If you’re considering traveling to Italy, you’re probably wondering about the best airport. With 77 airports, you might be overwhelmed by the options. If you’re flying from outside Europe, there are only a few major airports to consider.
We’ve compiled a list of the major international airports in Italy. Read for information to help you decide!
Table of Contents
Milan Malpensa Airport – MXP
Located in northwestern Italy, Milan Malpensa Airport (IATA code MXP) is a great choice.
There are 3 Milanese airports to choose from. However, this is the largest airport for international travelers in Italy.
Since it’s about 45 minutes from the city center of Milan, it’s also convenient if you’re going to other places. For instance, you may want to fly here if you’re going to Lake Como or Switzerland.
Bergamo Airport – BGY
One of the most popular airports in northern Italy is the Bergamo Airport (IATA code BGY) outside of Milan. This airport is closer to Bergamo than Milan.
If you want to visit Bergamo, this is the best airport for you. It’s about an hour from Milan. This makes it a bit of a drive, but worth it if you can find an affordable flight!
Milan Linate Airport – LIN
One of the smallest Italian airports is Milan Linate Airport (IATA code LIN). A lot of people like it because it’s so close to the heart of Milan. However, because of its small size, they don’t have a ton of flights. It’s better for people jetting in for work rather than international travelers.
Venice Marco Polo Airport – VCE
Venice Marco Polo Airport (IATA code VCE) is a great airport in northeastern Italy. It’s situated just a few miles outside Venice so it’s super easy to get to the city without renting a car. It’s also quite affordable if you take the bus!
While Venice has transportation by train, there are no train stations at the airport.
Naples International Airport – NAP
If you want to explore the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy, fly into Naples Airport (IATA code NAP). This airport has flights from several major airlines. If you have a preferred airline, chances are pretty good you’ll be able to catch a flight to Naples.
Leonardo da Vinci International Airport – FCO
If you’re visiting the capital city of Rome, you’ll have two airports to choose from. Also known as Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo da Vinci Airport is one of the busiest airports in Italy.
Located about half an hour from the city center, this busy airport has a lot to offer. It has great dining and shopping options. It’s one of the most popular airports in Italy for good reason.
Rome Ciampino Airport – CIA
Rome Ciampino Airport (IATA code CIA) is one of the oldest airports still in operation. It’s not as modern and sleek as other airports, but it is cool to visit!
This small airport only works with budget airlines. This is great if you want to save some money! However, you may want to splurge for a nicer airplane if you’ll be on it for hours.
Cagliari Elmas Airport – CAG
Sometimes called Mario Mameli Airport, Cagliari Airport (IATA code CAG) is in Sardinia. After arriving at the airport, you can hop on a train and be at the city center in 10 minutes.
Several airlines utilize this airport, making it easy to book a flight here.
Turin Airport – TRN
Turin-Caselle Airport or Sandro Pertini Airport (IATA code TRN) is a great airport. It’s perfect for international flights into northwestern Italy. This newer airport is about a 45-minute bus ride from the city center. However, the train will get you there in 20 minutes.
Catania Airport – CTA
Catania Fontanarossa Airport (IATA code CTA) is Sicily’s busiest airport. Most of its international flights come from other parts of Europe. This makes it perfect if you choose to get a connecting flight to a European country!
It’s located just 3 kilometers from the city center of Catania, making it very accessible.
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport – BLQ
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (IATA code BLQ) is a modest airport in Bologna. While it is nice, it’s also simple. This is great for travelers who sometimes get overwhelmed in airports.
It’s about 15 minutes from central Bologna, making it easy to get to the city from the airport.
Palermo Airport – PMO
Located in Sicily, Palermo Airport (IATA code PMO) serves over 6 million passengers a year. It stays pretty busy and is a great option if you’re traveling to Palermo.
They don’t have any direct flights from the US so you’d have to plan on having a layover.
Pisa Airport – PSA
Originally a military airport, Pisa International Airport (IATA code PSA) has commercial flights. However, you’d have to fly in from other countries in Europe. This is great if you were hoping to spend a couple of days in Europe instead of flying straight through.
You may also be able to save money by having a layover instead of booking a direct flight.
Bari Airport – BRI
Also called Karol Wojtyla, Bari Airport (IATA code BRI) is on the Adriatic Coast in southern Italy. It’s a busy urban area, however, it doesn’t see as many tourists as other cities in Italy.
Built in the 1930s, this airport has an interesting military history. Fortunately, they’ve updated it throughout the decades so it is still pretty nice. If you’re flying into one of Italy’s major cities, it’ll be easy to choose an airport. If you don’t mind connecting flights in Europe, you have even more options.
Look at your itinerary and budget to figure out which flight is perfect for you! This is the best way to choose an airport when traveling to Italy.
Author: Britt
I am Britt. I have been house-sitting and pet-sitting for the past seven years. I have cared for 25 dogs, 35 cats, one turtle, and one rabbit over 80+ houses in 15 countries.
The opportunity to experience different homes, cultures, and communities has been extraordinary.
I’ve connected with homeowners seeking reliable sitters through house-sitting platforms like Aussie House Sitters and Trusted House Sitters. This unique way of living has allowed me to save money on accommodation, explore new cultures, and meet new people.
Being a member of these platforms has broadened my horizons and opened doors to short- and long-term house-sitting jobs. I’ve found joy in providing excellent pet care and ensuring the home is well-maintained.
I get many questions about how to start as a housesitter, so please reach out if you have any questions! I want everyone to enjoy this incredible lifestyle as well!
You can read more about Jay and me here!
Or connect with me on Facebook or in our house-sitting community on Facebook.
