Stuck at Rome Fiumicino Airport for a long layover or overnight stay? Whether you’re killing a few hours between flights or trying to rest before an early departure, there are ways to make the time pass more comfortably — as long as expectations are realistic.
Fiumicino is a large, busy airport with a good range of food, shopping, lounges, and services spread across multiple terminals. It’s generally more comfortable during the day than overnight, when seating can be limited and many shops close. Still, with some planning, you can eat, shop, rest, or even head into the city if your layover is long enough.
Here’s what you can realistically do while spending time at Rome Fiumicino Airport.
1. Enjoy a meal
If you’re hoping for something more Italian than generic fast food, Rome Fiumicino offers a reasonable mix of cafés and casual eateries, though quality, prices, and opening hours vary by terminal and time of day. You’ll find espresso, pastries, pizza, pasta, panini, and wine alongside international options, with Terminal 3 having the widest choice.
Travellers looking for recognisably Italian options may want to seek out Eataly (Terminal 3, airside) for pasta, focaccia, pastries, and packaged Italian foods, Italian wine bars and bistro-style cafés such as RossoIntenso Wine Bar for wine, cured meats, cheeses, and panini, or Venchi (multiple terminals) for Italian chocolate and gelato.
Many cafés also sell everyday Roman snacks like pizza al taglio, supplì (fried rice balls), prosciutto or mozzarella sandwiches, and bakery items such as cornetti, usually at café counters rather than sit-down restaurants.
A few food outlets stay open late, but 24-hour dining is not guaranteed, and overnight options may be limited to cafés or takeaway counters. If you’re arriving very late or staying overnight, it’s best to eat earlier or bring snacks.
2. Hang out in a lounge
Good news! Airport lounges are no longer the exclusive enclave of First and Business Class flyers. Several lounges here offer access to any traveller, regardless of your flight class or airline. Pay a one-time fee for unlimited food, drinks, WiFi, TV, and comfortable seating. A few lounges even have shower facilities. Reserve your spot online or use your lounge membership program to gain entry. [ read more ]
3. Hit the shops
Dozens of shops make it easy to forget what time it is. This is Italy, so you won’t be disappointed if you’re expecting some high-end luxury designers. (There are even free personal shoppers if you’re serious about spending some serious cash.) Even if you’re not so fashion-forward, you may enjoy a visit to the Ferrari Store.
FCO is a practical place to pick up last-minute Italian food gifts and souvenirs, especially if you didn’t have time to shop in the city. Prices are higher than downtown, but the selection is broad and easy to browse during a layover.
Travellers looking for Italian-themed gifts may want to seek out:
- Packaged Italian foods that travel well, such as pasta, cookies, chocolates, spreads, and regional sweets
- Chocolate and confectionery, often boxed and suitable for carry-on luggage
- Coffee and espresso-related products, including packaged coffee, gift tins, and small accessories
- Wine, liqueurs, and spirits sold through duty-free shops (liquids subject to carry-on rules)
- Italian fashion and accessories, including leather goods, scarves, and small luxury items that make easy gifts
Exact store line-ups and opening hours vary by terminal, and many shops close overnight, so it’s best to browse earlier rather than rely on late-night shopping.
4. Take a shower
All that flying may have you craving a refreshing shower. Head to Hello Sky in the pre-security area of Terminals 1 and 3 for shower facilities. A few pay-to-enter lounges also offer shower facilities. [ read more ]
5. Art & exhibits
Rome Fiumicino isn’t just a transit hub — you’ll also find rotating art exhibits and permanent displays throughout the terminals, often featuring Italian artists, photography, or cultural themes. Exhibits are spread through both landside and airside areas, so you may come across them simply by walking between gates.
This isn’t a destination museum, but the displays can be a pleasant distraction during a long layover, especially if you want to stretch your legs or take a mental break without leaving the terminal. Exhibit locations and themes change regularly, so what you see will depend on the terminal and timing of your visit.
6. Go sightseeing
Another long layover in another airport can feel like a waste of time, but if you’ve got at least 7-9+ hours till that next flight, why not check out the Eternal City? Rome is easy to reach, thanks to public transit. The Leonardo Express train is the fastest option between the airport and Rome’s Termini Station. With departures every 15-30 minutes, you’ll be downtown in 32 minutes. Official city taxis have flat rates to the city. Other buses and trains are also available.
You can plan on strolling around the city. Public transit is limited, particularly near popular sites like the Pantheon, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Trevi Fountain. Or visit nearby Vatican City to see exquisite art and the St. Peter’s Basilica. Stroll the alleys of Trastevere. For fresh air and open spaces, visit the Borghese Gallery, home to great art and beautiful gardens. Or sample all the food – pick a restaurant filled with locals, and you’ll be in for a treat.
If you want to leave the airport but don’t want to stray far, the town of Fiumicino is located directly on the Tyrrhenian Sea, so you can stroll around the streets, enjoy a bite to eat, and take in the sea breeze. Nearby, Ostia Antica is a well-preserved archaeological park with incredible vistas.
However you spend your layover, keep an eye on the time so you make it back and get through Security before your flight! Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Rome.
7. WiFi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Some travellers report using the “Free Wi-Fi” network without a time limit, though speed can be modest unless you use the official Rome Airports app or paid upgrades.
8. Sleep
Of course, catching up on sleep is an excellent way to pass a layover! You’ll be more comfortable inside Security, particularly near B and D gates, where some decent seating options might be available. If you’re resting pre-security, the floor is where you’ll likely wind up – extra layers will help you combat cold temps and tile floors, and eyeshades block out bright lights. [ read more ]
If you’re willing to pay for a hotel room, check out HelloSky opposite Terminals 1 and 3, which rents rooms in 3- or 6-hour blocks, or the Hilton Rome Airport, which connects to all three terminals by a moving walkway and offers day or overnight rooms. Several more hotels are located within a 10-minute drive of the airport. See our Rome Fiumicino Airport Guide for details and locations. [ read more ]
Updated 12 December 2025
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Fiumicino Airport. Visit our Rome Fiumicino Airport Guide for more information about more services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.