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Leonardo Express and arrival time at FCO

Posted by (Seattle) on

It’s been 20 years since I last rode the Leonardo Express, and all I remember is that it was packed, I stood the whole way, and a guy sitting a couple of seats away stared at me the. entire. time. <shudder> So my questions re taking LEX from Termini to FCO are:

  1. I assume it's not mandatory to book in advance, but is there any advantage (discount?) or disadvantage to doing so?
  2. I don’t remember what type of train it is luggage-wise. That is, is there room enough to keep my suitcase with me; is there a luggage rack at the end of the car; etc.?
  3. At FCO, how much of a schlep is it from the train station to the check-in desks (esp. British Airways)? I’d like to know so that I can work it into my timing.

Also, is it enough to arrive at FCO two hours prior to my flight to LHR, or should I plan on three hours? If it makes a difference, my flight is at 3:00 p.m. on a Friday in late May.

Posted by
11948 posts

How many are traveling? If 2 or more a taxi would not be that much more. If cost is critical, take a bus from Termini to FCO. Bags go in the belly of the beast.

Do you have checked bags?

FCO-LHR is a Schengen exiting flight so you do go through the passport processing procedure , so the '3 hr' for international flights is the applicable rule of thumb

Posted by
705 posts

Still could be quite packed. Luggage (smaller) can go overhead... I don't have a large suitcase so I don't know if there is room. No advantage in buying in advance since there is no discount. I am sure there are maps on line for the airport. It takes time to work your way from the train to the check in but again I always allow enough time so I am not concerned. If you take bus or taxi at that time of day allow for a lot more time than the Leonardo Express because there can be a lot of road traffic.

Posted by
156 posts

We took it last year. It hasn’t changed much from your memory.

Luggage can only go overhead. Very difficult to hoist a heavy suitcase that high up. It was packed, every seat in our car was taken and there were many standees.

To cut a minute off the walk board the car furthest away from the “end” of the station at Termini (this will be the front of the train). You’ll be in the closest car to the exit at FCO.

Decent walk between the check in desks and the station. I’d guess about 10-15 minutes with luggage.

Posted by
922 posts

Thanks for the info. I'll be prepared to stand and then, if I get a seat, it'll be a nice surprise!

Posted by
32363 posts

Teresa,

I often buy a ticket at one of the kiosks at the station on the day prior to the trip on the Leonardo Express, and then validate it before boarding the train. As I recall, there's adequate room for luggage.

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