Rome Fco Airport: How Big Is It Really?

Rome's Fiumicino Airport (FCO), officially named Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, is the main airport serving Italy's capital city. Located in the town of Fiumicino, 30-35km from Rome city centre, it is the country's leading aviation hub and the 10th busiest airport in Europe. Handling tens of millions of passengers a year, FCO is a vast airport, part airport, part luxury shopping centre, with two operative terminals and plans to build four more.

Rome Fiumicino Airport is 30km from Rome city centre

Rome Fiumicino Airport, also known as Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport, is approximately 30km from Rome city centre. It is the main airport in Rome, serving as the country's major aviation hub.

There are several ways to get from the airport to the city centre. One option is to take a taxi, which will take around 40 to 60 minutes and cost around €50. There is a fixed rate of €31 to travel anywhere within the Aurelian Walls, which enclose much of the city centre. However, taxi drivers have been known to scam unsuspecting tourists, so be sure to establish whether your destination lies within the city walls. You can also pre-book a taxi to meet you at the airport through services like Welcome Pickups.

Another option is to take the train. The train station is located within a ten-minute walk from the Arrivals area, with trains departing every 30 minutes and taking around 30 minutes to reach Rome's main train station, Termini. Tickets can be purchased from vending machines outside the baggage claim area or at the station itself. Remember to validate your ticket before boarding!

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider taking the bus. While it can take up to an hour depending on traffic, it is the cheapest way to get into Rome. There are five bus options in total, including private shuttle buses that depart from outside the Arrivals Terminal. Tickets for these buses can be purchased online, inside the airport, or directly onboard.

Finally, if you prefer a private transfer, you can book one in advance so that your driver can be waiting for you after baggage claim. This option offers convenience and comfort, but it is important to arrange it before your flight to Rome.

It is Italy's leading aviation hub

Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), officially named Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, is Italy's leading aviation hub. It is located in the Fiumicino area, 30km (19 miles) southwest of Rome's city centre. FCO Airport is named after the famous Italian artist and inventor, Leonardo da Vinci, who in 1480 designed the first prototype helicopter.

Fiumicino Airport is Italy's busiest airport, serving tens of millions of passengers a year. In 2022, it welcomed almost 30 million passengers, despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2023, it registered over 40 million passengers. It is also one of the busiest airports in Europe and the world, ranking 10th and 46th respectively in terms of passenger traffic.

Fiumicino Airport is the main hub for ITA Airways, the country-owned Italian flag carrier and the largest airline in the country. It is also a focus city for several other airlines, including NEOS, Poste Air Cargo, Ryanair, Vueling, and Wizz Air. The airport has two operative terminals, with most flights departing or landing at Terminal 3, the largest building at FCO.

Fiumicino Airport offers a wide range of amenities, including various dining and shopping options, as well as efficient transport connections to Rome and other Italian cities. It is well-equipped and passenger-friendly, with all the necessary parking facilities, including multi-storey car parks just a few minutes from the terminals.

FCO is an award-winning airport

Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is an award-winning airport, recognised as the best among 119 European airports by the International Airport Association ACI World in 2024. It is the main airport in Rome, officially named Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, and is located in the Fiumicino area, 30km (19 miles) from the city centre. It is Italy's leading aviation hub, serving as the main hub for ITA Airways and Alitalia, and a focus city for various other airlines.

FCO is a large and efficient airport, with three runways and two operative terminals. Terminal 3 is the largest building, where most flights depart or land. The airport offers a wide range of domestic and international flights, serving tens of millions of passengers each year. It is well-equipped and passenger-friendly, with all the necessary amenities and facilities to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

The airport is easily accessible, with multiple transport options available to reach downtown Rome. These include bus, taxi, train, metro, and tram services. The Leonardo Express train connects the airport directly to Rome's main train station, Termini, in approximately 30 minutes.

Fiumicino Airport also boasts a variety of dining and shopping options, from popular food chains like KFC to luxury brands like Prada. The airport has been cleverly marketed as "The Careport," highlighting its focus on both airport functionality and passenger comfort.

Overall, Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is an award-winning, efficient, and well-equipped airport that serves as a crucial transport hub for travellers to and from Rome.

It has two terminals

Rome Fiumicino Airport, also known as Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport, or simply Rome Airport, currently has two operative terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 3 is the largest building at Rome Airport, and most flights to and from the airport depart or land at T3. The layout of T3 is similar to T1, with Arrivals on the ground floor and Departures on the first and second floors.

Passengers can easily get from one terminal to the other by following signs to the train, taking an elevator to the second level, and then walking through a bridge-tunnel that connects both terminals with the train station. The journey takes around seven minutes in total. At Arrivals, in both terminals, there are helpful signs directing passengers to the elevators to reach the train station. Trains depart every 30 minutes and take around 30 minutes to reach Rome's main train station, Termini.

Taxi ranks are located at the exits of both Terminals 1 and 3. Passengers can follow the yellow signs for "Taxi" to join a line outside managed by FCO staff, who will direct them to the rank. There are also several bus options to connect Rome Airport with the city centre and other places around Rome.

In addition to its two operative terminals, Rome Fiumicino Airport has several projects in the works, including the "Masterplan Fiumicino Nord", which involves the construction of four new terminals and two new runways to be built in the future, with the capacity to handle 100 million passengers per year.

The airport is named after Leonardo da Vinci

Rome's main airport, Fiumicino Airport, is officially named Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO). It is located in the Fiumicino area, 30km-35km (19-22 miles) from the city centre. The airport is named after the Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci, who lived from 1452 to 1519 and is considered a genius. Da Vinci was an expert in many fields, including science and sculpture, but the airport is particularly named after him because of his design for a flying device in 1480, which is regarded as the first prototype of a helicopter.

Leonardo da Vinci Airport is not only the main airport in Rome but also the leading aviation hub in Italy. It is Italy's busiest airport, serving tens of millions of passengers each year, and is among the busiest airports in Europe. The airport is served by various airlines, including international, domestic, conventional, and low-cost carriers. ITA Airways, the country-owned carrier, uses Fiumicino Airport as its hub.

Fiumicino Airport has two operational terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, with most flights departing from or arriving at Terminal 3. The airport offers a wide range of amenities and facilities for passengers, including efficient transport connections to the city centre. Passengers can choose between various transport options, such as buses, shuttle buses, car-sharing services, taxis, and trains. The Leonardo Express train provides a direct connection to Rome's central train station, Termini, in approximately 30 minutes.

The airport also boasts an extensive selection of dining and shopping options. From traditional Italian cuisine to international favourites, passengers can enjoy a variety of food and beverages. Additionally, Fiumicino Airport features a luxury shopping centre with renowned brands, ensuring that travellers can indulge in some last-minute shopping before their flights. The airport's marketing team has aptly dubbed it "The Careport," reflecting its dual role as both an airport and a shopping destination.

Overall, the Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) is a fitting tribute to the renowned Italian polymath. By combining efficient transportation, exceptional amenities, and a diverse range of services, the airport embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity that Leonardo da Vinci represented.

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