Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport – Best Activities & Things to Do (2025)
Flying through Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Rome’s main international gateway? Make the most of your time with lounges, Italian food, duty-free shopping, and easy transfers into the city or to the cruise port. This 2025 guide covers the best things to do at the airport, how to relax between flights, and smart ways to reach Rome, the Vatican, or Civitavecchia.
Top Things to Do at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Fiumicino is more than just passport control and baggage claim. It’s a modern hub with lounges, Italian restaurants, designer stores, and quiet corners where you can reset before or after exploring Rome.
Relax in Airport Lounges
Many terminals at FCO offer paid lounges with comfortable seating, hot food, showers, Wi-Fi, and quiet zones. Perfect for early arrivals, long layovers, or catching up on work between flights.
Enjoy Italian Coffee & Pastries
Start your Rome trip with a proper espresso at the bar. Sip cappuccino, try cannoli, cornetti, and other pastries at cafés across the terminals while watching planes and passengers.
Duty-Free & Designer Shopping
Browse duty-free perfumes, wine, and gourmet food, plus Italian and international fashion brands. It’s a good place to pick up last-minute gifts like olive oil, chocolates, or limoncello.
Art, Architecture & Exhibitions
Fiumicino regularly hosts art displays and design installations in its boarding areas, so you can enjoy a mini museum experience while moving between gates.
Spa & Wellness Corners
Some areas feature massage chairs, spa services, and relaxation zones where you can stretch, unwind, and recharge devices before a long haul flight.
Family-Friendly Play & Seating Areas
Traveling with kids? Look out for family seating zones and play corners that make it easier to pass time before boarding and keep little travelers entertained.
Workspaces & Fast Wi-Fi
Fiumicino offers free Wi-Fi and quiet corners with power outlets, ideal for remote work or planning your Rome itinerary just after landing.
Plan Your Rome or Cruise Day
Use your waiting time to pre-book transfers, shuttle buses, and tours so that once you leave the airport, your trip to Rome, the Vatican, or Civitavecchia runs smoothly.
Things to Do Near Fiumicino Airport with a Few Free Hours
If you have a half-day or longer between flights, consider leaving the airport for a quick taste of Rome or the coast before coming back for your connection.
Explore Central Rome Highlights
With fast trains, buses, and shuttles, you can reach the city center in under an hour. Visit the historic center, the Trevi Fountain, or the Spanish Steps before returning to FCO.
Colosseum & Ancient Rome
Land in the morning and join an afternoon Colosseum and Roman Forum tour. Many tours start near central stations that you can reach via express train or shuttle bus from the airport.
The Vatican & St. Peter’s Area
Shuttle services link Fiumicino to Rome and Vatican City. If your layover is long enough, visit St. Peter’s Square, stroll nearby streets, and enjoy gelato before heading back.
Fiumicino Town & Waterfront
The nearby town of Fiumicino has seafront promenades and seafood restaurants. It’s a quieter alternative to the city if you just want a short break from the terminal.
Ostia Antica (Ancient Port of Rome)
With enough time, history lovers can plan a side trip to Ostia Antica, the ancient harbor of Rome, for ruins, mosaics, and a calm archaeological park atmosphere.
Civitavecchia Cruise Port Connections
Starting or ending a cruise? Book an airport–Civitavecchia transfer so you can relax between ship and plane rather than juggling luggage on multiple local trains.
Which Fiumicino Airport Ticket, Transfer or Tour Should You Choose?
Whether you’re heading straight into Rome, on to the Vatican, or out to the cruise port, booking transfers in advance makes your arrival smoother and often saves time compared with buying tickets on the spot.
Fiumicino Airport Bus & Shuttle Transfers
Choose from airport buses, shuttles, and private cars connecting FCO with Rome and other Central Italy destinations. Great if you want budget-friendly, pre-booked transport.
FCO Shuttle Bus to Vatican & Rome
Book a shuttle bus service that links Fiumicino Airport with Rome city and Vatican City, so you don’t have to figure out local buses after a long flight.
Civitavecchia Cruise Port & FCO Transfers
Traveling to or from a cruise? Arrange a shared shuttle or transfer between Civitavecchia Cruise Port and Fiumicino Airport for a smooth ship-to-plane connection.
Rome Colosseum & City Tours
Once you’ve booked your airport bus or shuttle, add a guided Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill tour for a classic Rome sightseeing day right after you land.
Private Cars & Flexible Transfers
Prefer a direct ride? Look for private cars, minivans, or limousine transfers from FCO to hotels in central Rome, the Vatican area, or other nearby towns with door-to-door service.
Tip: Many transfers offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, so you can book ahead and still stay flexible if your flight plans change.
Food & Drink at Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport
FCO is a surprisingly good place to experience Italian flavors, from quick snacks to sit-down meals.
Italian Coffee Bars
Stop at a traditional espresso bar for cappuccino and pastries. Locals often stand at the counter, drink quickly, and move on – you can do the same to feel like a Roman.
Pizza, Pasta & Panini
Many terminals offer fresh pizza al taglio, pasta dishes, and panini so you can enjoy a simple Italian meal without leaving the airport.
Wine Bars & Aperitivo
Before an evening flight, grab a light aperitivo: a glass of Italian wine or spritz with small snacks, olives, or bruschetta.
International Favorites
If you’re craving something familiar, Fiumicino also has international chains and grab-and-go spots for salads, burgers, or sandwiches.
Quick Visitor Tips for Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Arrive Early for Security
FCO is a busy hub. Arrive at least 2–3 hours before European flights and even earlier for long-haul departures, especially at peak times.
Know Your Terminal & Gate
Fiumicino has multiple terminals and boarding areas. Check your terminal and gate early and allow enough time to move between sections.
Use Official Transport Options
To avoid confusion, stick to clearly marked buses, shuttles, and trains or pre-book transfers. This is simpler than negotiating prices at the curb after a long flight.
Keep Essentials Handy
Pack travel documents, medication, chargers, and a light jacket in your hand luggage. Airport air-conditioning and overnight layovers can feel chilly.
Make Use of Wi-Fi
Connect to the free airport Wi-Fi to check hotel details, download maps, or confirm your transfer and tour vouchers before leaving arrivals.
Accessibility & Special Assistance
If you need mobility help or extra time, request special assistance via your airline in advance and arrive with a comfortable time buffer.
Overnight & Long Layovers
On long layovers, consider booking a nearby airport hotel or lounge access so you can rest properly, shower, and store luggage securely.
Book Before You Land
Secure your airport transfer and first tours online so that when you arrive at FCO, you simply follow the signs to your bus, shuttle, or driver.
Ready to Plan Your Time at Fiumicino Airport?
Turn your arrival or departure at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport into a smooth, enjoyable part of your Rome trip. Book airport transfers, shuttles to the Vatican or cruise port, and city tours in advance so you can relax the moment you land.