From Fiumicino to Malpensa: Italy’s First Experience in 2026 Starts at the Airport

For travelers arriving in Italy in 2026, the journey begins well before city streets, piazzas, or historic landmarks. It begins inside an airport terminal. Italy’s major airports handle millions of international arrivals every year, and how smoothly travelers move through them often sets the tone for the rest of the trip.

Understanding where you land, how each airport operates, and what to expect after touchdown helps avoid confusion and delays, especially during peak travel seasons.

Why Arriving in Italy Starts With Decisions, Not Destinations?

In 2026, arriving in Italy is less about where you are going and more about how you begin. Before Rome’s streets or Venice’s canals come into view, travelers face a series of small but important decisions inside the airport. Where to exit. How to reach the city. Which transport option makes sense. Whether connectivity works immediately.

Italy’s airports handle a mix of international tourists, domestic travelers, and regional connections. That mix means arrival halls can feel busy, especially during peak seasons. Travelers who are prepared tend to move through calmly. Those who are not often pause, backtrack, or wait longer than expected.

What Travelers Usually Need to Handle Right After Landing?

The first thirty minutes after landing shape the rest of the day. This is when travelers deal with tasks that are easy to underestimate.

Finding the correct exit and terminal route

Italian airports vary in layout. Some are compact, others require longer walks. Clear signage helps, but knowing where you are headed in advance saves time.

Choosing transportation into the city or region

Not all airports sit close to city centers. Some rely on trains, others on taxis or buses. Prices, travel time, and availability differ by airport and time of day.

Staying connected while moving

Navigation apps, ticket bookings, and communication usually happen immediately. Connectivity problems slow everything down at the worst moment.

How Airport Size and Location Affect Arrival Experience?

Italy’s airports are spread across major cities, regional hubs, and island destinations. Each type creates a different arrival rhythm.

Large international hubs

Airports near Rome and Milan handle long haul flights and high passenger volume. These airports require more walking and clearer planning.

City-adjacent airports

Some airports sit close to city centers, making arrivals feel quicker but often busier.

Regional and island airports

Airports in southern Italy and Sicily serve as gateways to entire regions. Transportation planning matters more here, especially for onward travel.

This is why airports like Naples International Airport are such important entry points. They are not just arrival locations. They determine how easily travelers reach southern Italy and surrounding destinations.

How to Choose the Right Italian Airport for Your Trip?

Italy has multiple international airports, but the right one depends on what kind of trip you are planning. Landing at the most convenient airport can save hours of travel time and unnecessary transfers.

For first-time visitors

Airports near Rome and Milan work best due to strong transport links and frequent international connections.

For regional travel

If your plans focus on Tuscany, southern Italy, or Sicily, regional international airports reduce onward travel complexity.

For multi-city itineraries

Travelers visiting multiple cities benefit from starting at a major hub and departing from a different regional airport.

How Arrival Experience Changes by Airport Type?

Italian airports differ significantly in scale and rhythm. Understanding this helps set realistic expectations.

Large international hubs

Major airports handle high passenger volume and long-haul flights. Expect longer walking distances, larger terminals, and more transport options.

City-adjacent airports

These airports are closer to city centers but often busier during peak hours. Arrivals can feel faster but more crowded.

Regional and island gateways

Airports in southern Italy and Sicily act as gateways to entire regions. Transportation planning matters more here, especially late at night.

List of International Airports in Italy

Italy has a well-developed aviation network, with around 37 major airports spread across the country. Among them, nine airports function as primary international gateways, handling both long-haul and regional international traffic alongside domestic flights. These airports serve as the main entry and exit points for travelers flying into and out of Italy.

The following are the key international airports in Italy that travelers most commonly use:

1. Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, Fiumicino

Launched in 1961, this is Italy’s busiest airport and the primary gateway to Rome. Located about 32 km from central Rome, it is well connected by road and rail. The airport handles a wide range of domestic and international flights and recently underwent terminal expansion, including the construction of a Skybridge.

Address: 00054 Fiumicino, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
ICAO Code: LIRF
IATA Code: FCO
Category: International

Number of Terminals:

• Terminal 1: Domestic and international medium-haul flights
• Terminal 2: Domestic and international flights excluding long-haul
• Terminal 3: Schengen and non-Schengen flights
• Terminal 4: Direct international flights to the US and Israel

Services and Amenities:
Airport lounges, ATMs, medical services, duty-free shops, and professional facilities including internet access and business services

2. Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport, Ciampino

Opened in 1916, this airport is Rome’s second busiest. Located just 7.5 km from central Rome, it serves commercial, civilian, and military operations and is commonly used by low-cost carriers.

Address: Via Appia Nuova, 1651, 00040 Ciampino RM, Italy
ICAO Code: LIRA
IATA Code: CIA
Category: International

Number of Terminals:
Single terminal handling all domestic and international flights

Services and Amenities:
ATMs, currency exchange kiosks, duty-free stores, pharmacy, and medical services

3. Pisa International Airport, Pisa

Also known as Galileo Galilei Airport, this is the main airport serving Tuscany. Located just 1 km from Pisa city center, it is one of Italy’s busiest airports and played a historical role during World War II.

Address: 56121 Pisa, Province of Pisa, Italy
ICAO Code: LIRP
IATA Code: PSA
Category: International

Number of Terminals:
Single terminal with 16 gates serving domestic and international flights

Services and Amenities:
Banking services, family rooms, duty-free shopping, medical facilities, pharmacy, and baby care areas

4. Florence Airport, Peretola

Launched in 1910, Florence Airport is Tuscany’s second busiest airport, located about 4 km from the city center. Recent upgrades include terminal expansion and a new taxiway.

Address: Via del Termine, 11, 50127 Firenze FI, Italy
ICAO Code: LIRQ
IATA Code: FLR
Category: International

Number of Terminals:
Single terminal with arrival and departure halls across two floors

Services and Amenities:
ATMs, duty-free shops, car rental services, and currency exchange kiosks

5. Milan Malpensa Airport, Ferno

Located about 40 km from Milan, Malpensa is Italy’s second busiest airport. Originally used for aircraft testing, it began civil operations in 1948 and now serves as a major international hub.

Address: 21010 Ferno, VA, Italy
ICAO Code: LIMC
IATA Code: MXP
Category: International

Number of Terminals:

• Terminal 1: Main terminal serving most international airlines
• Terminal 2: Smaller terminal with multiple check-in desks

Services and Amenities:
VIP lounges, currency exchange offices, ATMs, banks, and medical services

6. Milan Linate Airport, Milan

Opened in the 1930s, Linate Airport is located about 8.2 km from central Milan. It mainly serves short-haul domestic and European routes and recently underwent runway and terminal upgrades.

Address: Viale Enrico Forlanini, 20090 Segrate MI, Italy
ICAO Code: LIML
IATA Code: LIN
Category: International

Number of Terminals:
Single passenger terminal

Services and Amenities:
ATMs, banks, duty-free shopping, disability support, medical services, and pharmacies

7. Orio al Serio International Airport, Bergamo

Located near Bergamo, this airport is widely used by low-cost airlines and serves as a key alternative for Milan-bound travelers.

Address: 24050 Province of Bergamo, Italy
ICAO Code: LIME
IATA Code: BGY
Category: International

Number of Terminals:
Single terminal serving domestic and international flights

Services and Amenities:
Car rental services, duty-free shopping, baggage facilities, pharmacy, ATMs, and medical services

8. Naples International Airport, Campania

Located approximately 4.8 km from Naples city center, this airport serves southern Italy and the Campania region.

Address: Viale F. Ruffo di Calabria, 80144 Napoli NA, Italy
ICAO Code: LIRN
IATA Code: NAP
Category: International

Number of Terminals:
Single terminal for domestic and international flights

Services and Amenities:
Duty-free shopping, ATMs, medical services, and pharmacy support

9. Venice Marco Polo Airport, Venice

Opened in 1960, this airport is the fourth busiest in Italy and a major gateway to Venice and northeastern Italy.

Address: Viale Galileo Galilei, 30, 30173 Venezia VE, Italy
ICAO Code: LIPZ
IATA Code: VCE
Category: International

Number of Terminals:
Single terminal with separate arrival and departure floors

Services and Amenities:
Medical facilities, lounges, ATMs, freight services, and duty-free shopping

10. Catania Fontanarossa Airport, Sicily

Located 4.3 km from Catania, this is Sicily’s busiest airport and an important southern gateway.

Address: Via Fontanarossa, 95121 Catania CT, Italy
ICAO Code: LICC
IATA Code: CTA
Category: International

Number of Terminals:
Two terminal buildings

Services and Amenities:
Duty-free shopping, banks, ATMs, first aid stations, and airport lounges

Because many travelers arrive here after long flights, having navigation and connectivity, including eSIM access, ready helps speed up onward travel across Sicily.

Transportation Options from Italian Airports

Getting from the airport to your destination is one of the first major decisions after landing.

Having directions and tickets ready speeds up this transition.

Common Arrival Mistakes Travelers Make in Italy

Even experienced travelers run into issues after landing.

Choosing the wrong airport for the itinerary

Some Milan and Rome airports are far from city centers or better suited for short-haul flights only.

Waiting to arrange transportation

Prices rise and availability drops during peak arrival times.

Assuming connectivity will work automatically

Airport Wi Fi is inconsistent, and SIM kiosks can be crowded.

Underestimating walking distances

Large terminals require more time than expected.

Quick Arrival Checklist for Italy

Before boarding your flight, having these ready makes a noticeable difference:

• Airport layout and exit plan.
• Transportation option confirmed.
• Address saved offline.
• Mobile data active on arrival.
• Payment method ready.

Why Arrival Planning Matters Across Italian Airports in 2026?

Italy’s airports vary in size, layout, and transport connections, but one thing remains consistent. Travelers who arrive prepared move faster and with less friction. Navigation apps, transport bookings, and communication often depend on immediate data access.

This is where planning connectivity ahead of time becomes useful. Many travelers now rely on eSIM Italy plans to stay connected immediately after landing, avoiding airport SIM kiosks and unreliable public Wi Fi.

Where Voye Global Comes Into the Arrival Picture

Staying connected is no longer something travelers want to deal with after landing. It is something they want handled before the flight.

When connectivity is already sorted before landing

Arrivals feel calmer. Navigation works. Transport bookings happen instantly.

How Voye Global supports this approach?

Voye Global allows travelers to set up mobile data in advance, removing one of the most common arrival frustrations.

How Voye Global Supports Travelers Across 170+ Countries?

Voye Global is built for travelers who cross borders and want consistency. With coverage across 170+ countries, it supports international arrivals without the need to manage multiple SIM cards.

For Italy-bound travelers arriving through different airports or continuing to other destinations, this setup keeps connectivity simple.

Italy’s Airports as the Starting Point of the Journey

Italy is rich in history, architecture, and culture, but every visit begins the same way. At an airport terminal. Whether landing in Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, or Sicily, understanding how each airport works and preparing in advance makes the transition from runway to destination smoother and more predictable.