Italy has 77 airports in total. However, not all of them present convenient options for international travelers. You can find 9 major airports in Italy international tourists can enjoy during any season. The biggest airport is Roma Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci airport), which we will cover in greater detail a bit later.
The country receives over 200 million tourists at its airports annually. It is very easy to find an airport nearby to your destination when traveling to Italy. However, not all of them offer same benefits and price ranges. Some scenarios suggest that sometimes it is better to fly into an airport a bit further away from your destination.
This article below will cover all the main airports in Italy. You will understand their operating times, availability, busyness, navigation, and basically everything you may need for your next flight.
9 major airports in Italy
Italy is a well-known tourist destination due to its mild climate and many historical attractions. You’re sure to have a great time, no matter what your vacation plan is.
There are nine international airports that serve the major cities of Italy. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Some are located far away from the cities they serve, while others are small enough that there is limited flight options.
Below is a guide that provides summaries for each of the nine major airports in Italy. This will help you plan your vacation and select the best airport to take you there and back.
These are the 9 major airports in Italy:
- Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino (Rome)
- Ciampino-G.B. Pastine (Rome)
- Pisa International Airport (Pisa)
- Peretola Airport (Florence)
- Milan Malpensa (Milan)
- Milan Linate Airport (Milan)
- Orio al Serio International Airport (Bergamo)
- Naples International Airport (Naples)
- Marco Polo Airport (Venice)
Leonardo da Vinci/ Roma Fiumicino – main airport in Rome Italy
Distance from the city center: 30 km
Busyiness: 40 million passengers annually
Main airlines: most airlines included
Airport code: FCO
This is the largest international airport in Rome that handles the most flights. It also is the nation’s busiest airport, Europe’s eleventh-busiest and 49th-busiest international airport with over 43.5 million passengers served every year.
The headliner among the large airports in Italy was opened in 1961. It is divided into four terminals. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are the main bases for most flights within Italy, while Terminal 4 is used for international long-haul flights. Throughout the day and at night, flights depart from any of the four runways.
The wait times to check in and collect your baggage and go through customs should not be too long. Approximately, it will take at least two hours to clear security. Hopefully, you’ll face shorter waiting times once ETIAS visa waiver for US citizens rolls out in 2025. But until then, if you are flying from Terminal 5 to an American or Israeli airport, it will take you even longer than usual. So, give yourself at least three hours.
It is located approximately 30 km (18 miles) away from downtown. There are several transport options available to get you there, including a train ride that lasts an hour for EUR15, renting a car or taking a taxi, which takes around 30 minutes and costs EUR48. You can also rent a car, but the cost will vary depending on which type of car you choose and how long you need it.
Ciampino–G.B. Pastine – another main airport in Rome, Italy
Distance from the city center: 18 km
Busyness: 9 million passengers annually
Main airlines: Ryanair, Wizzair
Airport code: CIA
Ciampino Airport is Italy’s 10th busiest airport with over 9 million annual visitors. Ciampino Airport is 20 minutes from Rome and operates since 1916. This airport has one terminal which makes navigation very simple.
This airport is also closer to Rome’s center, which is another reason to choose it over the other options. You’ll pay less to travel from the airport into the city, regardless of how you choose to transport yourself. You can expect to travel from the airport to the city in about 25 minutes by taxi. Alternatively, you can also take a bus ride that lasts an hour for EUR4.
The main disadvantage of this airport compared to Fiumicino is its size. As the airport is very small it is often not available to long-haul flights or major airlines. Hence, Ciampino Airport small serves several low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Wizzair.
On the bright side, you don’t have to stand in the long waiting lines at the border control points. We recommend that you arrive at Ciampino airport no later than 1 hour prior scheduled boarding time.
Pisa International Airport – only airport in Pisa
Distance from the city center: 6 km
Busyness: 2 million passengers annually
Main airlines: Ryanair, EasyJet, British Airways, Finnair
Airport code: PSA
Pisa has only 1 airport which welcomes around 2 million international visitors every year. The airport is not big in size, however, it does operate over 4000 flights every month.
The airport was used originally by the Italian military from the 1930s to the 1940s. It is still being used today by them, though it has been expanded to accommodate commercial flights.
Pisa’s airport has a significant advantage in that it is located close to the city. This makes it easy for people to travel from the airport to the city. Although taxis don’t charge a flat fare, they should not charge more than EUR15 for the trip downtown. This journey usually takes around 10 minutes but may take longer depending on traffic.
