There are many airports in northern Italy so it’s important to understand your choices as you start to plan your trip to Italy. After all, flights and transportation are typically some of the biggest travel expenses!
So in this guide, you’ll find information about the north Italy airports that are most likely to factor into your travel plans to help you plan your trip to northern Italy.
Airports in Northern Italy to Help Plan Your Trip
First, let’s understand how choosing the right airports to fly in and out of can impact your northern Italy vacation. Regardless of where you want to travel, the 2 things there are never enough of are money and time. Choosing your airports carefully can potentially help with both. And who doesn’t want more time or money to enjoy great food and wine in Italy?!?
1. Flexibility is a proven way of saving money when it comes to planning travel.
And depending on your home airport, there may be no direct flights to Italy. In this case, it’s especially important to know the airports in north Italy! If you have to connect, fly to a European city with the best-priced airfare and then from there fly to a regional airport in northern Italy. For instance, flying to a city like Zurich, Lisbon, or Brussels and then connecting to a flight to Bologna might actually be less expensive and could even get you closer to where you want to go in northern Italy.
If the airport in northern Italy you’d like to fly to is too expensive, it’s worth it to check the prices to nearby airports. For example, a flight from JFK Airport in NYC to Milan can be less than half the price of flying to Venice. Then, consider that it takes just over 2 hours on a high-speed train to go from Milan to Venice and tickets can be as little as 20 Euros. I did exactly this on one of my earliest trips to Italy and it saved a lot of money that I was able to use for other parts of my northern Italy trip!
2. Targeting the right airport in northern Italy can help you save time.
If you’re planning a northern Italy itinerary that involved several regions, you’ll likely want to start in the right place for a seamless start to your trip. Let’s say you plan an itinerary that begins in Turin. It doesn’t make sense to fly round trip in and out of Venice or even Milan since you’ll need to backtrack in both directions to reach the places on your itinerary.
Instead, consider an open-jaw flight itinerary. In its simplest form, this is when you fly into one airport and fly out of another airport. In the example above, flying into Turin and out of Venice makes the most sense. However, airfares might mean tweaking this to find the airport pairings that blend what’s best for your wallet and for maximizing your time. If Venice is too expensive to fly out of, then perhaps flying from the airport in nearby Treviso or even taking the train back to the main airport of Milan Malpensa makes more sense.
Northern Italy Airports to Know
To help you orient yourself, it’s best to see the most important airports in northern Italy on a map.
On the list below, you’ll find the major airports in northern Italy along with tips and information to help you plan your trip arrival and departure. As you’ll see, there are airports spread across most of the regions of northern Italy.
I’ve also included a selection of airlines that fly to these airports and from where. For a complete list of the airlines and routes serviced at a particular airport, you can also check the airport’s wiki page. From this page, scroll down to the “Airlines and Destinations” table to see the city pairings between that airport and the airlines that fly the route. Use this information to piece together your flight itinerary for arrivals in and departures from northern Italy.
Milan Malpensa International Airport
What to Know
Milan Malpensa Airport, airport code MXP, is the 2nd busiest airport in all of Italy and northern Italy’s major international hub. It’s also the only airport in northern Italy with year-round direct flights from the U.S. Malpensa is about 30 miles northwest of Milan in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It’s 1 of 3 airports serving the Milan metro area along with Milan Linate and Bergamo Airport.
What Airlines Fly to Milan Malpensa International Airport
More than 75 airlines fly to and from Malpensa including American Airlines, Delta, Emirates, United, La Compagnie, and Neos with direct flights from the U.S. Air Canada and British Airways also have direct flights to Milan’s Malpensa. In addition, numerous airlines fly direct routes to Milan Malpensa from cities across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Airport Services
Malpensa has 2 passenger terminals, 1 & 2. Terminal 2 was primarily used for EasyJet flights, with all other passengers arriving or departing from Terminal 1.
For departing passengers, there are shops and restaurants once you pass through security. Keep in mind, though, that if you are leaving the E.U. and need to clear through the immigration checkpoint, there are fewer options once past this point. For those with Priority Pass lounge access, Sala Montale is past immigration near the B gates while Club S.E.A – Sala Monteverdi is near the A gates for those flying within the E.U.’s Schengen Zone. (Many U.S.-based travel rewards credit cards offer Priority Pass entry as a perk.) Lufthansa and Emirates also have lounges for travelers flying with them in premium class or with airline status.
Arriving passengers have access to ATMs, cafes, and a pharmacy. The airport is also equipped with free WiFi so it’s easy to connect once you arrive if you need to send or receive messages.
Milan Malpensa has a hotel in Terminal 1. The Sheraton Milan Malpensa is a convenient option if you have an early morning flight and want to stay at the airport. There is also a Holiday Inn Express and the First Hotel Malpensa both just 1 mile from the airport. Also, be aware that the Moxy Milan Malpensa is a hotel convenient to Terminal 2 (which is closed right now) but a shuttle is needed to reach Terminal 1. The shuttle runs every 20-30 minutes depending on the time of day.
