Rome–Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport

Rome Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) is Italy's busiest airport and a major European gateway, located approximately 30 km southwest of Rome's city center. Handling over 40 million passengers annually, it serves as the primary hub for ITA Airways (formerly Alitalia) and the main SkyTeam hub in Italy.

The airport has four terminals with a notable gap in numbering:

• Terminal 1: Domestic and Schengen flights, primarily low-cost carriers (Vueling, easyJet) and some ITA Airways domestic services
• Terminal 2: Currently closed for renovation (check airport website for status)
• Terminal 3: The main international terminal for long-haul and non-Schengen flights. Handles ITA Airways intercontinental routes, Delta, American Airlines, and other major carriers. Connected to the boarding area E (gates E) for wide-body aircraft
• Terminal 5: Dedicated to flights to/from the United States and Israel, with enhanced security screening. Only accessible with a valid boarding pass

Important note: There is no Terminal 4 at FCO. Terminals 1 and 3 are connected by a landside walkway (about 5-10 minutes). Terminal 5 is separate and requires shuttle transport from Terminal 3.

The airport layout is relatively compact compared to other major European hubs, with most terminals arranged in a linear fashion along the main terminal building.

FCO is located 30 km (18 miles) southwest of Rome's city center. Journey times vary by transport mode:

Method	Time to City Center	Cost
Leonardo Express train	32 min to Termini	€14
FL1 regional train	45-60 min to various stations	€8
Taxi	45-60 min	€50 flat rate
SIT Bus Shuttle	55-70 min	€7

Traffic between FCO and Rome can be severe, especially during rush hours (7-10 AM, 5-8 PM) and on weekends. The Leonardo Express train is the most reliable option for timing.

Important: Uber does not function reliably in Italy due to regulations. Traditional rideshare apps have limited service. Use official taxis or pre-booked car services instead.

Official Taxis

Licensed white taxis with "Taxi" signs and meters are the standard option:

Flat rate to Rome city center: €50 (covers destinations within the Aurelian Walls)

Destination	Fare	Notes
Rome city center (within Aurelian Walls)	€50 flat	Fixed rate, up to 4 passengers
Rome Termini	€50 flat	Fixed rate
Trastevere	€50 flat	Within flat rate zone
Vatican area	€50 flat	Within flat rate zone
EUR district	€45 flat	Closer to airport
Civitavecchia (cruise port)	€120-150	Metered or pre-arranged

Important taxi tips:

• Only use official white taxis from designated taxi ranks
• Flat rates are per taxi, not per person (up to 4 passengers, luggage included)
• Confirm the flat rate before departure
• The flat rate applies only to destinations within the Aurelian Walls (most tourist areas)
• Destinations outside the flat rate zone use the meter
• Taxi ranks are outside arrivals at all terminals
• Beware of unlicensed drivers inside the terminal offering rides

Alternative Car Services

For pre-booked private transfers:

• Welcome Pickups: Book online, fixed prices, meet-and-greet service
• Blacklane: Premium sedan service, book via app
• Local NCC (Noleggio Con Conducente): Licensed car services, book through hotels or online

Typical pre-booked transfer cost: €50-70 to central Rome

Note: Bolt operates limited service in Rome but is not reliable from the airport.

Leonardo Express (Recommended)

The Leonardo Express is a dedicated non-stop train service between FCO Airport and Roma Termini station.

Fare: €14 one-way (€28 round-trip available online)

Journey time: 32 minutes non-stop

Frequency: Every 15 minutes (more frequent during peak hours)

Operating hours: Approximately 6:23 AM to 11:23 PM from FCO; 5:35 AM to 10:35 PM from Termini

How to take the Leonardo Express:

1. Follow signs to "Stazione/Train Station" from arrivals
2. The train station is a 5-10 minute walk from terminals
3. Purchase tickets at machines, ticket offices, or online at trenitalia.com
4. Validate ticket before boarding (machines on platform)
5. Trains depart from platforms 23/24 at airport station
6. Exit at Roma Termini (the only stop)

