Major Airports in Italy: Key International & National Hubs

Buongiorno, travelers! Max here, your navigator to the dynamic world of Italian international airports, the gateways that connect the charm of Italy with the rest of the globe.

Prepare for takeoff as we embark on a detailed exploration of Italy’s major airports. This will assist you in deciding which airport is best suited for your travel plans.

Key Italian International Airports

Italy, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty, has a comprehensive network of airports, each providing access to various domestic and international destinations. 

Key Airports in Italy:

• Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (Rome): Italy’s premier airport in terms of passenger traffic, offering a vast selection of global flights. It serves around 40 million passengers each year.
• Malpensa Airport (Milan): A busy airport and major international hub in the northern region, accommodating a large volume of travelers.
• Marco Polo Airport (Venice): Well-positioned to connect you to the charm of the Venetian canals.
• Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport: Provides the gateway to Florence and the heart of Tuscany.

Region	Airport Name	Notable For
Rome	Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino	Italy’s busiest airport
Milan	Malpensa Airport	Northern Italy’s key international airport
Venice	Marco Polo Airport	Proximity to Venetian attractions
Tuscany	Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport	Access to Tuscan landscapes and art

Recently, Italian airports have seen significant advancements in infrastructure to cater to a growing influx of international travelers.

Each airport provides points of arrival and departure and hubs that reflect the nation’s commitment to modernization while preserving its historical ethos.

Airports in Northern Italy

Flying into Northern Italy offers an array of airports, facilitating access to different regions, including Lombardy, Piedmont, and Emilia-Romagna.

These airports connect international and domestic passengers with major Italian cities through dependable ground transportation options such as buses, trains, and taxis.

Milan Malpensa Airport

The largest airport in Lombardy, Milan Malpensa Airport, serves a high volume of international passengers.

Situated 50 km northwest of Milan, this airport offers flexible options for traveling to and from it by bus, taxi, or train.

If your travel plans include visiting Lake Como or Lake Garda, this airport is also a convenient starting point.

• Airport Code: MXP
• Distance from the City’s Center: Approximately 48 km (30 miles) northwest of central Milan.
• Transportation Options: The Malpensa Express train to Milan Cadorna station, buses, taxis, car rentals, and a shuttle service connecting to other airports. Expect an approximately one-hour travel time to reach the city.
• Number of Terminals: Two terminal buildings, Terminal 1 for most commercial traffic and Terminal 2 primarily for low-cost airlines and charter flights.
• Facilities Available: Cafes, restaurants, duty-free shops, banking services, car rental companies, VIP lounges, and free WiFi. Facilities for disabled passengers are also available.
• Airlines Operated: Hosts a range of airlines, including EasyJet, Neos, Ryanair, Wizz Air, and VistaJet. Terminal 2 is a major hub for EasyJet.
• Typical Destination Range: Domestic, international, and intercontinental destinations, with frequent flights to major European cities and long-haul flights to places like the United States and China.
• Official Website

Milan Linate Airport

Milan Linate Airport is the closest airport to the city center, just 7 km away. It mainly handles domestic and short-haul international flights. If you’re flying here, you can quickly reach central Milan via bus or a taxi.

• Airport Code: LIN
• Distance from the City’s Center: This airport is located just 7 km (4 miles) east of the city of Milan.
• Transportation Options: Buses to Milan city center and other destinations, taxis, car hire with driver service, private transfers. Note there is no direct train service to the city center, but buses can connect passengers to Milan Central Station.
• Number of Terminals: One large terminal building.
• Facilities Available: Shops, restaurants, cafes, VIP lounge, free WiFi, information and tourist desks, banks, ATMs, currency exchange, car rental services, facilities for disabled passengers.
• Airlines Operated: Includes major airlines like ITA Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air Europe, Alitalia, Air France, Austrian Airlines, Iberia, Meridiana, and KLM.
• Typical Destination Range: Domestic and international flights, with popular destinations in Europe and Italy. 
• Official Website

Turin Caselle Airport

Turin Airport, known as Aeroporto di Torino-Caselle, is located in Piedmont. It serves visitors flying into the Turin area. Once you land, the city center is conveniently accessible via bus or train.

• Airport Code: TRN
• Distance from the City’s Center: Approximately 16 km (9.9 miles) north-northwest of Turin.
• Transportation Options: Trains, buses, taxis, car rental, and ride-share services like Uber and Lyft.
• Number of Terminals: One terminal.
• Facilities Available: Shops, restaurants, VIP lounges, banking and currency exchange services, car rental companies, and facilities for disabled passengers.
• Airlines Operated: Air Dolomiti, Air France, British Airways, easyJet, ITA Airways, KLM, Ryanair, and Vueling, among others, offer both regular scheduled and seasonal flights.
• Typical Destination Range: Domestic flights across Italy and international flights across Europe and to select destinations beyond.
• Official Website

Milan Bergamo Airport

Also known as Orio al Serio International Airport, Bergamo Airport is an important entry point for low-cost airlines in Lombardy. Around 45 km from Milan, it provides bus and train services to get you to your final destination after you land.

