Airports in Italy 2026 – Overview, Tips & Reviews

Italy has more than 40 commercial airports – from major international hubs to charming regional airports. Over 60% of them handle more than one million passengers every year. The variety is impressive: while large, modern airports feature innovative security systems and luxury lounges, smaller ones offer short walking distances and an authentic travel experience.

This overview presents the most important airports in the country – with personal impressions, useful tips, and information about the best connections to nearby cities.

Contents

Best Airports in Italy

Rome Fiumicino Airport “Leonardo da Vinci”

Rome Fiumicino is Italy’s largest and most modern airport – repeatedly awarded as Best Airport in Europe (Hub > 40 million passengers). The 5-Star Skytrax rating and the high ACI-ASQ score confirm its exceptional quality.

Operations are efficient, and security checks are particularly fast thanks to modern EDS-C3 scanners.
Liquids may be carried in larger quantities, and laptops can remain in hand luggage. Dining options are diverse and of high quality.

Only downside: passport control for international arrivals may take a little longer.

Transfer options:

• Train: Leonardo Express → Rome Termini (32 minutes / about 19 miles)
• Regional train: FL1 → Rome Trastevere, Ostiense, or Tiburtina (40 minutes)
• Bus: Shuttle services (50 minutes)
• Taxi: 40–50 minutes depending on traffic

Bologna “Guglielmo Marconi” Airport

Bologna Airport impresses with excellent organization and a pleasant atmosphere. Despite handling about 11 million passengers in 2024, everything remains efficient and well-structured. The direct monorail connection to the main train station provides easy access to Florence, Milan, or Rome. Modern EDS-C3 scanners keep waiting times short.

Shopping tip: Buy authentic Bolognese tortellini before the security check!

Transfer options:

• Marconi Express: Airport ↔ Central Station (7 minutes / about 4 miles)
• Bus & Taxi: 15–20 minutes to the city center

Bari “Karol Wojtyła” Airport

Bari’s modern airport is the gateway to the beautiful region of Apulia. Together with Brindisi, it serves southern Italy with numerous European and domestic connections. Bright terminals with regional products and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere.

Transfer options:

• Train: Regional service → Bari Center (20 minutes / about 7 miles)
• Bus: City bus → Central Station (25 minutes)
• Taxi: 20–30 minutes depending on traffic

Major Airports in Italy

Milan Malpensa (MXP)

With nearly 29 million passengers in 2024, Malpensa is Italy’s second-largest airport after Rome Fiumicino.

Two terminals divide the traffic – Terminal 1 for international airlines, and Terminal 2 mainly for low-cost carriers such as Volotea and EasyJet.

The selection of shops and restaurants is diverse, though walking distances between gates are long. Only Terminal 1 currently features modern EDS-C3 scanners.

The trip from Milan takes about one hour, but it’s reliable and comfortable.

Transfer options:

• Train: Malpensa Express → Milan Centrale (50 minutes / about 31 miles)
• Bus: Direct connections to the city center (60–70 minutes)
• Taxi: 45–60 minutes depending on traffic

Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY)

Bergamo is Italy’s largest low-cost airport and Ryanair’s main hub in the country. The terminal is compact and efficient, and EDS-C3 scanners ensure faster security checks.

Downside: Passengers must re-check their luggage when transferring flights.

Transfer options:

• Bus: Airport ↔ Bergamo Central Station (15 minutes / about 3 miles)
• Train (via Bergamo): 50 minutes to Milan Centrale
• Taxi: 10–15 minutes to Bergamo’s old town

Naples Capodichino (NAP)

Naples Airport is located only a few miles from the city center and is especially convenient for city travelers. Despite its busy nature, both service and dining are good. New investments in Terminal 2 aim to expand capacity in the near future.

Transfer options:

• Bus: Airport ↔ Piazza Garibaldi (25 minutes / about 4 miles)
• Taxi: 20–30 minutes to downtown

Catania Fontanarossa (CTA)

Located at the foot of Mount Etna, Catania is Sicily’s most important airport.
Modern EDS-C3 scanners ensure quick security checks, and the new “Aeroporto Fontanarossa” train station has greatly improved accessibility. However, volcanic activity can sometimes cause short-term disruptions.

Transfer options:

• Train: Catania Aeroporto ↔ Catania Centrale (8 minutes / about 4 miles)
• Bus: Frequent connections (15 minutes)
• Taxi: 15–20 minutes

Venice Marco Polo (VCE)

Venice’s elegant airport offers many international connections and excellent infrastructure. The most scenic way to arrive is across the lagoon – an unforgettable experience.

Transfer options:

• Bus: Airport ↔ Piazzale Roma (20 minutes / about 9 miles)
• Water taxi: Directly to the old city (30–40 minutes)
• Taxi: 20–25 minutes to Venice Mestre

Milan Linate “Enrico Forlanini” Airport

Linate is Milan’s city airport, located just a few miles from the center. Business travelers appreciate the short walking distances, renovated terminal, and quick metro connection.

Transfer options:

• Metro M4: Airport ↔ City Center (12 minutes / about 6 miles)
• Bus 73: Airport ↔ Duomo Square (25 minutes)
• Taxi: 15–25 minutes

Low-Cost Airports in Italy

Many Italian airports primarily serve low-cost carriers.

Advantages: Cheap fares, short walking distances, and fast processing.

Disadvantages: Fewer amenities, limited services, and sometimes longer transfers to city centers.

Low-Cost Airports Overview:

• Bergamo (17 million passengers): Ryanair’s main base; efficient and well connected to Milan.
• Pisa (5.6 million): Only 0.6 miles from the center; train to Florence (~1 hour).
• Rome Ciampino (3.9 million): Bus or taxi (~45 minutes to central Rome).
• Treviso (3.1 million): Alternative to Venice; shuttle (~40 minutes).
• Alghero (1.6 million): Sardinia airport near a picturesque coastal town with Catalan charm; bus to Sassari (~30 minutes).

Italy airports map

Northern Italy

Milan Malpensa, Linate, and Bergamo are the main hubs in the north.
Venice, Turin, and Bologna also offer excellent international connections and are well integrated into Italy’s railway and highway networks.

Central Italy

Rome’s Fiumicino and Ciampino form the core of central Italy’s air traffic, complemented by Florence Peretola and Pisa Galileo Galilei – ideal for travelers heading to Tuscany.

Southern Italy

Naples, Bari, Brindisi, and Lamezia Terme are the key airports of southern Italy, linking the region to northern Italy and major European cities – very popular with vacationers.

Sicily

Sicily has two main international airports – Palermo Falcone-Borsellino and Catania Fontanarossa – plus the smaller regional Comiso Vincenzo Magliocco Airport. Catania is the island’s largest and most modern airport, serving as a key southern hub. Palermo stands out for its seaside location and growing route network. Comiso mainly handles seasonal domestic and charter flights to central Europe.

Sardinia

Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero connect the island to mainland Italy year-round.
Cagliari is the busiest, while Olbia and Alghero experience peak traffic during the summer months.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Airports in Italy