The largest airport in Italy, and the gateway to one of the world’s great civilizations, is appropriately named after Leonardo da Vinci, the man who designed the world’s first helicopter and winged flying machine. Centuries later, hundreds of flying machines around the world descend upon Rome Leonardo da Vinci International Airport each day. The airport, known locally as Fiumicino Airport (FCO), also serves as one of Rome’s main budget car rental hubs.

Over 35 million passengers flew into Fiumicino Airport (FCO)’s three terminals in 2008 alone. All three terminals are housed under a single gigantic roof. Terminal A, which is just a short walk from the other two terminals, handles domestic flights. Terminal C handles international flights, while Terminal B handles both international and domestic flights.

Vital services such as currency exchanges, ATMs, and banking services are easily located within all three terminals, as are a wide variety of shops, delis, and cafés. Both departure and arrival areas feature complimentary luggage carts.

The food and shopping area of Terminal B is called Terrazza Roma, and another large restaurant serving a lovely view of the airfield along with its wide menu of items is located on the Terminal C side of Terrazza Roma. A food court is also located at Terminal A, as is an executive centre ideal for business conferences.

Cheap car hire at Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is especially recommended since the airport is located 35kms outside of Rome’s historic city centre. The airport’s 11 car rental desks are situated at the domestic and international arrival halls, and offer a large variety of options for cheap car hire at Fiumicino Airport (FCO) from reputable companies like Budget, Hertz, Avis, and EasyCar.