Table of Contents

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, commonly known as Fiumicino Airport, is the main airport serving Rome, the Vatican City, and the wider Lazio region.

Located in the municipality of Fiumicino, about 30 kilometers southwest of Rome, it is Italy’s busiest airport by passenger traffic and one of the most important air gateways in Europe. Fiumicino is managed by Aeroporti di Roma, the company responsible for Rome’s main airport system.

The airport occupies an area of about 16 square kilometers, making it the largest airport in Italy. Its size, infrastructure, and transport connections make it the principal entry point for most visitors arriving in Rome by air.

Fiumicino Airport Infrastructure

Terminals

Fiumicino Airport currently operates with two main passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Older references sometimes mention more terminals, but the current passenger layout is based mainly on T1 and T3, following closures, renovations, and reorganization works carried out in recent years.

Terminal 1 is used by many European and domestic airlines, including ITA Airways and several other carriers operating within the Schengen area. It includes check-in desks, security controls, boarding areas, shops, restaurants, and services for passengers traveling on short- and medium-haul routes.

Terminal 3 is the largest terminal at the airport and handles many international and long-haul flights. It includes a major departures hall, arrivals facilities, passport control areas, retail spaces, food services, and boarding gates used for both Schengen and non-Schengen destinations.

The airport’s terminal system includes boarding areas identified by letters, including Boarding Area A and Boarding Area E. These areas are connected to the main terminal buildings and serve different groups of flights, depending on the airline, route, and destination control requirements.

Runways

Fiumicino Airport has three main operational runways used for commercial air traffic. Two of the longest runways measure approximately 3,902 meters in length and 60 meters in width, allowing the airport to handle wide-body aircraft and long-haul flights.

The third operational runway measures approximately 3,190 meters in length and 45 meters in width. All main runways have asphalt surfaces and are designed to support high traffic volumes, including passenger aircraft, cargo flights, and scheduled international services.

Airlines and Hub Role

Fiumicino Airport is the main hub of ITA Airways, Italy’s national airline. It was formerly the principal hub of Alitalia, which played a central role in the airport’s development for decades before ceasing operations in 2021.

The airport also serves as an operating base for several other airlines, including low-cost, leisure, and international carriers. Its route network includes flights across Italy, Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, North America, South America, and Asia.

Fiumicino Airport - Rome

Short History of Fiumicino Airport

Opening and Early Years

Fiumicino Airport was officially inaugurated on 15 January 1961, although it had already been used in 1960 to help manage traffic connected with the Rome Olympic Games. Its opening marked a major step in the modernization of air transport in the Italian capital.

Before Fiumicino became Rome’s main airport, Ciampino Airport handled most of the city’s air traffic. As commercial aviation expanded after the Second World War, Ciampino became too small for Rome’s growing passenger numbers, larger aircraft, and increasing international connections.

The new airport was built near the coast, in the municipality of Fiumicino, where there was enough space for longer runways, larger terminal buildings, technical areas, and future expansion.

Development During the 1960s

During the 1960s, Fiumicino quickly became the main air gateway of Rome. Alitalia invested heavily in the airport, building hangars, maintenance facilities, and operational structures that supported its role as Italy’s national airline and long-haul carrier.

In the same decade, the airport expanded its runway infrastructure with the addition of a third runway.

Later Expansion and Modernization

Over the following decades, Fiumicino Airport was repeatedly expanded and modernized. New terminal areas, boarding facilities, baggage systems, commercial zones, and passenger services were added to support increasing demand and improve the airport experience.

Terminal changes in the 2000s and 2010s led to a more simplified structure. Some older terminal areas were closed, reorganized, or incorporated into larger projects. Today, the airport’s passenger operations are concentrated mainly in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

Fiumicino Airport Services

Passenger Facilities

Fiumicino Airport offers a wide range of services for passengers, including information desks, airline ticket offices, baggage assistance, lost property services, currency exchange, ATMs, pharmacies, medical assistance, and facilities for passengers with reduced mobility.

Inside the terminals, passengers can find restaurants, cafés, shops, duty-free stores, lounges, and waiting areas. The airport includes both Italian and international brands, with services adapted to domestic travelers, business passengers, families, and tourists arriving in Rome.

Parking and Car Services

Fiumicino Airport offers several parking options, including short-stay parking, long-stay parking, covered parking, and areas connected to the terminals.

Car rental services are available at the airport, with major international and local companies operating from dedicated areas. This is useful for travelers who want to reach Rome, the Lazio coast, Tuscany, Umbria, Naples, or other destinations in central and southern Italy by car.

Taxi services are available outside the arrivals areas. Official taxis connect the airport with central Rome and other destinations. Travelers should use authorized taxis and check the official fixed fares or metered rates before starting the journey.

How to Get to Fiumicino Airport

Getting to the Fiumicino Airport by train

The fastest public transport connection between central Rome and Fiumicino Airport is the Leonardo Express. This non-stop train connects Roma Termini station with the airport railway station in 32 minutes, making it one of the most convenient options for many travelers.

The Leonardo Express usually runs every 15 minutes, depending on the time of day and operating schedule. The airport railway station is located inside the airport complex and is connected to the terminals by pedestrian routes and clear signage.

A standard Leonardo Express ticket costs €14 one way. Since the train does not stop between Roma Termini and the airport, it is especially useful for passengers carrying luggage or those who want to avoid road traffic between Rome and Fiumicino.

Another rail option is the FL1 regional train, which connects Fiumicino Airport with several important Rome stations, including Roma Tiburtina, Roma Ostiense, Roma Trastevere, and Roma Tuscolana.

Getting to the Fiumicino Airport by bus

Several bus companies connect Fiumicino Airport with central Rome. One of the best-known services is the Terravision bus, which usually links the airport with Roma Termini. The journey generally takes about 50 to 55 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Bus tickets are usually cheaper than the Leonardo Express, although travel time can be less predictable because of road traffic. Buses typically depart from the airport’s bus station area and arrive near Roma Termini, one of the city’s main transport hubs.

Getting to the Fiumicino Airport by car/ by taxi

Fiumicino Airport is connected to Rome by the A91 Rome-Fiumicino motorway, which provides the main road link between the airport and the city. The distance from central Rome is usually around 30 to 35 kilometers, depending on the exact starting point.

A car or taxi ride between the airport and central Rome usually takes about 40 to 50 minutes, but travel time can vary considerably. Morning traffic, evening traffic, holidays, strikes, weather, and road accidents can affect the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fiumicino Airport

Where is Fiumicino Airport located?

Fiumicino Airport is located in the municipality of Fiumicino, about 30 kilometers southwest of Rome. It is the main airport serving Rome and the Lazio region.

How do I get from Fiumicino Airport to Rome Termini?

The fastest option is the Leonardo Express, a non-stop train connecting Fiumicino Airport with Roma Termini in about 32 minutes.

How much does the Leonardo Express cost?

A standard Leonardo Express ticket costs €14 one way. The train connects Fiumicino Airport directly with Roma Termini, without intermediate stops.

Is Fiumicino Airport the same as Ciampino Airport?

No. Fiumicino Airport is Rome’s main international airport, while Ciampino Airport is smaller and mainly serves low-cost, charter, and some domestic flights.

Can I reach Fiumicino Airport by bus?

Yes. Several bus companies connect Fiumicino Airport with central Rome, especially Roma Termini. Travel time is usually around 50 to 55 minutes, depending on traffic.

Sources: