Airport Guide

History of Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport

Unlike most European airports, Rome Fiumicino has its origins in peacetime, having been officially opened in January 1961, replacing the smaller Ciampino, located just a few miles away.

Boosted by soaring tourist numbers, the new airport benefitted from a number of expansion projects soon after its initial construction so as to allow it to cope with the demands of the jet age.

This expansion continued well into the 1990s, when new domestic and international piers were opened, while the new millennium saw the introduction of new technology designed to enable the airport cope with up to more take-offs and landings in adverse weather conditions.

Work is also currently underway on refurbishing the main runways so that they can cope with the new generation of super-carriers, while plans are in place to make Fiumicino self-sufficient within the next couple of years.

Travelling to Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport

Located just 22 miles from Rome's historic centre, Fiumicino is easily reached by both public and private transport.

Perhaps the best way of getting from the terminal to the city centre is taking the Leonardo Express train, which runs directly from the airport to the main Termini Station twice an hour.

Local trains are available for passengers wishing to get on and off in the Italian capital's suburbs, though these are slower and less frequent outside of peak hours.

Also serving the airport are regular buses, while the A91 Rome to Fiumicino motorway allows those passengers hiring a car or taking a taxi from the city to enjoy a swift and hassle-free journey.

Airlines flying from Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport

Competing with neighbouring Ciampino for air traffic, Fiumicino handles hundreds of domestic and international flights a day, operated by more than a dozen different airlines.

Italy's national carrier, Alitalia operates flights to a number of destinations within the country, including Ancona, Bari, Florence, Pisa, Venice and Verona.

These are complemented by low-cost domestic flights offered by the likes of Air One, Meridiana, Blu-Express and Wind Jet, with excellent fares on offer for passengers able to book flights online.

The national carrier also operates international flights to all corners of the world, including destinations such as Amsterdam, Chicago, New York, Sao Paulo, Tokyo and Tornoto.

Joining Alitalia on the Roman tarmac are more than a dozen other national airlines, namely Aer Lingus, Aeromexico, British Airways, Iran Air, Japan Airlines and Saudi Arabian Airlines.

Additionally, carriers such as Jet2.com, Germanwings, Veuling Airlines and Wizz Air offer passengers cheap flights across Europe, though many budget carriers have opted to serve Rome from Ciampino Airport.