The airport also offers its Pisa Mover train service. It was launched in March 2017. This transportation service costs approximately EUR3 and provides a five-minute connection from the airport to the city’s central station.
The majority of the airlines at Pisa International Airport are budget or small airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, Volotea, etc. But you can also find British Airways, Finnair and American Airlines flights here.
Peretola Airport – main airport in Florence Italy
Distance from the city center: 4 km
Busyness: 2 million passengers annually
Main airlines: Vueling, British Airways, Air France
Airport code: FLR
The capital of Tuscany, Florence, is a popular tourist destination. The airport can handle the huge number of tourists that it receives each year. The airport handles more than 2 million passengers annually, which is a lot considering its small size.
It only has one runway, so the airport offers fewer connections than larger airports in other Italian cities. Vueling is the main airline that serves Florence’s airport. However, several other airlines also operate from this location, including British Airways, and Air France.
In 1930, the airport was opened. It underwent major renovations in the late 1990s to improve its terminal and other facilities. You can expect a modern airport with all the amenities that you would expect to find when flying into another country.
Peretola is one of the major airports in Italy but another benefit is that the airport is close to Florence, making it easy to get to the center. The flat fee for taxi fares is EUR20. You can expect to travel approximately 15 minutes, although this will depend on traffic. You can also take a EUR2 bus, or EUR6 train to get from the airport into the city. These journeys typically last around 20 minutes. Rental cars are available at all airports. However, the price will vary depending on how big and long you need the car for.
Milan Malpensa – main airport in Milan Italy
Distance from the city center: 50 km
Busyness: 25 million passengers annually
Main airlines: most airlines included
Airport code: MXP
Milan, the fashion capital of Italy, has been a popular destination for lovers of beautiful designs. But tourists also visit to enjoy its many attractions and delicious pasta. The airport is located approximately 50 km (30 miles) away from the city center. Two terminal buildings handle almost 25 million passengers annually. Domestic and international flights use the two runways.
Terminal 1 handles a variety of domestic and international flights, as well as those to the United States. Terminal 2 is currently used only by budget airline easyjet.
The airport was the main base for major Italian airline Alitalia from 1998 to 2008. It then moved to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport to be its main hub. It is located far from Milan, so it is easy to get there. Taxi fare is EUR95 per person. This means that you won’t have to pay extra for your journey which can take up to 45 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Alternativly, you can take the Malpensa Express train from the airport to connect you with Milan’s train station. The train ride takes 50 minutes and the one-way ticket costs EUR15. Reliable bus services are also available at the airport. They charge EUR10 for a 45-minute trip to Milan.
Milan Malpensa airport does not lie in the heart of Milan, but it is easy to get there. Taxi fares start at EUR95 per person so that you don’t get overcharged. The journey can take approximately 45 minutes depending on traffic conditions. You can also board the Malpensa Express train from the airport, which will take you to Milan’s train station. The train ride takes 50 minutes and the one-way ticket costs EUR15. Reliable bus services are also available at the airport. They charge EUR10 for a 45-minute trip to Milan.
Milan Linate Airport – one of the cheaper Italy major airports
Distance from the city center: 8 km
Busyness: 2 million passengers annually
Main airlines: mostly budget airlines included
Airport code: LIN
Milan Linate Airport, one of two alternative airports to Milan Malpensa International Airport (Milan Malpensa International Airport), is much closer to the center so you will have a shorter travel time. The airport is located approximately one mile from central Milan. It takes about 15 minutes to get there.
This airport is smaller and so fewer airlines fly into and out. Currently, there are about 12 airlines operating out of this airport to destinations only within Europe. It is home to two runways and an helipad. Despite being smaller, it is still very popular and handles approximately 9 million passengers annually.
One of the major airports in Italy, Milan Linate Airport has only one terminal building that can handle all passengers. However, it still offers all the amenities such as food and drinks, shopping and other amenities that you would expect from a busy airport.
You can hire a taxi to get you from the airport into downtown Milan. These are flat-rate EUR55 fees, provided your destination is within the city. Depending on traffic, the trip from Milan to the airport will take approximately 20 minutes. You can also take a regular bus service from Milan airport, which costs EUR2 for a 30-minute trip.