Transportation at the Airport
Upon arrival at Milan Malpensa, there are rental cars, trains, buses, and taxis to help you transfer from the airport. All major rental car companies are available at Malpensa with major highways (autostradas) just outside of the airport boundaries to help you start your road trip.
If you’re traveling from Malpensa to the Milan city center, don’t drive. Rather, take a bus or train to position yourself within the city. Autostradale operates the Malpensa Bus Express which goes between Terminal 1 to Milan Centrale train station. From there, you can walk or use the Milan metro to get to your hotel. Buses run every 20-60 minutes depending on the time of day and the trip takes about 60 minutes to reach the city center.
You can also use the Malpensa Express train between the airport terminals and Milan Centrale, northern Italy’s busiest train hub. The ride takes roughly 50 minutes and costs 13 Euros for adults and 6.50 Euros for children ages 4-13. From Milan Centrale, you can connect to trains heading in every direction including to major cities like Turin, Venice, Bologna, Genoa, La Spezia (Cinque Terre), and points further like Florence, Rome, and Naples.
Taxis from Malpensa offer door-to-door service but it comes at a steep price. Expect to pay 104 Euros to go one-way between the airport and your hotel in the city of Milan. Private car services avoid a possible wait in the taxi queue but will be just as costly if not more. Also good to know…it’ll take roughly the same amount of time by taxi or car (depending on traffic) as the train or bus.
Nearest Places in Northern Italy
The city of Milan is often overlooked in favor of other places in Italy but with just 1 or 2 days in Milan, you can explore the city’s famous sights and enjoy its chic food and nightlife scene. By train, it’s easy to access cities like Turin, Venice, Bologna, Trieste, and even Florence. Lake Como is also an easy day trip. If you’re driving from the airport, a full northern Italy itinerary is within reach including the beautiful lakes region, the wine and truffle regions of Piedmont, the Dolomites, Verona, Liguria, and the Valle d’Aosta.
ProTip: You can use this in-depth map of northern Italy to see the lakes, cities, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites closest to Milan or wherever your fly into.
Milan Linate Airport
What to Know
Milan Linate Airport, or LIN, is located about 4 miles east of Milan’s city center. The airport has 1 main passenger terminal and services routes from Milan to points within Italy and Europe. There are no direct flights to or from any other regions of the world. Still, it’s one of Italy’s busiest airports. Travelers from the U.S., Canada, and other regions can connect in places like Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt, and London to arrive at Milan’s Linate Airport.
What Airlines Fly to Milan Linate Airport
ITA Airways operates flights within Italy and to select cities in Europe. Other major airlines with routes to and from Linate include Air France, KLM, British Airways, Iberia, and Lufthansa. Budget airline EasyJet also uses Linate for flights to several popular European cities including Paris, Berlin, London, and Amsterdam.
Airport Services
Linate has shops, coffee bars, and cafes before and after security. Departing passengers will also find 2 airport lounges, Sala Leonardo and Sala Piranesi, for those travelers with Priority Pass access. British Airways and ITA also have lounges for their passengers flying premium class and/or with elevated airline status.
In addition, the airport has free Wi-Fi, ATMs, and a pharmacy.
Unlike Milan Malpensa, Linate doesn’t have any hotels on site. If you need to position yourself within a couple of miles from Linate Airport, check out the Moxy Milan Linate Airport (a Marriott brand) and the Best Western Air Hotel Linate.
Transportation at the Airport
From Milan Linate Airport, you can rent a car from all major car rental companies. Again, it’s not advisable to drive into Milan. The city has traffic limitation zones and most hotels don’t have parking. But travel by car is the best way to explore the northern Italian countryside.
There are Linate Airport Express buses that travel from Linate to Milan Centrale Station. The ride takes about 25 minutes and runs hourly. The tickets cost as little as 5 Euros. From there, you can use the Milan metro, walk, or even take a taxi to your hotel.
The express bus is by far the easiest and most affordable direct public transportation option from Linate. While there are trains near the airport that connect with stations in Milan, you need to first take a bus past several stops to catch the train heading into Milan.
Taxis and private cars are also available at Linate. Expect to pay about 40 Euros for the ride to your hotel in the city center.
Nearest Places in Northern Italy
The same as flying into Malpensa, you could plan a short Milan itinerary before moving on to other places. By train, you can be in cities like Turin, Venice, Bologna, Trieste, and even Florence in just a couple of hours. Lake Como is just one of the many fantastic day trips from Milan. If you’re driving from the airport, a full northern Italy itinerary is within reach including the beautiful lakes region, the wine and truffle regions of Piedmont, the Dolomites, Verona, Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, and the Valle d’Aosta.
