If you are looking to travel to Italy, chances are you have noticed the cost of a round-trip ticket has gone up and up and up. You may be wondering which airport to fly into and what the differences are, if any. Choosing the right airport for your needs can make a huge impact on the ease and comfort of your all-important arrival and departure days, not to mention your wallet. Thankfully, Italy has a number of airports to choose from when planning your next adventure or study abroad adventure. You no longer have to fly into Rome’s Fiumicino airport, which used to offer the most flight options at the cheapest prices. Whether you are looking to begin your trip down south, up north, or somewhere in the middle, you will have plenty of airports to choose from.
As a frequent traveler to Italy, I strongly prefer the smaller airports. Florence airport is a clear winner in my book. The airport is extremely small, manageable, offers many international flights, and is a quick cab or bus ride to/from the Florence city center. Cab rides run around 25 euro each way and the bus is only a few euro each way. There is only one door that all travelers exit out of, so it is easy to meet someone there. Many travelers either begin their journey in Tuscany or certainly have it somewhere on their itinerary. Why not begin and end your journey in the heart of Italy and not hassle with other more congested and complicated airports? Here are some pros and cons to help any traveler choose the best arrival and departure cities for their trip.
Florence airport (FLR) pros: The airport is small and easy to maneuver. Getting into the city of Florence is, obviously, by far the easiest. Taxis are plentiful and cost approximately 25 euro. Florence airport cons: These flights can be at less convenient times and can sometimes cost slightly more. However, the extra time, energy, and cost of train tickets from Rome or Milan (where flights may be cheaper) may not be worth it.
The Pisa airport is the second best option for traveling to Florence. Pisa airport (PSA) pros: Pisa is another small and manageable airport. It is just a short train ride or bus ride into Florence (specifically, to the Florence train station) and many of the travelers flying into this airport are making this same journey. Pisa airport (PSA) cons: The cost of a bus or train ticket can be less than taxi fare from the Florence airport, but you may not want to wait for a crowded bus or train after the long flight. Remember that you will be carrying your own luggage and there may be standing room only on full trains.
Rome airport has certainly improved over the last 5 years, but is still very large and often complicated, even for the seasoned traveler. Rome airport (FCO) pros: Tickets to this airport are typically less expensive and there are more flights and more carriers available for those using miles or for those who have a preferred airline. Rome airport (FCO) cons: Arrivals and departures, especially for someone who does not speak Italian and who has never traveled in Italy before, can be difficult. It involves a short train ride to the main train station in Rome, Roma Termini. Navigating terminals, trains, buses, and taxis can be overwhelming after a long flight.
Travelers should keep in mind when buying tickets what time their flights arrive and depart. Trains do not run 24 hours a day and Italy has been known for unexpected and frequent train strikes. Leaving ample layover time is important as well. Make sure you have enough time to get the next flight! This is especially true of the return. Just to be sure, it might be a good idea to budget some time in case you have any trouble. This is more the case for winter flights. Summer is usually fine.
Other major cities like Venice, Milan, Bologna have international airports, too. Travelers who are looking to begin their trip in one city and finish in other should certainly consider flying into one airport and departing out of another. For some reason, the myth that round-trip flights must use the same arrival and departure destination continues to persist. The best rule of them when it comes to traveling, especially in Europe and particularly in Italy, is to be flexible and enjoy the unexpected twists that are certain to come your way.
If you would like to know more about travel and transportation check out this site for more information on the above topic! You will find important and exciting information that will help any traveler, backpacker, family, or student studying abroad.