Orio al Serio International Airport – Bergamo Italy major airports
Distance from the city center: 53 km
Busyness: 11 million passengers annually
Main airlines: budget airlines included
Airport code: BGY
Milan’s third option for flying to Milan is located at a distance of more than 45 km (28 miles). This large airport has two runways and is very popular with tourists. It handles more than 11,000,000 passengers annually.
This airport is a good choice if you are heading to Bergamo. It is much closer to Milan than to Bergamo. If you plan to spend your vacation in Milan, you should be ready for a long trip.
Ryanair is the airline that has the most flights into and out of this airport to European destinations. However, there are many other airlines operating out of the airport, including Air Italy and Alitalia as well as British Airways and Blue Air.
It’s very easy to travel to Milan once you have landed at the airport. However, the long distance can be costly. You can order a Bergamo airport taxi at one of the designated stands. The driver will take your on approximately 50-minute journey to Milan for a fare of over EUR100. You can also ride on the bus that connects Milan and Bergamo for EUR5 for an hour-long trip.
Naples International Airport – Naples main airports Italy
Distance from the city center: 4 km
Busyness: 5 million passengers annually
Main airlines: most airlines included
Airport code: NAP
Tourists flock to Naples to experience the unique mix of history, modernity, and delicious Neapolitan cuisine. The connections at Naples International Airport make it possible for tourists to do all of this.
The airport, which had been used previously for military operations, was opened to commercial airlines in 1950. The airport currently has only one terminal and one runway that can handle all flights in or out. It still receives approximately 10 million passengers each year, despite its smaller size than other Italian airports. It is also a great option for visitors to Naples. If you want to visit places like Capri and Pompeii, Naples airport is the best option.
The airport is used by many airlines, large and small, to connect to destinations across Europe and the United States. There are many airlines that fly here, including Aer Lingus and Air Malta, easyjets, KLM, Vueling, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines.
It is approximately 6 km (3.8 mi) from downtown Naples. Once you have landed, it’s easy to get there with your bags. The airport is located not far from the city so taxi fares to Naples are affordable and the trip shouldn’t take too much time. A one-way taxi ride to and from the airport will cost you approximately EUR25. You can also take the bus to Naples, which is cheaper than a taxi, but may take you longer to reach your destination.
Marco Polo airport – main airport in Venice Italy
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Distance from the city center: 13 km
Busyness: 12 million passengers annually
Main airlines: most airlines included
Airport code: VCE
The airport is close to Bergamo and is also very close to Venice. It is the ideal choice for tourists wanting to visit Venice to see the famous canals and gondoliers. They can also marvel at the unique architecture that makes it one the most beautiful cities in Italy. Even though Milan is far from the airport, some people use it to travel to that city.
In 2002, Venice Marco Polo Airport opened a modern terminal. All passengers use the same building to board their flights. The airport has two runways, and is used by several major and budget airlines. It receives close to 12 million passengers each year. It is named after Marco Polo, an explorer who travelled to Asia in 13th century.
The Venice airport is approximately 8 km (4.9 miles) away from the center of Venice. This means that the trip to the city takes only about 20 minutes. There are many options: you can rent a car or take a bus, or you could even board a boat to sail into Venice. There are many options available, and each one has a different price. The boat takes the longest.
If Marco Polo airport is your destination but Milan is your flight, you should expect a longer and more costly journey. Taxis may be the best option. A one-way trip will take approximately 20 minutes depending on traffic and cost around EUR30. You can also take a bus to Milan. It costs around EUR7 to ride a bus to the airport.
FAQs on the major airports in Italy
What is the main international airport in Italy?
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino in Rome is the main international airport in Italy. It is by far the largest in the nation, as well. This airport is 11th largest and busiest airport in Europe. Fiumicino airport receives over 40 million tourists every year and operates hundreds of thousands of flights with the major airlines companies.
Which airport in Italy is cheapest to fly into?
Orio al Serio International Airport in Bergamo (alternative to major airports in Milan Italy) is the cheapest airport due to the airlines that operate within the airport. Bergamo airport mainly receives budget airlines like Wizzair, EasyJet, Ryanair that offer low-cost tickets. However, most of these flights are short-distance, as well.
Which airport is bigger Rome or Milan?
Fiumicino Rome airport is much bigger than Milan Malpensa airport. Rome airport receives over 40 million people annually, while Milan Malpensa welcomes around 25 million passengers every year. Fiumicino Roma airport is also larger in size (over 18 sq. km) while Milan airport is not even 15 sq.km.
