16 Major Airports in Italy to Fly Into
By Parker Villas
Italy’s airports are the gateways to its stunning landscapes, ancient cities, and world-famous cuisine. These air hubs connect travelers to Italy’s most beloved destinations, from bustling Rome to romantic Venice. The country boasts over 30 international airports, with Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport and Milan’s Malpensa Airport handling the lion’s share of international traffic.
Getting to know Italy’s major airports can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re flying into Milan’s fashion capital or Sicily’s sun-soaked shores, each airport offers unique advantages. Some are close to city centers, while others provide easy access to Italy’s famous high-speed trains.
As you plan your Italian adventure, consider which airport best suits your needs. Will you start in the north and work your way south? Or perhaps you’ll fly into Rome and explore the surrounding regions? No matter your choice, Italy’s airports are ready to welcome you to La Dolce Vita.
Italy boasts a robust network of airports that’ll make your travels a breeze. From bustling international hubs to charming regional airfields, you’re never far from your next Italian adventure.
Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, also known as Leonardo da Vinci Airport, is the crown jewel of Italy’s air transport system. As the country’s busiest airport, it’s likely where you’ll touch down if you’re flying in from overseas. Trust me, the pasta in the airport restaurants is already worth the trip!
But Rome isn’t the only star of the show. Milan’s Malpensa Airport is another major player, serving as a gateway to northern Italy’s fashion capital and the stunning Lakes region. I once had a layover there and nearly missed my connection because I got distracted by the duty-free shops!
Here’s a quick rundown of Italy’s top airports:
These airports aren’t just transit points – they’re your first taste of Italian hospitality. You’ll find yourself surrounded by the aroma of espresso and the buzz of excited travelers from the moment you step off the plane.
Remember, Italy’s smaller airports can be gems, too. They often offer more convenient access to specific regions, saving time and hassle. I once flew into Lampedusa Airport and was on the beach within minutes of landing!
So, whether you’re jetting into a major city or island-hopping along the coast, Italy’s air network has got you covered. Buon viaggio!
Italian airports are stepping up their game. You’ll find modern facilities and amenities to make your journey smoother. Many airports now boast sleek designs and cutting-edge technology.
Rome’s Fiumicino Airport is a standout. It has spacious terminals with plenty of seating. You’ll spot charging stations everywhere—no more hunting for outlets! The airports are also eco-friendly, using solar power and recycling programs.
Duty-free shopping is a treat at Italian airports. You can snag luxury goods, local specialties, and souvenirs.
Milan Malpensa has an impressive selection of high-end fashion brands. It’s like a mini shopping spree before your flight!
Public transportation links are improving, too. Venice Marco Polo Airport offers a unique experience – water taxis! You can zoom straight to the city center in style.
Other airports have good bus and train connections. Some even have direct links to city metros.
Airport facilities are constantly improving. You’ll find comfy lounges, kids’ play areas, and art exhibitions. Naples International has a rooftop terrace to soak up some sun before your flight.
Food options are a highlight. Forget bland airport fare – savor authentic Italian cuisine at the terminal.
Florence Airport even has a wine bar showcasing Tuscan vintages. It’s a tasty preview of your Italian adventure!
Northern Italy boasts several major airports that serve as gateways to this beautiful region. These airports offer convenient access to popular destinations like Milan, Venice, and Turin, as well as nearby attractions in the Italian Alps and picturesque lakes.
Milan Malpensa is the biggest airport in Northern Italy and your best bet for international flights. It’s about 30 miles northwest of Milan, so you’ll need to plan for some travel time to the city center. But don’t worry – there are plenty of options to get you there.
You can hop on the Malpensa Express train, which zips you to Milan’s central station in about 50 minutes. You can grab a taxi or rent a car at the airport for more flexibility.
Malpensa has two terminals packed with shops and restaurants. You’ll find all the usual airport amenities, plus some nice touches like art exhibits and even a spa if you need to unwind before your flight.
Venice’s main airport is your ticket to the floating city. It’s on the mainland, just 5 miles from Venice proper. Getting to the city is half the fun – you can take a water taxi or water bus right from the airport dock!
Marco Polo is smaller than Malpensa but still offers plenty of international flights. It’s modern and efficient, with a single terminal that’s easy to navigate.
You’ll find lots of Venice-themed shops and cafes to get you in the mood for your Italian adventure. Don’t forget to grab a window seat on your flight in – the views of Venice and its lagoon are stunning as you land.
Turin Airport, known as Caselle Airport, is the gateway to the Piedmont region. It’s about 10 miles from Turin’s city center and easily reached by bus or train.
This airport is a bit smaller and cozier than the others, which can mean shorter lines and a more relaxed vibe. It’s especially busy during ski season, as it’s the closest airport to many popular Alpine resorts.
You’ll find all the basics here – duty-free shops, cafes, and car rental desks. There’s even a small aviation museum if you’re into that.
Bergamo Airport, officially called Orio al Serio International Airport, is often marketed as “Milan Bergamo.” It’s a hub for budget airlines and can be a great money-saving option if you’re heading to Milan or the Lakes region.
The airport is about 3 miles from Bergamo and 30 miles from Milan. Regular bus services connect both cities, making it easy to reach your final destination.
Despite its budget-friendly reputation, Bergamo Airport offers a surprisingly good range of shops and eateries. It’s smaller than Malpensa, which can mean quicker security lines and less walking between gates.
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Central Italy boasts several key airports, which serve as gateways to the region’s rich cultural treasures and stunning landscapes. These hubs connect travelers to iconic cities and offer easy acce
Florence Airport, also known as Peretola, sits just a few miles from the city center. It’s your ticket to the heart of Renaissance art and architecture. The compact size means you’ll breeze through check-in and security.
You’ll find flights to major European cities here. But remember, it’s not as big as Rome’s airport.
That means fewer long-haul options. Still, it’s handy if you’re heading to Florence or Tuscany.
Inside, you’ll spot a mix of modern amenities and Tuscan charm. Grab a quick espresso or browse duty-free shops before your flight. The airport’s close to town, so you can be at the Duomo in no time.
Bologna’s airport is a bustling hub in the Emilia-Romagna region. It’s bigger than Florence’s and offers more flight choices. You can easily reach the city’s famous porticos and food scene from here.
The airport has a sleek, modern feel. There are plenty of shops and eateries to keep you busy. It’s well-connected, too, with buses and taxis whisking you to Bologna’s center in about 20 minutes.
Bologna Airport serves as a base for some budget airlines. That means you can often snag cheap flights to other parts of Europe. It’s also a great starting point for exploring the whole region.
Pisa’s airport might surprise you. It’s bigger and busier than you’d expect for a small city.
That’s because it’s the main gateway to Tuscany for many travelers. You’ll find it just over a mile from the Leaning Tower.
The airport handles millions of passengers each year. It has flights to many European cities and even some long-haul routes. Inside, it’s modern and efficient, with all your needed services.
You can easily hop on a train from here to Florence or other Tuscan towns. Or grab a bus right to the Leaning Tower. It’s also a great choice if you plan to explore Tuscany by car, with plenty of rental options.
Italy’s southern regions and islands boast beautiful airports that welcome you to sun-soaked destinations. These gateways offer modern facilities and easy connections to explore charming coastal towns, historic sites, and stunning beaches.
Naples Airport is just 4 miles from the city center, making it super convenient for your Campania adventures. The recently renovated terminal has sleek shops and tasty restaurants. Grab a quick espresso before hopping on the Alibus to reach Naples in about 15 minutes.
You’re perfectly positioned from here to visit the Amalfi Coast or take a ferry to Capri. The airport handles over 10 million passengers yearly and offers many budget airline options to other Italian and European cities.
Don’t miss the airport’s observation deck – it offers amazing views of Mount Vesuvius on clear days. You might even spot celebs jetting off to their luxury villas!
Touchdown in Sicily at Palermo’s Falcone-Borsellino Airport, named after two famous anti-mafia judges. It’s 22 miles west of the city, nestled between the sea and mountains.
A sleek shuttle train whisks you to Palermo Central Station in 30 minutes. Inside the terminal, you’ll find colorful mosaics celebrating Sicilian culture. Grab some local treats like cannoli or arancini before your flight.
Palermo Airport is a gateway to Sicily’s treasures – from ancient Greek ruins to pristine beaches. It’s especially busy in summer when sun-seekers flock to the island. You might face some crowds, but the views of the turquoise Mediterranean make up for it!
Welcome to Sardinia! Cagliari Airport greets you with warm hospitality and modern amenities. It’s just 4 miles from Cagliari’s city center, making it a breeze to start your island getaway.
The airport’s design pays homage to Sardinia’s unique culture. As you go through the terminal, look for striking murals and sculptures by local artists. Duty-free shops offer Sardinian wines and cheeses—perfect souvenirs!
A train connects you to Cagliari in just 5-7 minutes. You can explore the island’s famous emerald waters and white sand beaches from there. The airport gets busy in peak season, so arrive early to soak in those relaxing Mediterranean vibes.
Bari Airport welcomes you to Italy’s sun-drenched Puglia region. Named after Pope John Paul II, it blends modern efficiency with southern Italian charm. It is about 5 miles northwest of Bari’s city center.
Inside, the terminal feels bright and airy. Relax at the Fly Lounge Bar with views of planes taking off. Hungry? Try some local Puglian specialties at the airport restaurants.
Trains zip you to Bari Central in just 15 minutes. From there, you’re set to explore Puglia’s whitewashed towns, olive groves, and stunning coastline.
Bari Airport is growing fast as more travelers discover this gem of southern Italy. You might face some construction, but it’s all part of making your future visits even smoother!
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Rome boasts two major airports that welcome millions of visitors each year. These bustling gateways offer different experiences and cater to various travel needs.
Rome Fiumicino, or Leonardo da Vinci Airport, is Italy’s busiest air hub. It’s about 32 km southwest of the city center. This massive airport handles over 40 million passengers yearly, making it your likely entry point for international flights.
Fiumicino has four terminals packed with shops, eateries, and services. You can easily reach Rome from here via:
The airport is a hub for Alitalia and serves over 100 airlines. You’ll appreciate its modern facilities and efficient layout, even during busy times.
If you’re flying a budget airline to Rome, you might land at Ciampino. This smaller airport sits just 12 km southeast of the city. It mainly handles low-cost carriers and some charter flights.
Ciampino is more basic than Fiumicino, but its compact size means shorter walks and quicker processes. You can get to Rome by:
While it lacks the amenities of its larger sibling, Ciampino makes up for it with convenience and speed. You’ll be in the heart of Rome in no time, ready to start your Italian adventure.
Italy’s smaller airports connect tourists to some of the country’s most beautiful and lesser-known regions. These airports offer convenience and charm, often with shorter lines and a more relaxed atmosphere than their larger counterparts.
In the northeast corner of Sardinia, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport is your gateway to the stunning Costa Smeralda. This stylish little airport welcomes you with a taste of Sardinian hospitality. You’ll love how easy it is to navigate – no long walks or confusing terminals here!
The airport’s design mirrors the area’s natural beauty, with lots of local granite and warm colors. It’s like stepping into a posh resort before leaving the airport. And talk about convenience – you’re just a quick drive from some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Olbia gets busy with tourists during summer, but it never feels overwhelming. You’ll find plenty of shops and cafes to grab a quick espresso or last-minute souvenirs. Try the local cheese at one of the airport’s cafes – it’s to die for!
Lamezia Terme Airport might be small, but it’s mighty important for Calabria. This airport is your ticket to exploring Italy’s toe, a region full of hidden gems and breathtaking coastlines.
You’ll feel the warm southern Italian vibe as soon as you land. The airport is modern and efficient but has a laid-back charm typical of Calabria. You’ll breeze through customs and baggage claims in no time.
What’s great about Lamezia is its central location. In just a few hours, you can be lounging on a beautiful beach, exploring ancient Greek ruins, or hiking in the rugged Sila mountains.