Bergamo Airport
What to Know
Located 28 miles northeast of Milan and about 2 miles south of the city of Bergamo, Orio al Serio International Airport (a.k.a. Bergamo Airport or BGY) is Italy’s 3rd busiest after Rome and Milan Malpensa. It’s 1 of the 3 airports, along with Malpensa and Linate to service the Milan metro area. Out of the 3 airports, it’s the farthest from the Milan city center. The airport sits in between the cities of Milan and Brescia, closest to Lake Iseo in northern Italy’s lakes region.
What Airlines Fly to Orio al Serio/Bergamo Airport
Several budget airlines operate direct routes between cities in western and eastern Europe including within Italy, as well as points in north Africa and the Middle East. Bergamo Airport is a hub for the popular low-cost airline, RyanAir.
Airport Services
Bergamo Airport’s decent-sized terminal has 2 levels and plenty of shops and places to eat whether you’re on the landside or the airside of the terminal. You can expect to find all types of travel essentials from free Wi-Fi to ATM cash points and luggage storage. If you have access or would like to pay for an entry pass, Bergamo Airport has 2 lounges, Landside VIP Lounge and the HelloSky Milan Bergamo Lounge.
The airport does not have a hotel on-site. However, the NH Orio al Serio and the Winter Garden Hotel are conveniently located just a couple of miles away.
Transportation at the Airport
If you’re planning a northern Italy road trip itinerary, Bergamo Airport has rental car offices from most major car rental companies.
Currently, Bergamo Airport does not have a direct train link. However, it’s possible to take the ATB bus service from the airport to the Bergamo Train Station. From there, you can connect to Trenitalia’s network of trains.
If you are traveling directly to Milan, there are buses that help you transfer from the airport to the city center. These buses both have numerous buses running daily between Bergamo Airport and at or near Milano Centrale, the city and northern Italy’s main train station.
Nearest Places in Northern Italy
Most obvious, and yet often skipped, Bergamo is a hidden northern Italian gem truly in plain sight! (Did you know the defensive Venetian walls in Bergamo are a UNESCO World Heritage Site??!?) Take the funicular up and explore the oldest part of the city known as Citta Alta. The medieval architecture, the art, the cathedral, and the cuisine are just a few reasons you fall in love with this city. Not to mention, the surrounding countryside is spectacular!
Aside from its proximity to Milan, the city of Brescia is another historic gem often overlooked by travelers. If you’re hoping to visit northern Italy’s lakes region, Bergamo Airport sits in between Lake Como and Lake Iseo. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Monte Isola, a tiny, peaceful island in Lake Iseo! From either of these lakes, you can visit the gorgeous Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Orta!
Turin Airport
What to Know
Turin-Caselle (Sandro Pertini) Airport, abbreviated as TRN, is located about 10 miles northwest of Turin in the northern Italian region of Piedmont. It’s Turin’s only airport. It was renovated in preparation for the 2006 winter Olympics when Torino was the host city. And to avoid any confusion, Turin airport is the same as Torino. Turin is the English word for “Torino,” just as we say Rome in English but the Italian name is Roma.
What Airlines Fly to Turin Airport
Major airlines like Air France, British Airways, KLM, Iberia, Royal Air Maroc, and Scandinavian Airlines fly from cities like Paris, London, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Madrid, and Casablanca. Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet fly routes throughout Europe to Torino.
Airport Services
Turin Airport has 1 multi-level passenger terminal. For departing passengers looking to relax before their flight, there is the Piemonte Lounge, part of the Priority Pass selection of lounges. You’ll find the lounge after security, on the upper level of the departures area.
Otherwise, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and stores for some pre-flight dining and shopping. Arriving passengers have access to ATMs, a pharmacy, a convenience store, and tourism information about the Piedmont region.
Turin Airport does not have a hotel on site. However, there are several airports within a couple of miles from the airport in case of an early morning departure or a late arrival. The Best Western Plus Hotel Le Rondini, Romantic Hotel Furno, and Turin Airport Hotel & Residence are popular for quality stays right near the airport.
Transportation at the Airport
Car rentals, buses, and taxis are all available from the Turin Airport. Renting a car is best for anyone beginning a northern Italy road trip. If you’re going straight into Torino, use the public transportation options or take a taxi.
Taxis are located outside the arrivals hall and will cost roughly 35€ for the half-hour ride into Torino. Taxi meters calculate the fare so it’ll depend on the time of day and any traffic in the city center.
The 268 bus line departs from outside the arrivals terminal and stops at Porta Nuova, the main train station in Torino’s city center. You can buy tickets in the arrivals terminal from ticket machines, the tourist office, or onboard the bus. The ride will take around 45 minutes.
