Rome Fiumicino Airport - The Complete Guide for Travelers
Rome For A Traveler – Rome Blog
You’ve probably already heard about Rome from friends, seen it in movies, and dreamed of its picturesque alleyways and authentic pizza… And now, after planning, booking flights and hotels, the big moment has arrived — your vacation in the Eternal City begins! And it all starts at the airport in Rome, one of the busiest and most fascinating airports in Europe.
Rome has several airports, but the main and most well-known airport Rome travelers arrive at is Fiumicino Airport (FCO), officially known as Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. Often referred to simply as Rome Fiumicino, this airport Rome Leonardo da Vinci serves as the city’s primary gateway and welcomes millions of visitors every year.
In addition to Fiumicino, there are other Rome Airport, Italy – Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) stands out for its impressive modern architecture, an extensive and innovative duty-free shopping area, and a wide selection of restaurants and cafés open 24/7.
The airport is designed to offer travelers comfort, high-quality service, and a smooth arrival experience — the perfect start to an unforgettable Roman holiday.
- Netanela Biton - Romio Team
- February 2, 2026
Welcome to Rome! Leonardo da Vinci Airport – Fiumicino (FCO) is the main airport in Rome and the largest airport in Italy, located just about 32 km (20 miles) from the city center. This modern and impressive hub, officially known as Rome Fiumicino International Airport, is considered one of the best airports in Europe and has even been awarded Best Airport in Europe for four consecutive years.
Like any major airport Rome travelers expect, Fiumicino Airport offers everything passengers need for a comfortable journey: unlimited free Wi-Fi, currency exchange counters, banks, pharmacies, luxury duty-free shops, fashion boutiques, electronics stores, bookshops, luggage stores, as well as a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, bars, and business lounges.
Getting to and from airport Rome Leonardo da Vinci is especially convenient. Travelers can easily reach Rome Fiumicino Airport by taxi, private car, direct train, or bus. If you’re flying back home, it’s recommended to arrive at the airport about three hours before departure, allowing plenty of time to complete all procedures at a relaxed pace and enjoy the many facilities the airport has to offer.
Rome Fiumicino Airport Terminals: Everything You Should Know
Flights, Airport Services and Useful Tips
As of today, Rome Fiumicino Airport operates two main terminals:
Terminal 1 Fiumicino – primarily used by airlines such as Alitalia (ITA Airways), Air Europa, Ryanair, and Wizz Air.
Terminal 3 Fiumicino – the larger terminal, serving both domestic flights within Italy and international flights to Schengen and non-Schengen destinations, including the United States and Israel, operated by Israeli airlines.
If you are flying from the airport in Rome, it is strongly recommended to arrive at least three hours before departure to complete all procedures calmly and avoid any risk of delays.
The distance between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 at Fiumicino Airport is very short — approximately a five-minute walk inside the airport. Like all major airports in Rome, the focus here is on passenger comfort and a high-quality travel experience.
If you’re planning to fly via Fiumicino Airport, keep in mind that this is the main and busiest airport in Rome. Although there are other airports in the city, most flights to and from Israel operate through Rome Fiumicino, which serves as the official gateway for the majority of visitors to the Eternal City.
Tax refund at Rome airport
Anyone who is not an EU citizen can request a tax refund in Rome. First, at the time of purchase, ask the store staff to complete the relevant tax refund form (each shop works with different tax refund companies, such as Global Blue). The minimum purchase amount to qualify for a tax refund in Rome is €70 per receipt at a single store, and receipts from different dates cannot be combined. The tax refund rate in Italy ranges from 11.5% to 15%, depending on the purchase amount.
When you arrive at the airport, you can request your refund at the customs offices in the departure halls of Terminal 1, Terminal 3, and in the E departures area, near the information desk or at the Rome airport tax refund counters.
Remember: request a refund for items in checked luggage before check-in! Without your boarding pass, you will not be able to claim a Fiumicino tax refund, and you may end up wasting valuable time in line. Sometimes you may be asked to show the purchased items. If you plan to check your items, inform the airline staff at check-in that you need to return to claim the Italy VAT refund, so you can bring your suitcase back to the tax refund counters.
Global Blue provides very convenient computerized kiosks for processing tax refunds at Rome Fiumicino International Airport — even in Hebrew! Simply enter your details at the kiosk, swipe your credit card, and unless instructed to show the items to a tax officer, you can complete the process in just a few minutes.
Fiumicino Airport Duty Free
Rome Fiumicino Airport offers travelers an exceptional shopping experience, among the largest and most impressive in Europe. Both main terminals feature extensive Fiumicino duty free, a wide range of international brands, and a truly luxurious retail experience, making it a top destination for Rome airport shopping.
