Airports In Rome: A Comprehensive Guide To Italy's Gateways

Rome is served by two airports: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, also known as Fiumicino Airport (FCO), and Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport, or Ciampino Airport (CIA). Fiumicino is the larger and busier of the two, serving over 40 million passengers in 2023. It is located in Fiumicino, 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of Rome. Ciampino Airport is located closer to Rome, in the municipality of Ciampino, and is used by some low-cost airlines, as well as for domestic and charter flights.

Rome's two airports

Rome has two airports: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Fiumicino) and Ciampino Airport.

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Fiumicino)

Also known as Fiumicino Airport, this is the main airport in Rome. It is Italy's busiest airport and the 9th busiest in Europe, serving over 40 million passengers in 2023. The airport is located in Fiumicino, 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of Rome. It is named after the Italian polymath, Leonardo da Vinci, and reproductions of some of his most famous works and inventions are displayed inside the airport. The airport has 5 terminals and 36 gates, and most major airlines land here. It has been awarded the Best Airport Award seven years in a row and is Italy's only airport with a Skytrax rating of 5 stars.

Ciampino Airport

Ciampino Airport is the smaller of Rome's two airports, located in the municipality of Ciampino in the metropolitan area of Rome. It is used by budget airlines such as EasyJet and Wizz Air and provides access to many important European destinations. It has 16 gates and is much easier to navigate than Fiumicino.

Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport

History

Airlines and Destinations

The airport serves as the principal hub for ITA Airways and is also an operating base for several other airlines, including Neos, AeroItalia, Ryanair, Vueling, and Wizz Air.

A range of airlines operate regular scheduled, seasonal, and charter flights to and from Fiumicino to destinations across the world, including:

• North America: New York, Boston, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, and Atlanta
• South America: Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro
• Europe: London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Madrid, Barcelona, Athens, and Istanbul
• Middle East: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Tel Aviv
• Africa: Cairo, Dakar, and Johannesburg
• Asia: Beijing, Shanghai, and Delhi
• Australia: Sydney

Airport Facilities

The terminals have been upgraded several times over the years, with the addition of new piers and satellite buildings. In 2009, the terminals were renamed, with Terminal A becoming Terminal 1, Terminal AA becoming Terminal 2, and Terminals B and C being consolidated into Terminal 3. Terminal 2 closed permanently in December 2017 to make way for the expansion of Terminal 1.

The airport offers a range of shopping and dining options, with dozens of shops and food outlets, including the only Eataly in an airport. An exhibition of ancient Roman artefacts from Ostia Antica archaeological park is also on display.

Ground Transportation

The airport is connected to Rome by the Leonardo Express train, which takes 30 minutes to reach Termini Station in the city centre. The train departs every 15 minutes and costs €14 each way.

Other options for reaching the city centre include bus services, which cost around €5-€6, and taxis, which cost around €26-€73. The airport is also served by the FL1 line, a suburban commuter and rapid transit line, which departs every 15 minutes and connects the airport to other main stations in Rome.

Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport

Ciampino Airport was opened in 1916 and is one of the oldest airports still in operation. It was Rome's main airport until 1960, serving over 2 million passengers per year. After the opening of the Leonardo da Vinci–Rome Fiumicino Airport, Ciampino began handling almost exclusively charter and executive flights. However, in recent years, the airport has seen a boost in low-cost carrier operations, making it one of the busiest and fastest-growing airports in Italy.

The airport is located 12.0 km (7.5 miles) south-southeast of central Rome, just outside the Greater Ring Road, the circular motorway around the city. It is a joint civilian, commercial, and military airport, hosting a military airport and the headquarters of the 31º Stormo and the 2nd Reparto Genio of the Italian Air Force.

Ciampino Airport has a single, one-story passenger terminal building for departures and arrivals. The departures area consists of a main hall with stores and service facilities, 31 check-in counters, and 16 departure gates. The arrivals area has a separate entrance, featuring four baggage belts and additional service counters. The airport has various amenities, including ATMs, banks, shops, and restaurants.

There are several transportation options available to get to and from Ciampino Airport. The Rome Termini railway station is connected to the airport via a combination of bus and train services. Bus services, such as SIT, Terravision, and Romeairportbus-Schiaffini, offer cheap tickets (around €5) and provide direct connections to the city center. Additionally, taxi services are available, with licensed taxis offering a fixed tariff for journeys between the airport and the historical center of Rome.

Rome Urbe Airport

The airport primarily caters to private and general aviation flights and has a heliport. It is currently the base for the Aeroclub di Roma (Rome's flying club). The airport facilities also host the Rome Urbe weather station, the Aeroclub of Rome, and the AvioNews press agency. Additionally, the Italian Air Force Band has been stationed at the airport's military area since 2021.

The airport is conveniently accessible by public transportation, with the Nuovo Salario Station (FL1 line) located just 400 meters (0.25 miles) away. It also features an on-site bar/restaurant, making it a convenient choice for travellers.

Centocelle Airport

Rome, Italy, has two main airports: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport (CIA). However, there is also Centocelle Airport, situated in Centocelle, a quarter of Rome.

The runway has since been converted into a park, Parco di Centocelle, but the grounds remain a base for the Italian Air Force, with active helipads. The airport's ICAO code is LIRC, and it is also referred to as Rome-Centocelle Airport (Aeroporto di Roma-Centocelle).

Frequently asked questions