Italy is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Millions of people flock here each year to immerse themselves in this sun-kissed paradise. Aside from that, Italy is home to plenty of architectural wonders too. And let’s not forget that it is here where plenty of artists congregate with multiple art galleries to feast your eyes on.
Top 13 Airports In Italy
That One Needs To Know About
In addition, Italy is home to delicious local cuisine too. Everywhere you look, there is always something new to try. Also, the locals are quite friendly which is why it is not hard to imagine why tourists make it a point to visit this amazing country.
A Quick Dive to Italy
Italy is a European country that boasts a long Mediterranean coastline. Rome, which is its capital, is where you will find the seat of the Catholic faith which is the Vatican. In addition, this is where you will find plenty of ancient structures and buildings. Exploring the streets of Rome can give you a glimpse of its past and how it has changed in these modern times.
Aside from that, there are other cities in Italy that you should consider visiting. For example, you can head to Florence where you will find Renaissance artworks. Among these are Michelangelo’s “David” and the Duomo by Brunelleschi. You can also visit Venice where you can go on a gondola ride along the canals. And if you are into fashion then you definitely need to visit Milan.
The Best Airports in Italy
If you are planning on visiting Italy then you need to figure out which of the Italy airports you are going to land in. For starters, there are nine main airports in the country that will take you to their most popular cities. Aside from that, there are smaller ones too for domestic travel. Let’s take a look.
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Leonardo Da Vinci Fiumicino Airport
Tourists who are visiting one of the biggest cities in the country will land at the Leonardo Da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport. This is the biggest airport that you will find in Italy that services Rome. In fact, it is the one that handles most of the international flights coming into the country. After all, it is one of the major international airports in Italy. Just imagine that this airport handles more than 40 million passengers each year. This is why you should expect it to be pretty crowded since it has always been a popular choice.
The airport itself opened in 1961. There are four terminals here and the first three are for domestic flights. Meanwhile, Terminal 4 is for long-haul flights. Although this is a busy airport, its modern facilities ensure that you don’t have to spend a long time waiting in line for check-in or in customs. In addition, you will not wait long for your baggage to arrive.
What makes Rome Fiumicino Airport a logical choice for most travelers is its close proximity to the capital. In fact, you can easily take their public transport or rail to get to the capital’s hubs from the airport. There is a shuttle service available at the airport that will take you to your destination. The shuttle bus is quite comfortable too and convenient to take for connecting transport to the city.
In addition, there is a direct train from here to the main train station in Rome. It is also possible to rent a car from here. In fact, there are several rental companies to choose from. This airport is just 30 km away from the heart of Rome which is why tourists disembark here.
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Ciampino – G.B. Pastine International Airport
Meanwhile, Rome Ciampino Airport is another option to consider if you are heading to Rome. Although it is smaller than Leonardo Da Vinci Airport, it is closer to the center of the capital. This means that you will spend less to get to the city center. Thanks to its smaller size, it will not get crowded.
Aside from that, this Rome airport cuts your expenses significantly. For example, you will only pay a flat rate of €44 for a taxi where the travel time is only 25 minutes from the airport to the city. On the other hand, you can also opt for their bus and pay a minimum of €4 for an hour-long drive.
However, because of its small size, it does have its drawbacks too. For starters, it only processes budget airlines. This means that if you are on board long-haul flights or are one of the major airlines, you will not be able to use this airport. You will find this airport at Orio al Serio with the airport code of BGY.
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Milan Malpensa International Airport
Malpensa Airport is one of the most important airports in the country. It is also the second busiest airport. Nestled in the fashion city of Milan, Malpensa welcomes more than 18 million travelers through its doors each year. Considered to be second to the largest airport in Italy, Malpensa is just 50 km from the city centre.
There are two terminals here that cater to both domestic and international flights. Terminal 1 is where they process most of the flights both within and outside just like the United States. It is also here where you will find direct flights to different parts of Europe. Meanwhile, Terminal 2 is only for the budget airline called Easyjet. If you are looking for cheap flights in and out of Italy, this is a good option to consider.