Terminal 1 Fiumicino: Here you’ll find Rome Aelia Duty Free, considered the largest in Europe. Among dozens of shops, explore popular brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Desigual, Ralph Lauren, Swarovski, Hermès, Intimissimi, Timberland, Armani Jeans, Pandora, Adidas, Nike, Zara, Furla, and Lacoste.
Terminal 3 Fiumicino: The duty-free area at Terminal 3 Fiumicino is renowned as one of the most sought-after destinations for luxury shopping at Rome airport. Here, more than 50 high-end brands await, including United Colors of Benetton, Burberry, Bulgari, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Armani, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara, Michael Kors, Montblanc, Prada, Rolex, Swatch, Valentino, and many more.
Important tip for luxury shoppers: Whether it’s your first visit to Fiumicino or you’re already familiar with it, prices at the duty-free shops here are considered among the best in the world thanks to tax-free shopping. If you’re looking for a specific luxury item, you can contact the airport shops in advance to check availability or even reserve it before your visit.
Fiumicino Airport Food
Terminal 1 Fiumicino: Several food outlets are open in Terminal 1, including:
Eataly, the famous Italian gourmet brand, with four stalls offering a rich selection of Italian savory and sweet dishes, as well as a wine bar.
KFC, the popular American fried chicken chain.
Cioccolati Italiani, a café specializing in chocolate and desserts, including gluten-free options.
Delice Maison, a café-bakery serving focaccia, brioche, muffins, and more.
Terminal 3 Fiumicino: In the E area, there is a wide variety of restaurants and cafés, including:
Beercode, an international kitchen and bar specializing in beer and dishes like burgers, grilled items, and salads.
Chef Market, an innovative spot offering regional dishes, breakfast, and snacks, with a special takeaway service for flights.
Caffe Kimbo, serving Neapolitan cuisine, combining traditional and modern flavors, with a dedicated takeaway service for travelers.
Bottega Prosecco Bar & Restaurant, designed to promote Italian lifestyle with quality food and wine.
Farinella, another Neapolitan restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere, offering appetizers, pizza, pasta, and meat dishes, also with flight-friendly takeaway.
Venchi 1878, specializing in chocolate, gelato, crepes, and more.
VIP Lounge Fiumicino Airport
VIP Services at Rome Fiumicino Airport are perfect for travelers who want to fly in style. Here are three options:
Porter Service: If you don’t want to carry your luggage, you can hire a porter (€9 per standard bag, €12 per oversized item such as surfboards).
Fast-Track Access: Enjoy priority access through security lanes at Terminal 1 Fiumicino and Terminal 3 Fiumicino (€8 per person, free for children under 12) — a convenient option for busy travelers.
Business Lounge at Gate E: Relax in the Fiumicino airport lounge (€30 per person, free for children under 12), featuring comfortable seating, changing rooms, and a buffet with light meals, salads, pasta, quiches, and more. You can also order additional light meals via a dedicated app.
These VIP options provide a smoother, more comfortable, and stylish airport experience, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking for VIP services at Rome airport.
Ciampino Airport in Rome
Ciampino Airport is Rome’s second international airport. It is a small airport with only one terminal, used mainly for domestic flights, as well as low-cost flights. Ciampino Airport (Simo CIA) is located about 12 km from the center of Rome and is therefore closer to it than Fiumicino.
Special services for assisted passengers in Rome and other services
Accessibility and Services for Travelers with Disabilities at Rome Fiumicino Airport include special-access counters and fast-track security procedures.
Pharmacies: Terminal 3 (2nd floor) and non-prescription pharmacies in the E departures area.
Family Facilities: Children’s areas and two baby corners, including play zones in Terminals 1 and 3 — part of the airport’s Rome airport family facilities.
Entertainment: Short film streaming is available to entertain passengers before the flight.
Navigation: Travelers can navigate the airport using the official Rome Airports app for Fiumicino and Ciampino, which provides real-time flight updates, information on shops, restaurants, and airport services, supporting a smoother journey.
Luggage Storage: Baggage can be stored for €10 for 24 hours, one of the convenient Fiumicino luggage storage options.
Lounges: Four lounges are available for relaxation and comfort, highlighting the excellent Rome airport lounges.
These services are designed to make your visit to Rome Fiumicino Airport smooth, comfortable, and convenient for all travelers, including families and passengers requiring Rome Fiumicino airport accessibility.
