Choosing an airport in Italy is not always as simple as selecting the one named after your destination. Milan has three principal airports, Venice is also served by Treviso, and travelers heading to Florence may find better flights through Pisa or Bologna.
The cheapest airfare is not necessarily the best value. A distant airport can add several hours, multiple transfers and considerable expense to the journey. Before booking, compare the complete trip from the arrival terminal to your hotel.
Best Airports for Italy’s Most Popular Destinations
Rome: Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Milan city center: Milan Linate Airport (LIN)
International flights to Milan: Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Venice: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Florence: Florence Airport (FLR), with Pisa (PSA) and Bologna (BLQ) as alternatives
Bologna and Emilia-Romagna: Bologna Airport (BLQ)
Naples, Pompeii, Capri and the Amalfi Coast: Naples Airport (NAP)
Cinque Terre: Pisa Airport (PSA) or Genoa Airport (GOA)
Lake Como: Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Lake Garda: Verona Airport (VRN)
Dolomites: Venice (VCE), Treviso (TSF), Verona (VRN) or Bergamo (BGY)
Puglia and Matera: Bari Airport (BRI)
Lecce and southern Salento: Brindisi Airport (BDS)
Eastern Sicily: Catania Airport (CTA)
Western Sicily: Palermo Airport (PMO)
Southern Sardinia: Cagliari Airport (CAG)
Costa Smeralda and northeastern Sardinia: Olbia Airport (OLB)
Northwestern Sardinia: Alghero Airport (AHO)
Rome: Fiumicino or Ciampino?
Rome Fiumicino–Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) is the best airport for most visitors to Rome. It is Italy’s principal international gateway and offers the largest selection of long-haul flights, including numerous connections from the United States.
The Leonardo Express provides a direct rail connection between the airport and Roma Termini. Regional trains also serve Roma Trastevere, Roma Ostiense and Roma Tiburtina, which may be more convenient for travelers staying outside the immediate Termini area.
Fiumicino is normally the best choice for:
• Central Rome and Vatican City
• International and connecting flights
• Civitavecchia cruise departures
• Ostia and the coast west of Rome
• Onward travel to Florence, Naples and other major cities
Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA) is smaller and used primarily by European low-cost airlines. It can be worthwhile when the fare is substantially lower, but it does not have a railway station inside the terminal. Travelers generally use a bus, taxi or combination of bus and train.
For a first visit to Rome—especially after an overnight flight—Fiumicino is usually the easier arrival airport.
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Milan: Malpensa, Linate or Bergamo?
Milan is served by three airports, and the differences between them are considerable.
Milan Linate Airport
Linate Airport (LIN) is the closest airport to central Milan. The M4 metro connects the terminal with the city, making Linate particularly convenient for short stays, business trips and travelers arriving from another Italian or European city.
Linate is the best choice when proximity to central Milan matters more than having a wide selection of long-haul flights.
Milan Malpensa Airport
Malpensa Airport (MXP) is Milan’s principal intercontinental gateway and the most likely arrival airport for passengers flying directly from North America.
The Malpensa Express connects both airport terminals with Milano Centrale and Milano Cadorna. Check the final destination displayed on the train before boarding because the services do not all follow the same route.
Malpensa is generally best for:
• Long-haul flights to Milan
• Lake Maggiore
• Como and the western side of Lake Como
• Connections toward Switzerland
• Travelers continuing from Milano Centrale
Milan Bergamo Airport
Bergamo Airport (BGY), officially Orio al Serio International Airport, is frequently advertised as Milan Bergamo. It is actually located beside Bergamo, approximately 50 kilometers from central Milan.
Airport coaches connect the terminal with Milano Centrale, but traffic can affect travel times. Bergamo is a sensible choice when the airfare is considerably lower or when visiting Bergamo, Brescia or eastern Lombardy.
For central Milan, Linate is the most convenient. For intercontinental flights and western Lombardy, Malpensa normally wins. For inexpensive European flights, Bergamo can offer good value.
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Venice: Marco Polo or Treviso?
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the best airport for most visitors staying in Venice.
Buses connect Marco Polo with Piazzale Roma, the final point in historic Venice accessible by road. From there, travelers can walk, take a vaporetto or continue by water taxi.
Alilaguna airport boats serve selected stops around Venice and its lagoon. They provide a scenic arrival, although the journey is generally longer than traveling by bus to Piazzale Roma.
A private water taxi is the most memorable option, but it is also the most expensive. Its convenience depends on whether the hotel has a suitable landing point.
Treviso Airport (TSF) is used primarily by low-cost airlines. It is located near Treviso rather than Venice, with coaches connecting the airport to Venice and Mestre.