There are is also a train from Turin Airport to the Porta Susa Train Station. As of January 2024, you can take a train from the station opposite of the Arrivals area into Turin 7 days a week between 6 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. for less than 4€. The ride will take about 30 minutes. See the train schedule and train line map here.
While Porta Susa is in the city of Turin, it’s about a 10-minute walk from the historic city center. If your hotel is closer to the city center, transfer to Turin’s M1 Metro line for 3 stops to Porta Nuova where you’ll be just steps away from Via Roma and Piazza Castello.
From the main stations in Turin, Porta Nuova and Porta Susa, you can access high-speed trains and regional trains heading all over northern Italy, to points further south, as well as to cities outside of Italy.
Nearest Places in Northern Italy
Too many travelers miss the opportunity to explore beautiful Torino! This classic northern Italian city is a true gem with its historic palaces, famous museums, and iconic architecture filling its piazzas and covered arcades. Blessed with the stunning Alps as a backdrop, this city is undoubtedly one of the bests in northern Italy.
From Torino, travelers can easily reach the wine and truffle regions of Monferrato and the Langhe, the mountains in northern Piedmont and the Valle d’Aosta, as well as Genoa, Liguria, the Cinque Terre, Milan, Lake Orta, and Lake Maggiore. While many of these regions are best explored by car, cities like Milan and Genoa can be reached via train.
Genoa Airport
What to Know
Genoa Airport (GOA) is about 5 miles west of the Genoa city center in the Port of Genoa. It’s also known as Christopher Columbus Airport and Genoa-Sestri Ponente Airport. Genoa Airport has international flights from points within Europe, as well as to other cities within Italy. Also important to note, Genova is the Italian spelling for Genoa. Whether you see Genoa or Genova, the airport is one and the same.
What Airlines Fly to Genoa Airport
ITA, KLM, and Lufthansa operate routes to Genoa from cities like Amsterdam, Rome, and Munich. Budget airlines like RyanAir, Vueling, Volotea, and Wizz Air also operate flights from places like Dublin, Malta, London, and Palermo.
Airport Services
Genoa Airport has shops, food, and dining choices for departing passengers. For arriving passengers, there’s a cafe once you pass the baggage area to the landside area of the terminal. The airport has free Wi-Fi and an ATM on the ground level.
If you have access, there is the Sala Genova lounge which is accessible from the landside of the departures hall. Lounge guests also receive complimentary “Fast Track” access in order to skip any lines at the security checkpoints.
Genoa Airport has no hotels in its terminal. Given how close the airport is to the city center, it’s easy to base yourself there in popular hotels like the Grand Hotel Savoia and the Hotel Continental both of which are just near the main train station (Piazza Principe) and within walking distance to many of the city’s sights.
Transportation at the Airport
All major rental car companies have rental offices at Genoa Airport. If you’re driving into Piedmont, points within Liguria, or elsewhere, you’ll likely need a car. Don’t rent a car to visit the city of Genoa, as traffic and parking can be difficult to manage.
Taxis are available outside of the arrivals hall. Flat fares are available if you need to connect to Principe or Brignole train stations. Otherwise, you’ll have to agree upon a price beforehand or use the meter to determine the price.
You can also take the Volabus which is a direct service from just outside the arrivals concourse. It makes stops at Principe and Brignole train stations, the main stations within Genoa. Buses depart every 20-40 minutes depending on the time of day and the ride takes about 30 minutes. You can buy a ticket with cash onboard or buy your ticket from the AMT automatic ticket machine at the airport in the arrivals area.
There is also a train-bus link from the airport. The Sestri Ponente Airport Train Station is the closest to the airport, yet not walkable from the terminal. Outside of arrivals, you’ll see the Airlink bus stop. There’s a bus every 15 minutes between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Once at the train station, you have access to Trenitalia’s network of trains to either go into Genoa’s city center (Principe Station) or to points throughout Italy.
Nearest Places in Northern Italy
Genoa is the capital of the region of Liguria and the gateway to the Italian Riviera and southern Piedmont. The city is a hidden gem waiting to be explored from its panoramic viewpoints to the Royal Palace Museum and Palazzi dei Rolli to the seaport and its waterfront pathways and the labyrinth of caruggi (tiny alleyways) curving through the old town.
From Genoa take a boat or a train to gorgeous coastal towns like Camogli, San Fruttuoso, Portofino, Porto Venere, and the Cinque Terre along the Mediterranean. You can also take the overnight ferry (or a quick flight) to Sardinia. Or how about renting a car to explore Piedmont’s Langhe and Monferrato hills to taste some Barolo and Ruche after an afternoon of truffle hunting? Make time to visit Alba or Asti on market day and shop for antiques at Nizza’s monthly market while you’re there!
