Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport Guide

The airfield of the Rome-Fiumicino International Airport

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Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport

Address
Via L.Da Vinci, 00015 Roma RM, Italy
Phone +39 06 65951

Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport is the international facility that serves Rome, Italy and also is the home to flag carrier Alitalia. It has four terminals capable of handling more than 40 million passengers per year, and plenty of options for fitting in some last-minute shopping before you leave.

Airport Code, Location, and Contact Information

The Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is further away from Rome than Ciampino Airport but is much larger and better equipped for passenger comfort.

Know Before You Go

When you arrive in Rome, customs can be a fairly rapid process—a quick glance at your passport and you are done. However, depending on the volume of travelers, the process can be delayed substantially so be prepared to wait if you are traveling during peak season. To more efficiently navigate Fiumicino, learn which terminals handle which kinds of flights.

  • Terminal 1 handles domestic, international, Schengen Area flights, plus medium-haul flights operated by Alitalia.
  • Terminal 2 serves domestic flights, Schengen, and non-Schengen flights by Wizzair, Blue Air, Sunexpress, Air Moldova, and Meridiana (except for flights to Olbia in Sardinia).
  • Terminal 3 handles domestic, Schengen, and Non-Schengen Area flights.
  • Terminal 4 underwent major construction in 2019.
  • Terminal 5 handles flights to the United States and Israel.

When departing FCO, you should prepare for a long wait if you are checking luggage and show up at least three hours before an international flight.

Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport Parking

Fiumicino offers different types of parking for long-term travelers and those who are just visiting the airport to pick someone up. There are designated sections for motorcycle parking, disabled parking, and even parking spaces specifically for women which are marked by pink lines.

If you are picking someone up from the airport, you can park for free for up to 30 minutes on Floor 0 of the multilevel parking lot.

  • Long Stay Parking: From the long-term parking lot, you can take a complimentary shuttle to the terminal. If you arrive after 1 a.m, the shuttle must be requested using the intercom at the shuttle stop.
  • Multilevel Car (Short Term) Parking: For short-term parking (less than a day), this lot is a good option since it is connected to the terminal via a walkway.
  • Executive Parking: At an extra cost, Fiumicino offers Executive Parking which has the advantage of being close to the terminals and includes access to the priority lane during security. Other services include valet and refueling.

Driving Directions

From Rome, take highway A91, take a right onto Via Mario de Bernardi, make another right on Via Arturo Dell'Oro, and take the exit towards Ostia-Fiumicino/Lunga Sosta/Long Term. Follow Via Giorgio Cayley to Via Leonardo da Vinci.

Public Transportation and Taxis

On the arrivals level, there are shuttles and taxis to get to the city center. The Tren Italia train is another option to get to Rome. You can reach the train station via the departures level by taking the pedestrian overpass.

  • Fiumicino has one taxi stand at Terminal 1 and another at Terminal 3. If you arrive in Terminal 2 or 5, you will have to walk to the one at the next closest terminal. All taxis registered with the Municipality of Rome will offer fixed fares for destinations like the Rome City Center, Magliana, New Rome Fair, Ciampino Airport, Tiburtina Station, Ostiense Station, and Civitavecchia Porto. Each taxi's municipality will be marked by a sign on the car's front doors.
  • By train, you have the choice of using the convenient Leonardo Express, Regional FL1 trains, or the Frecciarossa, a high-speed train that can connect you to other cities in Italy like Venice, Florence, Padua, and Bologna.
  • The bus is the cheapest way to get to Rome's city center and many different bus companies service the airport, so you will have options. You'll find the bus waiting area within walking distance of Terminal 3.
  • Uber is available in Rome, although because of certain regulations it tends to be more expensive than using a regular taxi from the taxi stand.

Where to Eat and Drink

Once you get past check-in and security, take a breath and enjoy your final Italian coffee at one of the airport cafes. Unlike almost every other airport in the world, you won't find Starbucks at the airports in Italy, but there are more than enough cafes at Fiumicino to get your espresso fix.

For seated dining, you'll find many full-service restaurants throughout the airport like Antonello Colonna Open Bistro near the B gates or Rosso Intenso near the C gates. If you're in the mood for something sweet, keep an eye out for Venchi, which offers a selection of gelato and other Italian desserts. For something quick you can grab before your plane takes off, check out Gusto for pre-made pasta and salads. 

Where to Shop

Fiumicino sees representation from all the best-known Italian luxury brands like Armani and Gucci. In addition to the Made-in-Italy luxury brands, you'll also find more budget-friendly stores like Zara and Calzedonia. Fiumicino has tons of options for picking up last-minute gifts from outlets that sell Duty Free and Italian-made products like Fabriano, Venchi, Imaginarium, and many more. You'll also find convenience stores and 24/7 pharmacies, where you can purchase anything you might want during your flight.

Fiumicino also offers a free personal shopping service every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The personal shoppers will visit the stores with you and offer fashion advice. You can book the service ahead of time via e-mail or ask at one of the information desks.

How to Spend Your Layover

It takes some time to get into Rome from the airport, so you will need a layover of at least seven hours to justify the trip. The Leonardo Express train is your quickest option, but the journey takes about 30 minutes each way. The train will drop you off right in the center of Rome and you should have just enough time to cross some of the city's most famous landmarks like the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain off your bucket list. Or, if you are looking for a more relaxing layover, consider savoring a meal at one of the city's best restaurants.

If you need to store your carry-on luggage during your layover, you can do so at the facility located on the ground floor of Terminal 3.

With an overnight or early morning flight, you might want to consider staying near the airport at a hotel like the Hilton Rome Airport Hotel, which is connected to Fiumicino's terminals via a covered tunnel. It also offers a free shuttle bus to downtown Rome that operates every two hours.

Airport Lounges

For many of the exclusive lounges at Rome Fiumicino, you'll need a membership or business class ticket to enter. However, it's possible to purchase a day pass at the VIP Passenger Lounge, which has locations in both Schengen and Non-Schengen Areas of Terminal 3 or HelloSky, located before security in Terminals 1 and 3.

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

There is free unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the airport, which covers not only the terminals but also the parking area. You'll find plenty of places to charge your devices at the airport's various restaurants and cafes, in addition to the ones scattered throughout the gate areas.

Airport Tips and Tidbits

  • When dropping someone off, you can take advantage of Fiumicino's Kiss&Go area. Here, you'll have 15 minutes for any long goodbyes in an unhurried environment.
  • You can find play areas for children in Terminals 1 and 3.
  • Smoking lounges are located throughout the airport and in different boarding areas. This includes e-cigarettes.
  • Need to mail a last-minute postcard? There's a post office in the Arrivals area of Terminal 1, which is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • If you need to take a shower, you'll find facilities in the HelloSky Lounge located in Terminal 1 in the area before security. However, you will have to pay an admission fee.
Article Sources
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  1. Fiumicino Airport. "Fiumicino Airport Facts & Figures." Retrieved Jan 11, 2021.

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Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport Guide