Rome's Main Airport: A Traveler's Guide To Fiumicino

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Rome has two airports: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, also known as Rome Fiumicino Airport, and Rome Ciampino Airport. Fiumicino is the main airport, serving as a hub for ITA Airways, Italy's largest airline, as well as several other major airlines. It is located 30 kilometres south of Rome and is known for its high-quality services, technological innovation, and efficient infrastructure. Fiumicino has also been recognised as one of the most punctual airports in Europe, receiving the Best Airport Award seven years in a row.

Characteristics Values
Name Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport
IATA FCO
ICAO LIRF
Location Fiumicino, Italy
Distance from Rome 30 km
Year opened 1961
Area 16 sq km
Number of runways 3
Airlines ITA Airways, Aeroitalia, Condor, easyJet, Neos, Ryanair, Vueling, Wizz Air, Alitalia, American Airlines, British Airways
Terminals 4
Train connection FL1 line
Bus connection Yes
Taxi connection Yes

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Rome's main airport, Fiumicino, is also known as Leonardo da Vinci International Airport

Rome's main airport is Fiumicino, also known as Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. It is located in the town of Fiumicino, 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of Rome. The airport was officially opened on 15 January 1961, replacing the smaller Rome Ciampino Airport, which remains in service for some low-cost airlines and domestic and charter operations.

Fiumicino is the busiest airport in Italy, serving over 49.2 million passengers in 2024. It is the 8th busiest airport in Europe and the 36th busiest in the world. The airport covers an area of 16 square kilometres (6.2 sq mi) and has four terminals, three of which are in the same building. Terminal 5 serves passengers arriving from the US and Israel and is accessible by a short shuttle bus from the main terminal.

Fiumicino is considered a reference point for aviation services, including strict public health protocols implemented during the COVID era. The airport excels in the quality of its services, technological innovation, and the functionality of its infrastructure. It has been recognised with the Best Airport Award for seven consecutive years and is Italy's only airport with a Skytrax rating of 5 stars.

The airport is easily accessible by public transport, with a train station located a five-minute walk from the terminals. The Leonardo Express connects the airport to Roma Termini Station without intermediate stops, while shuttle buses are also available to the city centre.

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Fiumicino is 30km from Rome, while the secondary airport, Ciampino, is 15km away

Rome has two airports: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, also known as Fiumicino (FCO), and Ciampino (CIA). Fiumicino is the main airport and is located in the town of Fiumicino, 30km from Rome's historic centre. Ciampino is the smaller, secondary airport, situated 15km from the city centre.

Fiumicino is considered a reference point for aviation services, offering strict public health protocols and efficient passenger and baggage handling. It is Italy's busiest airport, serving over 49.2 million passengers in 2024, and is ranked among the top 10 airports in the world. The airport excels in the quality of its services, technological innovation, and the functionality of its infrastructure. It has earned the Best Airport Award for seven consecutive years, a world record, and is Italy's only Skytrax-rated 5-star airport. Fiumicino is the principal hub for ITA Airways, Italy's flag carrier and largest airline, and serves various international airlines, including Aeroitalia, Condor, easyJet, Neos, Ryanair, Vueling, and Wizz Air. It features four terminals, with Terminal 5 dedicated to passengers from the US and Israel. The airport is easily accessible by public transport, with two train routes connecting it to Rome's centre in 30 minutes. Additionally, shuttle buses are available, offering affordable fares and departures every 30 minutes.

Ciampino, the smaller of the two airports, primarily serves low-cost, domestic, and charter operations. It is located closer to Rome's city centre, making it a preferred choice for those travelling on a budget. However, it has a more limited selection of services and facilities compared to Fiumicino. Ciampino does not have a train station, but it is accessible by bus, with a five-minute ride to the nearest station and a total travel time of about 30 minutes.

Both airports offer distinct advantages and serve different types of airlines. Fiumicino, with its larger size and greater distance from the city centre, provides a wider range of services, efficient connections, and a more extensive selection of international and domestic flights. On the other hand, Ciampino, being closer to the city, is a convenient option for those seeking lower costs and quicker access to Rome, particularly when travelling with budget airlines.

