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Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport

Rome · Italy · Updated Apr 20, 2026

Code
FCO
Size
Major Hub
Passengers a year
29.3M / year
Terminals
2
To downtown
30 km
On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Getting to and from the airport
  3. Terminals and airlines
  4. Tips for travellers
  5. Good to know
  6. Climate, customs and advisory

Overview

Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) is Italy's busiest airport, located in Fiumicino, 30 km southwest of Rome. It serves as the primary international gateway for Rome, Vatican City, and the Lazio region, acting as the main hub for ITA Airways.

Opened in 1961, Fiumicino Airport is managed by Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) and features modern expansions including a central airside hall. It handles millions of passengers annually with three primary runways and serves as a base for major low-cost carriers. The airport connects efficiently to central Rome via rail, including the Leonardo Express. Named after Leonardo da Vinci, it is the largest airport in Italy and a key European hub.

Getting to and from the airport

  • Train

    Leonardo Express to Roma Termini (non-stop); FL1 suburban line.

    32 minutes · €14

  • Taxi

    Official white taxis to city center.

    40-60 minutes · €50-60

  • Bus

    SIT or Terravision shuttles to Roma Termini.

    55 minutes · €6-8

  • Rental Car

    On-site desks; A91 motorway access.

    40 minutes · €40+ per day

Trains are fastest and most reliable to downtown; avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM). Taxis queue at official ranks—fixed fares to city center. Rental cars available but traffic-heavy; use apps like Free Now for rideshares. Regional buses connect to nearby towns.

Security wait: 20-40 minutes average

Terminals and airlines

  • Terminal 1

    ITA Airways

    Gates A1-A83; primarily Schengen and ITA Airways home base.

  • Terminal 3

    easyJet, Ryanair, Vueling, Wizz Air, Neos, AeroItalia

    Gates E1-E61; largest terminal, includes former Terminal 5 and non-Schengen satellite.

Airlines: ITA Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Vueling, Wizz Air, Neos, AeroItalia

Tips for travellers

  • Arrive early for security; use the Leonardo Express train for a 32-minute direct ride to Roma Termini.
  • Terminal 1 is for ITA Airways (Schengen and some international); Terminal 3 handles most international and non-Schengen flights.
  • Free WiFi is available throughout; lounges accessible via Priority Pass or airline status.
  • ATMs and currency exchange are plentiful in arrivals; SIM cards available from Vodafone and TIM kiosks.
  • For connections, follow clear signage to the central airside hall; allow 60-90 minutes between flights.

Good to know

  • The airport opened in 1961, replacing Ciampino as Rome's main airport, and is named after the Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci.
  • Fiumicino features three main runways: 16L/34R, 16R/34L (both 3,900m), and 07/25 (3,309m), with the latter used primarily for westbound takeoffs due to prevailing winds.
  • It is the busiest airport in Italy and ranks among Europe's top airports by passenger traffic.
  • The airport has undergone significant expansions since the 1990s, including new piers and terminals to reach capacities of over 50 million passengers annually.
  • Excellent rail connectivity includes the Leonardo Express non-stop train to Roma Termini and the FL1 suburban line.

Amenities: Lounges, WiFi, Prayer room, Hotel on-site, Duty-free shops, Food courts

Climate, customs and advisory

Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters (avg. 10°C) and hot, dry summers (avg. 28°C). Expect prevailing westerly winds influencing runway use. Annual rainfall peaks in autumn.

Customs: EU citizens use eGates for faster immigration; non-EU arrivals join dedicated lanes with passport control and customs declarations for goods over €430. Expect 20-45 minute waits during peaks; download EU Digital Passenger Locator Form if required.

Sources (10)

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