Once considered a lesser airport, this is now one of the best in Europe.

With ancient sculptures, modern art, and Eataly, Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) offers an impressive array of attractions. Previously, FCO was known for its outdated facilities, lost luggage, and poor service. However, after a significant 800 million-euro (US$858 million) renovation and the construction of new Terminals 1 and 3, FCO has risen to become a top European airport, earning a coveted 2023 Skytrax five-star rating.

For those wondering about Terminal 2: the renovations at FCO have merged Terminal 2 into Terminal 1, allowing for an expansion that reduces confusion and provides a clearer experience for domestic and Schengen travelers, who no longer need to go through passport control.

With a focus on logistics, design, hospitality, sustainability, and innovation, FCO has completely transformed, shedding its old image as an airport to avoid. This change began in 2016 with the unveiling of Gate E at Terminal 3 (T3), a 970,000-square-foot space that elevated international travel. Its striking architecture features a cracked ceiling that resembles an eggshell, and it houses luxury boutiques (including Hermes and Gucci), restaurants, lounges, and expert design, leading to six consecutive awards for 'best airport in Europe' from Airports Council International.

The introduction of the new Gate A in Terminal 1 (T1) last year has raised the bar further, featuring a bright 400,000-square-foot, three-story area with a wishbone ceiling and large windows. Domestic and Schengen travelers in T1 can now enjoy enhanced natural light, stunning art, and some of Italy’s finest boutiques like Borsalino (hats) and Furla (handbags). They can also indulge in Italian cuisine at the airport's latest Eataly outpost located in T1’s main atrium, Piazza A.

A big shoutout to the newly revamped restrooms in T1 and T3, available in both arrivals and departures. These eco-friendly havens prioritize hygiene and feature elegant minimalist designs, vertical garden walls, and fully automated amenities from toilets to soap dispensers, ensuring a touch-free experience in spacious surroundings.

Dining Choices at Rome FCO

Eataly is just one of the many enhancements to dining and drinking options at Rome FCO. Both T1 and T3 have significantly upgraded selections for coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. Notable spots in T1 include Antica Focacceria di San Francesco, a Palermo-based café famous for arancine, and Panella, a bakery known for its pastries and coffee. For smoothies, check out Natoo, and be sure to grab one last cappuccino at the renowned Caffè Vergnano from Torino.

For those traveling through T3, don’t miss the chance to savor a glass of wine and a delicious meal at Bottega Wine Bar. La Fucina offers gluten-free pasta options, while Chef Market is perfect for stocking up on Italian snacks. If you're in the mood for something quick, Ajisen Ramen is a local favorite, as is Caffè Kimbo, a delightful nod to Italy’s 1980s coffee culture.

Culture, Art, and Entertainment at Rome FCO

T1 and T3 boast more than just stunning architecture, upscale shops, and exquisite dining. Both terminals feature impressive artworks and architectural pieces. Ancient sculptures and frescoes from the nearby archaeological site Ostia Antica have been selected for permanent display in T1’s transit bridge, while T3 showcases ancient sculptures and remnants of mosaic floors throughout the E gate area.

Alongside the permanent collections, both terminals also host a dynamic selection of temporary exhibits. In T1’s main lounge, the nature-themed Grande Anima, a striking illuminated whale skeleton by artist Marc Antonio in collaboration with the One Ocean Foundation, hung from the ceiling near Eataly throughout the spring. Currently, GianLorenzo Bernini’s Salvatore Mundi (a sculpture of Christ) is showcased on the ground floor for the summer. Each artwork is accompanied by a QR code linking to a brief podcast about the piece, turning the airport into an interactive museum as well as a travel hub.

Both terminals feature grand pianos and foosball tables available for anyone to enjoy. Throughout the year, spontaneous flash mobs and organized concerts by Rome’s Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia often surprise travelers with lively performances.

Enhanced Passenger Experience and Public Transit

Among the most significant upgrades at FCO are those made to security—typically a major hassle at any airport. Thanks to recent enhancements, T1 now boasts improved security processing areas, enabling passengers to navigate through security lanes more quickly and efficiently.

A significant improvement is the enhanced public transit connectivity. In April 2023, FCO and Trenitalia launched FCO Connect, a high-speed rail service linking Florence, Naples, Bologna, and Venice directly to Rome’s FCO airport. Timetables align with intercontinental flight schedules, and passengers on the sleek, needle-nosed Frecciarossa trains can travel directly to the airport without needing to change trains. Previously, FCO had its own train station serving local and regional routes, but starting in 2022, Trenitalia coordinated schedules so that trains from Florence, Bologna, and Naples stop in Rome and continue straight to the FCO station. Upon arrival, passengers can utilize in-station check-in services to bypass airport lines and enter bag-free if their luggage is checked.

Airport officials have prioritized investments in new technology and innovations. T1’s Gate A features a 6,450-square-foot Innovation Hub, created in partnership with FTE Innovation & Startup Hub, a mentorship program offering support and limited funding in exchange for equity. This hub is where projects like Ottobot—a contactless automated delivery cart that roams Gate A delivering food and retail items ordered via QR code—are developed and tested. In October 2022, FCO also opened its vertiport for take-off and landing of large drones, and began testing Volocopter services—pilotless taxis expected to launch in 2024 that will transport passengers between the airport and city center, as well as to other nearby vertiport locations.

Sustainability Improvements

Rome FCO stands out as one of the first large airports globally to achieve LEED Gold certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. This includes vertical development that maximizes the original footprint without expanding outward, utilizing renewable energy from photovoltaic panels that convert thermal energy into electricity, and minimizing energy consumption through the strategic use of natural lighting.

Aeroporti di Roma, the parent company of FCO and the nearby Ciampino CIA, is committed to a Europe-wide decarbonization initiative aiming for net zero emissions by 2050. Measures already underway include the adoption of alternative fuels for both ground and air transport. On-site vehicles are powered by HVO biofuel, a high-quality biofuel derived from plants and waste, produced in Italy by ENI. Additionally, national carrier ITA Airways utilizes sustainable aviation fuel, a biofuel made from renewable resources that significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional jet fuel. FCO has achieved the highest level of Airport Carbon Accreditation from Airports Council International, acknowledging its substantial reductions in CO2 emissions.

Coming Soon

Despite the advancements, some areas of the airport are still undergoing renovations. The T3 baggage claim area, currently a construction site, is expected to reopen in a few months with a refreshed design and improved navigation, while T3 is gradually unveiling its expanded ticketing area for departures.