Choose Marco Polo for the easiest arrival. Choose Treviso when the airfare or schedule offers a meaningful advantage, and allow additional time for the ground transfer.
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Florence and Tuscany: Florence, Pisa or Bologna?
Florence Airport–Peretola (FLR) is close to the city and connected with central Florence by tram. It is the most convenient choice when a suitable flight is available.
However, Florence Airport has a smaller flight network than Pisa or Bologna. Travelers may find more convenient schedules and lower fares at either alternative.
Pisa International Airport
Pisa Airport (PSA) is particularly convenient for:
• Pisa and Lucca
• Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi
• The Tuscan coast
• Western Tuscany
• Cinque Terre
• Florence when the flight is substantially better
The PisaMover connects the terminal with Pisa Centrale station. Trains continue from there to Florence, Lucca, La Spezia and other Tuscan destinations.
Bologna Airport
Bologna Airport (BLQ) can be an effective alternative because Bologna Centrale and Firenze Santa Maria Novella are connected by frequent high-speed trains. The Marconi Express links Bologna Airport with the central railway station.
For a trip limited to Florence, FLR is the easiest. For Pisa, Lucca, the Tuscan coast and Cinque Terre, PSA is usually better. For an itinerary combining Bologna and Florence, BLQ may be ideal.
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Bologna and Emilia-Romagna
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is one of Italy’s most strategically located airports.
It is the natural gateway to Bologna, Modena, Parma, Reggio Emilia, Ferrara and much of Emilia-Romagna. Bologna Centrale is a major high-speed railway hub with direct connections to Florence, Milan, Venice, Rome and the Adriatic coast.
Bologna is particularly suitable for travelers planning a food-focused journey through Emilia-Romagna. A rental car can be useful for countryside restaurants and small producers, but it is unnecessary for Bologna and the principal cities along the railway.
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Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast
Naples International Airport (NAP) is the principal airport for:
• Naples
• Pompeii and Herculaneum
• Sorrento
• Capri and Ischia
• Positano, Amalfi and Ravello
• Caserta and the surrounding area
The Alibus connects the airport with Napoli Centrale and the port area. From Napoli Centrale, travelers can continue toward Pompeii and Sorrento using local rail services. Ferries for Capri, Ischia and other coastal destinations depart from Naples and nearby ports.
Reaching the Amalfi Coast requires more planning. Depending on the destination and season, the journey may involve a train to Salerno, a ferry, a bus or a private driver.
Sorrento is normally approached from the Naples side. Amalfi, Ravello, Vietri sul Mare and other towns on the eastern side of the coast may be easier to reach through Salerno.
Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport (QSR) receives a developing selection of flights and may be convenient for Salerno and the southern side of the coast. Naples nevertheless remains the most dependable choice because of its larger flight network.
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Cinque Terre and the Ligurian Coast
Cinque Terre does not have its own airport. Pisa Airport is frequently the most practical choice because travelers can reach Pisa Centrale and continue by train toward La Spezia.
Genoa Airport (GOA) is another useful option, particularly for itineraries beginning in Genoa, Portofino, Camogli or Santa Margherita Ligure.
For the Cinque Terre:
• Choose Pisa for La Spezia, Riomaggiore and the southern villages
• Choose Genoa for Genoa, Portofino and the northern Ligurian coast
• Compare the complete rail journey before booking the flight
A car is rarely helpful inside the five villages. Trains and seasonal ferries are normally more practical.
Lake Como, Lake Garda and the Italian Lakes
Milan Malpensa is generally the best international airport for Lake Como. Travelers can continue through Milan or use regional rail connections, depending on the town where they will stay.
Linate can also work well when the flight is convenient, particularly for travelers spending several days in Milan before visiting the lake.
Bergamo may suit Lecco and the eastern side of Lake Como, but it is not automatically the easiest choice for Como, Bellagio or the western shore.
For Lake Garda, Verona Airport (VRN) is normally the most convenient. It is well positioned for Verona, Peschiera del Garda, Sirmione and the southern lake. Bergamo may work for the western side, while Venice can be considered for the eastern shore.
Lake Como and Lake Garda are both large. Reaching a town on the opposite shore can add considerable travel time, so choose the airport according to your specific hotel location.
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Which Airport Is Best for the Dolomites?
There is no single Dolomites airport. The best option depends on the valley or resort.
Venice Marco Polo and Treviso are often convenient for Cortina d’Ampezzo and the eastern Dolomites.
Verona, Bergamo and Bologna may work better for Trentino, the western Dolomites and areas approached through Bolzano or Trento.
