Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport FCO: Departures and guide

Flying from/to Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport

When arriving to Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport, it can be unclear how to reach your final destination, or more generally, to the city centre. We, at Omio, have mapped out good things to know, facilities available when flying to Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport and what to do when you get to the city.

Travel from Rome to Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport

Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (generally shortened to Fiumicino) is Italy's busiest airport, and a major international aviation hub. Naming the airport after Leonardo da Vinci was a smart move, as the Renaissance genius was one of the first people to describe a workable flying machine. Nowadays, over 40 million passengers follow in Leonardo's footsteps every year, as they use the airport.

What's the best way to get to the airport from Rome?

There are plenty of ways to reach Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport from the center of the city. The Leonardo Express train service is a popular option. Operated by Trenitalia, it runs from Roma Termini and takes 30 minutes. Local FL1 trains offer an alternative way to travel to the airport from Rome city center, running from Ostiense, and Trastevere. Buses offer affordable connection as well, and won't take much longer than express trains. Terravision is the major coach operator, running services from Termini (journeys take 50-55 minutes). However, TAM buses run from Ostiense and Termini, SIT offers good connections from the Vatican,  and the Rome Airport Bus leaves from Termini. COTRAL buses leave from multiple bus stops, including Tiburtina, Cornelia, Piazza dei Cinquecento, and Eur-Magliana Station, and they link up well with Metro services. Finally, there are good road connections between central Rome and Fiumicino. Expect taxis to take around 45 minutes from downtown Rome, outside peak travel periods. 

How far is it from the city center to the airport?

If travelers want to know how far it is to the airport from Rome city center, the answer is that the airport lies 32-kilometers to the southwest of the city center. This means that taxis and self-driving travelers will find it sensible to leave 40-50 minutes at least when planning their transfers. If travelers are coming from central Rome, they should leave 15-20 minutes to get away from the traffic of the inner city. Those coming from southern and western suburbs can get to Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport far more quickly, often in 20-30 minutes. As for train transfers, the fastest express trains reach Leonardo da Vinci Airport in 30 minutes, which makes them the fastest transportation option. Local trains from Ostiense will also take around 30 minutes.

What facilities are there at the airport?

Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport is a major global hub, and facilities at the airport match that its size and status. Passengers can shop for apparel, duty-free goods, travel essentials, magazines, and jewelry, and major brands like Zara and Hermes are represented. Dining options include global fast food giants, cafes, and upscale restaurants, and a range of passenger lounges allows travelers to relax. Terminal 3 hosts most of the various lounges, which tend to offer showers, drinks, television, and reading material. However, every passenger using the airport can log onto free wifi via the "Airport Free Wi-Fi" network.

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

If passengers have limited mobility, the Leonardo Express is an excellent way to travel to the airport from the city center. Its carriages offer special seating for disabled passengers, along with toilet facilities, and easy boarding and alighting. Passengers who require assistance at the airport itself can also request support 48 hours before they travel, via the airline they are booked with. It's also possible to book a "Care to Fly" service with all airlines using Fiumicino. This involves pick-up from homes or accommodation, and assistance through to boarding flights.

Local tips: How to travel to Fiumicino like a local

Knowing the fastest way to travel to the airport from the city center can be trickier than it looks. Most of the time, the Leonardo Express wins, but it can make sense to catch Metro services to Ostiense, and catch the train from there. That's especially true for those who aren't staying in the center, and would have to transfer to Termini. If travelers want to save money, buses make a lot of sense. Plenty of services run from Termini, and it's often possible to turn up before departure without needing to book. When taking taxis, look for the "SPQR" crest. It's a sign that the driver is registered with the city authorities, and a good indication that their fares will be accurate.