Tips:

• Buy tickets in advance online to avoid queues
• No seat reservations required; first-come, first-served
• Validate your ticket before boarding to avoid €50 fine
• From Termini, connect to Metro lines A and B or other train services

FL1 Regional Train

The FL1 (Fiumicino 1) regional train is a cheaper alternative serving multiple Rome stations:

Fare: €8 one-way

Journey time: 30-60 minutes depending on destination

Key stops:

• Trastevere (30 min): For hotels in Trastevere neighborhood
• Ostiense (35 min): Connect to Metro B
• Tuscolana (45 min): East Rome
• Tiburtina (50 min): Secondary train station, north Rome

Frequency: Every 15 minutes

Operating hours: Approximately 5:57 AM to 11:27 PM

When to use FL1:

• Staying in Trastevere (direct service)
• Connecting at Ostiense for Metro B
• Budget-conscious travel
• Heading to areas not near Termini

SIT Bus Shuttle

Budget bus service to Roma Termini and Vatican area:

• Fare: €7 one-way (€13 round-trip)
• Duration: 55-70 minutes (traffic dependent)
• Frequency: Every 30-45 minutes
• Stops: Termini station, Vatican (Via Crescenzio)
• Operating hours: 7:45 AM to 12:30 AM

Terravision also operates similar services at comparable prices.

When to use buses:

• Budget travel and not time-sensitive
• Going directly to Vatican area
• Leonardo Express not running (late night)

Night Transport

When trains stop running (approximately midnight to 5:30 AM):

• COTRAL night bus: Runs to Tiburtina station, approximately €6
• Taxi: €50 flat rate (same as daytime)
• Pre-booked car service: €50-70

FCO offers multiple parking options across the terminal area:

Terminal Parking (Closest)

Lot	Location	Daily Rate	Notes
Lunga Sosta (Long Stay)	Near terminals	From €12/day online	Free shuttle, 5-10 min walk
Parcheggio Multipiano	Terminal 3	From €29/day	Direct terminal access
Easy Parking	Terminal area	From €8/day online	Budget option, shuttle service

Tips

• Book online at adr.it for significant savings (up to 50% off)
• Long Stay (Lunga Sosta) is best value for trips over 2 days
• Multipiano is most convenient but expensive
• Electric vehicle charging available in select lots
• First 15 minutes free for drop-off
• Compare prices with off-airport lots (Parking GO, ParkinGO) for longer stays

FCO offers diverse dining options, with Terminal 3 having the best variety:

Terminal 1:

• Eataly: Italian food hall with pizza, pasta, coffee (landside)
• MyChef: Quick-service Italian options
• Basic cafes and sandwich shops

Terminal 3 (best selection):

• Eataly: High-quality Italian food, fresh pasta, espresso bar
• Gran Cafe Rosato: Traditional Italian cafe
• Gusto: Pizza and Italian dishes
• Trattoria Toscana: Tuscan cuisine, sit-down restaurant
• Heineken Bar: Drinks and light bites
• Chef Express: Various food court options

Terminal 3 Airside (Gates E area):

• Ferrari Spazio Bollicine: Italian sparkling wines and snacks
• Segafredo: Espresso and light meals
• Various grab-and-go options

Terminal 5:

• Limited options due to security configuration
• Basic cafe and snacks
• Eat before going through Terminal 5 security

Tips:

• Terminal 3's Eataly is the standout for quality Italian food
• Grab an espresso and cornetto (croissant) for an authentic Italian breakfast
• Prices are elevated (expect 40-60% more than city prices)
• Buy Italian food products at Eataly as gifts

Free WiFi is available throughout all FCO terminals.

