🛬 Arriving at Rome Airport (FCO – Leonardo da Vinci)
Uncategorized🛬 Arriving at Rome Airport
Italy • Rome • Airport arrival & transfers
🛬 Arriving at Rome Airport at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO – Leonardo da Vinci)
Rome Fiumicino Airport arrival is the first step in your Italy trip. Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) is the main international gateway to Rome, located about 30 km southwest of the city center. Understanding your options for transport, airport services and a few key tips will make your arrival smoother and much less stressful – especially if you’re traveling with kids or landing after a long flight.
Updated: • 7–9 min read
🏢 Overview of Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) / Arriving at Rome Airport
Main gateway to RomeRome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), also known as Leonardo da Vinci Airport, is Italy’s busiest airport and handles most international flights into Rome. The airport is divided into multiple terminals used for Schengen and non-Schengen routes, full-service carriers and low-cost airlines.
After landing, you’ll pass through passport control (for non-Schengen arrivals), then continue to baggage claim and the arrivals hall, where you’ll find signs for trains, buses, taxis and private transfers.
🛍️ Services & facilities at FCO
- Shopping: duty-free stores, Italian fashion brands and local products such as wine, pasta and olive oil – perfect for last-minute gifts.
- Lounges: business and VIP lounges with comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, snacks and drinks – useful for long layovers or early arrivals.
- Wi-Fi: free internet access is available across the terminals.
- Dining: Italian restaurants, cafés, coffee bars and international fast food options.
- Other services: currency exchange desks, ATMs, car rental counters, tourist information and family-friendly areas.
Tip: after baggage claim, don’t rush out of the secure area until you’re sure where you’re going – train, bus, taxi or pre-booked transfer. Signs for each option are clearly marked in the arrivals halls.
Want to avoid stress on arrival? You can pre-book a private transfer from Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to your hotel, or shared shuttles to the city:
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🔗 Quick Tripmoo links for Rome / Arriving at Rome Airport
Before & after the airportUse this FCO airport guide together with these Rome pages to build your full trip plan:
🚖 Transportation from FCO Airport to Rome city when Arriving at Rome Airport
Fastest & easiest optionsOnce you exit the arrivals area, you’ll see signs for trains, buses and taxis. Here are the main options to reach central Rome:
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🚄 Leonardo Express (train to Termini)
Non-stop train from Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini in about 32 minutes. Trains usually run every 15–30 minutes.
Ideal if you’re staying near Termini or can easily connect by metro/taxi. -
🚆 Regional trains (FL1)
Cheaper than Leonardo Express and stop at stations like Trastevere and Tiburtina. Good if your hotel is near one of these areas. -
🚌 Shuttle buses
Several companies offer airport buses between FCO and central Rome (Termini, Vatican, etc.). Tickets are usually around €6–7 and travel time is roughly 50–60 minutes depending on traffic. -
🚖 Official taxis
Official white taxis from FCO to central Rome have a fixed fare (for up to 4 passengers + luggage). Look for the official taxi rank outside arrivals and always confirm the fixed price before starting. -
🚗 Private transfers
Pre-booked private cars or vans are perfect if you’re arriving late at night, with children, or lots of luggage. Drivers wait for you in the arrivals hall with a sign, then take you directly to your hotel.
💡 Tip: during peak hours (roughly 7–10 AM and 5–8 PM), roads can be slow. If you rely on a bus, taxi or private car, add extra time to be safe.
✈️ Transportation from Rome city back to Fiumicino Airport
Departure planningWhen it’s time to fly home or continue your trip, plan your return to FCO carefully, especially for early-morning flights.
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Leonardo Express from Termini
Runs frequently from Roma Termini station to FCO in about 32 minutes. It’s the most predictable option because it avoids traffic. -
Shuttle buses
Depart from Termini, Vatican area, Tiburtina and other central points. Check the schedule one day before and arrive early at the stop. -
Taxis & private transfers
Best for travelers with heavy luggage or small children, or if you’re staying far from Termini. Fixed fares keep costs clear, and pre-booking avoids last-minute stress. -
Cash & payment
Keep a bit of cash in euros handy for tips or if a card machine is not working. -
Mobile apps
Some taxi companies and ride-hailing apps allow you to book in advance and track your car in real time.
💡 Tip: for international flights, aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. For European / short-haul flights, 2 hours is usually enough – as long as your transfer is reliable.
🍝 Dining & 🛍️ Shopping at FCO
Before or after your flightIf you have time before your flight – or arrive hungry – Rome Fiumicino Airport has plenty of food and shopping options.
🥐 Cafés & coffee bars
- Classic Italian espresso bars serving coffee, pastries and sandwiches – great for a quick snack after landing or before boarding.
- International chains where you can grab something familiar if you’re not in the mood to experiment.
🍝 Italian & international food
- Restaurants offering pizza, pasta, salads and antipasti, so you can enjoy one last Italian meal at the airport.
- Fast-food options like burgers or fried chicken – handy for kids or picky eaters.
🛍️ Duty-free & shops (Arriving at Rome Airport)
- Duty-free for cosmetics, perfumes, chocolates and spirits.
- Italian fashion, leather goods and accessories – sometimes with airport-exclusive offers.
- Local products such as wine, olive oil, pasta and sweets to take home as souvenirs.
💡 Tip: liquids bought after security are usually safe to carry on board, but always keep receipts handy for connecting flights.
💡 Traveler tips for Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Practical advice- Arrive early: 3 hours before long-haul flights and about 2 hours for European flights.
- Check your terminal: always verify your terminal and gate in the airline app or on your ticket before leaving your hotel.
- Documents ready: keep passports, boarding passes and important papers together in one easy-to-reach place.
- Stay connected: use airline apps for online check-in, seat selection and live updates.
- Comfort on long trips: consider booking an airport lounge if you have long layovers or night flights.
- Cash & cards: carry a small amount of euros for taxis, snacks and small purchases; use ATMs inside the terminal if needed.
- Traveling with kids: look for family zones, play areas and kid-friendly dining, and keep a small “airport kit” with snacks, wipes and entertainment.
Once you’ve figured out how to reach your hotel from FCO, the fun part begins. You can pre-book Colosseum, Vatican and city tours so you don’t waste time queuing:
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📌 Related Rome airport & city guides
Continue planning📌 Related Milan & Italy guides
Plan your trip❓ Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) – FAQ
Arrivals & transfers🏁 Conclusion – Use this as your Rome FCO arrival plan
Start your Italy trip smoothlyThis guide to Arriving at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO – Leonardo da Vinci) gives you a clear idea of what to expect: how the airport is laid out, which services are available, and the best transport options between FCO and central Rome.
Combine this page with your Rome itinerary and hotel plans, and you’ll be ready to step off the plane, clear arrivals and head straight into enjoying the Eternal City – without wasting time figuring out what to do next.
Arriving at Rome Airport


