Italy is a treasure trove of art, architecture, fashion, and cuisine, attracting millions of tourists every year. With a rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, it's no wonder that Italy is a top destination for travelers. When planning a trip to Italy, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right airport to fly into. In this article, we'll explore the 5 best Italian airports to fly into, highlighting their pros and cons, and providing valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Italian Airports
Before we dive into the top 5 Italian airports, it's essential to understand the country's airport landscape. Italy has over 30 airports, ranging from small regional airports to major international hubs. Each airport has its unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Some airports are located near major cities, while others are farther away, requiring additional transportation to reach your final destination.
1. Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Located about 35 kilometers west of Rome's city center, Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport is Italy's largest airport and a major hub for Alitalia, the country's flag carrier. With over 40 million passengers passing through its gates every year, FCO is a bustling airport that offers a wide range of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and lounges.
Pros:
- Excellent connectivity to Rome and other European cities
- Modern facilities and amenities
- Wide range of flights to destinations worldwide
Cons:
- Congested airport with long lines and security checks
- Parking can be challenging, especially during peak season
Getting to Rome from FCO
FCO is well-connected to Rome's city center by various transportation options, including:
- Taxi: Approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic
- Train: Leonardo Express, a direct train to Rome's Termini station (30 minutes, €15)
- Bus: Various bus services, including the Terravision shuttle (30-40 minutes, €5-10)
2. Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Located about 50 kilometers northwest of Milan's city center, Malpensa Airport is one of Italy's busiest airports, serving over 20 million passengers annually. MXP is a major hub for Lufthansa, easyJet, and Ryanair, offering a wide range of flights to European and international destinations.
Pros:
- Excellent connectivity to Milan and other European cities
- Modern facilities and amenities
- Wide range of flights to destinations worldwide
Cons:
- Parking can be challenging, especially during peak season
- Some areas of the airport can be crowded and noisy
Getting to Milan from MXP
MXP is well-connected to Milan's city center by various transportation options, including:
- Taxi: Approximately 50-70 minutes, depending on traffic
- Train: Malpensa Express, a direct train to Milan's Cadorna station (30 minutes, €10-15)
- Bus: Various bus services, including the Autostradale bus (30-40 minutes, €5-10)
3. Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Located on the mainland, about 13 kilometers north of Venice's city center, Venice Marco Polo Airport is a popular airport for travelers visiting the Veneto region. VCE serves over 10 million passengers annually, offering a wide range of flights to European and international destinations.
Pros:
- Convenient location for visiting Venice and the surrounding region
- Modern facilities and amenities
- Wide range of flights to destinations worldwide
Cons:
- Some areas of the airport can be crowded and noisy
- Limited parking options
Getting to Venice from VCE
VCE is well-connected to Venice's city center by various transportation options, including:
- Taxi: Approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic
- Bus: Various bus services, including the ATVO bus (20-30 minutes, €5-10)
- Water Taxi: A direct water taxi to Venice's city center (30-40 minutes, €100-150)
4. Naples International Airport (NAP)
Located about 6 kilometers northeast of Naples' city center, Naples International Airport is a popular airport for travelers visiting the Campania region. NAP serves over 7 million passengers annually, offering a wide range of flights to European and international destinations.
Pros:
- Convenient location for visiting Naples and the surrounding region
- Modern facilities and amenities
- Wide range of flights to destinations worldwide
Cons:
- Some areas of the airport can be crowded and noisy
- Limited parking options
Getting to Naples from NAP
NAP is well-connected to Naples' city center by various transportation options, including:
- Taxi: Approximately 10-20 minutes, depending on traffic
- Bus: Various bus services, including the Alibus (10-20 minutes, €5-10)
- Train: A direct train to Naples' Centrale station (10-20 minutes, €5-10)
5. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ)
Located about 6 kilometers northwest of Bologna's city center, Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is a popular airport for travelers visiting the Emilia-Romagna region. BLQ serves over 7 million passengers annually, offering a wide range of flights to European and international destinations.
Pros:
- Convenient location for visiting Bologna and the surrounding region
- Modern facilities and amenities
- Wide range of flights to destinations worldwide
Cons:
- Some areas of the airport can be crowded and noisy
- Limited parking options
Getting to Bologna from BLQ
BLQ is well-connected to Bologna's city center by various transportation options, including:
- Taxi: Approximately 10-20 minutes, depending on traffic
- Bus: Various bus services, including the Aerobus (10-20 minutes, €5-10)
- Train: A direct train to Bologna's Centrale station (10-20 minutes, €5-10)
Gallery of Italian Airports
What is the best airport to fly into in Italy?
+The best airport to fly into in Italy depends on your destination. If you're visiting Rome, FCO is a good option. For Milan, MXP is a better choice. If you're heading to Venice, VCE is the closest airport.
How do I get to the city center from the airport?
+Most airports in Italy offer various transportation options to the city center, including taxis, buses, and trains. You can also book a private transfer or rent a car.
What are the airport codes for the top 5 Italian airports?
+FCO (Rome), MXP (Milan), VCE (Venice), NAP (Naples), and BLQ (Bologna).
In conclusion, choosing the right airport to fly into in Italy can make a significant difference in your travel experience. By considering factors such as location, transportation options, and airport facilities, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs. Whether you're visiting Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, or Bologna, we hope this article has provided you with valuable insights to help you plan your trip to Italy.