A guide to Rome Airport (FCO)


Given Leonardo da Vinci designed the first proto-helicopter as well as a flying machine back in the 15th-century, it’s only appropriate that Rome’s airport is named for him.

Aerial view of Fiumicino. Image credit: Rudimencial/iStock
Aerial view of Fiumicino. Image credit: Rudimencial/iStock

Rome–Fiumicino International Airport, also named Leonardo Da Vinci Airport, started service in 1960 to help relieve air traffic congestion for the Rome Olympics. As one of the busiest airports in Europe, it can get a bit hectic at times, so having a handy airport map can be helpful.

Airlines flying through Rome Airport

Fiumicino Airport is home to three terminals, labeled T1, T3, and T5. Because T5 is currently closed for extensive renovations, all flights are being funneled through T1 or T3. Take a look at this list to find your airline and flight.

Terminal 1

  • Aegean Airlines
  • Air Baltic
  • Air Europa
  • Air France
  • Air Italy
  • Air Malta
  • Alitalia
  • Compagnie Aérienne Corse Méditerranée SAEM
  • Eurowings
  • Hop!
  • KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
  • Level
  • Lufthansa
  • LuxAir
  • Mistral Air
  • Niki
  • SAS Scandinavian Airlines
  • SWISS
  • TAP Air Portugal
  • Vueling

Terminal 3

  • Aer Lingus
  • Aeroflot
  • Aerolineas Argentinas
  • Air Algerie
  • Air Arabia Maroc
  • Air Canada
  • Air China
  • Air India
  • Air Moldova
  • Air Serbia
  • Air Transat
  • Alba Star
  • American Airlines
  • Asiana Airlines
  • Atlasjet Airlines
  • Austrian Airlines
  • Azerbaijan Airlines
  • Belavia
  • Blue Air
  • Blue Panorama Airlines
  • British Airways
  • Bulgaria Air
  • Cabo Verde Airlines
  • Cathay Pacific Airways
  • China Airlines
  • China Eastern Airlines
  • China Southern Airlines
  • Croatia Airlines
  • CSA Czech Airlines
  • Delta Airlines
  • EasyJet Airlines
  • EasyJet Switzerland
  • EgyptAir
  • El Al
  • Emirates
  • Ethiopian Airlines
  • Etihad
  • Etihad Regional – Darwin
  • Finnair
  • Fly Estelair
  • Flybe
  • FlyOne
  • Freebird Airlines
  • German Wings
  • Hainan Airlines
  • Iberia
  • Iran Air
  • Israir Airlines
  • Jet2
  • Kenya Airways
  • Korean Air
  • Kuwait Airways
  • LATAM
  • Mahan Air
  • MEA
  • Montenegro Airlines
  • MyWay Airlines
  • Neos
  • Norwegian Air Shuttle
  • Nouvelair Tunisie
  • Onur Air
  • Pegasus
  • Pobeda Airlines
  • Qatar Airways
  • Royal Air Maroc
  • Royal Jordanian
  • RyanAir
  • Saudi Arabian Airlines
  • Siberia Airlines
  • Sichuan Airlines
  • Singapore Airlines
  • SunExpress Airlines
  • Tarom
  • Tassili Airlines
  • Thai Airways International
  • Titan Airways
  • Transavia Airlines
  • Transavia France
  • Travel Service Czech
  • Tunis Air
  • Turkish Airlines
  • TUS Airways
  • Ukraine International Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Ural Airlines
  • Uzbekistan Airways
  • WizzAir
  • Yemenia Yemen Airlines

Lounges at Rome-Fiumicino Airport

If you’re flying within the Schengen zone, which includes 26 European countries that have abolished passport controls across their mutual borders, you’ll generally have access to different lounges than if your flight is a non-Schengen one.

Terminal 1

Casa Alitalia lounge

This recently opened lounge for Schengen passengers is open to members of Alitalia’s Freccia Alata, SkyTeam Elite members, Alitalia business-class flyers with a same-day ticket, and American Express Platinum cardholders with a same-day ticket. It’s also possible to buy a one-day pass.

This lounge features showers if you need to freshen up and a teen room hosts cartoons and video games. Chefs at live cooking stations prepare pizzas and pasta to order, and bartenders are ready to make elaborate coffees in addition to pouring Prosecco and other drinks.

