Fun, mouthwatering food, and breathtaking landscapes perfect for your Instagram account are all waiting for you in Italy. This European paradise has all that it takes to make the ideal destination for your autumn break this year. Being one of the top-visited countries in the world, Italy is a tourist magnet, receiving millions of globetrotters every year.

However, the perfect vacation starts with planning every single detail, including where to land. Fortunately, Italy has an impressive number of international and domestic airports, connecting the world to each corner of the Italian territories.

What to Expect When Flying to Italy

Taking off to Italy is like a breath of fresh air, but it’s crucial to have your ducks in a row and know what’s what. Here are a few things to bear in mind:

Flights to Italy are Typically Long

The quickest flight from the US to Italy takes around 7 hours, but most flights usually take about 10 hours or even longer. However, if your plane is taking off from the UK, you will have a shorter flight. It usually takes 2-3 hours max to get to the land of pizza. Anyway, make sure you pack some comfy clothes and stuff to keep you entertained for the journey.

Several Airlines Fly to Italy

When choosing an airline for your journey to Italy, it is crucial to carefully evaluate both your price range and the level of service you desire. If you are seeking an affordable option, easyJet or Ryanair would undoubtedly be an excellent choice. Alitalia and British Airways may be better choices if you’re looking for a more luxurious flight.

It’s also important to consider the baggage fees, whether you want a direct flight or are you willing to make a connection, What amenities are available on the plane, such as food, drinks, and the number of stops during the flight.

Exchange to Euros

The only currency that is officially accepted in Italy is the euro (EUR). In Italy, you can turn your currency into euros at various places like banks, exchange bureaus, and even some hotels. Credit cards, debit cards, and cash are all widely accepted in Italy. But if you’re visiting a rural or less urban location, it’s better to keep some cash on hand in Euros, just in case.

Best Airports in Italy: 10 Ports of Entry to La Dolce Vita

Things like location, size, facilities, and transportation availability are crucial to keep in mind when choosing where to land in Italy to guarantee a convenient experience. Connolly Cove has graciously compiled a list of the crème de la crème of airports in Italy. Consider it your personal guide to navigating the Italian skies in style.

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport-Roma Fiumicino

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, also famously referred to as Fiumicino Airport, proudly holds the title of being Italy’s largest airport and stands as a prominent player among the top 10 busiest airports in all of Europe. Fiumicino, a charming town situated just 35 kilometres southwest of the centre of the eternal city, Rome, is where this airport is conveniently located.

The airport is named after the legendary Leonardo da Vinci, the brilliant Italian polymath renowned for his extraordinary contributions to the world of art, sculpture, and engineering. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport features all the comforts and conveniences expected of a world-class airport, such as convenient currency exchange offices and ATMs, duty-free shops, and highly-rated restaurants and bars.

Also, let’s not forget about the fancy-schmancy business centre and the kiddos’ playground that will make you wish you were a kid again. In case of emergencies, rest assured that there is a fully equipped first aid station and medical care unit readily accessible to provide immediate assistance.

Fiumicino Airport offers excellent transportation options to easily reach Rome’s city centre, including convenient train, bus, and taxi services. The Leonardo Express train is an incredibly efficient mode of transportation, whisking passengers from the airport to Rome Termini railway station in a mere 30 minutes. Additionally, convenient and reliable bus services are available for transportation between the airport and the bustling city centre.

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is a major hub for many airlines, including Alitalia, Ryanair, and EasyJet. Wherever your next destination is, you can take off from this airport since it offers flights to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Milan Malpensa Airport

Those heading to Milan from out of Italy will have three airport options; Milan Malpensa Airport is probably your best bet, though. This airport is like a bustling beehive of travel, where passengers come and go, leaving trails of wanderlust in their wake. As the busiest airport in northern Italy, Milan Malpensa Airport is a major transportation hub for the regions of Lombardy, Piedmont, and Liguria, as well as the Swiss canton of Ticino. The airport lies on the corner of Lombardy and Piedmont, 49 km northwest of Milan.

This magnificent air travel hub has witnessed a staggering 21 million passengers entering Italy through its gates in the year 2022 alone. It is worth noting that this airport serves as a significant cargo hub, efficiently handling an impressive volume of over 700,000 tonnes of freight in the year 2022.