Travelers visiting Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Canazei or Madonna di Campiglio should compare seasonal shuttle services, car-rental costs and the complete driving distance from each airport.
Public transportation is possible, but it frequently requires a combination of train and bus. A rental car offers greater flexibility, especially when staying in a smaller village.
Puglia and Matera: Bari or Brindisi?
Bari Airport (BRI) is the principal gateway to central and northern Puglia. It is generally best for:
• Bari
• Polignano a Mare and Monopoli
• Alberobello and the Valle d’Itria
• Trani and Castel del Monte
• Gargano
• Matera in neighboring Basilicata
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Brindisi Airport (BDS) is usually better for:
• Lecce
• Otranto
• Gallipoli
• Southern Salento
• The southern Adriatic coast
• Ostuni and the southern Valle d’Itria
Ostuni lies between Bari and Brindisi, so the best choice may depend on the flight schedule and whether you intend to rent a car.
Matera does not have a commercial airport. Bari is normally the most convenient gateway, with bus, private-transfer and car-rental options available.
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Sicily: Catania, Palermo, Trapani or Comiso?
Sicily is much larger than many first-time visitors expect. Driving from one side of the island to the other can consume a substantial part of a day, making the choice of airport particularly important.
Catania Airport
Catania Airport (CTA) is best for:
• Catania
• Taormina
• Mount Etna
• Syracuse and Ortigia
• Noto and the southeastern Baroque towns
• Much of eastern Sicily
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Palermo Airport
Palermo Airport (PMO) is best for:
• Palermo
• Cefalù
• Monreale
• Scopello and the Zingaro Nature Reserve
• Northwestern Sicily
• Connections toward Agrigento from the western side
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Trapani Airport
Trapani Airport (TPS) can be convenient for Trapani, Erice, Marsala, San Vito Lo Capo and the Egadi Islands. Its flight network is more limited than those of Palermo and Catania.
Comiso Airport
Comiso Airport (CIY) serves southeastern Sicily and may be convenient for Ragusa, Modica, Scicli and nearby coastal areas when a suitable flight is available.
For an itinerary covering both eastern and western Sicily, consider arriving at Catania and departing from Palermo—or the reverse. This open-jaw strategy avoids unnecessary backtracking.
Sardinia: Cagliari, Olbia or Alghero?
Sardinia has three principal airports, each serving a different part of the island.
Cagliari Airport
Cagliari Airport (CAG) is best for:
• Cagliari
• Chia and Pula
• Villasimius
• The southern coast
• Oristano and parts of central Sardinia
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Olbia Airport
Olbia Airport (OLB) is best for:
• Costa Smeralda
• Porto Cervo
• San Teodoro
• Palau and La Maddalena
• Northeastern Sardinia
Alghero Airport
Alghero Airport (AHO) is best for:
• Alghero
• Sassari
• Stintino
• Northwestern Sardinia
Travel between northern and southern Sardinia takes time. If the itinerary covers the entire island, arriving at one airport and departing from another may save several hours of driving.
For ideas beyond the island’s best-known northern resorts, read Italia Mia’s guide to Cagliari, Chia and the southern coast of Sardinia.
Turin, Piedmont and the Aosta Valley
Turin Airport (TRN) is the natural choice for Turin, Piedmont’s wine country and many western Alpine destinations.
It may also be useful for the Aosta Valley, although transfer times to individual mountain resorts should be checked carefully. Milan Malpensa provides more international flight choices, but the ground journey may be longer.
For Barolo, Alba, Asti and rural wine areas, renting a car is often helpful. Central Turin itself is easier to visit without one.
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Trieste and Northeastern Italy
Trieste Airport (TRS) is the main gateway to Trieste and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. It is also worth considering for destinations near the Slovenian border.
The airport has a railway station providing regional connections. Venice remains the region’s largest international gateway, but Trieste can reduce ground-transport time when an itinerary does not include Venice.
Verona Airport is better for Verona, Lake Garda, Mantua and parts of Trentino.
Umbria, Marche and Abruzzo
Perugia Airport (PEG) is convenient for Perugia and Assisi when a suitable flight is available, but its schedule is limited. Rome Fiumicino, Florence and Pisa are common alternatives for Umbria.
Ancona Airport (AOI) serves the Marche region, including Ancona and the Adriatic coast. Bologna can provide a larger selection of flights for northern Marche.
Abruzzo Airport (PSR), near Pescara, is useful for the central Adriatic coast and parts of Abruzzo. Rome offers more international connections, but travelers must include the journey across the Apennines.
Calabria: Lamezia Terme or Reggio Calabria?
