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Find lower rental car prices at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) with Road Genius. Find rates for SUVs, hatchbacks and minivans, and reserve with no booking fees. Compare on-airport car rentals at Rome Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) from Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise and more, with 24/7 pick-up connected to the terminals. Book early for automatics in summer and consider one-way rentals from Rome to Florence, Venice or Milan for flexible itineraries.
Airport and City Center Locations
| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Fiumicino Airport (FCO) | • Largest vehicle selection • 24/7 operation • All vehicle categories available • Premium vehicle availability |
• Potentially longer wait times • More complex navigation • Airport surcharge (approximately 16%) • 30 km (19 miles) from city center |
| Ciampino Airport (CIA) | • Faster service • Closer to southeast Rome • Less overwhelming than FCO |
• Smaller fleet selection • Not 24/7 operation • Same airport surcharge |
| Rome City Center | • No airport surcharge • Convenient for those already in Rome • Multiple locations |
• Navigating city traffic and ZTL zones • Limited operating hours • Smaller selection |
Airport to City Transport
On average, car rentals at Rome Ciampino Airport cost around €104 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €34 per day.
Compare pickup locations: FCO and CIA add an approximately 16% airport surcharge. If you’re staying in Rome first, pick up in the city to avoid it. Choose an office outside ZTL and check opening hours.
Play with dates and length: For 5+ days, weekly rates can beat daily totals. Shift pickup or return by a day to test price drops. In Rome’s peak times (June–Aug, Easter, Christmas), book earlier for automatics; off-peak, hold a cancellable rate and re-check.
Pick the right car: Manuals are cheaper than automatics by 30-50%. Choose the smallest car that fits your luggage for lower rental and fuel. Need space? Estate wagons often cost less than SUVs.
Trim the add-ons: Use your phone for navigation instead of renting a GPS. Compare extra driver policies and child seat pricing across companies. Prebook seats for better availability.
Leverage one-ways: Between major Italian cities (Rome–Florence–Venice–Milan), one-way fees are often low or free. Compare both directions and the cost versus taking the train for one leg.
Fuel smart at FCO: Most rentals are full-to-full. Refuel near the airport before return and keep the receipt to avoid refuelling charges. If your provider adds late-night fees, avoid very late pickups/returns.
| Feature | Airport Long-Term Parking | Rental Car |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Comparison | • Multi-level garages available • Economy lots available |
• Weekly rates often more economical |
| Convenience | • No driving responsibilities • Direct terminal access |
• Ultimate flexibility • No reliance on public transport • Better for multi-destination travel |
| Best For | • Rome-only trips • Short stays • Business travelers |
• Multi-city itineraries • Extended stays • Families and groups |
ZTL Awareness: Driving into Rome from Fiumicino means eventually encountering ZTL zones:
| ZTL Area | Restriction Hours | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Centro Storico (Historic Center) | Weekdays: 6:30-18:00 Weekend restrictions vary |
• Covers most tourist areas • Camera enforcement at all entry points • Fines apply and the rental company may add an administrative fee |
| Trastevere | Evening and night hours | • Popular dining district • Especially strict on weekend nights |
| San Lorenzo/Testaccio | Evening restrictions on weekends | • Nightlife areas varying schedules |
| Vatican Area | Included in Historic Center ZTL | • Limited access during papal events |
Parking When Visiting Rome from FCO:
| Parking Area | Location | Notes | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villa Borghese | Central garage near Spanish Steps | • Underground parking | Central but expensive |
| Terminal Gianicolo | Near Vatican | • Large garage | Good for Vatican visits |
| Metro Station Parking | Rebibbia, Laurentina, others | • Connect to Metro | Budget-friendly option |
| Roma Est | Eastern shopping center | • Bus connections | Good for longer stays |
Road Conditions & Traffic:
How far is Fiumicino Airport from Rome city center?
The airport is about 30 km (19 miles) from Rome's city center. You can expect the drive to take 45-60 minutes, but it can take 90 minutes or more during rush hour.
Are rental car offices at FCO open 24 hours?
Most major rental companies have long opening hours and let you return cars 24/7. Some companies can arrange for you to pick up a car after hours, often for an extra fee, but their desks are not always open. You should check your rental company's hours before you arrive.
How do I find the rental car return area at Fiumicino?
As you get near the airport, follow the signs for "Rent-a-car Return". You'll find the return area in a multi-level parking garage. The signs get better as you get closer. The turn-offs can appear suddenly, so you should stay in the right lanes as you approach.
What documents do I need to rent a car at Fiumicino Airport?
You will need a valid driver's license and an International Driving Permit. You might need the permit if your license was not issued in the EU/EEA or is not in Italian, as many rental companies ask for it. You also need a passport or EU ID card, a credit card in the driver's name and your booking confirmation.
Is it easy to drive from Fiumicino Airport to other Italian cities?
Yes, FCO connects well to the main highways. The A91 expressway takes you straight to Rome's ring road (GRA). From there, you can get onto all the major highways. The A1 north goes to Florence and Milan, and the A1 south goes towards Naples and southern Italy.
How early should I arrive to return my rental car before a flight?
You should plan for at least 45-60 minutes to return the car and get to your terminal. At busy times, like early mornings or weekend afternoons, you should add an extra 30 minutes. If it's your first time, finding the right return lanes can be tricky.
Can I pick up a car at FCO and drop it off at another location?
Yes, many companies offer one-way rentals. These are sometimes free between major Italian cities like Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan. You might have to pay a fee if you drop the car off in a smaller town. You can also do international one-way trips, for example dropping the car in Paris or Barcelona, but this is usually very expensive.
How can I avoid ZTL fines when driving from FCO to Rome?
You can avoid fines by parking in parking lots on the edge of the city and using public transport or by using parking lots outside the ZTL zones. If your hotel is inside a ZTL, you should contact them before you go. Ask if they can register your car to let you access their garage. You should never just follow your GPS into Rome's historic center.
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