Fiumicino Layover Guide (FCO)

What are you looking for in FCO?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is an international airport located in Fiumicino, Italy. It’s situated about 35 km (22 miles) from central Rome. The airport officially opened in 1961. Rome is the capital of Italy and one of the most historic cities in the world. It is known for its ancient ruins, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. The city offers a rich blend of history, art, and modern lifestyle for visitors and residents.

Can you leave Fiumicino Airport (FCO) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can exit FCO during a layover by clearing Schengen immigration. Passport holders exempt from Schengen visas need none; others require a short-stay (C) visa. Transfer passengers remaining airside may need an airport transit visa if their nationality requires it. Check baggage rules and re-check before exit. Allow ample time. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Ostia Antica Archaeological Park Explore the remarkably well-preserved ruins of ancient Ostia, from mosaics and amphitheaters to cobbled streets and temples, offering immersive insight into daily Roman harbor life and Imperial engineering marvels. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Leonardo Express to Roma Termini then Roma-Lido line to Ostia Antica, ~45 min.)
• Museo delle Navi Romane Discover the meticulously reconstructed vessels excavated from the Tiber, exploring ancient naval architecture, cargo holds, trading artifacts, and seafaring routes that reveal Mediterranean maritime culture and Roman engineering prowess. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus 64 from Terminal 3 to Porta Roma stop, ~15 min.)
• Parco Leonardo Shop upscale boutiques, catch a blockbuster at the cinema, savor international cuisine in modern food courts, and relax in landscaped plazas within one of Italy’s largest shopping and entertainment complexes. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Free shuttle bus from Terminal 3, ~10 min.)
• Lungomare di Fiumicino Stroll the scenic Tiber River promenade, admire colorful fishing boats, enjoy sea breezes, and indulge in gelato or coffee while watching waterfront life unfold against historic piers and marina vistas. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi, ~10 min.)
• Ristorante Da Filippo sul Porto Savor freshly caught Adriatic seafood specialties prepared family-style using local recipes, paired with crisp regional wines, all served in a charming harborfront trattoria with authentic Italian ambiance and seasonal vegetable side dishes. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi, ~10 min.)
• Maccarese Nature Reserve Observe diverse migratory birds in tranquil wetlands, follow interpretive trails, photograph flamingos and herons, and learn about rich coastal ecosystems in this protected nature sanctuary minutes from the airport. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi, ~15 min.)
• Tiber River Bike Ride Rent a bicycle and pedal along scenic riverbanks, crossing historic bridges, discovering hidden cultural parks, and enjoying panoramic views of the Tiber’s lively currents and tranquil riverside greenery. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi to Fiumicino centre bike shop, ~10 min.)
• Cathedral Market & San Pietro e Paolo Browse fresh local produce, cheeses, and artisanal goods at the vibrant market near the Cathedral of San Pietro e Paolo, then admire its modern architecture and serene interior artworks. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus 64 to Fiumicino centre, ~15 min.)

Things to Do in Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Fiumicino Airport hosts several lounges across Terminals 1, 3 and satellite areas offering comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations, workstations, newspapers, showers and quiet zones with amenities. Access is available via frequent flyer status, business class tickets or pay-per-use passes, ensuring stress-free relaxation before final departure. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Within walking distance of Terminal 3, the Hilton Garden Inn offers soundproof rooms, fitness centre, restaurant and 24-hour shuttle. Nearby properties include Sheraton Parco de’ Medici and a hostel in Terminal 1. Private sleeping pods and options are also available in the Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci vicinity for overnight stays. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Designated rest areas with reclining chairs and dimmed lighting are located in Terminals 1, 3 and satellite concourses. Charging points, privacy screens and vending machines are available nearby. Complimentary blankets cost extra. Quiet zones near gates offer seating. Sleep-friendly pods can be rented hourly beside the arrival halls for breaks.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Fiumicino provides free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout all terminals and satellite buildings. To connect, select “#FreeAirport_WiFi” then register with email or social media credentials. Connection lasts two hours per session, renewable unlimited times. Reliable coverage extends to lounges, gates, shops and restaurants, ensuring seamless browsing, streaming and messaging while you wait.

SIM/eSIM Card: Multiple telecom kiosks and vending machines in Terminals 1 and 3 sell prepaid SIM cards from Iliad, TIM, Vodafone and WindTre. Prices start around €10 for data and voice bundles. eSIM plans are also offered via QR code activation. ID registration is required. Top-up and customer support desks operate daily. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official taxi ranks are located outside all terminal arrivals. Standard white taxis offer fixed fares of €48 to Rome city centre (Termini Station) inclusive of up to four passengers and luggage. Services operate 24/7 with metered rates for other destinations. Licensed drivers and assistance ensure safe, reliable and efficient transport.

Train: Fiumicino Aeroporto station hosts the Leonardo Express non-stop service to Roma Termini in 32 minutes, departing every 15 minutes. Regional FL1 trains connect to Trastevere, Ostiense, Tiburtina and other stations. Tickets cost €14 for Express and €8 for FL1. Station access is within Terminal 3 arrivals. more info

Bus: Multiple coach operators connect Fiumicino Airport to Rome Termini, Vatican, Ostiense and other points. Services run 24/7 with departures every 20-40 minutes. Tickets cost €6-7 one way and can be purchased at the Bus Station kiosks or online. Buses depart from Terminal 3 external Bus Station. more info

Shuttle: Free internal shuttles connect all terminals, parking areas and the Hilton Garden Inn. The Airport Line runs 24/7 every 15 minutes between Terminals 3 staff and hotel zones. The Parking Line shuttles run every 5 minutes between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 parking lots. Services are accessible and signposted clearly.

Car rentals: Major rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt and Enterprise operate convenient desks in Terminal 3 arrivals. Pre-book online for guaranteed vehicle class and meet-and-greet service. Off-site locations offer free shuttles. Options include economy cars, SUVs and premium models. 24-hour desks provide returns and emergency assistance without extra fees. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Fiumicino offers short-term, long-term, executive and economy parking in multi-storey garages P1-P4 adjacent to all terminals. Rates start at €1.50/hour for short stays and €19/day for long-term. Free shuttle connects distant lots. Electric vehicle charging is available. Reservations online guarantee spot and discounted rates. Valet service available for executive lots.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage is available in Terminal 3 via the left-luggage office, open daily from 06:00 to 23:00. Rates start at €6 for 0-3 hours and €12 for 24 hours. Secure lockers for suitcases, backpacks and valuables are located near baggage claim. Online reservation is recommended during peak periods and holidays. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Fiumicino Airport (FCO) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks