The Italy Guides

Getting to Italy: Flights, Trains & Entry Requirements

· 2 min read Practical
Rome aerial view — arriving in Italy

Contents

  1. Airports
  2. Budget airlines
  3. By train from Europe
  4. Visa requirements

Italy is one of the most accessible destinations in Europe. Multiple international hub airports, extensive rail connections from neighbouring countries, and easy entry for most nationalities make logistics straightforward.

Airports

Rome Fiumicino (FCO) — Italy’s largest international hub. Direct flights from North America, Asia, the Middle East, and all major European cities. 45 minutes to Rome centre by Leonardo Express train (€14) or cheaper regional trains (€8).

Milan Malpensa (MXP) — The second major hub. Direct flights from North America and Asia. Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale (50 min, €13).

Milan Linate (LIN) — Smaller, closer to the city (25 min by bus or metro). Primarily European routes.

Venice Marco Polo (VCE) — Serves Venice with connections via Rome and Milan. Water taxi to Venice island (€15 bus/ferry, €130+ private boat).

Naples Capodichino (NAP) — Direct European routes. €5 bus (Alibus) to the city centre.

Pisa Galileo Galilei (PSA) — Budget airline hub for Tuscany. 15-minute train to Pisa, then connections to Florence (1 hour).

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi (BLQ) — Efficient small hub; good for Emilia-Romagna. Direct train to Bologna station (7 min).

Budget airlines

Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and Vueling serve Italy extensively from across Europe. Bari, Brindisi, Palermo, Catania, and Cagliari all have budget airline services, making the south and the islands accessible without premium fares.

By train from Europe

Paris to Milan: 7 hours by TGV/Frecciarossa (no change). Twice daily.

Paris to Turin: 5.5 hours direct.

Barcelona to Milan: Trenitalia/Renfe service; roughly 11 hours with changes.

Vienna to Venice: 6 hours via Innsbruck.

Munich to Milan: 7–8 hours via Brenner pass.

Overnight trains (Nightjet, operated by ÖBB): Munich/Vienna to Rome (15 hours), Milan (8 hours), and Venice. Worth considering to save a night’s accommodation.

Visa requirements

EU/EEA citizens: No visa, no border controls. Stay as long as you like.

US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan: Visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen rules). No registration required for short stays.

ETIAS (EU Travel Information and Authorisation System): An electronic pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt third-country nationals, expected to be operational from late 2025/2026. Check current status before travelling.

Digital Nomad Visa: For non-EU nationals wanting to stay beyond 90 days. Apply from the Italian consulate in your home country.