Lamezia Terme Airport (SUF) is Calabria’s principal airport and is generally best for Tropea, Pizzo and much of central Calabria.
Reggio Calabria Airport (REG) is more convenient for Reggio Calabria, Scilla and the southern tip of the region. It can also be considered for travelers continuing toward Messina in Sicily.
Crotone Airport (CRV) has a more limited route network but can be useful for destinations along Calabria’s Ionian coast.
Should You Fly to Rome or Milan and Continue by Train?
Many travelers from the United States arrive through Rome Fiumicino or Milan Malpensa and continue to another Italian city by train.
Rome, Florence, Bologna, Milan, Venice and Naples are connected by high-speed services. Continuing by train can be easier than changing planes, particularly because the principal railway stations are located in city centers.
Do not book a restrictive train ticket immediately after an international arrival. Immigration, baggage delivery and flight delays make tight connections risky.
Italia Mia’s first-time guide to traveling Italy by train explains train operators, reservations, validation and luggage.
When Should You Rent a Car at the Airport?
A rental car is useful for rural Tuscany, the Puglian countryside, Sardinia, Sicily, Calabria, the Dolomites and smaller towns with limited public transportation.
It is normally unnecessary—and frequently burdensome—for central Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, Bologna and Naples. Historic centers often have restricted-traffic zones known as ZTLs, while parking can be expensive and difficult.
A sensible strategy is to travel between major cities by train and rent a car only for the rural part of the trip. A traveler visiting Florence and the Tuscan countryside, for example, can collect a car when leaving Florence rather than immediately upon arrival.
Airport Booking Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume that an airport marketed with a city’s name is actually inside that city. Milan Bergamo and Venice Treviso are the best-known examples.
Check the airport code before paying. Rome Fiumicino is FCO, while Ciampino is CIA. Milan’s airports use MXP, LIN and BGY.
Check the arrival time of late flights. Public transportation may be reduced or unavailable after midnight.
Research the final destination rather than only the nearest major city. Lake Como, Lake Garda, the Amalfi Coast, the Dolomites, Sicily and Sardinia all require more precise planning.
Include the complete ground-transport cost when comparing fares. Several bus and train tickets—or a late-night taxi—can eliminate the savings offered by a cheaper flight.
When renting a car, confirm that the airport office remains open for your arrival. Late collection may require an additional fee or become impossible after a delayed flight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airports in Italy
What is the best airport to fly into for a first trip to Italy?
Rome Fiumicino is generally the most practical arrival airport for an itinerary beginning in Rome or continuing toward Florence or Naples. Milan Malpensa is usually better for Milan, Lake Como and northern Italy.
Which Italian airport has the most international flights?
Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa are Italy’s principal intercontinental gateways. The better choice depends on whether the itinerary concentrates on central and southern Italy or northern Italy.
What is the best airport for Florence?
Florence Airport is the closest and most convenient. Pisa and Bologna are useful alternatives when they offer substantially better flight schedules or fares.
What is the best airport for the Amalfi Coast?
Naples is the principal airport for the Amalfi Coast. Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport may be closer to certain towns, but its flight network remains more limited.
What is the best airport for Cinque Terre?
Pisa is often the most convenient airport for La Spezia and the southern Cinque Terre villages. Genoa can be better for Monterosso and a wider Ligurian Coast itinerary.
Is it better to fly into Catania or Palermo for Sicily?
Choose Catania for Taormina, Mount Etna, Syracuse and southeastern Sicily. Choose Palermo for Cefalù, Trapani, San Vito Lo Capo and western Sicily. For a journey across the island, arrive at one airport and depart from the other.
Can I travel between major Italian airports and cities by train?
Several major airports have rail or metro connections, including Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Bologna, Pisa and Trieste. Others require a bus or taxi to reach the nearest central station.
Choosing the Right Italian Airport
There is no universally best airport in Italy. Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa offer the broadest international networks, but a regional airport may save hours when it is close to the traveler’s actual destination.
For a city-focused itinerary, prioritize direct public transportation. For islands, countryside and mountain regions, compare driving distances, seasonal transportation and car-rental availability.
When visiting several regions, consider an open-jaw itinerary that arrives at one airport and departs from another. Flying into Catania and home from Palermo, for example, can make a journey across Sicily considerably more efficient.
The best decision is rarely based on airfare alone. Add the cost, time and difficulty of reaching your accommodation, and the most practical airport usually becomes clear.
External Sources
Rome Fiumicino train transportation information
Official Milan Malpensa train connections
Official Venice Marco Polo transportation information
Official Bologna Airport and Marconi Express information
Trenitalia official journey planner
Italian Civil Aviation Authority