Although this airport is not near the city of Milan, getting there is a breeze. For starters, you can opt to ride a taxi to the city which will cost you €95 only. This is a flat fee so there is no need to worry about overpaying your taxi driver. Travel time is roughly around 45 minutes but this will depend on the traffic.
Another option is to hop on the Malpensa Express train at the airport. This will connect you to the Milan train station. It will take you around 50 minutes to reach your destination. On the other hand, you can also take the bus where you will need to pay €10.
Once you have reached the city, it will be easier for you to explore the area. Don’t forget to visit the Italian Alps which are quite famous.
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Milan Linate Airport
Travelers to Milan can also opt for the Milan Linate Airport. One of the advantages of this airport is that it is much closer to the city. This means that the cost of transportation will be significantly smaller. However, since it is a small airport, there are only a few airlines flying in and out. There are about a dozen airlines that are operating outside of Milan Linate. Most of them are flights going around Europe only. Still, this airport processes around 9 million passengers each year which is impressive.
But don’t let its small size fool you. Even though it has just one terminal, it has plenty of food, drinks, and shops to offer which you can expect at a busy airport. To get to Milan, you can ride a taxi for a flat rate of €55. This is as long as your final destination is the city itself. The best part is that it will take you around 20 minutes to get to the city. On the other hand, if you are looking for a cheaper alternative then opt for their bus service instead. It will only cost you €2 for a half-hour ride to the city proper.
If you wish to access the Milano Centrale Station, then take the connecting train from the airport. This will take you to Rome quickly from Milan. In addition, you can also reach Lake Como through this airport. You will need to take the Malpensa Express to Saronno and then ride the train to Como.
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Orio al Serio International Bergamo Airport
The Milan Bergamo Airport is the third option available for travelers heading to Milan. This large airport has two runways available making it a popular destination for Milan travelers. However, in terms of proximity to Milan, you are better off with the first two airports. On the other hand, if you are heading to Bergamo then you are in luck. After all, this airport is closer to Bergamo than Milan.
Ryanair airlines has the most flights traveling to and from this airport. However, there are others that operate outside of it including Air Italy, British Airways, Alitalia, and Wizz Air. This means that there is no shortage of options for you to choose from.
Aside from that, traveling to Milan from Bergamo Airport is not difficult at all. You will, however, pay a higher travel fee, especially if you are renting a taxi. The flat-rate fee here will cost you more than €100. Also, the travel time will take you around 50 minutes or so. If you are on a budget, then go for their bus service which will only cost you €5 for a one-way trip to Milan. However, be prepared for a longer time on the road when using this option.
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Pisa International Airport
Pisa International Airport was the primary airport of the military from the 1930s to the 1940s. Although it still serves the military, they have also added commercial flights here. The Pisa Airport is the primary airport of Pisa and has processed more than 5 million passengers each year. The locals also call it the Galileo Galilei International Airport. It is a tribute to the renowned philosopher and mathematician.
Travelers heading to Pisa are in for a treat. After all, it is here where you will find the leaning Tower of Pisa. Stories abound that it was here where Galileo conducted his experiment on two different objects of different masses. His goal was to see if they fall at the same speed or not. If your goal is to see this iconic landmark then you will most likely pass through this airport.
However, one of the major drawbacks to using Galileo Galilei airport is that it only services flights around Europe. This means that if you are traveling outside of Europe then you will not be able to use this airport. You can get a connecting flight from a European country if you like, but this will take longer. Still, it will be worth it once you see the Leaning Tower of Pisa and other attractions.
On a good note, Pisa Airport is close to the city so traveling there is quite cheap. You can rent a taxi with a minimum fare of €15. It will take you 10 minutes or so to reach the city proper from the airport. Aside from that, there is also the Pisa Mover train service. This was launched recently which will connect you to the central train station. If you are heading to La Spezia, this airport is the best way to access it.