Network name: "Airport Free Wi-Fi"

How to connect:

1. Select "Airport Free Wi-Fi"
2. Open browser - redirect to ADR (Aeroporti di Roma) portal
3. Register with email or social media
4. Accept terms and connect

Details:

• Free duration: Unlimited
• Speed: Adequate for browsing and email; streaming may buffer
• Coverage: Good throughout terminals

Tips:

• Connection can be slow during peak periods
• Use a VPN for security on public networks
• Lounge WiFi typically offers faster, more reliable connectivity

SIM cards are available at multiple locations throughout FCO:

Arrivals halls:

• TIM (Telecom Italia Mobile): Arrivals area, Terminal 3
• Vodafone: Arrivals area, Terminal 3
• Wind Tre: Various locations

Airside:

• Electronics and travel shops
• Limited selection compared to arrivals

Major Italian carriers:

• TIM: Largest network, best coverage nationwide
• Vodafone: Strong network, good tourist plans
• Wind Tre: Merged carrier, competitive pricing
• Iliad: Budget option with good value (less airport presence)

Typical costs: Prepaid tourist SIMs with 20-50GB data start around €15-30. EU roaming included for travel within Europe.

Required for purchase: Passport and Italian address (hotel address acceptable)

Tips:

• Airport prices are higher than city shops
• Order an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) before departure for immediate connectivity
• TIM generally has the best coverage in Italy, including rural areas

ATMs are located throughout all terminals, both landside and airside.

Major banks with ATMs at FCO:

• UniCredit
• Intesa Sanpaolo
• BNL (BNP Paribas)
• Banca di Roma

Locations: Near arrivals exits, in departure halls, throughout terminals

Currency exchange: Bureaux de change (Forexchange, Travelex) are available but offer poor rates (avoid if possible). Use ATMs for better rates.

Tips:

• Italian ATMs may offer "dynamic currency conversion" - always decline and choose to be charged in euros for better rates
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted throughout Italy
• Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks
• Some smaller shops, cafes, and trattorias in Rome still prefer cash
• Carry some cash (€50-100) for small purchases and tips

FCO offers extensive duty-free and retail options:

Duty-free (operated by Aelia Duty Free):

• Large stores in all terminals after security
• Italian wines (Chianti, Barolo, Brunello, Prosecco)
• Italian spirits (limoncello, grappa, Aperol)
• Italian food products: pasta, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Parmesan

Notable stores:

Terminal 3 (best shopping):

• Gucci: Italian luxury fashion
• Prada: Italian luxury leather and fashion
• Bulgari: Italian jewelry
• Salvatore Ferragamo: Italian shoes and accessories
• Eataly: Italian food products to take home
• Bottega Veneta: Italian luxury leather goods

Terminal 1:

• Standard duty-free
• Basic Italian souvenirs
• More limited selection

Best Italian gifts:

• Limoncello (lemon liqueur from Amalfi Coast)
• Italian leather goods
• Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano)
• High-quality olive oil
• Italian fashion accessories

Tips:

• Terminal 3 has the best selection of Italian luxury brands
• Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds on purchases over €154.94
• Food products must be properly packaged for international travel

Priority Pass Lounges

Terminal 1:

• Prima Vista Lounge: Schengen departures. Basic amenities, Italian snacks, beverages, espresso. Near gates B. Can get crowded during peak times.

Terminal 3:

• Casa Alitalia Piazza di Spagna: Schengen (gates D/G area). Stylish lounge with Italian design. Hot food, espresso bar, beverages. Showers available. Good quality for Priority Pass.
• Casa Alitalia Piazza del Popolo: Non-Schengen (gates E area). Similar style and amenities to Piazza di Spagna. Views of the tarmac. Quality Italian offerings.

Terminal 5:

• No Priority Pass lounges
• Limited lounge options due to enhanced security

Airline Lounges

ITA Airways Lounges (SkyTeam Elite Plus or Business Class):

• Casa Alitalia lounges branded under ITA Airways
• Excellent Italian food, espresso, wine selection
• Stylish design reflecting Italian aesthetics

Other airline lounges:

• Delta Sky Club: Terminal 3, gates E (Delta flights)
• Lufthansa Senator/Business Lounge: Terminal 3

Credit Card Access

• Priority Pass: Prima Vista (T1), Casa Alitalia lounges (T3)
• LoungeKey: Similar access to Priority Pass lounges
• Amex Platinum: Check current lounge access agreements

Pay-Per-Use

Day passes available at select lounges (€35-50), bookable through LoungeBuddy or airport website.

