Rome Airport Layover: Nearby Attractions To Explore

what to see around rome airport

Rome's Fiumicino Airport, also known as Leonardo da Vinci Airport, is a great place to spend a layover, with plenty of attractions nearby. The town of Fiumicino is located on the Tyrrhenian Sea, offering a seaside experience with great restaurants serving fresh seafood. A short distance away is Ostia Antica, an archaeological park with well-preserved ruins, offering a glimpse into ancient Rome. Rome's city centre is also easily accessible via the Leonardo Express train, providing access to popular sites like the Pantheon, Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain. The airport itself features exhibitions and displays, including reproductions of Da Vinci's inventions. With accommodation options ranging from airport hotels to nearby villas, Fiumicino Airport is a convenient gateway to explore the best of Rome and its surroundings.

Characteristics Values
Airport name Rome's Fiumicino Airport or Leonardo da Vinci Airport
Airport code FCO
Distance from Rome NA
Transport options to Rome Leonardo Express train, Regional FL1 Train, Bus services
Transport time to Rome 30-32 minutes by Leonardo Express train
Transport cost to Rome €14 by Leonardo Express train, €8 by Regional FL1 train
Attractions near the airport Ostia Antica, Ancient boat museum, Cargo, Tiber River, Ostia Scavi, Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica, Trastevere, Borghese Gallery, Fiumicino town, Ostia Lido, Ostia Beach
Food options near the airport Fried calamari, Fried calamari and shrimp combo, Bastianelli da 1929, Porchetta da Tonino, Attimi, McDonald's
Accommodation near the airport Roderigo de Vivar, Beach accommodations in Ostia, HelloSky, Hilton Rome Airport, Sky Rooms

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Visit Ostia Antica, Rome's version of Pompeii

Rome's Fiumicino Airport, also known as Leonardo da Vinci Airport, is a great gateway to the city and its surroundings. One of the best places to visit near the airport is Ostia Antica, often referred to as the 'Pompeii of Rome'. Here are some reasons why you should visit Ostia Antica:

A Glimpse into Ancient Roman Life

Ostia Antica offers a fascinating insight into what life was like in ancient Rome. As you walk down its main street, you will be transported 2,000 years back in time. Imagine horse-drawn carts laden with imported grain, leaving ruts in the paved road. Discover beautiful black and white mosaics that signposted shops, such as the old fishmonger or butcher's store, and even communal toilets where Romans would socialise.

A Well-Preserved Ancient Port City

Ostia Antica was once a thriving seaport and a vital commercial hub for the Roman Empire. With its well-preserved ruins, you can explore temples, shops, theatres, and bathhouses. One notable site is the Baths of the Seven Sages, a thermal bath complex featuring stunning hunting scene mosaics in the frigidarium, or cold room.

An Underrated and Less Crowded Alternative to Pompeii

While Pompeii is impressive and dramatic, Ostia Antica offers a quieter and less crowded experience. It is easily reachable from Rome, just a 30-minute train ride away, yet it remains an underrated gem with far fewer crowds. You can often find yourself wandering its ancient streets with only a handful of other visitors, allowing for a more relaxed and immersive exploration.

A Day Trip from Rome

Ostia Antica is an ideal destination for a day trip from Rome. Its proximity to the city and its archaeological significance make it a must-visit site. You can easily access it by public transport, taking the metro and then a short train ride, making it a convenient and educational retreat from the hustle and bustle of Rome.

So, if you're looking for a place to visit near Rome's Fiumicino Airport, Ostia Antica, the 'Pompeii of Rome', is a captivating and ancient destination that offers a glimpse into the daily life of Romans, all within easy reach of the airport.

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Explore the town of Fiumicino and its fishing centre

Rome's Fiumicino Airport, also known as Leonardo da Vinci Airport, is a great gateway to the town of Fiumicino and its fishing centre. Fiumicino is a charming town located on the water, offering a pleasant alternative to staying at a generic airport hotel. Here are some tips to explore Fiumicino and its fishing scene:

Explore the Town of Fiumicino:

Fiumicino is a delightful town with a lot to offer. It boasts excellent restaurants, especially along the riverfront, where you can enjoy delicious meals while people-watching the locals on their evening strolls. The town also has a relaxing public park, well-equipped for outdoor exercise, with brand-new equipment and plenty of seating. If you're looking for accommodation, Fiumicino has a range of options, from small villas to hotels, offering comfortable stays and attentive service.

Discover the Fishing Centre:

Fiumicino is known for its proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea, a popular fishing destination. Various fishing charters and tours operate from the Rome Marina in Ostia, located next to the archaeological site. You can book trips with experienced captains who will take you to the best fishing spots. The species you can catch include dorado (baby tuna), bluefish, mackerel, and red bream. If you're looking for a more relaxed fishing experience, you can try your luck in Lido di Ostia, a short distance from Fiumicino.

Getting to Fiumicino from the Airport:

Travelling between Fiumicino Airport and the town of Fiumicino is convenient and offers several options:

  • The Leonardo Express train provides a direct connection to Termini Station (Rome's main train station) in approximately 32 minutes, with departures every 15-30 minutes.
  • The Regional FL1 Train is a cheaper alternative that connects to other major stations like Tiburtina, Trastevere, and Ostiense. It takes a bit longer and costs around €8.
  • Bus services are also available from several companies, including Terravision, Sit Bus Shuttle, and TAM Bus, which usually depart from Termini Station.