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Venice Marco Polo Airport
Venice Marco Polo Airport lies between Bergamo and Venice. In fact, if you want to see the city of canals, this is a good option to consider. As was mentioned before, Venice is famous for its gondolas not to mention the architecture. It is also suitable for those who are traveling to Lake Garda. That said, some travelers to Milan also use this airport to take them to the city even though it is a bit further away.
Venice airport is a larger airport that opened a new terminal back in 2002 which has since been used by most passengers. Aside from that, several major and budget airlines fly in and out of this airport like American Airlines. Its two runways can get pretty busy since there are more than 12 million passengers passing through here each year. The official name of the airport was a tribute to the great explorer Marco Polo.
In addition, this airport is just 8 km away from Venice’s downtown. This means that it will take a few minutes to get here from the airport. There are car rentals available at the airport or you can ride a taxi if you prefer. Buses are also available. Aside from that, you can also go on a boat ride to Venice, but this will take longer for sure. The fees will vary depending on which option you are going for.
Travelers who will be passing through Venice Marco Polo Airport but are heading to Milan will pay extra to get to the city. After all, travel time will be longer depending on the traffic. A taxi ride will cost you around €30.
Aside from this international airport, there is also the Treviso Airport. However, this is only for low-cost airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair.
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Naples International Airport
One of the Italian airports that you can head to is the Naples International Airport. This is the only airport servicing Naples in Southern Italy which is why it can get pretty busy here. After all, Naples is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. This city is best known for its rich history, including the advancements it has made over the years. Aside from that, Naples gave birth to the Neopolitan pizza which you don’t want to miss while you are here.
This airport served the military back in the 1950s. Although this airport only has one runway, it is still able to process up to 10 million passengers each year. It is a smaller airport compared to others, but its size is not a problem. Aside from being the perfect place to land for a trip to Naples, this is also the best option if you want to see Pompeii or Capri.
Several airlines use this airport for connecting flights both in and out of Europe. In fact, you will find flights here from airlines like Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, and Air France to name a few. Aside from that, this airport is just 6 km away from the city of Naples which is a plus. This means that you will save more on transport fees regardless of whether you use a rental car, go on a taxi ride, or even the bus. Taxi fare is roughly around €25 but travel time will be much shorter. It is possible to visit the Amalfi Coast through this airport. However, many prefer to travel from Rome since it is relatively cheaper.
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Catania Fontanarossa Airport
Catania Airport is the busiest airport that you will find on the island of Sicily. It lies southwest of the second-largest city in Sicily which is Catania. Aside from that, it is just 6 km away from Catania City and serves as the gateway to the eastern portion of the island. It has a single terminal that processes both domestic and international flights. More than 6 million passengers pass through this airport each year. This is why it is one of the busiest airports in the country.
Meanwhile, because of the growing number of passengers heading here, the airport opened a new terminal in 2008. This is to accommodate the passengers as well as replace the old terminal too. In addition, Catania Airport is also busy with cargo which is why there are plans for expansion. This is not surprising since it is near the Mediterranean and the port.
Aside from that, the airport has launched its own rail station. Their railway station helps connect passengers to different trains traveling to the eastern coast of Sicily. It is also possible to rent a taxi from the airport. It will cost you €30 to travel from the airport to the city of Catania. This is the most efficient means of getting to the city, but you can also take the bus if you prefer.
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Genoa Airport
If you are planning to visit Northern Italy, you can head to Genoa Airport. This airport stands on an artificial peninsula and acts as a hub for Volotea. Genoa, or Genova, is Italy’s most important port not to mention the capital of Liguria. This area runs from Sanremo to the west and Cinque Terre to the east.
There is only one terminal in this airport but it has two floors. The Arrivals hall is downstairs while the Departure Airport is on the second floor. Aside from Genoa Airport, it is also possible to reach Genoa from Turin Airport, Pisa Airport, and Bologna Airport.
