea of where your accommodation is, you may find that one of the stations serviced by the regional train is more convenient. Ostiense, Trastevere or even Tiburtina may serve you better than Termini.

Do 

Your journey will cost just 8-10 Euros, and depending on where you’re going, will take between 30 and 47 minutes. The trains are modern, air-conditioned, and come with heaps of space and USB outlets. Perfect for charging your devices while you’re on the move. 

Don’t 

Again if you’ve got lots of luggage and you need to take a connecting metro or bus ride after the train journey, think twice. Google Maps will offer recommended routes, but very often, these will not reflect the reality of the situation.

Buses won’t come when Google Maps says they will, nor will walking routes always be as straightforward as they appear. It might be tempting to save a few Euros, but in the long run, you might end up in a confusing mess. 

Insider tip: Don’t wait in line at the painfully slow ticket machines. Download the Trenitalia app. Especially if you plan to be in Rome for a few days and fancy a spontaneous day trip. You can check train times on the fly and pay for them on your phone. 

Tickets come in the form of QR codes, which you either scan at ticket barriers or show to ticket inspectors on the train. You won’t ever have to worry about validating your ticket.

3) Bus (Coach)

Buses leave from Polo Bus Station, located at the end of Terminal 3 (as you exit arrivals, turn right and keep going). You’ll see various bus stands; the supporting columns are all numbered, and the first dozen or so are dedicated to regional travel. 

To get to central Rome, head towards bus stop 12- on your right, you’ll see the ticket office where the three main bus companies will be vying for your attention. They’ll be offering you pretty much the same product, with buses leaving at staggered times. 

Do

You can’t beat the price, currently at 6 Euros one way. Buses are frequent, comfortable, and air-conditioned. If you arrive after midnight, this will be your only option, as trains don’t run into the night. 

Don’t

You may hit traffic which can be frustrating, and for just two Euros more, you could’ve got the regional train. 

Terminals (Arrival and Departure)

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Fiumicino Airport is equipped with two functional terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 2 was demolished so that Terminal 1 could be expanded, and Terminal 5 is being refurbished and is currently not in use.

There is a free shuttle service connecting the two terminals, which can take up to 15 minutes.

Terminal 1

This terminal serves both domestic flights (within Italy) and flights that travel within the Schengen area (the 26 countries in Europe that have removed border controls).

Here are the airlines that fly to and from Terminal 1:

Aegean Airlines	Air Baltic Corporation	Air Europa	Air France	Air Malta	Alba Star
Austrian Airlines	Brussels Airlines	Eurowings	Finnair	Iberia	ITA – Italia Trasporto Aereo
Lufthansa	Luxair	Norwegian Air International	Norwegian Air Shuttle	Royal Dutch Airlines	Ryanair
SAS Scandinavian Airlines	Swiss International Airlines	TAP Portugal	Volotea	Vueling	Wizzair

Terminal 3

All other airlines utilize Terminal 3, which is much larger. These include some domestic and Schengen flights, as well as all Non-Schengen flights and flights to and from the United States and Israel.

For more information about the various airlines that fly to Fiumicino, visit the Aereoporti di Roma website.

At the time of writing, we are still subjected to 100 ml (3.38 fl oz) liquid rules in cabin luggage- this includes pesto, I’m afraid. The usual laptops and electronics to be taken out of bags while going through detectors rule still applies. 

Food and Shopping

Fiumicino is an award-winning airport, and its clever marketing team is dubbing “The Careport” – see what they did there? In truth, FCO is part airport, part luxury shopping centre. From pizza to Prada, Cartier to KFC; it is truly vast and caters to most people’s needs.

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Terminal 3 has its own Vatican Museums souvenir store for any last-minute gifts. Unfortunately, it’s also impossible to find a sandwich that costs less than 7 Euros. 

Insider tip: You’re far better off getting some food in town before getting to the airport. You’ll cry when you think of the Roman thin crust or the white pizza and mortadella you could’ve bought from the forno near your hotel if only you’d left ten minutes earlier.

You’re wiser now, and you’ll know that this airport tourist pizza, while still good, is nothing like the real deal. 