Enjoy freshly-cooked pasta. Image credit: beaer_photo/iStock
Enjoy freshly-cooked pasta. Image credit: beaer_photo/iStock

Terminal 3

Casa Alitalia lounges

In Terminal 3, you’ll find one Schengen and two non-Schengen lounges for Alitalia flyers, with the same entrance accessibility as in Terminal 1’s Casa Alitalia. These lounges divide seating into small groupings, and a small business center is available to let you plug in and get some work done. The cold buffet is limited to snacks and sandwiches, and an espresso machine keeps you caffeinated.

Passenger Lounges

Any flyer can buy a pass to these two Terminal 3 lounges, one of which is in the Schengen area and the other in the non-Schengen area. Priority Pass members also have access to the lounges.

The smaller Schengen lounge, which tends to be quite warm, offers a cold buffet and coffee machine. In the non-Schengen lounge, you’ll find a hot and cold buffet that sometimes includes a live chef making pasta and pizza. Showers are also available.

Plaza Premium lounges

This large, non-Schengen lounge is open to Priority Pass members as well as those who want to buy day passes. A wide variety of seating is available, including conference rooms for rent and small cubicles. Pizza and pasta are made to order at the dining area, and the buffets feature a good selection of other hot and cold foods. Showers are available if you want to freshen up.

British Airways lounge

This newer lounge is open to British Airways premium and elite passengers, as well as premium passengers on oneworld airlines. The lounge features espresso machines, self-serve bars, and a cold buffet. A smoking room is available, as is a small business center. Plenty of seating and power outlets are available, and the lounge features stunning tarmac views.

Star Alliance lounge

This relatively new lounge is open to Star Alliance Gold members and premium-class passengers flying on Star Alliance airlines. A hot and cold buffet is available all the time, and a live cooking station opens to serve made-to-order dishes during lunch and dinner hours. A barista-tended coffee bar turns into a traditional bar in the evening, and comfortable, ultra-modern seating fills the lounge. A quiet zone is available for naps and relaxation, and a private phone room lets you make calls in quiet.

HelloSky Arrivals Lounge

This arrivals lounge, situated between the terminals and the parking area, is available to passengers arriving or departing from FCO Airport. All passengers buying access to the lounge can enjoy free drinks and Wi-Fi, as well as a comfortable place to relax. Other amenities available, often for a small fee, include Air Rooms which can be rented by the hour or day for those who want to take a nap or a shower. You can order food that meets any dietary requirements, and well-equipped meeting rooms are available with no need for participants to go through security.

Rome airport hotels

If you plan to stay in Rome for a while, you have many excellent hotels to choose from in the city itself and plenty of wonderful sights to explore. If your time is limited, and you need to stick close to the airport, you’re in luck. A moving walkway takes you from either terminal to the Hilton Rome Airport, which features a fitness center and indoor swimming pool to help you keep up with your workouts while traveling — and, if you feel ambitious, there’s a football/soccer pitch for a game with your team.

Guest rooms at the Hilton Rome Airport are soundproofed to keep out airport noise, and almost two dozen meeting rooms enjoy natural light while giving you a place to gather your team. Upgrade to the Executive Lounge level to enjoy complimentary breakfast and evening receptions, and enjoy dining in one of the hotel’s three restaurants.

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast. Image credit: GMVozd/iStock
Enjoy a complimentary breakfast. Image credit: GMVozd/iStock

Shopping at Rome Airport

Rome Airport’s duty-free shopping is legendary, and you’ll find other fascinating shops as well. In Boarding Area E, which is part of Terminal 3, you’ll find Fiumicino Airport’s tax-free mall, filled with luxury brands. Here, shoppers headed for non-EU countries can have their entire 22 percent VAT canceled, saving on all sorts of high-end purchases.

If you want a little help finding what you’re looking for among the 50 retail shops at the tax-free mall, Rome Airport is ready to provide it. Pick up a copy of the Luxury Guide to introduce you to the latest trends available in the designer shops, or ask for help from a personal shopper. The services of these highly trained guides are available in English, Italian, and Mandarin, and they’re completely complimentary. Seek out a personal shopper to get fashion advice, accompany you to stores, and find just the right product in the right color.

Some airlines will also let you take your shopping bags from Fiumicino Airport aboard your plane without counting them as one of your carry-on items. Check with your airline to confirm its policies.