Venice Marco Polo International Airport
What to Know
Venice Marco Polo Airport, abbreviated as VCE, is the main international airport for travelers visiting Venice and the Veneto region. In fact, it’s one of the busiest airports in all of Italy. The airport is about 5 miles north of the island of Venice. The Venice Treviso Airport is not the same as Venice Marco Polo Airport. (More about Treviso Airport is below.) Because of Venice Marco Polo Airport’s location along the Venice lagoon, it is considered the official Venice Airport.
What Airlines Fly to Venice Marco Polo Airport
It is possible to fly directly to Venice from the U.S. Air Canada, American, Delta, and United Airlines all fly seasonal direct flights to Venice from cities in the U.S. and Canada.
In addition, airlines like Air France, Lufthansa, Aer Lingus, Swiss Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, and others fly direct routes from points in Europe. Asiana Airlines, Emirates, and Royal Air Maroc also have direct routes to Venice Airport from Seoul, Dubai, and Casablanca. Budget airline EasyJet also operates routes to Venice Airport from cities across Europe. In 2023, RyanAir is also adding routes to Venice Marco Polo Airport.
Airport Services
Venice Marco Polo Airport is a major international hub in northern Italy and, while on the smaller size, it’s equipped with everything arriving and departing passengers could need from cafes, food, drink, and shopping. You’ll also find bank machines to withdraw cash, free Wi-Fi, the VIP Marco Polo Club Lounge for those with entrance privileges, charging points, and sleeping pods.
There are no hotels at Venice Airport directly. Typically, if you’re in Venice already, it makes sense to stay at your hotel until the day of your departure. If you’re coming from the mainland or would simply like to position yourself as close to the airport as possible before your flight the Annia Park Hotel Venice Airport, Courtyard by Marriott Venice Airport, and the Best Western Titian Inn Hotel Venice Airport are all great options within a mile of the airport.
Transportation at the Airport
Once you arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport, you have a few easy and convenient options to get to Venice. From the arrivals hall, you can take the ATVO Venice Airport Bus Express or the Route 5 bus by ACTV. Tickets for the ATVO can be purchased online and inside the arrivals terminal. The bus brings you across the lagoon to Piazzale Roma in less than 20 minutes of travel time. From there, you can go by foot, water bus (Vaporetto), or water taxi to your hotel.
You can also take a shared water taxi directly from the airport. Past baggage claim, there is a counter where you can show your reservation and they will help you reach the dock. This service will make stops at hotels along the Grand Canal. If your hotel is tucked away on a smaller canal, you can be dropped within easy walking distance. There is something really special about hopping directly onto a boat for your arrival in Venice. Just be sure you understand where your hotel is if not dropped directly there because Venice can feel like a maze to first-time visitors.
Lastly, you can also book a private water taxi from the airport with door-to-door service to your hotel (assuming it has a water access point). This is undoubtedly the most hassle-free option, but it’s also the most expensive. A representative will meet you after the baggage claim area to escort you to your water taxi.
If you’re arriving at the airport but plan to head somewhere other than Venice, there is also an express bus service to Venice Mestre Train Station. This station is connected to Italy’s network of regional and high-speed trains and can transport you to many places throughout the country.
Car rentals from Venice Marco Polo Airport are also available from most major rental car companies.
Nearest Places in Northern Italy
If you fly into the Venice Airport, undoubtedly Venice will be your first stop in northern Italy. Take the time to explore Venice and the surrounding islands, the most popular of which are Murano and Burano. But hidden gems await when you get off the beaten path to islands like Mazzorbo and Torcello. Within 1-2 hours of Venice by car or train, endless possibilities await. Stroll through the beautiful streets and piazzas in Verona. Discover Lake Garda and its towns surrounding the lake from Sirmione to Malcesine to Limone sul Garda.
Base yourself in Bologna, Italy’s culinary capital, and day trip throughout the region of Emilia-Romagna to places like Ravenna, Modena, and Parma. Or head northeast, first stopping to see the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona built into a cliffside, and then into the magnificent Dolomites. From bigger cities like Trento and Bolzano to towns like Ortisei and Cortina d’Ampezzo, the mountain peaks are jaw-dropping.
Treviso Airport
What to Know
Treviso Airport, also known as Treviso Canova Airport, Venice Treviso Airport, and TSF, is another airport located roughly 20 miles northwest of the island of Venice. As mentioned above, Venice Treviso Airport is NOT the same as Venice Marco Polo Airport, which is the best airport for getting to Venice. However, Treviso Airport is a viable option for travelers arriving on budget airlines, RyanAir and Wizz Air. In fact, even though RyanAir is adding routes directly to Venice Marco Polo from select cities, RyanAir primarily uses Treviso Airport for travelers who’d like to get to Venice.
What Airlines Fly to Treviso Airport
Treviso Airport is served by RyanAir and Wizz Air. Between these 2 airlines, travelers from cities across Europe and cities like Tel Aviv and Marrakesh can fly directly to Treviso Airport.
