🚗 Where Are the Rental Car Desks at Rome Airports?
Rome has two major airports:
| Airport | Car Rental Type | Terminal Location |
|---|---|---|
| Fiumicino (FCO) | On-site + Shuttle-based rentals | Car Rental Building (Multilevel Parking B) |
| Ciampino (CIA) | Mostly shuttle-based rentals | Offsite via free shuttle |
Most international companies like Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar have counters inside the terminal or just outside via short walk/shuttle.
🏁 Option 1: Rent at the Airport Terminal
✅ Pros:
- No waiting for shuttle
- Immediate access after landing
- Easier to find desks (especially at FCO)
- Ideal for short stays or tight itineraries
❌ Cons:
- Slightly more expensive
- Higher demand = longer queues
- Less flexibility in pricing or models
🚌 Option 2: Take a Shuttle to an Offsite Rental Lot
✅ Pros:
- Often cheaper by 10–20%
- Sometimes newer vehicles
- More availability during peak travel times
❌ Cons:
- Requires finding shuttle stop
- Extra 15–30 minutes delay
- Less ideal with kids/luggage or late arrival
💰 Price Difference Breakdown
| Provider | Terminal Pickup (€/day) | Shuttle Pickup (€/day) | Avg. Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avis | €54 | €47 | €7 |
| Sixt | €58 | €46 | €12 |
| Locauto | €49 | €41 | €8 |
💡 Note: Prices fluctuate. Use comparison sites and filter by pickup location.
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🧭 People Also Ask
Q: Is it cheaper to rent a car from the airport or downtown Rome?
A: Airport pickup is more convenient but usually 10–20% more expensive than downtown.
Q: How do I get from Rome airport to a rental car pickup?
A: Follow “Autonoleggio” (Car Rental) signs. At FCO, use the moving walkway to Parking B; at CIA, take the free shuttle outside arrivals.
Q: Can I return a rental car to the airport even if I picked it up downtown?
A: Yes, but a one-way fee may apply.
Q: Which Rome airport is better for car rental?
A: Fiumicino (FCO) offers more rental options, better infrastructure, and easier highway access.
🔄 Final Tips
- ✍️ Book early to lock best price and location
- 🧳 Consider luggage, flight time, and family needs
- 🚘 Compare providers based on pickup point
- 🧭 Don’t forget to enable GPS or phone data for navigation
- 🛑 Check ZTL restrictions if heading into central Rome
📌 Summary
Choosing between Rome Airport Terminal pickup or a shuttle to an offsite lot depends on your priorities: price, speed, or convenience. If your goal is speed and simplicity, go with a terminal rental. If you’re budget-conscious and don’t mind a small delay, offsite rentals save money. Compare wisely, plan ahead — and enjoy the Italian roads!