• Airport Code: BGY
• Distance from the City’s Center: About 5 km from Bergamo and 45 km from Milan.
• Transportation Options: Shuttle services, taxis, buses, and car rentals are available for convenient access to and from the airport.
• Number of Terminals: One terminal.
• Facilities Available: The airport offers a range of services, including banking, ATMs, car rentals, and facilities for disabled passengers. It also has a variety of shops and dining options.
• Airlines Operated: The airport hosts numerous airlines, including Ryanair, AeroItalia, Air Arabia, and easyJet, serving many destinations across Europe and beyond.
• Typical Destination Range: Mostly European destinations, with Ryanair as a significant operator offering extensive routes.
• Official Website

Verona Villafranca Airport

Verona Villafranca Airport, often called Valerio Catullo Airport (VRN), is another vital airport in Northern Italy. It assists those looking to explore the allure of Verona or move on to other destinations. You can easily fly into Verona and find bus services to the city center or nearby areas.

• Airport Code: VRN
• Distance from the City’s Center: 10 km southwest of Verona city center.
• Transportation Options: Bus, taxi, train, and car rental services.
• Number of Terminals: Two (Terminal 1 for departures, Terminal 2 for arrivals).
• Facilities Available: Restaurants and cafés, free Wi-Fi, ATMs, currency exchange, information desk, medical services, shops, duty-free, pharmacy.
• Airlines Operated: Neos, Volotea, Air Dolomiti, Ryanair, Aer Lingus, British Airways, EasyJet, and others.
• Typical Destination Range: Domestic and international destinations across Europe.
• Official Website 

Venice Marco Polo Airport

Arriving at Venice Marco Polo Airport is about 8 miles (13 km) from the city center. This airport serves the city of Venice and the surrounding region, offering a unique experience. You can opt for a water taxi to deliver you directly to the city. 

Buses and train connections are also available for your convenience as you fly in and immerse yourself in the Venetian atmosphere.

• Airport Code: VCE
• Distance from the City’s Center: 8 miles (about 13 km) from Venice city center.
• Transportation Options: Water taxis, public ferry (Alilaguna), bus services (ACTV line 5, ATVO express coach), and car rentals.
• Number of Terminals: One terminal with three floors: ground floor for arrivals, second for departures, and third for offices.
• Facilities Available: Check-in desks, lounges (“Tintoretto Lounge” for SkyTeam passengers and “Marco Polo Room” for other passengers), shops, restaurants, and duty-free areas.
• Airlines Operated: Various international and domestic flights, including Aer Lingus, Air France, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, easyJet, Emirates, Ryanair, and many others.
• Typical Destination Range: European and intercontinental destinations.
• Official Website 

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport

Lastly, Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport in Emilia-Romagna is the primary entrance for visitors to this culturally rich region. It’s around 6 km northwest of Bologna city center, and bus, taxi, and train services are readily available for passengers who land here.

• Airport Code: BLQ
• Distance from the City’s Center: Approximately 6 km (3.7 miles) northeast of central Bologna.
• Transportation Options: Aerobus services to Bologna train station and the city center, taxis, and car rentals.
• Number of Terminals: One, housing 24 departure gates.
• Facilities Available: Shopping areas, a new baggage handling system, banks, ATMs, bars, restaurants, shops, information desks, business, VIP, family, first aid, and special needs services.
• Airlines Operated: Aegean Airlines, Air Albania, Air Dolomiti, Ryanair, Emirates, and many others, offering both scheduled and charter flights.
• Typical Destination Range: Many cities in Italy, as well as destinations across Europe and beyond.
• Official Website 

Central Italy Airports

Central Italy, home to the historic region of Tuscany and the bustling city of Rome, offers several international airports. These airports provide a gateway to the iconic cities of Florence, Pisa, and Rome, ensuring convenient travel to and from this vibrant heart of Italy.

Pisa International Airport

Located in Tuscany, the Pisa International Airport (known as Galileo Galilei Airport) is the region’s main airport and an essential hub for tourists visiting the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Serviced by bus and train, your travel to nearby cities such as Florence is seamless. As an important facility in Central Italy, the airport accommodates numerous international flights and provides an array of services ensuring your journey starts and ends comfortably.

