Rome Fiumicino Airport is Italy’s most significant and busiest, officially known as Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (IATA: FCO – ICAO: LIRF). Located about 32 kilometres southwest of Rome’s historic city centre, it is a central hub for international and domestic travel across Europe and beyond. FCO is the primary airport for Alitalia’s successor, ITA Airways, and offers a wide range of services for passengers and cargo.

Rome Fiumicino Airport, also known as Leonardo da Vinci Airport, is the busiest airport in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. It serves millions of passengers annually and connects Italy to many international destinations. The airport has three main terminals and a satellite terminal designed to handle different types of flights, including domestic and international.

Located about 34 km from central Rome, Fiumicino offers various transport options to the city, making it a convenient gateway for travellers. The airport also offers many shops, restaurants, and services, ensuring comfort and accessibility throughout the journey.

Understanding the layout and facilities of Rome Fiumicino Airport can save time and reduce stress for anyone passing through. The official Rome Fiumicino Airport website details terminals, transport, and amenities.

General Information

Location: Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
Country: Italy
Airport Type: Public, International
IATA Code: FCO
ICAO Code: LIRF
Elevation: 15 feet (5 metres)
Coordinates: 41°48′34″N 12°14′38″E
Timezone: UTC+1 (CET), UTC+2 (CEST in summer)
Distance from City Centre: Approx. 32 km (20 miles) southwest of central Rome
Website: www.adr.it/fiumicino
Operator: Aeroporti di Roma (ADR)
Services: Scheduled international and domestic flights, cargo, general aviation, VIP handling

Airport Details

Runways: 4
Runway Designations and Lengths:
07/25: 3,309 m (10,856 ft) – Asphalt
16L/34R: 3,900 m (12,795 ft) – Asphalt
16R/34L: 3,900 m (12,795 ft) – Asphalt
16C/34C: Taxiway used for high traffic flow
Runway Surfaces: Asphalt
Runway Strength: Supports all aircraft, including Code F (A380)
Fire Services: ARFF Category 10
Tower Frequency: Available
Ground Frequency: Available
Navigation Aids: ILS CAT III, VOR/DME, RNAV, GNSS
Customs and Immigration: 24/7 Schengen and non-Schengen processing
Aircraft Types: All commercial and private aircraft types
Terminals: Terminals 1, 3, and VIP lounges (T2 currently closed for renovation)
Cargo Facilities: Modern cargo city with cool chain, DG, and express logistics
Fuel: JET A-1
FBOs: General Aviation Terminal by Aviapartner Executive
Equipment: GPU, potable water, de-icing, lavatory services
Ground Services: Full-service handling for passengers, cargo, and private aviation

Flight Operations

Permit Time: 24–72 hours for non-scheduled international flights
Permission Required: Yes, for chartered and non-EU registered aircraft
Slots: Required for all operations
Aircraft Types: All types, including Code F
Alternate Airports:
CIA: Rome Ciampino Airport
FLR: Florence Airport
NAP: Naples International Airport

Contact Information

Enquiries: +39 06 65951
Email: info@adr.it
FBO Coordination: Aviapartner Executive – fco@aviapartner.aero

Passenger Information

Immigration Requirements: Schengen visa or ETIAS, depending on nationality; passport required
Crew Requirements: Passport, crew ID/license, General Declaration, visa if required
Transport Options: Leonardo Express train, regional trains, taxis, buses, rental cars
Nearby Accommodation:
Near Airport: Hilton Rome Airport, Best Western Hotel Rome Airport
In City: Hotel de Russie, Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria, Hotel Hassler Roma
Currency: Euro (EUR); credit cards widely accepted

Local Attractions

The Colosseum

One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, this ancient Roman amphitheatre is a must-visit for history and architecture lovers.

Vatican City

Home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. A spiritual and cultural centrepiece of the city.

Trevi Fountain

An ornate baroque masterpiece where visitors toss coins to ensure their return to Rome.

Pantheon

A remarkably preserved Roman temple, now a church, known for its massive dome and oculus.

Roman Forum

An archaeological site that was the heart of ancient Rome’s public life and politics.

Trastevere District

A lively neighbourhood with cobbled streets, artisan shops, and authentic Roman trattorias.

Travel Tips

Best Times to Visit:
Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct: Mild weather, fewer crowds
Jul–Aug: Busy tourist season with higher temperatures

Additional Notes:
Rome Fiumicino Airport offers high-speed rail connections to central Rome and other parts of Italy. The airport has multilingual signage, digital wayfinding, and extensive retail and dining options. VIP travellers can use Fast Track services and premium lounges throughout the terminals.

History and Development

Rome Fiumicino Airport opened in the early 1960s with just two runways. It was developed to replace Rome’s smaller Ciampino Airport as the leading international gateway. The airport expanded quickly as air travel grew.

A third runway was added in 1973 to handle more flights. Since then, the airport has upgraded terminals and services to improve capacity and passenger experience. It now serves over 49 million passengers annually, making it the 36th-busiest airport worldwide.

Location and Accessibility

Fiumicino Airport is located about 35 kilometres southwest of Rome’s city centre. It is easily accessible by car, bus, and train.