Airport Services
This smaller airport has a few shopping and food spots both on the land and the air sides of the terminal. There is free Wi-Fi and points to recharge your electronic devices. An ATM is available on the landside of the ground floor.
There are no hotels at Treviso Airport. Most arriving passengers are on their way to Venice or other points in the Veneto or Trentino-Alto Adige regions. If you need or would like to stay within close range of the airport the Best Western Titian Inn Hotel Treviso and the Best Western Premier BHR Treviso Hotel are just 2-3 miles from the airport.
Transportation at the Airport
There are no trains directly at the Treviso Airport. Passengers need to take the Treviso Airlink shuttle bus to reach Treviso Train Station. The connection between the airport and the train station takes about 15-20 minutes. If you are going to Venice from there, you can take a train from Treviso Centrale station to Venice Santa Lucia where you can then take a water taxi or water bus (Vaporetto) to your hotel in Venice.
From Treviso Airport to Venice, there is another option, a direct bus run by ATVO. The journey takes about an hour and buses depart outside of the arrivals area on the airport’s ground level. There are ticket vending machines in the airport or you can purchase them online before you arrive. Keep in mind, once in Venice proper, you will need a water taxi or water bus (Vaporetto) to reach your hotel.
If you would like to travel in the Veneto region and beyond by car, many major car rental companies have a presence at the airport. There are also buses that will take you to the Treviso city center, to places like Lido di Jesolo, Cavallino, and Caorle all coastal towns within the larger Venice metropolitan area, as well as to Padua and Ljubljana in just a few hours. You can search for and book these buses online.
Nearest Places in Northern Italy
Treviso Airport offers a gateway to the Veneto region of northern Italy and to its crown jewel city, Venice. In addition, northern Italy’s northeast corner is within reach from the Dolomites to Italy’s hidden gem region, Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
The Veneto is home to beautiful cities like Verona and Vicenza with stunning architecture and history. Along the rolling hills of the countryside, you’ll find vineyards growing grapes for Valpolicella and Soave wine varieties and trails for hiking and cycling. And among all of this natural beauty, you’ll inevitably stumble upon countless towns and small villages steeped in medieval history and even prettier than the last! Don’t miss places like Arqua Petrarca or Asolo.
The Veneto also is home to a big slice of beautiful Lake Garda. From Peschiera del Garda to Lazise to Malcesine, you’ll wonder why you waited this long to spend time at Lake Garda!
Bologna Airport
What to Know
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport or BLQ is a small international airport just 4 miles northwest of the city of Bologna and the gateway to the region of Emilia Romagna. This is the only airport in Bologna. For international travelers from within Europe and select cities in northern Africa and the Middle East, it’s possible to fly directly to Bologna Airport. However, for travelers from the U.S. or Canada, you’ll need to connect or fly directly into Milan Malpensa Airport and then take the high-speed train just an hour southeast to get to Bologna.
What Airlines Fly to Bologna Airport
Airlines like Emirates and Royal Air Maroc fly from Dubai and Casablanca directly to Bologna. European carriers like Iberia, Finnair, British Airways, Swiss Airlines, and Air France fly from cities across Europe to Bologna. Budget airline RyanAir also operates direct routes to Bologna from more than 50 cities.
Airport Services
Bologna Airport is a multi-level single terminal with plenty of shopping and places for food and drink. If there’s a souvenir you’ve forgotten to buy during your time in Emilia-Romagna, you can find local food products to bring home with you.
The airport also has ATMs and banking services, Wi-Fi. luggage storage, a pharmacy, and tourism information. The Marconi Business Lounge is also available landside, near security for anyone who has access via a program like Priority Pass or who’d like to pay for one-time entry.
There are no hotels at Bologna Airport. However, the city is just a few miles away and has great hotel options like the Aemilia Hotel, Savhotel, and Art Hotel Orologio.
Transportation at the Airport
The Marconi Express is the best option for quickly and easily transiting to and from the airport. The monorail seamlessly shuttles passengers between the airport and Bologna Centrale, the city’s main train station connecting high-speed and regional trains, in just 7 minutes. Tickets are available in vending machines at the airport and the train station. Once at Bologna Centrale, you can make your way to your hotel via taxi or by foot. Or you can connect to the right train taking you to points all over Italy.
Taxis are also available outside of arrivals. It will cost about 20 Euros to get from Bologna Airport to the city center.
If you’re planning to drive and explore Emilia-Romagna, all major car rental companies rent vehicles from Bologna Airport.
Nearest Places in Northern Italy
Bologna is a great base to explore Emilia-Romagna. After spending a couple of days tasting your way through Bologna and learning about the city’s history, train-hop your way to Parma, Modena, Ravenna, and Rimini. By train, Venice is also just 90 minutes away, while Milan, Verona, and Florence are 60, 55, and 45 minutes away, respectively.
