Rome Layover
Jan 08, 2010 | Comments 0
If you’re stuck on a Rome layover at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO), you’ll find there’s plenty to do in Italy’s largest airport. Fiumicino Airport is the 25th busiest airport in 2008, and the sole hub for Alitalia. Unfortunately Rome also ranked as one of the most delayed airports in the world, so you may find yourself with some time on your hands. The airport is located six miles southwest of Rome and is linked to the city by train and by road, which makes it very accessible to those on long layovers. If you’re trying to figure out if you can leave the airport during your Rome layover, click here for useful tips.
The airport has services to help passengers bide their time on their layovers. The Rome airport offers over 130 stores for shopping, along with dozens of restaurants, lounges and cafes – and hosts the Atahotel Executive Centre, which offers spots with internet connection, fax machines, photocopiers and a post-office. There are also a Tourist Information Center, First Aid, and Left Luggage facilities (+39 06.6595.3541 — 6.30a.m.-11.30pm.). Airline Lounges are available for British Airways, Alitalia, Air France, Italitour and Cisalpina. There are also free Information kiosks with touch-screen technology and videoconferencing with an operator in Terminal A (Departures and Arrivals).
If you’re looking to catch some sleep or for a base to drop off bags, the airport suggests these centrally-located hotels and for a comprehensive list of hotels of varying price points, click here.
For transportation, there’s taxi service and the airport suggests that you use only the yellow or white taxis, make sure the metre is running or settle on a fare before the taxi leaves (5-10% tip is appreciated for taxi drivers). Taxi fares from the city center to Fiumicino and vice-versa cost 40 euros. You can also take the train – The Leonardo Express is the direct train between the airport and city center (trains leave every 30 minutes). The ride by train lasts approximately 30 minutes and goes as far as the central railway station of Rome, Termini. Termini trains depart from the track 24 on the right. Ticket costs euro 11, available at the counter as well as the Termini newsstand (tickets bought at the departure platform cost more). Get your ticket stamped in a yellow validation machine just before using it. Ticket expires 90 minutes after validation. For a map of Rome, click here.
LayoverGuide.com’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On A Rome Layover:
Rome Tour
If you have the time (times vary per tour), you might want to take a tour of Rome to catch the big sites. Recommended tours include Rome Segway Tours, Real Rome Tours, Dark Rome Tours, Vatican Guided Tours and many many more.
Colosseum
Opened in what was believed to be 72 BC, the Colosseum cannot be missed on a visit to Rome. The amphitheater ruins are spectacular — seating for 55,000 for ancient Rome horse racing, animal fighting and gladiator battles.
The Pantheon
The Pantheon was turned into a church in the early 7th Century and it is well known from its only source of light — the opening at the top of the dome. The Pantheon is also where many famous Italians are buried, including Raphael and King Vittorio Emanuele I.
Fontana di Trevi
The setting for countless movies, works of art and artistic inspiration, the Trevi Fountain was designed by Nicola Salvi for Pope Clemente XII in the second half of the 18th Century. Toss a coin in the fountain for good luck.
Piazza Navona
One the world’s most famous squares, the Piazza Navona is a great place to stroll, people watch, shop and eat. The Bernini sculptures of The Fountain of the Rivers and the Fountain of the Moor are at the center of the square.
None of these interest you for your Rome layover? For more options, including galleries, shopping, restaurants and more, click here.
Have a suggestion for a Rome Layover? Leave a comment below!
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Filed Under: Europe • Italy • layover • things to do
