Last updated: 17 October 2026
Flying into Italy is usually straightforward, but choosing the right airport and knowing how to get into the city can save time and money. This guide covers the main airports, how to find better fares, and the most practical transfers.
Main Airports in Italy
Rome
- Fiumicino (FCO) – Leonardo da Vinci
The country’s busiest airport and the best choice for most international visitors. Excellent train connections to Rome Termini and good onward links across Italy. - Ciampino (CIA)
Used mainly by low-cost airlines. Smaller and further from the centre. Transfers take longer and can be less convenient late at night.
Milan
- Malpensa (MXP)
Main international airport for northern Italy. Ideal if you are heading to Milan, the Italian Lakes, or the Alps. - Linate (LIN)
Closer to the city centre and useful for short-haul European flights. - Bergamo (BGY) – Orio al Serio
Popular with low-cost carriers. About an hour from Milan by bus.
Venice & the North-East
- Venice Marco Polo (VCE) – Main airport for Venice.
- Treviso (TSF) – Low-cost alternative, further from the city.
Southern Italy & Islands
- Naples (NAP) – Best gateway for the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Pompeii.
- Catania (CTA) and Palermo (PMO) – Main airports for Sicily.
- Other useful airports: Bologna, Pisa, Florence (limited flights), Bari and Brindisi (Puglia).
How to Find Cheaper Flights to Italy
- Be flexible with dates — Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays are often cheaper than Fridays and Sundays.
- Compare airports — Flying into Milan or Rome and taking a high-speed train can be cheaper than flying directly to a smaller city.
- Open-jaw tickets — Fly into one city and out of another (for example Rome in, Venice or Milan out). This is very common and often good value.
- Book early for peak season — Summer, Easter and Christmas/New Year fill up and prices rise.
- Check both full-service and low-cost airlines — Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways and Emirates all fly to Italy.
- Compare current offers on our Flight Deals page.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Rome Fiumicino → City Centre
- Leonardo Express — Non-stop train to Roma Termini (about 32 minutes). Runs frequently.
- Regional trains — Cheaper but slower and make more stops.
- Taxi — Fixed fare to the historic centre (check the official rate at the taxi rank).
- Private transfer / Uber — Convenient if you have lots of luggage or arrive late.
Milan Malpensa → City Centre
- Malpensa Express — Train to Milano Cadorna (about 40 minutes) or Milano Centrale (about 50 minutes).
- Bus — Cheaper but can take longer depending on traffic.
Venice Marco Polo
- Alilaguna water bus — Scenic but slower.
- Land bus + vaporetto — Usually the best balance of price and time.
- Water taxi — Fast and beautiful, but expensive.
Naples
- Alibus to Napoli Centrale station, then train or ferry for the Amalfi Coast / Sorrento.
Practical Tips
- Allow extra time at Fiumicino and Malpensa in summer and holiday periods — passport control and security can be slow.
- If your flight arrives late at night, check the last public transport times. You may need a taxi or pre-booked transfer.
- Low-cost airlines often use secondary airports (Ciampino, Treviso, Bergamo). Always factor in the extra transfer time and cost.
- Once in Italy, high-speed trains (Frecciarossa and Italo) are usually faster and more comfortable than domestic flights for distances under 4–5 hours.
Related Italy Guides
Italy Travel Guide · Visa Guide · Itineraries · Where to Stay · Flight Deals