If you rent a car, do it after visiting Bologna. Discover lesser-visited gems like Cremona just over the border into Lombardy to learn about its musical history and admire the renaissance architecture. Forlimpopoli is a small town in Emilia-Romagna famous for its culinary history. Casa Artusi is a legendary place to take a cooking class. Afterward, stroll through the town to feel a truly local vibe. Comacchio is also in Emilia-Romagna and has been given the nickname “Little Venice.” The city sits on a lagoon and is the gateway to the Po Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Brisighella is easily one of the most beautiful medieval villages in all of Italy.
Rimini Airport
What to Know
Rimini Airport, more formally Federico Fellini International Airport, is the main gateway to Rimini’s Adriatic seaside, southern Emilia Romagna, and the tiny country of San Marino. RMI, as it’s abbreviated, is just 5 miles southeast of Rimini in the town of Miramare. Even though Rimini is a popular summer destination, Rimini Airport is open all year.
What Airlines Fly to Rimini Airport
LOT Polish Airlines, Iran Air, Neos, and Wizz Air are among the main airlines that fly to Rimini from select cities in western and eastern Europe and the Middle East. Ryanair also operates several routes including from the U.K. to Rimini from London-Stansted.
Airport Services
Rimini Airport is perhaps the smallest airport in this guide, with just a few stores, a cafe, and places to buy snacks to take away. There is also an area for duty-free shopping, Wi-Fi, and an ATM. There are no hotels at Rimini Airport. Given how close it is to Rimini, it’s easy to stay in the town at popular hotels like Hotel Aria and Demo Hotel Design Emotion and still make it to the airport in time for your flight.
Transportation at the Airport
Arriving passengers can rent a car from Sicily by Car, a popular Italian car rental company throughout Italy. The number 9 bus travels between Rimini Airport and Rimini Train Station, which is just near the city center of Rimini and about 1 mile by foot to the coastal beach area. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes.
There is also the Metromare, a rapid transit trolleybus, that connects Rimini Airport (in the town of Miramare) to the train station in Rimini, as well as to points along the seaside both north and south of the airport.
Nearest Places in Northern Italy
The beaches of Rimini are the main draw to this Adriatic coastal town in southern Emilia Romagna. But the town also has piazzas, neighborhoods, and history to uncover. It’s also the birthplace of the famed Italian film director, Federico Fellini, which you’ll see honored throughout the town.
Besides Rimini, all areas of Emilia-Romagna are within easy reach, from Bologna and its famed cuisine to the stunning mosaics in Ravenna. Also from Rimini, it’s easy to take a day trip to San Marino, which is just 14 miles away. This tiny “microstate” is the world’s 5th smallest country and completely surrounded by northern and central Italy. If you’re in the area, it’s a unique opportunity to visit this quiet nation and have your passport stamped (by request at a tourism office) with one of the rarest stamps in the world.
Verona Airport
What to Know
Verona International Airport, abbreviated VRN, has a few aliases you should be aware of. It also goes by the names Verona Villafranca Airport, Villafranca Airport, and Valerio Catullo Airport. It’s only 6 miles southwest of Verona in the region of Veneto and is also perfectly positioned as a gateway to Lake Garda and Trentino Alto Adige. Don’t confuse Verona Airport with Brescia Airport, also known as Verona Brescia Airport! This airport is only a cargo airport with no operating commercial passenger flights.
What Airlines Fly to Verona Airport
Verona Airport services flights from within Italy, cities across Europe, and points in the Middle East and Africa. Airlines include Aer Lingus, KLM, Neos, British Airways, Finnair, and Air Dolomiti. Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air also operate low-cost direct flights from Dublin, Palermo, London, Edinburgh, and Amsterdam.
Airport Services
Travelers departing from and arriving at Verona Airport have access to restaurants, cafes, and shops. Arriving passengers will also find a pharmacy and a convenience store on the landside of the arrivals terminal. The airport is equipped with free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals
There are no hotels located directly at the airport. However, there are several hotels within 1-2 miles of the airport including Hotel Veronesi La Torre and AirportHotel Verona Congress & Relax.
Transportation at the Airport
From Verona Airport, travelers can rent a car to road trip through northern Italy. All major car rental companies have a rental office at the airport.
Travelers can also transfer to the Verona Porta Nuova Train Station via a 15-minute shuttle bus (Line 199) ride that runs every 20 minutes. Verona is well-connected to Italy’s train system with access to cities and towns from north to south. If you’re staying in pretty Verona, there are taxis available outside the Porta Nuova train station to take you to your hotel. It’s also possible to walk depending on where your hotel is and how much luggage you have. For reference, the train station to Verona’s famous Roman Amphitheater is about a 20-minute/1-mile walk.
