Quick answer. Skip the Travelex and Forexchange counters in arrivals. Walk to a BNL ATM in the main arrivals terminals and withdraw 50-100 euro at the real interbank rate.
Where to get euro at FCO
Fiumicino still has a working bank-ATM concession (BNL, Italy's Global ATM Alliance member), which makes it cheaper than CDG or FRA in 2026. Below is what each option costs on a starting €100, with the BNL machine in T1 arrivals as the cheapest in-airport choice.
| Option | Where | Markup | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| BNL ATM (Bancomat) | Terminal 1 & 3 arrivals | 0% (real interbank rate) | ~$110 + $0-5 fee |
| Pre-ordered euros (CEI) | Delivered to your home | ~2-3% | ~$113-115 |
| UniCredit ATM | Departures area | 0%, plus 0-3 EUR operator fee | ~$110-113 |
| Forexchange counter | Arrivals, T1 & T3 | 8-12% | ~$120-125 |
| Travelex counter | Arrivals & departures | 10-15% | ~$125-130 |
| Euronet ATM (DCC accepted) | Some airside areas | 3-13% if you accept DCC | ~$115-130 |
BNL ATM locations at Fiumicino
Terminal 1 (T1) Arrivals
ITA Airways, Lufthansa, Air France/KLM, and most Star Alliance and SkyTeam carriers
After baggage claim, exit into the arrivals hall and follow signs toward the train station / Leonardo Express. The BNL ATM is on the wall to the right of the main exit, opposite the Travelex counter. There is also a second BNL ATM near the rental car desks.
Terminal 3 (T3) Arrivals
United, American, Delta, British Airways, Emirates, and most non-Schengen long-haul flights
After exiting customs, walk straight ahead toward the central plaza. The BNL ATM is along the left wall before you reach the train station entrance. Travelex and Forexchange both have prominent counters here. Walk past them.
Train station level
The Leonardo Express station sits between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 at the lower level. There is a BNL ATM and a UniCredit ATM in the corridor leading to the platforms.
Do you actually need cash at Fiumicino?
Not really. Fiumicino's transit and taxi options are all card-friendly, and Roma Termini's onward Metro/bus network accepts contactless. The exception is small market vendors and the coperto at neighborhood trattorie once you arrive. Here is what works without cash on the way out:
Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini (€14, 32 minutes): Tap to pay at ticket machines or buy on the Trenitalia app.
Regional FL1 train to Trastevere or Ostiense (€8, 50 minutes): Contactless ticket machines.
Official white taxi to central Rome (€55 flat fare to inside the Aurelian Walls): Confirm 'carta' before getting in. Some drivers still claim 'machine broken' as a way to push cash..
Uber Black, FreeNow, itTaxi (varies): All card-only via the app.
⚠ DCC trap. When the ATM or terminal asks if you want to be charged in your home currency instead of the local currency, always decline and choose the local currency. Accepting locks in a 3-13 percent markup that your no-FX-fee card cannot undo. Full DCC explainer →
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the ATMs at Rome Fiumicino Airport?
BNL ATMs are located in the arrivals areas of the main terminals. From baggage claim, walk past the Travelex counter and look for the bank ATM on the wall.
Should I exchange money at Fiumicino Airport?
No. The Travelex and Forexchange counters at FCO post some of the worst exchange rates in Italy, with markups of 8-15 percent over the mid-market rate. Use the BNL ATM in arrivals instead.
Do I need cash to get from Fiumicino to Rome?
No. Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini accepts contactless. Most taxis accept cards. Uber and other apps are card-only.
Can I order euro before flying?
Yes. CEI Currency Exchange delivers euro to your US address in 2-5 days at rates around 2-3 percent over interbank, well below the Travelex and Forexchange counters at FCO. Order 50-100 euro for the Leonardo Express ticket booth (if you skip the contactless option), the trattoria coperto, and Saturday-morning Trastevere markets.