Roma - Fiumicino

Nice airport with lots of shopping options after the security line. Warning for those who is flying to US and Israel from this airport: the airline check-in desks are on the far left side of the airport and there is a long line to go through a security check before you can check your bags/get tickets and go through the gate. If you have priority status with any of the major airline, you can get through the line faster. Otherwise, do plan to be at the airport 3 hours earlier, rather than 2, just to get through this additional line, especially during the peak seasons. The airport VIP lounge, for US airlines, is shared with many other airlines. It can be very crowdy and hard to find a table for the food.. If you already have the pass or upgraded for the pass, it's a good last chance to get more Italian food before heading back. If not, not sure it's worth the hassle.. probably more enjoyable and better food to get into one of the airport bars.

No special pass — just your ticket & ID: Once you have your boarding pass (and passport/ID for international travel) you can access departures, lounges (if eligible) and airside shops after security — landside areas are open without extra permits. • Terminals & layout: Fiumicino’s main passenger areas use Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 (detailed maps show multiple boarding/concourses A, E, etc. across the complex); check the airport map on arrival since boarding areas are spread and signage is clear. • Fast rail to the city — Leonardo Express: The non-stop Leonardo Express links Fiumicino ↔ Roma Termini in about 32 minutes, departing roughly every 15 minutes; tickets are sold at machines, online or at Trenitalia counters (standard fare published ~€14). • Other rail & bus options: Regional FL1 trains serve Ostiense/Trastevere/Tiburtina and are a cheaper alternative to Termini when useful. Several shuttle buses (Terravision, SIT, TAM) run to Termini/Vatican areas and can be cheaper than the express train. • Taxis & fixed fares: Official airport taxis to central Rome (within the Aurelian walls) use a fixed fare (check current rate — commonly cited ~€48) — take only the authorised taxi ranks outside arrivals. • Parking & pre-booking: On-site parking (short-stay, long-stay, premium) is available and bookable online; prebooking often saves money and guarantees a spot. Off-site park & ride vendors also operate nearby. • Why travellers like it: FCO is Italy’s busiest gateway with wide dining/retail choices, multiple lounges and frequent international connections — good for both direct arrivals to Rome and onward Italian travel. ⸻ ⚠️ What to keep in mind • Allow extra time: Security, passport control and the distance between check-in and some gates can take time — aim ~3 hours before long-haul/international flights and allow transfers between remote stands. • Terminal & gate changes happen: Airlines sometimes reassign terminals or boarding areas during day-to-day operations and redevelopment work — always verify your terminal/gate on your airline app or the airport displays. • Buy train/taxi info from official sellers: Purchase Leonardo Express/FL1 tickets at Trenitalia machines/counters or official apps and use authorised taxi ranks to avoid scams. • Buses are cheaper but slower: Shuttle buses cost less than the express train but take longer and can be affected by city traffic—good budget option if you have time.

A very nice and modern airport which feels like a mall once you get into the international section pass security. You can get lost exploring the various stores as each of them have their own unique design and spin to attract customers. I also liked how the airport was crazy clean and spotless. What is nice and convenient is a 30min express train called the Leonardo Express which connects the airport with Roma Termini with no stops for 14 euro one way.

Located around 31 km southwest of Rome's city center, which takes about 40 minutes by vehicle, depending on traffic, and serving tens of millions of passengers a year, Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, also known as Fiumicino (FCO), is the busiest airport in Italy, where my partner, our friends, family member, and I departed as first-timers and ended our memorable trip to Italy in September. We arrived at our modern terminal, being part airport and part luxury shopping center. It was like a small city with a huge variety of shops, cafes, and amenities to explore. Despite its size and the crowds, it was exceptionally well-maintained. The signage and systems were clear and easy to follow. The facilities were clean and neat, and the staff seemed to manage the high passenger volume very efficiently. Great overall experience!

This is a huge airport with three terminals. Despite being a big airport it's very well maintained. We even boarded a train to go to our terminal. The airport lounge is also huge with a good buffet. There are free play areas to keep the kids entertained like the huge chessboard. There are enough number of signs to direct people to their destination. The elevators are big and move quickly, they didn't get crowded even when people traveled up and down with luggage.