Other Attractions Near the Airport:

In addition to exploring Fiumicino and its fishing centre, there are a few other attractions worth considering near the airport:

  • Ostia Antica: This ancient port of Rome is one of the best archaeological sites in the area. It's easily accessible by taxi or train from the airport.
  • CARGO: Follow the signs to CARGO from the airport, and you'll discover a unique museum featuring abandoned objects from movie shoots and fairs, including a humongous gramophone and a metal giant.
  • Statues and Commemorations: Take some time to admire the magnificent statues and historic commemorations scattered around the airport grounds, such as the Monument to the Fallen in Kindu.

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Check out the abandoned film set pieces in an open field

Rome's Fiumicino Airport, also known as Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, is surrounded by several interesting attractions. One such attraction is an open field littered with abandoned film set pieces. Here is a guide to checking out these abandoned film set pieces near Rome Airport.

Location

To find the abandoned film set pieces, follow the signs to CARGO as you enter or exit the airport. Soon, you will find yourself on the Via Portuense. Keep your eyes open for some outsized abandoned objects left behind after a movie shoot or a fair.

What to Expect

In this open field, you will discover a collection of abandoned film set pieces that were once used in movie productions. These include a humongous gramophone, a metal giant, and other intriguing items. It is like stepping into a bonkers museum right at the airport exit, offering a unique glimpse into the world of cinema.

Exploring the Sets

Take your time to wander through this makeshift museum, examining the various set pieces up close. Imagine the scenes that took place here and the movies they belonged to. It is a unique opportunity to see the remnants of film productions and appreciate the attention to detail that goes into creating these sets.

The Charm of Abandoned Sets

Abandoned film sets have a unique allure, preserving a moment in time. Some sets may be left to deteriorate, while others are restored or repurposed, like the outdoor shopping mall in Malibu Creek State Park, which was once a set for an unfinished 1951 western movie. These abandoned sets offer a glimpse into the magic of cinema and the stories they once helped tell.

Other Nearby Attractions

If you have more time to explore the area, there are several other attractions near Rome Airport. You can visit Ostia Antica, the ancient port of Rome, which is one of the best Roman archaeological sites. The town of Ostia also offers beach accommodations and excellent restaurants. Additionally, the airport itself displays reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci's flying machines and inventions, as well as exhibitions in Terminal 3.

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Admire the statues and exhibitions inside the airport

Rome's Fiumicino Airport, also known as Leonardo da Vinci Airport, is not just a hub for travel, but also for art and culture. The airport has been recognised as one of the best in Europe, and even the world, and its incorporation of art and culture is certainly a contributing factor.

As you arrive at the airport, you will be greeted by a statue of the airport's namesake, Leonardo da Vinci. Driving around the traffic circles, you will find various historic commemorations, such as the Monument to the Fallen in Kindu, honouring the first-ever team of 13 pilots on a peacekeeping mission in the Congo who were captured and killed.

Inside the airport, you will discover a plethora of artistic and cultural exhibits. Huge reproductions of Da Vinci's flying machines and other inventions are on display, blending ancient innovation with modern aviation. Terminal 3 often hosts exhibitions featuring archaeological finds, such as the one in partnership with the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park, called "The Images of Time". This exhibition showcases Roman Art and the Flow of the Seasons through statues, mosaics, explanatory plaques, and accompanying videos.

In addition to these exhibitions, the main halls of both terminals feature grand pianos for guests to play, creating a unique and pleasant atmosphere with impromptu concerts. The airport also boasts futuristic architecture, with floor-to-ceiling windows and teardrop ceilings, contributing to a light and breezy navigation experience.

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Take the Leonardo Express train into Rome

Rome's Fiumicino Airport, also known as Leonardo da Vinci Airport, is located 32km from the centre of Rome. If you're looking to get into the city, the Leonardo Express train is a great option.

The Leonardo Express train runs non-stop between Termini Station, the main train station in Rome, and Fiumicino Airport. The train station is conveniently located inside the airport, with clear signposting to help you find your way. The journey takes approximately 32 minutes, and trains depart every 15 minutes, with tickets priced at €14. If you're travelling with a group, you can take advantage of the 'Mini-groups' fare, which offers four tickets for the price of €40.

The Leonardo Express is a comfortable and quick way to travel, with dedicated large racks for luggage. It's also a very convenient option if you're travelling with pets, as small dogs, cats, and other small pets in appropriate carriers are allowed onboard at no extra cost. Guide dogs travel for free. The train also has dedicated seating and bathrooms suitable for passengers with reduced mobility.

If you're looking for a more economical option, you can consider the Regional FL1 Train, which connects to other major stations like Tiburtina, Trastevere, and Ostiense. This journey takes a bit longer and costs around €8. Alternatively, several companies offer bus services from the airport to Termini Station, including Terravision, Sit Bus Shuttle, and TAM Bus, with tickets priced at €11.

Before heading to Rome, take some time to explore the airport itself. Fiumicino Airport features magnificent statues and historic commemorations, like the Monument to the Fallen in Kindu, honouring a team of pilots on a peacekeeping mission. Inside the airport, you'll find reproductions of Da Vinci's flying machines and inventions on display, with occasional exhibitions in Terminal 3.

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