• Airport Code: PSA
• Distance from the City’s Center: Approximately 1 km from Pisa city center.
• Transportation Options: Buses, taxis, train (people mover to Pisa Central Station), and car rentals.
• Number of Terminals: One passenger terminal for all international and domestic flights.
• Facilities Available: Restaurants, cafeterias, shops, duty-free, Wi-Fi, baby care facilities, and a VIP lounge.
• Airlines Operated: Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, Jet2.com, and others, with seasonal and regular flights to various destinations.
• Typical Destination Range: Major cities across Europe and select international destinations.
• Official Website 

Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport

Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport, with its convenient location and range of airlines, serves as a key gateway to the Tuscany region, offering various transport links to the city and beyond.

• Airport Code: FLR
• Distance from the City’s Center: Approximately 4 km northwest of Florence city center.
• Transportation Options: Florence light-rail network, bus line operated by Autolinee Toscane to and from the central railway station, taxis.
• Number of Terminals: One terminal, with recent expansions to accommodate increased passenger and airline operations.
• Facilities Available: Shopping areas, police helicopter station, check-in desks, and public use areas.
• Airlines Operated: Aegean Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Air France, British Airways, ITA Airways, KLM, Swiss International Air Lines, Vueling, and others, offering both scheduled and seasonal flights.
• Typical Destination Range: Local and foreign destinations, including major cities in Europe.
• Official Website 

Roma Fiumicino

As the largest airport in Italy, Roma Fiumicino, or Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport, is international travelers’ primary gateway to Rome. The airport operates multiple terminals with extensive flight connections and has facilities to accommodate millions annually.

Roma Fiumicino sees the highest traffic volume nationally and acts as the main international airport for ITA Airways following Alitalia’s succession.

Upon landing, you can reach Rome’s city center by direct train, bus, or taxi. With a perfect blend of advanced infrastructure and meticulous organization, Rome Fiumicino Airport ensures a pleasant start to your Roman adventure.

• Airport Code: FCO
• Distance from the City’s Center: 25 km (16 miles) southwest of Rome.
• Transportation Options: Trains (Leonardo Express to Termini Station), buses, taxis with fixed fares, rental cars, and private transfers.
• Number of Terminals: There are four passenger terminals, but as of now, Terminals 1 and 3 are operational.
• Facilities Available: A wide range of services, including restaurants, cafeterias, duty-free shops, ATMs, currency exchange, a personal shopper service, and free luggage trolleys.
• Airlines Operated: Major hub for ITA Airways and a focus city for Vueling, Neos, Wizz Air, and Ryanair.
• Typical Destination Range: National and foreign destinations across the globe.
• Official Website 

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Roma Ciampino

Roma Ciampino, officially known as Ciampino Giovan Battista Pastine Airport, is one of the oldest airports in operation. It’s a major hub for low-cost carriers.

Easily accessible by bus, taxi, or even a private car, Rome Ciampino is a smaller airport that offers an intimate and efficient experience for your travel to Rome, allowing you to fly into the heart of Italy easily.

• Airport Code: CIA
• Distance from the City’s Center: 12 km southeast of central Rome.
• Transportation Options: Bus, taxi (with a fixed tariff of €30 to central Rome), train service via Ciampino Airlink, and car rentals.
  Number of Terminals: One terminal.
• Facilities Available: ATMs, currency exchange, lost luggage services, information counters, baby care rooms, accessible toilets, and various shops and dining options.
• Airlines Operated: Low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air offer flights to various European destinations.
• Typical Destination Range: Primarily local and European destinations.
• Official Website 

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Southern Italy Airports

In Southern Italy and its surrounding islands, various airports serve as key gateways for travelers. These hubs offer modern amenities and connectivity to major cities and picturesque coastal areas, ensuring you can explore the region right after you land.

Naples Airport

Naples International Airport (NAP), or Aeroporto di Napoli-Capodichino, is your gateway to the Campania region and the enchanting Amalfi Coast.

Located just 7 km northeast of Naples, the city center is easily reached by bus or taxi. It’s the ideal starting point if you plan to visit Naples or fly to the beautiful islands of Capri and Ischia.

• Airport Code: NAP
• Distance from the City’s Center: Approximately 7 km north of Naples city center.
• Transportation Options: Alibus shuttle bus to central Naples and the port, taxis with fixed fares, private transfers, and car rentals.
• Number of Terminals: One terminal (Terminal 1) handling all domestic and international flights.
• Facilities Available: Shops, restaurants, bars, free WiFi, ATMs, information counters, car rental services, and a post office.
• Airlines Operated: Major airlines and low-cost carriers including Ryanair, EasyJet, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, and British Airways, among others.
• Typical Destination Range: Domestic cities across Italy, major European capitals, and international destinations.
• Official Website

Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport

When you fly to Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (BRI), commonly called Palese Airport, you land in the Puglia region, known for its whitewashed hill towns and century-old farmland.

