Rome Fiumicino Airport: the Main Airport in Rome
Officially named Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO), the main airport in Rome is commonly known as Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Fiumicino Airport, or simply Rome Airport, as it is the major air hub serving the Italian capital. It is named after the incomparable Leonardo da Vinci, the famous and inventive Italian artist, considered to be a true genius.
FCO Airport is located in the Fiumicino area, southwest of Rome, within a 30km/19-mile distance from the city center. It is an international airport listed among the most important European air hubs. Verily, it isn’t just the leading airport in Italy but is also the 10th busiest European Airport in terms of passenger traffic and the 49th most occupied in the world. As a matter of fact, even though the Covid-19 pandemic greatly affected its operation, in 2022, it welcomed almost 30 million passengers.
Rome Airport primarily aims at top-rated services and punctuality and has successfully embraced a high-tech character. To that end, it has, for example, eliminated the tedious waiting lines at the baggage claim areas. Nowadays, passengers can spot screens around the baggage carousels, indicating the estimated waiting time for each flight’s luggage claim pickup. Hence, Fiumicino Airport has received the Best Airport Award for three years in a row, establishing a world record.
Airport Name: Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport
IATA Code: FCO
ICAO: LIRF
Location: Fiumicino, Lazio, Italy
Time Zone: UTC +2 / Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Airport Map: Rome Airport at Google Maps
Rome Airport’s Layout
Rome Fiumicino Airport has two terminal buildings and three runways. Gates A1–A83 are to be found in terminal 1 and E1–E52 in terminal 3.
Fiumicino airport terminal 1 has taken over the old terminal 2 and serves mostly European-based airlines along with the flag carrier, ITA Airways. The Arrivals area lies on the Ground level, whereas Departures are to be spread over the 1st and 2nd floors.
On the other hand, terminal 3 is the largest FCO building. Most of Rome airport’s flights depart or land at T3. The layout of T3 is similar to T1’s, with the Arrivals lying on the Ground floor and the Departures on floors 1 and 2.
Fiumicino Airport’s Airlines
Leonardo da Vinci Airport isn’t just the main airport in Rome. It is the country’s major aviation hub. Thus, it hosts various airlines, from international agencies to domestic providers and from conventional air carriers to low-cost airlines.
ITA Airways, the country-owned air carrier, uses Fiumicino Airport as its hub. Moreover, it is a focus airport for various airlines. Verily, Rome is a focus city for NEOS, Poste Air Cargo, Ryanair, Vueling, and Wizz Air.
Parking Facilities
Rome Fiumicino Airport offers its passengers all the necessary parking facilities. Multistorey car parks -only a few minutes from FCO terminals via pedestrian walkways-, covered and open long-stay parking lots, and executive parking spots providing many benefits to its clients are among the airport’s amenities. Additionally, passengers traveling via motorcycle can find designated parking spaces close to terminal 1.
Transit Options
Fiumicino Airport is well connected to the city of Rome. It is even linked to other Italian cities. Thus, transit options from Rome Airport to Rome city center include:
- A 30-60 minute airport taxi ride
- The Leonardo Express Train / Local trains
- High-speed trains to other cities
- Airport bus lines / Shuttles Buses
- Rome airport transfers
- Airport car rentals
Services and Amenities
Rome Fiumicino Airport is a 3-times-in-a-row awarded airport. Hence it provides its passengers with all the anticipated amenities as well as offers unique services. Just to mention a few:
- Many retail options and Duty-free areas
- Restaurants / Bars
- Baggage carts
- Baggage wrapping
- Luggage storage
- Meet & Greet services
- Pharmacies / First aid
- Banks / ATMs / Currency exchange areas
- Nursing rooms / Kids’ area
- Smoking area
- Lost & Found offices
- Chapel / Prayer room
- Pet relief zone
- Lounges
- Arrival Lounge & Air Rooms by HelloSky
- Wi-Fi
- Travel agencies and tour operators
- Information kiosks
- Fax and Photocopiers
- Special services and amenities for passengers with disabilities
Contact Info
Official Name: Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport
Address: Via Pier Paolo Racchetti 1 – 00054 Fiumicino
Phone Number: +39 06 65951
The City of Rome
The capital of Italy once was the heart of the powerful Roman Empire. Nowadays, it still holds a key role in the country’s economy, as it is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Rome’s sights and attractions are countless. From Colosseum, Roman Forum, St Peter’s Basilica, and Vatican Museums to Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and Campidoglio, Rome resembles a giant museum. More than that, the city’s culinary scene is a foodie’s paradise. Restaurants, trattorias, bars, and scenic cafes are as much appreciated by tourists as the city’s sightseeing.
FAQs
Which is the main airport in Rome?
Even though Rome has two airports -Rome Fiumicino Airport and Ciampino Airport-, the major airport serving the area is Fiumicino Airport. Verily, FCO Airport is the main airport in Rome as well as the leading aviation hub in Italy.
Which airport in Rome is best?
In general terms, most travelers opt for a flight to Fiumicino Airport, as it is the busiest hub in Italy, handling numerous flights on a daily basis and being well-equipped and passenger-friendly. On the other hand, the smaller Ciampino Airport is a good choice for passengers heading South of Rome or planning on staying in the city’s south part.
Which Rome airport is closer to the city?
Although being the main airport in Rome, Fiumicino Airport isn’t the closest airport to the city center. It is located within a 30km/19-mile distance from downtown, whereas Ciampino Airport is only 16km/10 miles away from the heart of Rome.
What is the name of the airport in Rome?
The official name of the main airport in Rome is Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Hence, the airport is named after a well-known Italian painter, sculptor, engineer, architect, and inventor. Nevertheless, the airport is usually called Fiumicino Airport or simply Rome Airport.
How early to arrive at Rome Airport?
If you are flying to a domestic or European destination, you should be at the airport around 2 hours before the departure time. Conversely, if your onward flight is intercontinental, you should arrive at least 2.5-3 hours before your flight to enjoy a relaxed check-in process.
How many terminals are there in Fiumicino Airport?
Fiumicino Airport has two terminal buildings. Terminal 1 was expanded, covering the old terminal 2’s area. Terminal 3 is the biggest Rome airport terminal. As a matter of fact, it serves the majority of the airport’s flight traffic.
How to get to Rome from airport?
You’ll find plenty of options for your ride from Rome Airport to the city center. Hence, apart from the ordinary airport taxis and the lavish Rome airport transfers, you can opt for an autonomous car rental from FCO Airport. On the other hand, the Leonardo Express Train will take you fast and affordably to the city center, whereas the regional bus links the airport to many underground stations and the regional train to many Rome stations.