Those huge numbers of travellers choose this airport as their arrival and departure point for many reasons. One of the biggest draws is the impressive array of amenities it offers, including a lot of shops, many restaurants and bars, convenient currency exchange services, and even a luxurious business lounge.

Orio al Serio International Airport

If you are planning a trip to Italy during the peak seasons, it is quite common for airports to experience a significant influx of travellers. Considering this, if you have concerns about potential overcrowding at Milan Malpensa Airport, you might want to consider Orio al Serio International Airport as a viable alternative. It’s also called Il Caravaggio International Airport, after the Italian painter Caravaggio, who was born in the nearby town of Caravaggio.

Orio al Serio is undeniably a prominent hub for low-cost carriers, boasting renowned airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air. It also provides service to a number of major airlines, including Alitalia, British Airways, and Lufthansa. 

The airport has excellent public transport connections to both Bergamo and Milan. A highly convenient bus service operates between the airport and Bergamo, with buses departing every 15 minutes. Additionally, travellers can also rely on a reliable train service that connects the airport to Milan, with trains departing every 30 minutes.

Not only does the airport flaunt a swanky passenger terminal, but it also comes with not one, but two roomy concourses. Talk about going above and beyond to make sure your travel experience is as smooth as butter! Not only will you find a delightful assortment of shops and restaurants, but the airport has also thrown in a fancy business lounge and a duty-free area for good measure. Because why settle for anything less than top-notch amenities and the chance to splurge on exclusive shopping? 

Vincenzo Bellini Airport

Visiting Catania is a must when going to Sicily; it’s the runner-up city on the picturesque island when it comes to size. Vincenzo Bellini Airport is the main airport serving Catania, and it’s one of the busiest airports in Italy, handling over 7 million passengers in 2022. The airport’s name honours a native son: opera composer Vincenzo Bellini.

Vincenzo Bellini Airport is an exceptional airport that offers a wide range of top-notch facilities, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience. Passengers can take advantage of our high-speed Wi-Fi, allowing them to stay connected and productive throughout their journey. 

Just like any top-notch airport, Vincenzo Bellini Airport provides convenient currency exchange services, making it effortless for travellers to handle their financial needs. Plus, it’s got a bunch of tasty food choices that’ll please all kinds of eaters. Getting to and from the airport is a breeze thanks to the extensive and dependable public transport network.

Vincenzo Bellini Airport offers a truly captivating experience due to its remarkable closeness to Mount Etna, an awe-inspiring active volcano. On a clear day, the breathtaking sight of Mount Etna welcomes Catania’s visitors, which is an unforgettable experience. 

Venice Marco Polo Airport

With the Venice Film Festival just around the corner, the floating city is rolling out the red carpet to greet a sea of tourists and visitors from every nook and cranny of the globe. Every year, millions of globetrotters flock to the enchanting city of Venice through two airports: The Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and The Antonio Canova Airport, or Treviso Airport (TSF). The Marco Polo Airport takes the cake as Venice’s nearest and grandest airport. 

If the name Marco Polo sounds familiar to you, that’s because the airport is actually named after the famous Venetian explorer Marco Polo. It is located in Tessera, about 12 kilometres from the city of Venice, which is a short ride. This airport is like a popular party spot for 57 airline companies, with over 11 million passengers joining the fun every year.

Getting to and from Venice Marco Polo Airport is incredibly convenient and hassle-free. An extensive range of reliable public transport options are available, such as buses and taxis. The airport is conveniently linked to the city through a highly efficient and reliable water taxi service.

Naples Capodichino Airport

When booking your ticket to Naples, make sure to choose the window seat, because the eye-bird view just before landing in this airport is unmatched! Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP) is the main airport serving Naples. It is located 5.9 kilometres north-northeast of the city centre. The airport is named after the nearby Capodichino district of Naples, and it is the fifth busiest airport in Italy and the busiest in Southern Italy. It serves a variety of domestic and international destinations.

The airport has a number of facilities, including shops, restaurants, bars, currency exchange, and car rental. There is also a business lounge and a VIP lounge. Naples Capodichino Airport is easily accessible by public transportation. There are a number of bus lines that connect the airport to the city centre. There is also a train station at the airport that provides connections to other parts of Italy.

Palermo Airport

Palermo Airport, also known as Falcone–Borsellino Airport, is the main airport serving Palermo, the capital of Sicily. It is located in the suburb of Punta Raisi, about 35 kilometres west of the city centre. The airport is named after two Sicilian judges, Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, whose lives were tragically cut short by the Sicilian Mafia in ’92.