Rome Airport Shuttle - Romio's shuttle service from the airport
We saved the icing on the cake for the end of the article – so how do you get from the airport in Rome to the hotel in the city and back?
Romio has been offering the most popular shuttle service in Rome for many years, and is ranked among the top five shuttle companies in Rome out of hundreds of companies rated by travelers on TripAdvisor.
We offer the convenient and affordable way to get from the airport in Rome to the hotel in the city and back, in one of two affordable options 24 hours a day:
- Shuttle from the airport in Rome – our unique shuttle – shared and efficient transportation from the airport in Rome to your hotel or apartment in Rome. In each shuttle only three couples from the same flight – the same cost as a train ticket from the airport to the center of Rome – only 20 euros one way!
- Premium private transfers from the airport in Rome – a driver who will wait only for you with a luxurious and comfortable car at the airport in Rome – from only 64 euros each way!
Romio also operates premium transfer services to the port of Civitavecchia, shore excursions to anchorages in the port of Rome from cruise ships and a private driver service for trips around Rome and to a variety of destinations – at great prices.
How to Get from Fiumicino Airport to Rome
Leonardo Express Train from Fiumicino Airport
Leonardo Express Train to Termini Station: The Leonardo Express train departs from Rome Fiumicino Airport approximately every 30 minutes, reaching Rome’s central Termini Station in just 32 minutes. Tickets cost €15 when booked online in advance. This is the fastest and most convenient Rome airport train option for travelers.
If your accommodation is not near Termini Station (a cheaper but less convenient option), you will need to continue to your destination using additional public transport, such as the metro or a bus (€1.50 per ticket) — part of easy transport from Fiumicino Airport.
Regional Train (Regionale): Another option is the regional train (Regionale). This is less popular because it does not stop at Termini Station but serves other stations, making it suitable for travelers staying in areas like Trastevere. Trains depart every 15–30 minutes on weekends and holidays. The journey takes longer and is less comfortable, but it is cheaper, with tickets costing €8 per person. The Rome regional train is a budget-friendly alternative to the Leonardo Express.
Bus from Fiumicino Airport
Another convenient option to reach the city center from Rome Fiumicino Airport is by bus, operated by companies such as Terravision, TAM, and SIT. The bus stops are located at the public transport terminal, just a few minutes from Terminal 3 Fiumicino.
The journey to central Rome takes approximately one hour, with buses departing every 40–60 minutes. Tickets cost around €10. Most buses stop at Termini Station, while some services also continue to the Vatican area.
Terravision operates buses from 8:30 AM to 12:30 AM, while other companies offer slightly shorter operating hours that vary throughout the year. Please note that bus service from the airport to Rome is not available after 12:30 AM.
This is a cost-effective and straightforward transport from Fiumicino Airport, ideal for travelers seeking a comfortable ride to the heart of the Eternal City.
Taxi from Rome Airport to City Center
The cost of a taxi from Rome Fiumicino Airport to the city center is €55, according to the official fixed daytime fare set by law. This is the base rate for a private taxi and does not include additional charges, which are legally applicable for:
Extra luggage beyond the first suitcase
Destinations outside the city center (beyond the Aurelian Walls)
Holiday and public holiday surcharges (~10%)
Nighttime surcharges
In practice, taxi fares from the airport to most areas of Rome range between €60–70.
Taxi Identification and Rules:
Taxis in Rome are white with a “TAXI” sign on the roof. They must wait in designated taxi lines outside the terminals and are not allowed to pick up passengers spontaneously. Waiting times at the airport taxi queue can be long — up to an hour, especially at night.
Important Notes and Warnings:
The reputation of taxi drivers in Italy, and especially in Rome, is relatively low. Many travelers report that some drivers overcharge and demand tens of euros above the official fare.
Additionally, some drivers operating without proper authorization may approach passengers directly at the terminal offering transport services. These drivers are often uninsured and charge excessive fares. It is strongly recommended to avoid unauthorized taxis and only use official, licensed services.
Before you know it, your time has flown by and your holiday in Rome has come to an end. Bittersweet, isn’t it? Don’t let the blues take over — think of the little time you still have to spend at Rome Fiumicino Airport and enjoy a final breath of Roman air. That’s some comfort at least! If you read this guide before your trip, take another look to refresh all the important tips and information about Fiumicino Airport. Enjoy a last Italian meal and espresso, stop by the duty-free shops, and don’t forget to grab some chocolates… just make sure it’s Baci, not Toblerone! Have a pleasant flight, from all of us at Romio’s team! 🧡
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Rome For A Traveler – Rome Blog