Terminal 1

While you’ll have to head to Terminal 3 for luxury shopping, you can take care of a lot of practical needs in Terminal 1’s shops. The Pharmacy Farmacrimi in Terminal 1 can take care of your last-minute toiletries and pharmacy needs, and you’ll find reading material for your flight at WH Smith. Head to Gallo and Fabriano for mementos of your visit to Rome, and pick up toys for your kids at Imaginarium.

Terminal 3

Head straight to Terminal 3’s tax-free mall to enjoy shopping at boutiques and shops from some of the top fashion designers in the world. Many of these shops offer only-at-the-airport specials. You’ll pay no VAT, with no need to file for a VAT refund, when shopping at these designers’ collections. Many of these shops also offer discounts equivalent to the 22 percent otherwise charged for VAT even if you’re flying to an EU country.

  • Burberry
  • Dolce & Gabbana
  • Ferrari
  • Moncler
  • Swarovski
  • Diesel
  • Emporio Armani
  • Ermenegildo Zegna
  • Fendi
  • Gucci
  • Hermès
  • Longines
  • Michael Kors
  • Montblanc
  • Prada
  • Rolex
  • Swatch
  • Tissot
  • United Colors of Benetton
  • Versace
  • Bottega Veneto
  • Omega
  • Salvatore Ferragamo
  • Valentino
  • Max Mara
  • Rado
  • Bulgari
  • Chopard
  • Tod’s
  • Tag Heuer

In the middle of the tax-free mall are the Aelia Duty Free shops, where you’ll find liquor, fragrances, cosmetics, and tobacco, as well as other luxury items. Look for the special section featuring unique products made in Italy, including liqueurs, olive oils, and chocolates. If you arrive at the airport at the right time, you can relax in this atrium to enjoy classical musical concerts.

Restaurants at Rome Airport (FCO)

While Fiumicino Airport has a reputation of less-than-exciting food, recent renovations and the opening of some new restaurants is changing this outdated opinion. When you’re passing through the airport, be sure to check out some of these worthy restaurants, bars, and quick-serve spots.

Terminal 1

If you’re in the mood for coffee, pizza, or wine, you’ll be happy in this terminal. Take a look at some of the top choices:

  • Foglie: Meal-sized salads can be rare in Italy, so this veggie-based restaurant can be a healthy delight while traveling.
  • San Crispino: Yes, this is the gelato place you read about in “Eat Pray Love.” Enjoy a sorbetto for a lighter touch.
  • Caffe Roma: Head here for that pre-flight espresso.
  • Antonello Colonna Open Bistro: Head to this all-you-can-eat buffet from TV star and Michelin-starred chef Antonello Colonna. A la carte options are also available.
  • Ferrari Spazio Bollicine: The light menu here is designed to go with the Italian sparkling wines being poured.
  • Venchi: When only a chocolate crepe will do.
  • Rossointenso: Light meals and wine around a welcoming bar.
  • The Burger Federation: Popular as the airport McDonald’s is, it’s not your only choice for a burger — and true burger aficionados will be happier here.
  • Antica Focacceria San Francesco: This tiny quick-serve spot is at its best when the focaccia is fresh and hot.

Terminal 3

Pizza, pastries, and bagels are ubiquitous in this terminal, but take the time to visit some of the top foodie delights, including Attimi, which some consider one of the top airport restaurants in the world.

  • Attimi: This stunner of a table-service restaurant comes to you courtesy of chef Heinz Beck of three-Michelin-star restaurant La Pergola. Attimi manages to blend the whimsical discoveries of a tasting menu with the time pressure that comes from being at an airport by serving menus geared to the amount of time you have available. Choose amazing dishes from the 30-minute or 60-minute menu, then keep track of your time via the hourglass placed on your table. The menu changes monthly, so you can expect a new experience every time you pass through Rome.
  • Assaggio: Stop in at this restaurant and bar from chef Cristina Bowerman to savor a glass of Italian wine.
  • Farinella: Yes, you can get pizza and full meals here, but the cornetto with crema pastry may be the most satisfying thing you’ll eat all day.
  • Sante Wine Bar: Because sometimes wine and cheese is all you need.
  • Ajisen Ramen: Not all noodles come in the form of Italian pasta. If you’ve been craving Asian food, here’s the place to stop.
  • Semplicemente Roma: That early morning flight will be so much better once you’ve stopped here for coffee.

When your plane lands, your journey isn’t over. Complete the final leg of your travels when you book a reliable Blacklane car service to get you to your hotel or home in comfort and style.