The Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is the largest airport in Italy. It is also the main hub and headquarters for Alitalia, as well as a focus city for EasyJet, Vueling and Meridiana Fly. The airport is served by over 90 airlines flying to five continents. It is a huge, largely functional and fairly modern facility that is often busy but not unruly, with plenty of dining and shopping opportunities. It's not a particularly fast airport and it can take quite a while to get through security and passport control if you have a connecting flight. If you're flying into FCO with a European or Schengen country visa and a stowage bag, you can skip most of the security queues but it is wise to allow at least 30 minutes for the process.
There are several ways to get from the Fiumicino Airport into the center of Rome. The fastest and cheapest option is to use the Leonardo Express train. This trains runs directly from the airport into Roma Termini, which is located in the center of Rome. The train can be found in front of the Arrivals and Departures area and costs around 14EUR each way. The other, less expensive option is to use a regional train operated by Trenitalia. This option might require a transfer and it will not be as direct as the Leonardo Express train.
If you prefer to use a bus, there are a number of private companies that offer services between the airport and Rome. All of the buses end at Roma Termini and cost about $6-7 each way. Most of them provide a seat reservation, which is a good idea if you're planning on traveling at a busy time.
As you would expect from a large cosmopolitan airport, staff speak many languages and most signage is in both English and Italian. The important locations like passport control, toilets and transport are marked with international icons. However, the terminals are a little disorganized and it can be difficult to find your way through the airport.
Shopping is a major draw at the Rome airport and there is a good choice of luxury retailers, especially if you're flying into an EU or Schengen country with a valid passport. The duty-free choices are excellent, with brands like Bulgari, Armani and Ermenegildo Zegna. There are also outlets selling Venetian glass, jewelry and other souvenirs of the city.
The food options at the From rome to fiumicino airport aren't spectacular but it is plentiful and cheap. There are many fast food outlets, as well as a couple of sit-down restaurants and a cafeteria. There are also a few airport hotels, including a Hilton and a Best Western. Most of these are adjacent to the Parco Leonardo train station, which is the quickest and easiest way to get from the airport into the center of Rome. The hotel rates are reasonably inexpensive and the proximity to the train station makes it an ideal airport option.
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