If you are driving a rental car, it will only take you 10 minutes to reach the city center. On the other hand, it is also possible to ride the bus which is cheaper. Of course, the fastest and most convenient way to reach your destination is via a taxi. This will cost you around €20. The best part is that you can book your taxi at the airport. This way, it will be less hassle on your part to get a ride to the city.
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Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport
If you are looking at airports in Sardinia, you will find that there are three options available. Olbia, which lies to the north is the most popular since it is also the largest of the three. It is also just 4 km away from the city center making it the closest airport to head to. This means that you will be closer to the main attractions since it will only take you a few minutes to reach the city.
What’s great about this airport is that it services both domestic and international flights. Among the airlines that you will see here are Easyjet, Volotea, and Condor. Aside from that, the airport has several amenities for the comfort and convenience of the passengers. There are bars, restaurants, and even business facilities. ATMs are available too so you can cash in if you are running low on funds.
Aside from Olbia, another option to consider is the Alghero Airport. However, this airport only services low-cost airlines. This means that if you are flying internationally or on one of the major airlines, you will end up in Olbia. Still, Alghero Airport is perfect if you want to see the city of Alghero in Sardinia.
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Florence Airport
Florence attracts around 2 million travelers each year. This is not surprising as this city in Tuscany is best known for its art and culture. In fact, Things to do in Florence are one of the best things you can do! Quite literally, the Florence Museum is a must to go see! Fortunately, this airport is quite capable of handling the number of tourists flocking to the city even with its small size.
Florence Airport only has one runway. This means that it can only handle a limited number of connecting flights. Aside from that, the main airline that services this airport is Vueling. On a good note, there are other airlines operating here too like Air France and British Airways.
The airport was built in the 1930s but underwent a major renovation during the 90s. This was to accommodate the growing number of passengers and introducing new amenities. That said, this is a fairly modern airport that will take you close to the city of Florence.
In fact, this is one of the nearest airports that you can head to if you want to visit the city. Getting to the city will not be hard to do. You can take a taxi which will cost you around €20. The journey will take around 15 minutes give or take depending on the traffic. If you are looking for cheaper options, then you can try the train or bus. A train ticket will cost €6 and a bus ticket will be €2. However, travel time will take longer so you should weigh your options.
I think you should definitely visit the Duomo in Florence, as I think it is one of the masterpieces there!
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Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport
Bologna International Airport is the main airport that services the city of Bologna. It is just 7 km from the city which means getting there will be easy. The airport services around 9 million passengers each year. However, the numbers have dropped significantly because of the pandemic.
There is only one terminal in this airport but it makes up for it with its amenities. There are Duty-Free shops, ATMs, free Wi-Fi, restaurants, and cafeterias. Aside from that, transport services are also available. For example, you can opt to ride the bus to the city or just rent a car if you want to drive. You can also rent a taxi to take you to the city center which will take half an hour at least. There is also the train service which is another way to reach the city and see the sights.
Tips to Consider When Visiting Italy
Knowing which airport to head out to when visiting Italy for the first time is half the battle. The other is learning all there is to know about this country. Exploring Italy for the first time is an exciting experience. After all, this country is rich in history, culture, and food too. From Roman structures to delicious cuisines, and impressive beaches, it’s hard not to fall in love with the place.
That said, it can also be overwhelming if you are traveling here for the first time. If you are planning on visiting Italy, here are a few pointers to consider.
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Dinner is at 7:30
The locals don’t eat dinner late at night. However, this doesn’t mean that you will not find shops opening a little later in the evening. Some restaurants, especially those outside tourist hotspots, often open around 6 to 7 in the evening. Aside from that, restaurateurs often take a casual approach when running their business. This means that they tend to open and close whenever they please.