At the Airport:

• Hilton Rome Airport: Connected to Terminal 3 by covered walkway, 2-minute walk from arrivals. Full-service hotel with restaurant, pool (seasonal), and fitness center. Most convenient for early departures (~€150-250/night).

• Hilton Garden Inn Rome Airport: Adjacent to Hilton, budget-friendly option with similar convenience. Good breakfast, modern rooms (~€100-150/night).

Near the Airport (shuttle/taxi required):

• Courtyard by Marriott Rome Airport: Free airport shuttle, 10-minute ride. Modern rooms, restaurant (~€90-140/night).

• Holiday Inn Rome - Fiumicino: Free shuttle service, good value for transit stays (~€80-120/night).

• Best Western Hotel Rome Airport: Budget-friendly with free shuttle (~€70-100/night).

Between Airport and City (Fiumicino town):

• QC Termeroma: Spa hotel in Fiumicino town, 10 minutes from airport. Unique option with thermal baths and spa access included (~€150-200/night).

Tips:

• The Hilton Rome Airport is the only hotel with direct terminal access
• For early morning flights, staying at the airport is worth the premium
• Fiumicino town offers dining and beach options if you have extended layover time
• Consider staying in central Rome if layover exceeds 8 hours

Rome is one of the world's great historic cities, with 3,000 years of history. From FCO:

Central Rome attractions (40-50 min by Leonardo Express + walking):

Attraction	Travel Time from Airport	Highlights
Colosseum	50 min (train + Metro B)	Ancient amphitheater, gladiator history
Vatican City	55 min (train + Metro A)	St. Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums
Trevi Fountain	45 min (train + walk)	Baroque fountain, coin-tossing tradition
Pantheon	45 min (train + walk)	Best-preserved Roman temple, free entry
Roman Forum	50 min (train + Metro B)	Heart of ancient Rome
Spanish Steps	45 min (train + Metro A)	Iconic staircase, luxury shopping

Neighborhoods to explore:

• Trastevere: Charming cobblestone streets, best trattorias, nightlife (direct FL1 train access)
• Centro Storico: Historic center with Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Campo de' Fiori market
• Testaccio: Authentic Roman food scene, local vibe
• Monti: Trendy neighborhood near Colosseum, vintage shops, wine bars
• Jewish Ghetto: Historic quarter, Roman-Jewish cuisine, artichokes

Day trips from Rome:

• Pompeii/Naples: 1.5 hours by high-speed train from Termini
• Florence: 1.5 hours by high-speed train (Italo or Frecciarossa)
• Ostia Antica: 45 min by metro/train, Roman ruins without crowds
• Tivoli: 1 hour by bus/train, Villa d'Este gardens, Hadrian's Villa
• Orvieto: 1 hour by train, hilltop town, famous cathedral

Transport tips:

• Buy a Roma Pass (48 or 72 hours) for unlimited public transport and museum entries
• Rome Metro has only two lines (A and B) - walking is often faster in the center
• Metro runs approximately 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM (later on weekends)
• Download the Moovit app for public transport routing
• Many attractions require advance booking (Vatican, Colosseum)

Food essentials:

• Cacio e pepe: Roman pasta with pecorino and black pepper
• Carbonara: Egg, guanciale (pork cheek), pecorino, pepper - never cream
• Supplì: Fried rice balls, Roman street food
• Carciofi alla romana: Braised artichokes, Roman specialty
• Gelato: Try Giolitti, Fatamorgana, or Gelateria del Teatro
• Aperitivo: Evening drinks with free snacks (Trastevere, Monti)

Dining tips:

• Avoid restaurants directly facing major monuments (tourist traps)
• Lunch is typically 12:30-3:00 PM, dinner 8:00-10:30 PM
• "Coperto" (cover charge) of €1-3 per person is standard and legal
• Espresso at the bar is cheaper than sitting at a table