Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is Italy's largest and busiest airport. It is named after the famous Italian polymath, and many of his works and inventions are on display in the airport. Still, most people call it just “Fiumicino Airport” after the nearby town.
The airport is about 30 km southwest of central Rome. It is the primary international gateway to Italy, connecting the capital to over 230 destinations by direct or non-stop flights. It's not to be mistaken with the other Rome airport - Ciampino (CIA), which is exclusively used by low-cost carriers.
In 2024, FCO handled over 49 million passengers, making it one of Europe's most significant aviation hubs. It is among the world’s 40 busiest airports.
Major Airlines - ITA Airways, Neos, Vueling, Ryanair, Wizz Air
Fiumicino is the main hub for ITA Airways, Italy's national carrier. It accounts for the majority of flights at FCO and flies to over 60 destinations both within Italy and around the world.
Helping it on the domestic front is AeroItalia, while the last major Italian airline, Neos, primarily flies to more exotic and holiday destinations.
The low-cost segment is strong at FCO and still growing. Vueling, Ryanair, and Wizz Air use Fiumicino Airport as a base, providing cheap flights to dozens of cities across Europe and North Africa.
Other low-cost airlines with a significant presence at FCO include the British easyJet, the German Eurowings, and the Dutch Transavia.
Some of the biggest international airlines also offer flights between Rome and their major hubs around the world. Some of the most prominent ones are Air France, American Airlines, Emirates, KLM, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines.
In total, over 90 airlines serve Rome Fiumicino, connecting the Italian capital to numerous destinations across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa.
Find a full list of airlines at FCO here.
Terminals of Fiumicino Airport
Fiumicino Airport has two active terminals:
Terminal 1, which only handles domestic and Schengen flights and serves many European airlines such as ITA Airways, Air France, and KLM.
Terminal 3: The larger of the two terminals. It caters to non-Schengen and intercontinental flights, accommodating most of the international, non-European carriers.
Terminal 2 has been permanently closed since 2017. Terminal 4 is not operational and has never been, and Terminal 5 is closed for renovation, with its functions taken over by Terminal 3.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are directly connected airside, and a walk between them takes no more than 7-8 minutes.
The airport doesn’t close at night, though from 11.00 PM to 3.00 AM, it stays open exclusively for passengers holding a boarding pass for a flight in the next 24 hours.
See what destinations you can reach by a direct flight from Fiumicino Rome Airport.
Connecting Flights and Transit at FCO
If you’re connecting flights within the Schengen area, transit is very straightforward. There are no Security or Immigration checks, and you will likely not even change terminals. The minimum connecting time, assuming you traveling with the same airline, or, if not, have no luggage to retrieve and check in again, is just 30 minutes.
If one of the flights comes/leaves for a destination outside of Schengen, you will have to go through Passport Control, Customs, and a Security check. Changing terminals will likely be necessary. Nonetheless, 45 minutes is generally enough if traffic at the airport is low and lines are short.
Note that the SkyBridge, an automated people mover, is the only way to get to Gates E31–44 (non-Schengen). You can only take this train in one direction - towards T3 for arriving passengers or towards the gates if departing - no returns!
Wi-Fi at FCO
Fiumicino Airport offers everybody free high-speed Wi-Fi everywhere in its terminals.
To connect, select the "AIRPORT FREE WIFI" network, which will automatically open a welcome page. Accept the terms and conditions, and you will be connected.
Dining Options at Rome Fiumicino
One can say that Fiumicino Airport is perfect when it comes to dining.
On one side, it’s a very compact airport, so if you have a place in mind, it won’t be too far.
On the other hand, it features both Italian and international cuisines. Do you want to try a specialty you didn’t have the chance to? Yes, FCO will provide. Or do you want some comfort food that you’re familiar with? Yes, FCO has plenty of those options too.
Here are some of the over two dozen dining options at Fiumicino Airport:
Eataly: A renowned Italian marketplace offering a variety of regional dishes. It has 3 locations within FCO - one in T3, in the area before check-in, and two in the plaza of Boarding Area A, on the second floor.
Sophia Loren Restaurant: A newly opened fine dining restaurant that provides traditional Italian meals with a modern twist. Find it in the plaza of Boarding Area A.
Rossopomodoro: Specializes in authentic, thin and crispy Neapolitan pizza. Located in T1 Departures.
Ajisen Ramen: Japanese ramen in Italy? Not a problem - just go to the second floor of Boarding Area E!
Beercode: If you’re not sure what exactly you are craving, check out Beercode in T3, Boarding Area E (international). With a wide menu of international cuisine, anyone can pick something they like!
Semplicemente Roma: a good place to try Italian coffee. Located in T3.
Sal de Riso: Oh, you forgot gelato? Try this place in T3 or go to Venchi, which has 3 locations in Boarding Areas A and E and the plaza near A gates.
Lounges in FCO
Whether you’re a premium passenger, a frequent traveler by a particular international airline, or just an economy flier who wants to relax in between flights, FCO has a lounge suitable for you.
In Terminal 1 (Schengen Area):
Plaza Premium Lounge: Located on the Mezzanine level, Boarding Area A, and open daily from 04:30 to 22:00, this lounge is open to all passengers for a fee or via select memberships.
Primeclass Lounge: This open-access lounge is located in Departures Hall A, near Gates 61-83. It’s open between 05:30 and 22:00 daily.