When planning travel to or from Rome, it is essential to consider the specific needs, preferences, and budget constraints to determine which airport best suits your requirements.

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Fiumicino is Italy's only airport with a Skytrax rating of 5 stars

Rome's main airport is the Fiumicino "Leonardo da Vinci" Airport, also known as the Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci di Roma–Fiumicino. It is an international airport in Fiumicino, Italy, serving Rome. Fiumicino Airport is the only airport in Italy with a Skytrax rating of 5 stars.

Skytrax is the leading airport ratings company and its 5-star rating is a prestigious mark of Quality Achievement and a global benchmark of Airline Excellence. Fiumicino Airport was the first airport in the world to obtain the "COVID-19 5-Star Airport Rating" from Skytrax. The airport was recognised for its "easy-to-read signage in multiple languages, strict enforcement of mask-wearing, visibly present cleaning staff and efficiency."

Fiumicino Airport is Italy's busiest airport and the 8th busiest airport in Europe. It is located 30 kilometres (19 mi) south of Rome and was opened on 15 January 1961, replacing the smaller Rome Ciampino Airport. The airport covers an area of 16 square kilometres (6.2 sq mi) and serves as the principal hub for ITA Airways, Italy's largest and flag carrier airline. It was previously the hub for Alitalia, which was Italy's largest airline until it became defunct.

Fiumicino Airport has four terminals, three of which are in the same building. Terminal 5, which serves passengers from the US and Israel, is a short shuttle bus ride away from the other terminals. The airport is connected to Rome by the FL1 line, a suburban commuter and rapid transit line that departs every 15 minutes. The airport also has a train station, with trains to the city centre taking around 30 minutes.

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Fiumicino has four terminals, three of which are in the same building

Rome's main airport is the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, also known as the Rome Fiumicino Airport or simply Fiumicino. It is Italy's busiest airport and the world's 36th busiest airport, serving over 49.2 million passengers in 2024. The airport is located in Fiumicino, 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of Rome, and is named after the Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519).

The airport provides a range of shopping and dining options, including Italian fashion brands, gourmet shops, leather goods, and eateries such as Eataly. There are also comfortable lounges that passengers can access for a fee. Fiumicino has a train station connected to the terminals, making it convenient for passengers to travel to and from Rome by public transport. The Leonardo Express connects the Roma Termini Station to Fiumicino without intermediate stops. Additionally, shuttle buses, such as Terravision, offer connections between the airport and the city centre at affordable prices.

Fiumicino has received recognition for its quality of services, technological innovation, and functionality of its infrastructures. 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. The airport also prioritises health and safety, implementing strict public health protocols during the COVID-19 era.

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Fiumicino is easy to reach from Rome by train or bus

Rome's main airport is the Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport, also known as Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci di Roma–Fiumicino, and it is located in Fiumicino, 30 kilometres (19 mi) south of Rome. Fiumicino is easy to reach from Rome by train or bus.

The Leonardo Express train connects Fiumicino Airport with Rome's main train station, Termini, in 30 to 32 minutes. The train departs every half-hour, or every 15 minutes during peak hours, and tickets cost around €14 each way. The Leonardo Express provides a comfortable journey with plenty of room for luggage, either on racks above the seats or in designated luggage areas.

The FL1 train line is another option, connecting Fiumicino Airport with several points in central Rome. This commuter line stops at Trastevere, Ostiense, Tuscolana, and Tiburtina stations, allowing passengers to connect to the metro network or other train services. The FL1 line departs every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on Sundays and public holidays.

For those on a budget, shuttle buses are available from Fiumicino Airport to Termini station for a lower cost of around €5 to €7 one way. These buses take about 50 minutes and run approximately every hour. It is recommended to book bus tickets in advance, especially during high season, to ensure a seat.

Frequently asked questions

Rome's main airport is the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, also known as Fiumicino Airport (FCO).

Fiumicino Airport is located about 30 kilometres or 19 miles from Rome's city centre.

You can get to the city centre from Fiumicino Airport by train, shuttle bus, or taxi. The FL1 train line, for example, connects the airport to Rome's main stations and departs every 15 minutes. Shuttle buses are also available and cost around €5.

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