Situated about 8 km northwest of Bari, the airport has convenient bus and taxi services that can take you to the city or further into the Salento area.

• Airport Code: BRI
• Distance from the City’s Center: Approximately 8 km northwest of Bari city center.
• Transportation Options: Bus, taxi (approximately 25 minutes to the city center), train (Bari Metropolitan Railway Service connects the airport with Bari Centrale railway station), and car rentals.
• Number of Terminals: One terminal building.
• Facilities Available: ATMs, currency exchange, car rental offices, free Wi-Fi, restaurants, and cafeterias.
• Airlines Operated: Ryanair, Wizz Air, Air Dolomiti, British Airways, easyJet, and others, serving regular, seasonal, and charter flights.
• Typical Destination Range: Local and global destinations across Europe and beyond.
• Official Website 

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Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport

As Sicily’s main airport, Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO) offers access to Palermo and the country’s rich historical tapestry. The Palermo airport, accessible by bus and taxi, lies 35 km west of the city and serves as a key hub for visitors keen to explore the island’s cultural sites.

• Airport Code: PMO
• Distance from the City’s Center: About 35 km (22 miles) from Palermo city center.
• Transportation Options: Train (Punta Raisi station connecting to Palermo Central), bus, taxi, and car rentals.
• Number of Terminals: One terminal with multiple levels for arrivals and departures.
• Facilities Available: Baggage carts, shops, and restaurants, ATMs, duty-free stores, post office, currency exchange, car rental desks, police station, free Wi-Fi.
• Airlines Operated: Major and low-cost carriers, including Ryanair, Aegean Airlines, ITA Airways, British Airways, easyJet, Volotea, and many others.
• Typical Destination Range: National and international flights across Europe and North Africa and seasonal long-haul flights.
• Official Website 

Catania Fontanarossa Airport

Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), located on the east coast of Sicily, is the main airport on the island. It is the fastest way to reach destinations like Mount Etna or Taormina.

The airport is just 4 km southwest of Catania, and you can catch a bus or taxi to your final destination on the island, making it a convenient choice for travelers. 

• Airport Code: CTA
• Distance from the City’s Center: Approximately 4.3 km southwest of Catania city center.
• Transportation Options: Taxi, train (with a station at the airport connecting to Catania Central Station), bus services, and car rentals.
• Number of Terminals: One terminal with multiple levels.
• Facilities Available: Shops, restaurants, VIP lounge, car rental desks, free Wi-Fi, banking services, and a post office.
• Airlines Operated: Includes major carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, and many others offering scheduled, seasonal, and charter flights.
• Typical Destination Range: Domestic and international destinations across Europe and beyond.
• Official Website 

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Cagliari Elmas Airport

To discover Sardinia, Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) is your entry point. It lies approximately 7 km northwest of Cagliari and is well connected by bus and taxi to the city center.

Fly here and be mesmerized by Sardinia’s various landscapes, from tranquil beaches to rugged mountains.

• Airport Code: CAG
• Distance from the City’s Center: About 7 km from Cagliari city center.
• Transportation Options: Train (Elmas Aeroporto railway station), bus services, taxis, and car rentals.
• Number of Terminals: One terminal
• Facilities Available: Restaurants and bars, shops, a bank, money exchange, ATMs, an executive lounge, medical facilities, and car rental services.
• Airlines Operated: Ryanair, easyJet, Volotea, and others, offering both scheduled and seasonal flights.
• Typical Destination Range: Local and international destinations across Europe and major cities.
• Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the major international airports in Italy?

Italy is well-served by a comprehensive network of airports, ensuring easy access to various destinations within the country. There are nine major international airports serving the main urban centers:

• Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport
• Ciampino–G.B. Pastine Airport
• Milan Malpensa Airport
• Milan Linate Airport
• Orio al Serio International Bergamo Airport
• Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport
• Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport
• Venice Marco Polo Airport
• Napoli-Capodichino Airport

Which Italian airport is typically the most affordable for flights from the USA?

Milan’s Malpensa Airport is often considered one of the most affordable Italian airports for flights from the USA, though prices can vary based on the season and airline.

Which airports in Italy are the most popular for travelers?

Travelers often favor Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport and Milan’s Malpensa Airport due to their extensive connectivity and range of services.

How can I find a map showing all of the international airports in Italy?

A map of all international airports in Italy can be easily found through Italy’s tourism websites or specialized aviation resources.