Prima Vista Lounge - Domus: Open daily from 05:15 to 21:45 and located on the Mezzanine level, near Gates A11/A86.
ITA Airways Hangar Lounge: The flag carrier's premium lounge is in Boarding Area A, before Gates A31-59 and A61-83. It’s open starting at 06:00 until 23:00. Access is exclusive to ITA Airways and SkyTeam business class passengers and eligible frequent flyers.
In Terminal 3 (Non-Schengen Area):
Plaza Premium Lounge is on the Upper level of Boarding Area E. It’s open to all passengers for a fee between 05:00 and 23:00.
Prima Vista Lounge - Portus: Has one of the shortest opening hours - between 06:45 and 16:45, though it has extended hours on Thursdays and Saturdays. It’s opposite Gate E41.
ITA Airways Piazza di Spagna Lounge: Named after the famous square in Rome, this flagship lounge is exclusive to ITA Airways and SkyTeam business class passengers and eligible frequent flyers. It’s near Gates E11-E24 and open daily from 06:00 until 21:30.
British Airways Galleries Lounge: One of the two airline-specific lounges that are not ITA. This BA lounge is in Boarding Area E and serves premium fliers of the airline and its Oneworld alliance partners between 05:30 and 20:00.
Emirates Lounge: A premium lounge from an airline known for high-class luxury and an unwavering commitment to a high standard. It’s near Gates E22-E24 and is open from 11:30 until 15:00, to match with Emirates’ flights.
Landside (Public Area) has one lounge:
HelloSky Arrival Lounge & Air Rooms: Located near the ABCD multi-storey car park, a short walk from the terminals. It’s most suited for passengers on longer layovers.
Amenities in all lounges include buffets with international cuisine, complimentary drinks, shower facilities (in some), Wi-Fi, and charging stations.
Transportation options at Rome Fiumicino Airport
Public transportation at FCO is a mixture of buses and trains.
The Leonardo Express offers a non-stop train service between the airport and Rome Termini station, departing every 15 minutes. It costs 14 EUR and is the fastest way to get to the city (or vice versa) at just 32 minutes.
The Regional Train (FL1) connects the airport to various stations in Rome, including Trastevere and Tiburtina. Prices vary between 8 and 11 EUR.
While trains are generally the best option, several bus lines also serve FCO. Multiple operators provide routes between the airport and different parts of Rome and surrounding regions. Prices to Rome vary by provider and destination, between 7 and 14 EUR.
If you need to save a few euros and time is not of the essence, take a bus. In all other cases, the train is better.
Private transport is served chiefly by official airport taxis. These cars are white with a “TAXI” sign on the roof and the Municipality symbol on the front doors. Taxis are available at designated ranks, with fixed fares to central Rome; for example, a trip to the central areas costs 55 EUR.
Rome is not the most car-friendly city, and renting a car there is not recommended. But, car-sharing is! This option is provided by E+ Drivalia, Enjoy, or Free2move as an alternative for sustainable passenger transport. Pick up your car from the airport and leave it in a different place at the end of the route, where others can take it for their own journeys!
However, if you’re exploring more places within Italy and want the flexibility and freedom, you may rent a car directly at the airport. Several major rental car companies have a dedicated area connected to the terminals in Office Tower 2.
Last but not least, you can check out private transfer options from FCO.
Parking at Rome Fiumicino Airport
Fiumicino Airport offers both short and long-term parking solutions through its official service, Easy Parking.
Here's a summary of the available parking options:
Long-Stay Parking
Uncovered Long-Stay (Lunga Sosta Scoperto): Over 2100 spaces with a free shuttle service to terminals every 5 minutes. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers as it’s the cheapest option.
Covered Long-Stay (Lunga Sosta Coperto): Another 1600 spaces (though these are covered) are also connected to terminals via the same free shuttle.
Terminal Parking
Multilevel Terminal Parking (A-B-C-D): Around 4,500 spaces, mostly covered, located just steps from the terminals.
Executive Parking: Premium covered parking near Terminals 1 and 3, featuring video surveillance, Fast Track vouchers for security checks, and additional services like car wash and refueling. These premium perks come at a premium price.
Short-Stay and Drop-Off
Kiss & Go Areas: Designated zones just steps from the entrance to the corresponding terminal. There, you can park for free for the first 15 minutes.
Short-Stay Parking (PT1, PT3): Convenient for brief visits, with easy access to terminals, but more expensive than the long-stay options listed above.
Those with motorbikes can park in Building A, which is connected to Terminal 1 via a pedestrian walkway.
Lastly, a large public EV parking facility is located on the first floor of Terminal B's car park. It includes both slow and fast charging.
Hotels near Fiumicino Airport
To sleep as near to the terminal as possible, choose either:
Air Rooms Rome Airport by HelloSky: Located right in front of the terminals. You can’t beat this convenience. It’s more akin to an airport lounge (thus, also included in the lounge list above) but also offers luxurious rooms and a fantastic 4-star service.
Hilton Rome Airport: Connected to the terminals via an (almost entirely) covered walkway. Comfy, quiet rooms, a pleasant restaurant, and a filling breakfast make it a solid choice so near the airport.
If these don’t fit your budget, in nearby Fiumicino you will find over 3 dozen other hotels, close enough to be called airport hotels.
Rome, Italy
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