The Leonardo Express train connects the airport directly to Rome Termini, the central train station, in about 32 minutes. Several bus companies also provide frequent services to different parts of Rome.

Multiple parking areas are close to the terminals for short or long stays.

Airport Terminals

The airport has four main terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 5. Each serves different airlines and types of flights.

  • Terminal 1 primarily handles domestic and Schengen flights.
  • Terminal 2 is smaller and serves mainly charter and low-cost airlines.
  • Terminal 3 processes most international flights.
  • Terminal 5 is dedicated to Alitalia and its partner airlines.

Each terminal offers shops, restaurants, and passenger services. Maps and signage help travellers navigate the large complex easily. The Rome Fiumicino Airport website has more terminal details and maps.

Flights and Airlines

Rome Fiumicino Airport handles many flights, connecting the city with destinations worldwide. As a significant international hub, it serves many key routes, alongside domestic flights within Italy. Numerous airlines use Fiumicino as a base for their operations.

Major International Routes

Fiumicino links Rome to many major global cities in Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. Key European connections include London, Paris, and Frankfurt.

Transatlantic flights connect Rome with New York, Toronto, and Miami, providing necessary business and leisure access. Frequent routes to Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai and Doha are also available.

Long-haul flights to Asia include destinations like Beijing and Tokyo, although these are fewer than European or North American flights. The airport’s international reach supports tourism and commerce.

Domestic Flight Connections

Fiumicino operates regular flights to Italy’s main cities. Frequent connections include Milan, Naples, and Venice, serving business travellers and tourists.

Other domestic destinations include Bologna and Palermo, allowing passengers to move quickly across the country. These flights provide a faster alternative to trains and cars for many travellers.

The airport supports numerous regional airlines and low-cost carriers offering budget-friendly options within Italy.

Airlines Operating at Fiumicino

A diverse set of airlines fly from Fiumicino, including flag carriers, budget airlines, and international companies.

Major airlines like Alitalia (now ITA Airways) dominate many routes, especially within Italy and Europe. International carriers such as American Airlines, Air France, and Air Canada also operate here.

Low-cost airlines add to the variety, offering affordable options to various European cities. The complete list of airlines serving the airport is on the official Airlines—ADR page.

Facilities and Services

Rome Fiumicino Airport offers many practical amenities to make travel smooth and comfortable. It provides proper facilities for passengers, including luggage handling and information points. There are various options for food, shopping, and transport to help passengers navigate the airport and the city easily.

Passenger Amenities

The airport features free luggage trolleys available throughout the terminals. Information points equipped with fax and photocopy services assist travellers needing quick document support. Smoking is allowed in designated areas, such as the boarding area E.

Medical help is available through first aid services located within the terminals. ATMs are spread around the airport for easy cash access. Tourist information desks guide local transport and attractions. Free Wi-Fi is available in the terminals so passengers can stay connected during their wait.

Dining and Shopping Options

Fiumicino offers a mix of Italian eateries where passengers can find coffee, pizza, or pasta 24/7. In addition to food, there are numerous shops, including fashion boutiques and souvenir stores, catering to various tastes and needs.

Passengers can enjoy cafés and bars conveniently located near gates and lounges. Duty-free shops offer perfumes, cosmetics, and local products. The variety ensures travellers can eat, relax, or shop before their flight or upon arrival.

Transport Links and Transfers

Multiple transport options will connect the airport. There is a large parking area for those arriving by car, and shuttle buses run frequently between terminals and the city centre.

Taxi services operate 24/7 from designated stands outside the arrivals halls. Train connections link Fiumicino to Rome’s main train stations, providing fast access to the city. Various car rental providers are available for hire on site, simplifying onward travel arrangements.

For more details on airport services, see the Airport of Rome Fiumicino facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rome Fiumicino Airport offers several options for transport, information, and amenities to ensure smooth travel. Passengers can find up-to-date flight details, nearby hotels, and official maps to assist with navigation.

What are the transport options from Fiumicino Airport to the city centre?

Multiple ways to reach central Rome from Fiumicino Airport include trains, buses, taxis, and private cars. The Leonardo Express train connects the airport directly to Roma Termini station in about 30 minutes.

Where can I find the departure information for flights from Fiumicino Airport?

Flight departure details are available in real-time at the airport terminals and on the official website. Digital boards and online platforms provide accurate schedules for both arrivals and departures.

How can I locate a hotel within proximity to Fiumicino Airport?

Several hotels are located near Fiumicino Airport, ranging from budget to luxury options. Online travel sites and the airport’s official pages often list nearby accommodations with booking details.

Where can I find a map of Fiumicino Airport to navigate the terminals?

Official maps of Fiumicino Airport are available on the airport’s website. These maps show terminals, gates, parking areas, shops, and other services to help passengers navigate the airport.

What facilities are available at Fiumicino Airport for international travellers?

International travellers at Fiumicino can access customs services, currency exchange, duty-free shops, lounges, and restaurants. The airport is equipped to handle multiple languages and provides assistance points.

How long does it take to travel from Fiumicino Airport to central Rome?

Travel time to central Rome varies by transport mode. The train takes about 30 minutes, and buses and taxis may take 40 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.