What is the Airport in Rome Called?

Heading to Rome? Find out all about Fiumicino Airport (FCO) — the biggest airport in Rome. Learn where it is, what terminals you'll use, and the easiest ways to reach downtown Rome after you land.

What is the Airport in Rome Called?
Photo by Anna Gru / Unsplash

Flying to Rome for the first time?
You might be wondering — wait, what’s the airport even called?

Here’s the quick answer: it’s officially known as Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport.
Locals? They just call it Fiumicino. Much easier to say when you're rushing to grab a taxi.

Look at your flight ticket — if you spot the three letters FCO, that’s it.
Fiumicino is the code you’ll be seeing all over signs when you land.

Largest Airport in Rome

Rome’s got a couple of airports, but let’s not kid ourselves.
Fiumicino is the king here.

It’s the largest airport in Rome.
Actually — it’s the largest airport in Rome Italy and one of the busiest in Europe too.

Millions pass through its gates every year, heading off to places near and far.
So if you're asking about rome biggest airport — no doubt, this is the one.

What is Rome’s Main Airport?

Someone asks you what is Rome’s main airport?
You can answer like a pro now: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport.

Pretty much all major international flights use it.
A few budget airlines land at Ciampino, sure, but unless you’re chasing super cheap tickets — Fiumicino is where you’ll touch down.

Big flights, big energy, big terminals.

Where is the Airport in Rome?

Not in the center — but not too far either.

Fiumicino Airport sits about 30 kilometers southwest of downtown Rome.
That’s about 18 miles, if you prefer thinking in miles.

It’s close to the coast.
Sometimes, if the clouds behave, you can spot the sea from the plane window as you land.

When people search where is the airport in Rome, it’s always about Fiumicino — named after the nearby town.
Easy.

Where is FCO Airport in Rome Exactly?

FCO isn’t buried in the middle of nowhere.
Good trains, buses, and taxis connect it straight to the heart of Rome.

In less than an hour after landing, you could be standing in front of the Colosseum, espresso in hand.


Largest Airport in Rome

Rome has a few airports, but Fiumicino is by far the biggest.

It’s not just the largest airport in Rome — it’s also the largest airport in Rome Italy and one of the busiest in all of Europe.

Every year, millions of travelers pass through its terminals heading to destinations all over the world.
If you’re asking about rome biggest airport — this is it, no doubt.


Rome Terminal Layout

Rome’s Fiumicino Airport is divided into several terminals:

  • Terminal 1: Domestic and Schengen flights (European Union countries mostly).
  • Terminal 3: International flights.
  • Terminal 5: Used for some long-haul flights — often closed for upgrades though.

Terminal 2? Forget it — it’s been merged into Terminal 1 after major renovations.

When you search rome terminal or rome terminal map, you’ll see everything laid out clearly.
Still, signage at the airport itself is good, even if you're jetlagged and sleepy.

Rome Terminal Map: A Quick Look

The rome terminal map makes it simple:

  • Terminal 1 and 3 are connected — no need to exit and re-enter if you mess up.
  • Shops, cafes, lounges, and passport control are all clustered logically.
  • You’ll see tons of English-language signs too.

Wandering around isn't a nightmare here.
Even first-timers find their gate without too much drama.

Getting from Fiumicino Airport to Rome City Center

After you land — how do you get to the real action?

Options:

  • Leonardo Express Train:
    Fast, clean, runs straight to Rome Termini station in about 32 minutes. A bit pricey but worth it.
  • FL1 Regional Train:
    Cheaper. Good if you’re staying near Trastevere, Ostiense, or Tiburtina stations.
  • Buses:
    Budget-friendly. Slower because, well, Roman traffic loves to party.
  • Taxis:
    Fixed €50 fare to the city center. Only use official white taxis (don’t say I didn’t warn you).
  • Private Transfers:
    Most comfortable, but pricey. Worth it if you’re arriving super late.

Choose what fits your schedule, your luggage, and your patience level.

What’s Special About Fiumicino Rome?

It’s not just an airport — it’s a mini city.

You’ll find surprisingly good food (seriously, it’s Italy), designer stores, cozy coffee bars, and sometimes even art exhibitions right in the terminal.

Yes, security can get slow sometimes, especially in summer.

Yes, it can get crowded too.

But compared to many other major airports, Fiumicino does a pretty good job keeping travelers moving.

Other Airports Around Rome

Rome’s smaller airport — Ciampino (CIA) — serves mostly low-cost airlines.

It’s closer to the center, sure, but tiny.
No big lounges, no luxury shopping, no fancy pasta bars.

If you're flying Ryanair or Wizz Air, you might land there.
Otherwise? Fiumicino is your airport.

Final Thoughts: Rome’s Gateway

Landing in Rome?
Chances are your first steps on Italian soil will be at Fiumicino Airport (FCO).

It’s big, it’s busy, and it’s pretty well-run for a hub that sees millions of travelers every year.

From there, you’re less than an hour away from standing on ancient cobblestones, sipping espresso, and realizing — yep, you’re really in Rome.

Welcome to Italy!