Getting to the heart of Palermo from the airport is a breeze, whether you’re okay with public transport or prefer the luxury of a private car. If you’re looking to save some coins while making your way to Palermo’s city centre from the airport (and back), hop on the shuttle bus! In just about 40 minutes, it’ll whisk you away to the central station without putting a dent in your wallet. Another economic solution is taxi sharing, where you can kill two birds with one stone by sharing a taxi with fellow passengers, thus cutting the cost of the ride down to size.

Since Italy is proud of its train system, it’s also recommended considering taking the train from the railway station inside the airport. Every hour, there are two trains leaving the station, stopping at all the stations on the way between Punta Raisi and Palermo Centrale and arriving to their final destination in about 70 minutes. If you think that’s too long for a trip, you can get yourself a ticket for the other option that takes only 55 minutes with fewer stops.

Genoa Airport

Genoa Airport, widely recognised as Cristoforo Colombo Airport, stands as the primary airport serving the terrific city of Genoa and its neighbouring areas. The establishment is conveniently situated in the charming commune of Sestri Ponente, just a short 6-kilometer drive west of the bustling city centre. The airport boasts two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, seamlessly connected by a complimentary shuttle bus service.

The airport provides an extensive range of top-notch facilities and services, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Passengers can take advantage of complimentary Wi-Fi to stay connected throughout their journey. 

Additionally, the airport offers convenient currency exchange services, making it effortless for travellers to convert their money. Moreover, a diverse selection of delectable food and beverage options are available, catering to all tastes and preferences. Passengers flying business class or those who have purchased a lounge pass can enjoy the exclusive amenities of our luxurious business lounge.

Don’t forget to capture the breathtaking beauty of the sea below you before touchdown. It’s like a postcard-worthy moment just waiting to be snapped! The airport also has a number of gardens and green spaces, which make it a pleasant place to spend time before or after your flight.

Cagliari-Elmas Airport

Cagliari-Elmas Airport is as busy as a beehive in Sardinia, with a whopping 3 million passengers buzzing through its gates each year. It’s got a whole bunch of airlines in the mix, like Alitalia, Ryanair, and easyJet. The airport has two terminals, each catering to a different crowd—one for the homebodies flying domestically and one for the globetrotters taking on international skies. The airport also boasts a cargo terminal, adding another feather to its cap.

Getting to Cagliari-Elmas Airport is a piece of cake, whether you’re driving or taking public transport. You’re in luck! There’s a train that goes straight from the airport to the heart of Cagliari, and it’s as quick as a wink, taking just about 15 minutes. The airport also features taxis and bus service. 

When you land at Cagliari-Elmas Airport, you will be delighted to find a wide range of facilities, such as shops, restaurants, bars, a business centre, and a VIP lounge. Additionally, the airport offers free Wi-Fi access throughout its premises.

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport

The primary airport servicing Bologna, Italy, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, is Guglielmo Marconi Airport, just 6 kilometres northwest of the city centre. Named after the illustrious Guglielmo Marconi, a visionary Italian electrical engineer and Nobel laureate born in Bologna, this airport pays homage to his remarkable contributions to the world.

About 10 million passengers pass through Bologna’s Guglielmo Marconi Airport each year, even though it’s a medium-sized airport. The airport has lots of cool amenities like shops, restaurants, bars, currency exchange, and even a business centre, in addition to a free Wi-Fi network all over the place.

Travellers have a smorgasbord of options to reach the airport – whether they prefer the four-wheeled elegance of a car, the communal charm of a bus, or the locomotive allure of a train. The airport is located on the A1 motorway, which connects Bologna to Milan and Rome. 

Not in the mood for driving? No worries! The airport has got you covered with a bunch of bus lines that’ll whisk you away to the city centre in no time. Say goodbye to the hassle of driving and hello to convenience! On top of that, a train station is located just outside of the airport, making it easy to connect to other destinations in Italy and Europe.

Airports in Italy are a lot like the country itself: diverse, awesome, and full of personality. From the bustling Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome to the charming Genoa Airport, each airport has its own unique advantages. That’s why it’s important to compare your options before booking a ticket. Also, make sure to check out Connolly Cove’s Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations in Italy.