About Rome Airport
The major international airport in Rome – and the one you’ll arrive at if you’re on a flight to Rome from Australia – is known officially in Italian as Aeroporto Internazionale di Roma–Fiumicino "Leonardo da Vinci". This is sometimes shortened to Rome Fiumicino Airport or Leonardo da Vinci Airport.
In case you’re wondering, there is a second airport in Rome which borders the town of Ciampino. It is officially called Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport but commonly referred to as Ciampino Airport. It’s the smaller of the two and the hub for low-cost European airlines such as Easyjet and Ryanair.
This guide is all about Rome Fiumicinio Airport, the major airport in Rome and the hub of national carrier Alitalia. With more than 43 million passengers passing through its gates annually, Rome Airport is one of the busiest in Europe.
What facilities are at Rome Airport?
There are two terminals in operation at Rome Airport: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 (with Terminal 2 closed for renovation). Terminal 1 serves mostly European-based airlines, while Terminal 3 is the hub for non-European airlines. Rome Airport offers passengers a range of services and facilities, from the free use of luggage trolleys to the assistance of a personal shopper if you’d like one.
Check-in
If you’re checking in at Rome Airport to continue your travels in Europe, you’ll find that some airlines – such as Alitalia, Air France and KLM – have self-serve check-in kiosks, while others require you to check-in at the counter. The best option at Rome Airport is to check in online first. If you absolutely have to check in at the airport, we recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes before the check-in and bag drop opens, to place yourself at the front of the queue.
Baggage
If you need to store some luggage while you are at the airport you’ll find a luggage deposit counter located in Terminal 3. Open everyday from 06:30 until 23:30 the cost is 6 Euro per piece of luggage for a 24 hour period or less. Further luggage storage services can be found at Termini Train Station if you are travelling onwards to elsewhere in Italy.
Is there a currency exchange?
Though it’s a good idea to pre-order currency before arriving in Italy, you’ll find ATMs and money exchange offices at both of Rome Airport’s terminals. Local ATMs will allow you withdraw funds in Euros at an exchange rate set by your local bank, which if you have a low withdrawal fee account is often the best way to get out money at Rome Fiumicino Airport. If you want to arrive with Euros in your pocket, you can order and pick up your foreign currency before you leave home, at Travel Money Oz.
What are the other services and facilities?
- Nurseries and children’s play areas
- Free Wi-Fi
- Pharmacies
- Prayer rooms
- Smoking Lounges
- Personalised assistance
- Catholic Chapel
- E-gates
Transport and terminal transfers
What’s the best way to get to and from Rome Airport?
Buses: One of the cheapest and most comfortable ways to get to and from Rome Fiumicino Airport is by bus. An airport shuttle departs the Rome Termini train station, with even more departures from downtown. Speak to your Fight Centre Travel Expert about booking a ticket because numerous companies run the airport route. Most services start at around 05:00 and end close to midnight. If you arrive outside of these hours, there’s a night bus available.
Train: The quickest way to get from Rome Airport to the city centre is by train. If you’re heading from Rome to the airport, the Leonardo Airport Express Train, departing from Rome Termini Station, will have you at your destination in just 30 minutes. The only catch is the train fare, which at 14 Euro is about double what you’ll pay to catch the bus. All trains to the airport depart from platform 25 at Termini Station.
Taxis: If you’re travelling in a group then taking a taxi to the airport is a smart idea. All airport terminals have taxi ranks and fares are fixed at 48 Euro for up to four passengers between the airport and central Rome. Be aware if travelling to the airport that this fare only applies to registered taxis. Spot one by looking out for the local council’s crest and ‘SPQR’ painted on the taxi doors.
Car rental: Anyone who’s ever driven on Italian roads will know why hiring a car isn’t the most popular way to get around Italy. Still, using your car horn and dodging scooters can be part of the experience and you’ll need a car if you want to hit the highways and explore Italy at your own pace. A wise idea is to reserve a hire car before you arrive so speak to your Flight Centre Travel Expert to ensure you get the best deal. You’ll find all the major car hire retailers at Rome airport including Europcar, Hertz and Avis.
Parking
If you’re one of the bravest of the brave and you’ve successfully negotiated Rome’s roads, you’ll find that Rome Airport parking is a breeze.
Maximum One Hour Parking: Spaces are available in front of the terminals on both the Arrivals and Departures levels. To park here you’ll need to clearly display the 3 Euro payment receipt in your windshield.
Multilevel Terminal Car Park: This carpark can be reached directly from the Roma-Fiumicino A91 highway and is perfect for short term parking, with convenient access to the terminals via a pedestrian walkway.
Long Stay Car Park: Longer term parking is available here, with 2,000 uncovered car spaces. From here, there’s a free 10-minute shuttle to the airport Terminals which runs every five minutes until midnight.
Executive Car Park: For the ultimate parking experience, leave your vehicle in the Executive Car Park, which is only a short distance from Departures and Arrivals, has covered access to the terminals, and comes with extra benefits such as Fast Track access through hand luggage security checks, a ‘welcome’ breakfast, newspaper and more.
Travel Tip: An alternative (and pretty exciting) mode of travel is high speed train. Four high speed Frecciarossa trains, two arriving and two departing, connect Rome Airport daily with Rome city centre, as well as the cities of Florence, Bologna, Padua and Venice. Frecciarossa means ‘red arrow’ in English.
How do I transfer between terminals?
It’s possible to walk between terminals at Rome Airport, with distances and times well signposted at many locations, indicating how long it will take you to walk from where you are.
