Rome’s airports see millions of travelers each year, many with layovers or early check-out/late flight situations that leave them wondering what to do with their luggage.
I’ve been in this exact situation more times than I can count!
After numerous trips through Rome’s airports and making pretty much every luggage storage mistake possible, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the options and make the best choice for your situation.
Where to Find Baggage Storage in Rome Airport
Finding a place to stash your bags at Rome’s airports used to be such a headache for me! On my first trip through Fiumicino (FCO), I wandered around for nearly an hour before finding the luggage storage facility.
At Rome Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci International Airport), the main left luggage facility is located in Terminal 3, at the Arrivals level.
It’s not super obvious if you don’t know where to look! The counter is situated near the railway station entrance in a somewhat tucked-away corner.
For those landing at Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA), which is Rome’s secondary airport primarily serving budget airlines, your options are more limited. Ciampino has a smaller baggage storage service located in the main terminal building. It’s easier to find than the one at Fiumicino, mainly because the airport is much smaller.
I’ve found that the staff at both locations speak decent English.
If you’re traveling during high season or have particularly valuable items, I’d recommend calling ahead to confirm availability.
Opening Hours for Rome Airport Baggage Storage Facilities
The Fiumicino Airport luggage storage facility operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. This was a lifesaver when my red-eye flight arrived at 4:30 AM, and I wanted to head straight to the city for an early morning Vatican tour.
At Ciampino Airport, however, the luggage storage service has more limited hours, typically operating from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. These hours can vary seasonally, so I always recommend double-checking on the official airport website before planning your itinerary around these services.
During my last layover, the luggage office was unexpectedly closed for a staff meeting for about 45 minutes. While this isn’t common.
Holiday periods sometimes bring modified hours, especially at Ciampino. If you’re traveling during Christmas, Easter, or Italian national holidays, it’s worth making a quick call to confirm the operating hours haven’t changed.
I’ve noticed that even when the counter says it closes at a specific time, the staff sometimes start processing the last customers 15-20 minutes before the official closing time. So don’t cut it too close if you’re planning to pick up or drop off bags near closing time!
Pricing for Luggage Storage at Rome Airport
Let’s talk about what this convenience is going to cost you! Airport luggage storage isn’t cheap anywhere in the world, and Rome is no exception.
At Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci), luggage storage prices are based on the size of your bag and how long you need to store it. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Standard-sized bag (e.g., small suitcase or backpack): Around €6-8 for the first 24 hours.
- Oversized luggage (e.g., large suitcases, sports equipment, or musical instruments): Expect to pay about €10-12 for the first 24 hours.
- Extra days: After the initial 24 hours, the price decreases. It usually drops to around €5-6 per additional 24-hour period.
If you’re traveling with extra-large items like skis, surfboards, or bulky sports gear, the rates can be slightly higher, around €12-15 per day.
Ciampino Airport, the smaller of the two main Rome airports, offers a bit more budget-friendly pricing:
- Standard-sized luggage: Around €5-7 for the first 24 hours.
- Oversized luggage: €8-10 for the first 24 hours.
- Extra days: As with Fiumicino, there’s a discounted rate after the first 24 hours, usually around €4-5 per day.
They accept credit cards, but I’ve had issues with certain American credit cards, so having some euro cash as backup isn’t a bad idea.
One thing that caught me by surprise was the additional fee for particularly valuable items. When I needed to store my camera equipment, they suggested I declare the value, which came with a small supplemental charge but provided additional insurance coverage.
Is Rome Airport Luggage Storage Worth the Cost?
This is the question I asked myself while staring at the price list on my first visit! After using the service multiple times, I can share some perspectives on when it makes sense and when it might not.
For me, the freedom of exploring Rome without dragging a roller bag over those charming but completely impractical cobblestone streets was absolutely worth every euro.
Airport storage makes the most financial sense if you have a layover of 4+ hours.
I’ve found that it’s particularly worth it when:
- You have an overnight layover but don’t want to pay for hotel storage
- You have an early check-out or late check-in at your accommodation
- You’re taking a day trip from Rome before flying out
- You’re carrying heavy or multiple bags
One time when I questioned the value was during a rainy January weekday when few attractions were open, and I ended up spending most of my layover in a café near the airport anyway. The storage fee felt unnecessary in hindsight.
The security aspect also adds value – Rome, like many major tourist cities, has its share of petty theft issues. Having your belongings in a monitored facility instead of visibly carrying them around marks you less as a tourist and reduces targets for opportunistic thieves.
Alternatives to Storing Luggage at Rome Airport
Sometimes airport storage isn’t the best option, and I’ve explored several alternatives throughout my trips to Rome. Here’s what I’ve learned works well in different scenarios.
If you’re staying at a hotel in Rome, most will hold your luggage for free before check-in or after check-out. I’ve had great experiences with this service at hotels across various price points in Rome. Even when I wasn’t checking in until evening, they happily stored my bags from morning onward!
For those using Airbnb or vacation rentals, many hosts offer early luggage drop-off even if the cleaning is still in progress. About 60% of my Rome Airbnb hosts have been accommodating with luggage, though it’s never guaranteed.
Another option I’ve used twice with success is luggage storage apps like Radical Storage (formerly BAGBNB), Stasher, or LuggageHero.
Rome’s main train stations (Termini and Tiburtina) also offer luggage storage facilities, which can be convenient if your travels involve train connections.
Things to Know Before Storing Your Bags at Rome Airport
I’ve collected some practical tips that would have saved me time, money, and stress if I’d known about them from the start!
Security is tight at these facilities, as you’d expect at an airport. All bags will be screened, similar to regular airport security procedures. This means you shouldn’t store prohibited items like certain flammable materials, weapons (including pocket knives), or perishable foods.
The luggage claim check is your golden ticket!
Guard it carefully, as you absolutely need it to retrieve your bags. I take a photo of mine immediately after receiving it, just in case. If you lose the claim check, you’ll face a much more complicated verification process that can take extra time and may require additional identification.
Retrieving your luggage during busy periods can take time. I once waited nearly 20 minutes in line during a summer Saturday. Build this waiting time into your schedule, especially if you’re trying to catch a flight.
Most valuable or fragile items (electronics, jewelry, important documents) should either stay with you or be properly declared when checking in your luggage. The standard insurance coverage is limited, so if you’re storing anything particularly valuable, ask about additional coverage options.
Be accurate about your pickup time if they ask. Some travelers tell me they’ve faced small surcharges for significantly delayed pickups without notice, though I haven’t personally experienced this.
Your bags will be more secure at the official airport storage facilities than many alternatives, so if security is your primary concern, this may be worth the premium price compared to city-based options.