Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO); travel for son

[Gillaspiewoods]

My son (mid 20’s; intelligent) is traveling with a friend in Europe this fall. They are trying to determine where to fly home from and asked about FCO. I haven’t flown in/out of there in several decades. For those of you who have traveled recently, is it generally manageable for the uninitiated? They’ve also asked about CDG in Paris, which isn’t an airport I’m in deep love with. Thanks in advance for your thoughts/experiences.

 

[GailS]

My last experience with FCO was flying in and out in January of 2020. We found it perfectly manageable and better than earlier experiences where luggage collection took forever. We took a private shuttle between our apartment in Rome and FCO so can't comment on other means of getting to/from. I've had lots of experience with connections in CDG since Sabena folded in 2001 and we migrated to Air France / KLM as our favored airline partners. CDG has improved a lot since we started travelling through - often to Italy. It still seems to be hit or miss if you need to go through security screening with a connecting flight into Europe (seems to be related to what gate you arrive at) and passport control lines can be a bit long. Leaving Europe is better with no re-screening when connecting from another European airport. Signage is good so it is not hard to navigate, but it is large and if you have a connecting flight expect a long walk.

 

[JMichael]

Flew out of FCO last October. Dropping the rental car was a breeze as was security. Had a pretty good lunch before security, many more food options airside. You do have to run the merchandise gauntlet to get to the gates but stay focused on why you're there. If checking a bag, it will of coarse depend on the airline. If he'll be in Rome, I understand the Leonardo Express is a great way to get to the airport.

Last time we arrived at CDG was April 2022. No complaints. In the past, we took the RER into Paris, but this time hired a driver. He met us as we left baggage claim. It was great being delivered directly to our apartment in the 6th without any hassles.

 

[Alpinista]

As with all airports, day of week, time of day, and level of ticket (priority access to check-in, for instance) makes a lot of difference. We just flew United business class yesterday (Wednesday, mid-morning) and it was an easy trip through FCO. United is all the way at then end of T3, which reduces a lot of the turmoil in the remainder of the terminal. Also has immediate access to the security entrance. The other check-in desks are funneled into a herd of entry points at mid-terminal. A the United entry, no line for priority check-in; very long line for regular. Business class gives priority entry to the security lines -- that line very short for priority; rather long for regular. Passport control was not bad -- about 5 deep at each scan station once you got through the serpentine entrance. It's a hike from security to the lounge and/or train to the departure gates. Our hotel shuttle driver made a comment that visitor volume has really picked up.

As to fall travel -- we are at FCO departures twice a year and don't notice a lot of volume change in late October as compared to early July. Am sure the absolute numbers are lower, but don't really get a sense of that once in the terminal.

We gave up airport arrival from Rome years ago and now stay at Hilton FCO which gives option of shuttle to terminals or a walk (with moving walkways for parts of the way) from the hotel to T3. Makes life a lot easier on get-away morning.

 

[NoSpin]

I've flown in and out of all 3 (FCO and CDG earlier this year). I don't think a 20+ year old is going to have any difficulty at any of them. The only airport I don't care for is Heathrow if you have to change planes, that's always a process.

 

[Damon]

We're in and out of FCO at least once a year, and I think it is totally fine, and I would not say anyone should avoid it. It is not too big, the signage is good, and transport into Rome is (reasonably) straightforward.

Taxis have fixed prices into the centre, probably €60.00 now. There is a different stand for taxis into the city, vs taxis to other places: there are staff to guide you. There are also busses and we've used that system once. Access to the train is from the upper level and through the tubular overhead walks.

There are two train options. The Leonardo Express is direct to Termini, with no stops. It costs probably €14 and departs every half hour or so; we haven't used it for a few years so those details may be out of date. It is clean and fast. The regular train is about €8.00 and leaves every 10 or 15 minutes. There are ticket windows and machines, and there are english-speaking staff at the gates to guide you the correct train. These trains stop at many places along the way so if your destination is not at or near Termini, it may be a better option. Do check for strikes as .... they happen.

 

[Cda]

Not just the airport, but get there 3 hours prior to flight!!!!!


I guess in away depends on itinerary ???

Where are his last few major cities?

I flew in and out of Fco for first time.

No problem either way.

 

[Allen]

You can also purchase (online via airport’s website ) a relatively inexpensive Fast Track pass through security which puts you in the priority lanes.