However, if you’ve got Euros to burn and you’re flying from Terminal 1 (Area A), internationally renowned Eataly makes an appearance on the second-floor plaza.

Gourmet snacks, pasta dishes, as well as oils and wines to take home, are available here. 

The usual gelato and coffee are on offer, too, and if you’ve had your fill of all things Italian, you’ll find KFC on the first-floor plaza.

Head up to the second floor of Area E if you’re flying from Terminal 3, where you’ll be pretty much ordered to enjoy your pizza. 

However, if you’re not in the mood for bossy pizza, you’ll also find a wider range of restaurants, from Ajisen Ramen to Bottega Prosecco Bar and Beercode; a beer and burger restaurant where one hopes their burgers are better than their puns. 

For those with a gluten allergy, many restaurants offer gluten-free options. A helpful list is available on the airport website, which you can find here.

Lounges

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Fiumicino Airport is also home to a varied selection of lounges where you can comfortably pass the time while waiting for your flight. Once reserved exclusively for elite members of airlines’ loyalty programs, some of the lounges have now opened their doors to all passengers, provided they pay the access fee.

Prima Vista Lounges

There are two Prima Vista Lounges, both located in Terminal 3. One for domestic/Schengen flights, the other for Non-Schengen flights.

Domestic/Schengen Lounge

• Location: Departure area, gates A1-A10
• Opening hours: 4:45 am – 8:45 pm
• Access: Available to all business class and frequent flyer passengers and to all paying passengers (30€ adults, 15€ for children over the age of 2)
• Amenities: Buffet (with vegetarian options), charging ports, flight info, TV, WiFi, printer

Non-Schengen Lounge

• Location: Departure area, gates E31-E44
• Opening hours: 6:45 am – 2:45 pm
• Access: Available to all business class and frequent flyer passengers, and to all paying passengers (30€ adults, 15€ for children over the age of 2)
• Amenities: Buffet (with vegetarian options), charging ports, flight info, TV, WiFi, printer, showers

Arrival Lounge and Air Rooms HelloSky

• Location: Landside, opposite Terminal 3, near the ABCD multi-level parking lot
• Opening hours: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
• Access: Available to all paying passengers (20€)
• Amenities: Cold buffet, drinks, a la carte menu, WiFi, flight info, newspapers and magazines, TV, charging ports
• Additional purchases: Rooms to rent where you can sleep and take a shower

Plaza Premium Lounge

• Location: Terminal 3 by E gates
• Opening hours: 5:30 am – 10:30 pm
• Access: Available to all paying passengers (44€ for two hours)
• Amenities: Buffet (with vegetarian options), bar, WiFi, flight info, TV, charging ports, beer on tap, Lounge Bay, Meeting Room, showers

There are also members-only lounges available to passengers of ITA Airways, Emirates, British Airways, and of Star Alliance.

Other Services

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For all other services you made need, Fiumicino’s got you covered. Here’s a list of the other amenities that are on offer here at Rome’s main airport.

ATMs and Currency Exchange

There are various locations where you can withdraw money and exchange currency throughout both terminals.

Info-Points

There are information points dotted throughout the terminals. Not only do they provide useful information to passengers but they are also equipped with fax machines and photocopiers.

Medical Assistance and Pharmacies

First aid is available 24/7 to all passengers if needed. In an emergency call 06 6595 3133-4.

There is also a pharmacy located on the 2cd floor of Terminal 3, and another one that only sells non-prescription medication in boarding area E.

Disabled Facilities

The airport is well-equipped to help disabled guests with transport through the airport as long as they have pre-booked assistance with their airline beforehand. Priority procedures are also in place if needed for security and passport control.

The infrastructure of the airport has been improved for passengers with reduced mobility. As well as having plenty of elevators, there are also easily accessible desks and disabled stalls in each set of toilets.

There are also plenty of disabled parking spaces in both the short-term and long-term parking bays.

Religious Services

There is a Christian Catholic Chapel in the Terminal 1 departure hall, and a multi-faith prayer room in the Terminal 3 arrivals hall (temporarily closed for renovations).

