In Rome, there are two main commercial airports: Fiumicino and Ciampino.
Fiumicino
Fiumicino Airport is primarily used by companies such as ITA and handles mostly overseas or intercontinental flights. It is located in a small town north of Rome and is connected to the city center by a highway and a railway station with two platforms serving different services. One platform is for local regional trains, while the other is for the direct train service known as the Leonardo Express. The local option is less expensive and provides access to various neighborhoods in the city. If you decide to use the trains, be sure to check your specific destination. The local option costs €8 per person, while the Leonardo Express costs €14 and goes directly to Termini Station. Additionally, buses are available, operated by private companies such as SITA, TAMBUS, and TERRAVISION, as well as public transportation provided by Cotral Regional Companies.
Taxis (white cabs) are available at designated stands where passengers must line up, and it’s advisable to clarify the expected fare. Private limo service companies offering meet and greet services are also available.
Ciampino
Ciampino Airport is located in a small town near Rome. Although the ride to the city center may seem shorter, the area is heavily trafficked along the Appian Way, making the average travel time about 40 minutes. This smaller airport is not well connected to the main train station or subway, so you may need to explore different options for reaching your destination. Here, too, you can find buses from private companies like SITA, TAMBUS, and TERRAVISION, as well as taxis and private limo services.
Arrival
If you want to see the arrival terminals at Fiumicino Airport, click here for the terminal 3 map. Fiumicino’s terminals offer various facilities and shops, particularly in the departure area.
Upon landing, you will take a shuttle to the main airport building. Once inside, you will enter a restricted customs area reserved for police, security, and passengers. This area includes passport control and baggage claim, with multiple carousels labeled by numbers. Your flight number will be displayed to help you locate your luggage.
Tip: If you don’t see your luggage within 35 minutes of landing and you have already passed through passport control, check with your airline’s counter desk for any issues regarding your belongings, as missing luggage has become a common concern.
Once you’ve collected your luggage, you can leave the restricted area and proceed to your transportation to the city center. If you have reserved a private driver, they will meet you inside the airport’s Arrival Hall as part of the meet and greet service. Meanwhile, taxis will be waiting outside in designated lines. You can also choose to take the train or buses and follow the corresponding directions.
Tip: To avoid scams, do not accept transportation offers from individuals shouting “taxi taxi” and attempting to grab you; these are unauthorized operators.
Departures Area at Fiumicino Airport
The Departures area is situated on the first floor of the airport building, accessible directly when traveling by car. Arrivals and Departures are connected by escalators and elevators.
Near the check-in and customs gates, there are various shops and restaurants, along with a chemist and a police station where Italian citizens can obtain last-minute documents. The departure procedure can take some time, particularly for passport control and check-in processes. If you are traveling within Europe and do not have checked luggage, the best option is to check in online.
Information about VAT refunds can be found here. The VAT Customs Offices are located in the Departures areas of Terminal 1, Terminal 3, and in Boarding Area E, near the ADR Info Point, or the VAT Refund operator offices. Requests for VAT refunds for products taken on board as hand luggage must be made prior to check-in. For invoices issued in Italy by Global Blue, Planet, and Tax Refund operators, refer to the offices located at the Departures area of Terminal 3, near check-in counters 196-225, and in Boarding Area E, near the ADR Info Point.
Here is the official website for further information: https://www.agenziaentrate.gov.it/portale/web/english/claiming-vat-refunds
Airport Shops and Facilities
Fiumicino Airport boasts a wide array of shops, cafés, and restaurants, making your arrival or departure as pleasant as possible.