The airport has good connections to major Italian cities, making including Calabria in your Italian adventure easy. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of local Calabrian wine at the duty-free shop – it’s a perfect souvenir!
Reggio Calabria Airport might be tiny, but its location is unbeatable. Sitting right on the Strait of Messina, it offers some of the most spectacular views you’ll ever see from an airport runway. On a clear day, you can spot Sicily and Mount Etna!
This airport is perfect if you plan to explore Calabria and Sicily. It’s close to the city center; you can be at your hotel in just minutes. The compact size means you won’t waste time navigating huge terminals or waiting in long lines.
Reggio Calabria Airport is also your starting point for discovering the beautiful Costa Viola and Aspromonte National Park. You’ll love how easy it is to rent a car and start your adventure immediately.
Before you leave, try some local Calabrian specialties at the airport café. The ‘nduja (spicy spreadable sausage) is a must-try!
Italy has several airlines to choose from when planning your trip. ITA Airways, which took over from Alitalia in 2021, is today’s big player. They also fly to all the major Italian cities and many international spots.
If you’re looking to save some cash, Ryanair is your go-to budget airline. They’ve got tons of cheap flights connecting Italian cities and other European destinations. Just keep an eye out for extra fees!
Want more options? Check out:
Most major international airlines fly into Rome and Milan. Think big names like British Airways, Lufthansa, and Emirates. They have direct flights from all over the world.
For domestic travel, you’ve got plenty of choices. ITA Airways, Ryanair, and regional carriers like Air Dolomiti cover most routes between Italian cities. It’s usually pretty easy to find a flight that fits your schedule.
Pro tip: Book early for the best deals, especially when things get busy in summer. And don’t forget to double-check which airport you’re flying into—some cities have more than one!
Planning is key when flying into Italy. You’ll want to arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before international flights. This gives you ample time to get through security and find your gate without stress.
Don’t forget your passport! Ensure it’s valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date. You’ll need to show it multiple times, so keep it handy.
Pack light if you can. Many Italian airports have strict baggage limits.
Carry-on and personal items are usually allowed, but check your airline’s rules. Overpacking leads to extra fees and hassle.
Learn a few key Italian phrases. “Dove è il gate?” (Where is the gate?) and “Grazie” (Thank you) go a long way. Airport staff often speak English, but locals appreciate the effort.
Be ready for security checks. Have liquids in a clear bag, and remove electronics from your luggage. Wear slip-on shoes to make the process smoother.
Grab some euros before you leave the airport. While cards are widely accepted, cash is king for small purchases and taxis. ATMs are available, but exchange rates can be high.
Look for the tourist information desk. They offer maps, transport info, and local tips. Getting your bearings in a new city is a great first stop.
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Italy boasts several major airports that cater to international travelers. These hubs offer various amenities and connections to popular destinations across the country.
You’ll find plenty of options when flying into Italy. Rome-Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa are the biggest international gateways.
Popular choices include Venice Marco Polo, Naples International, and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi. Each serves different regions and offers unique advantages.
You’ll be glad to know that most Italian airports have staff who speak English. Signs and announcements are often in English too. But don’t be shy about trying some basic Italian phrases – the locals always appreciate the effort!
Rome-Fiumicino often has the best deals for long-haul flights. But Milan Malpensa can be cheaper if you come from elsewhere in Europe. It’s worth checking both and comparing prices with your final destination.
Rome-Fiumicino is your best bet for central Italy. It’s close to Rome and has great connections to Florence and Naples.
If you’re headed to the north, Milan Malpensa is ideal. Venice Marco Polo is perfect for exploring the northeast.
Italy has about nine major international airports, which is pretty standard for a country its size. Similar numbers are found in Spain and France. This means you’ve got plenty of options for your Italian adventure!
Rome-Fiumicino is the best place to visit the Eternal City. It’s big, modern, and just 30 minutes from the city center.
You can hop on a train or grab a taxi right outside. It makes getting to your first plate of pasta a breeze!