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Immerse Yourself in Art
It is not surprising that travelers tend to stick to seeing the ancient structures in Italy. Not only that, but shopping here is a favorite pastime for foreigners too. However, you don’t want to miss out on the impressive artwork that this country is known for. In fact, you should make it a point to see the art scene.
The Vatican is a good place to start your art exploration. After all, the galleries here house an impressive collection of Renaissance to Modern paintings. Among the highlights are the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and the Birth of Venus by Botticelli. Mona Lisa, anyone?
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Spend a Day in Venice
Venice is one of the most romantic cities in Italy. In fact, couples often travel here to enjoy the boat rides along the canals. Not only that, the restaurants and shops here have excellent offerings too. But if you are planning on spending more than a day here, you might want to reconsider.
Spending a day or two is enough to fully appreciate the floating city. However, the higher costs during the summer months can put a dent in your pockets. Even if you travel here during winter, you will be dealing with closed shops and restaurants.
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There is No Shortage of Public Restrooms
One of the things that you will love about Italy is that they have plenty of public restrooms. You are probably used to heading to the nearest fast food or restaurant to use their restroom back home. In Italy, you will not have to do that anymore. What’s great about this is that these restrooms are always clean and sanitized. Now, you don’t have to pretend that you are a customer just to use the restroom.
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Skip Cappuccino After Breakfast
Italians are sticklers to what can be eaten during specific times of the day. For example, the locals do not want to drink cappuccinos after breakfast. They don’t like mixing hot milk with their full stomach. Although this doesn’t mean that you can’t have one after breakfast, just be prepared for the side glances that you will get from them. Some might even venture out to explain why you shouldn’t have this drink after breakfast. On a good note, espresso is suitable to drink at any time of day.
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Cover Up When Visiting the Vatican
It doesn’t matter if you are a follower of the Catholic religion or not, you will need to abide by the rules while in the Vatican. This means covering your shoulders and your legs at all times. Guests who are wearing inappropriate attire will not be able to enter their galleries. It is always a good idea to wear long pants or skirts and a jacket while you are here. This way, you will be able to see the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Gardens, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
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Don’t Order Pizza while in Florence
It is a common misconception that Italy, as a whole, has the best pizza, pasta, and gelato. In fact, many order pizza regardless of whether they are in Florence or some other city. However, there are more than 20 regions in Italy. Each one of these regions has its own specialty.
For example, Rome is best known for its Carbonara. Meanwhile, Amalfi Coast is where you will find the best Limoncello. If you are looking forward to eating the best pizza then you need to be in Naples.
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No Need to Tip at Restaurants
Another tip that you should keep in mind is don’t tip at restaurants. One reason behind this is that employees are well paid. Also, they are often part of the family that operates the restaurant. However, there are a few add-ons to your bill which you should be aware of. For example, there is the “coperto” which charges you per person sitting at the table. Aside from that, there is also the “servizio” which is not uncommon in tourist hotspots. This can cost around 10 to 20 percent of your total bill.
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Spend an Extra Day
It is not a bad idea to spend an extra day in Italy. Sure you have seen the Sistine Chapel or taken a cruise down Amalfi Coast. But there is always something new to add to your itinerary. In fact, adding one more day to your trip here will be a day well spent.
Wrapping Up Top 13 Airports In Italy
There is no doubt that Italy is one of the best places to visit in Europe. With its pleasant weather, stunning architectural wonders, and amazing food, it’s hard not to fall in love with the place. That said, knowing which airport you need to head out to can be overwhelming at times.
If you want to know which airport is ideal for you, you can use this post as your guide. This way, you can choose depending on where you will be heading in Italy. Take note that some airports have limitations in terms of available flights. Make sure that you double-check if there are direct flights from your country to here.
Once you get to Italy, the rest will be history. After all, there is so much to see and do here that you will not run out of options. As was mentioned before, there are more than 20 regions here. This means that you will have lots of places to visit during your trip. It doesn’t matter if you will start out in Rome or head to Sardinia, you will have a great time here.