There is also bus line 482, which runs in the summer only, from Verona Airport to several towns along the shores of Lake Garda including Peschiera, Pacengo, Lazise, Cisano, Bardolino, and Garda. You can also connect to several bus lines that go to towns along Lake Garda from the Porta Nuova Train Station.
A taxi from Verona Airport to Verona’s city center will cost about 25 Euros.
Nearest Places in Northern Italy
Aside from exploring charming Verona itself, this airport offers a gateway to spectacular Lake Garda. Popular Sirmione, with its famous Lake Garda castle and the Grotte di Catullo dating back to the 1st century, is just 20 miles west of the Verona Airport. From there, there are numerous towns to explore around the lake, as well as outdoor activities like boating and biking, places for olive oil tastings, and beautiful views from atop Monte Baldo accessible from the cable car in Malcesine.
From the Verona Airport, it’s also easy to reach the region of Trentino Alto-Adige, home to Italy’s spectacular Dolomites. Trento and Bolzano are the region’s main cities. Ortisei, the Val Gardena, and Cortina d’Ampezzo offer skiing and hiking (in summer) set in and among stunning Alpine peaks and turquoise lakes.
And because northern Italy is well-connected via train and major highways, it’s easy to extend your itinerary beyond the immediate area to popular places in Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna like Milan, Bologna, Brescia, Venice, as well as the hidden gem Lake Iseo.
Trieste Airport
What to Know
Trieste Airport (TRS) is a small airport in Italy’s Friuli Venezia Giulia region. The area is located in the country’s far eastern corner wedged between the regions of Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige, the Adriatic Sea, Austria, and western Slovenia. The city of Trieste is about 22 miles southeast of Trieste Airport. It’s the closest airport to fly into to visit Trieste, Udine, and this region of northern Italy.
What Airlines Fly to Trieste Airport
Air Serbia, Lufthansa, and ITA operate direct routes to Trieste from Belgrade, Frankfurt, and Rome. While Ryanair and Wizz Air fly directly from points in southern Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, Spain, Malta, Ireland, Albania, and Belgium.
Airport Services
Trieste Airport has a few cafes, one of which is airside for departing passengers who have cleared security. There’s also a Priority Pass Sala Calligaris lounge for travelers with access while waiting to depart.
In addition to the landside cafes for arriving passengers, you’ll find ATM services, shopping, and a tourism desk for information about the area. All passengers can take advantage of free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
There are no hotels located directly at the airport. However, there are a couple of popular spots to stay within a few miles of the airport, including Hotel Franz and HT Hotel Trieste.
Transportation at the Airport
Trieste Airport is seamlessly connected to train and bus lines to transfer to and from the airport with ease. From the airport terminal, there is an elevated pedestrian walkway that connects passengers to the bus station and the Trieste Airport train stop. The train stop is along the Venice-Trieste high-speed railway line operated by Trenitalia. Passengers can transfer via train from the airport to Friuli’s popular cities Trieste and Udine in just 30 minutes and connect to Venice in 1 hour and Milan in about 3 1/2 hours. For travelers transferring to Trieste, the train will be the quickest and most affordable option.
Bus service from Trieste Airport serves Trieste, Udine, Gorizia, Monfalcone, Grado, and Cervignano del Friuli. Taxis and pre-booked car services are also available. These are by far the most expensive and will cost roughly 75 Euros to transfer from Trieste Airport to the Trieste city center.
Lastly, car rentals are also available at the Trieste Airport from popular brands like Avis, Hertz, and Europcar.
Nearest Places in Northern Italy
Trieste sits on Italy’s northern Adriatic coastline. It’s a part of northern Italy sadly overlooked by many visitors. But for those who land in Trieste, they’re in for a treat! The city’s architecture is refined and the culture reflects the influence of the Austrian-Hungarian empire, of which Trieste was a part up until the 19th century. Believe it or not, Trieste is also Italy’s coffee capital, with its own distinct coffee culture stemming from the coffee imports that continue to dominate the seaport. The city and sea views from Castello San Giusto are spectacular and the famed Miramare Castle along the Gulf of Trieste is a must-see!
Outside the city, Friuli-Venezia Giulia has incredible natural beauty to explore. Hiking, biking, and winter sports are popular depending on the season. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aquileia is an incredible archeological site that’s still being excavated. The Roman city of Aquileia incredibly dates back to 181 B.C. Udine is the region’s second major city home to fantastic art and food. You’re sure to notice the blend of Italian and Austrian inspirations in the region’s cuisine, too, from the popular San Daniele prosciutto to Gulash Triestino.
Airports in Northern Italy: Bottom Line
As you plan your trip to northern Italy, be strategic! The north of Italy is well-connected and with the right knowledge of the north Italy airports, their transportation links, and their closest sights, you can piece together an itinerary that maximizes both time and money to create your perfect trip!
So, what are your questions about the airports in northern Italy?
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