Luggage Storage

Luggage storage is located in the International Arrivals area in Terminal 3 and is open from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. It costs 10€ per luggage for 24h.

Nursery and Kids Area

Four nurseries are available (with changing tables and cots) and are located near E11 and E44. 

Children’s play areas can be found in the baggage claim areas of Terminal 3 and Terminal 1. There’s one near Belt 10 just after the Terminal 3 passport controls and another near Belt 16 in Terminal 1.

Smoking Area

A smoking area can be found in boarding area E.

WiFi

Free Wifi is available throughout the airport.

Hotels Near FCO Airport

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Early morning flight, layover, or late arrival? If you’re in need of a place to sleep that’s near Fiumicino Airport, you have some options to choose from.

If you need to stay as close to the airport as possible, here are some options to consider:

B&B Hotel Roma Fiumicino Airport

• Location: Adjacent to Parco Leonardo train station, just one stop away from the airport.
• Cost: Approximately 100 euros per night for two people. Additional 6 Euro for airport shuttle service.
• Shopping: Part of a residential and hotel complex, which includes a shopping mall formerly known as Parco Leonardo, now rebranded as “The Wow Side.”
• Extras: Proximity to the shopping mall allows for last-minute shopping before flying out.
• Contact: For more information, refer to the B&B Hotel Roma Fiumicino Airport’s official website or contact the front desk.
• Note: This is a modern hotel with a convenient location and access to a variety of amenities within the same complex.

Hotel Tiber

• Location: Situated at the end of Via Torre Clementina, in Fiumicino’s main historical center.
• Cost: From 132 Euros per night for 2 people. Airport transfers are available for 7 Euros per person.
• Scenery: Rooms offering panoramic views of the River Tiber flowing into the sea. Positioned close to the beach, the hotel’s location also features a variety of riverside restaurants, a small marina, and incoming fishing boats.
• Extras: The hotel is located on a street filled with restaurants, ideal for guests who enjoy dining out. It’s also popular among airline pilots on layovers.
• Contact: For more information, refer to Hotel Tiber’s official website or contact their front desk.
• Note: This is a modern hotel located in a charming area with several dining options and interesting views. The local beach and historical centre add to its appeal.

Hotel Hilton Rome Airport

• Location: Via Arturo Ferrarin 2, Fiumicino. It’s a 10-minute walk from the airport.
• Check-in: 2:00 pm
• Check-out: 12:00 pm
• Contact: +39 06 65258 or [email protected]
• Amenities: Fitness center equipped with a gym and an indoor swimming pool, business center, work stations, WiFi in the communal areas
• Paid amenities: Sauna, 3 tennis courts, executive lounge, laundry service, conference rooms

Hotel Hilton Garden Inn

• Location: Via Vittorio Bragadin 2, Fiumicino. Offers a free 24h shuttle service to Terminal 3.
• Check-in: 2:00 pm
• Check-out: 12:00 pm
• Contact: +39 06 6525 9000 or [email protected]
• Amenities: Gym, business center, work stations, WiFi in the communal areas and the rooms, restaurant, bar
• Paid amenities: Laundry service and laundromat, conference rooms, pantry shop

Hotel HelloSky

• Location: Inside the airport, connected to the terminals by an overpass.
• Opening hours: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
• Contact: +39 06 9715 0200 or [email protected]
• Amenities: Cold buffet, drinks, a la carte menu

Rome Airport Transportation

There are a number of ways to get to the city of Rome, from Fiumicino Airport and vice-versa. The airport is located approximately 30 km away from the city center, but it is relatively easy to get to. You can take either a train, bus, or taxi or hire a private transfer. There’s also plenty of parking available if you choose to come by car.

Insider tip 

Google Maps will show you that Fiumicino town is only 3km from the airport and, therefore, only a 40-minute walk, so you might be tempted to saunter over on a sunny day for a spot of Italian fish ‘n’ chips. 

Do not attempt to walk as there are no pedestrian paths- it’s all highways and can be quite dangerous. 

Download the Moovit App to check if any local bus services are running – it’s far more reliable than Google or Apple Maps for transport options in Italy. Otherwise, a taxi is your best bet.

See our airport transfer page for more information on this topic.