When planning a trip to Italy or Greece, it’s important to consider the airports and their proximity to key tourist destinations. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the main airports in these countries and their access to popular cities like Venice, Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples, Athens, and Thessaloniki.
Italy
Venice
- Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE): Located about 13 kilometers (8 miles) north of Venice, this airport is located along the lagoon. Travel options include:
- Water Taxi: Approximately 40 minutes to reach various points in Venice.
- Alilaguna Water Bus: Approximately 1 hour to reach key locations like San Marco, Rialto, and Lido.
- Bus: ACTV buses take about 20 minutes to reach Piazzale Roma.
Treviso Airport (TSF)
- Treviso Airport (TSF): Situated about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Venice, this can be the lower cost airport for the region. Travel options include:
- Bus: ATVO and Barzi Bus Service shuttle buses operate between Treviso Airport and Piazzale Roma in Venice. The journey takes about 1 hour.
- Taxi: A taxi ride to Venice takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Milan
- Malpensa Airport (MXP): Situated 50 kilometers (31 miles) northwest of Milan, Malpensa is the largest airport in the region. Travel options include:
- Train: Malpensa Express to Milan Central Station, approximately 50 minutes.
- Bus: Several shuttle services take around 50 minutes to 1 hour.
- Linate Airport (LIN): Closer to the city center, Linate is just 7 kilometers (4 miles) away. You can get to Milan via:
- Bus: Line 73 to the city center, around 30 minutes.
- Taxi: Approximately 20 minutes.
- Bergamo Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY): Located about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northeast of Milan and 5 kilometers (3 miles) southeast of Bergamo. Travel options include:
- Bus: Several shuttle bus services, such as Terravision, Orioshuttle, and Autostradale, operate between Bergamo Airport and Milan. The journey to Milan Central Station typically takes around 50-60 minutes.
- Taxi: A taxi ride directly to Milan from Bergamo Airport takes about 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Florence
- Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR): Located 5 kilometers (3 miles) northwest of Florence. You can reach the city center by:
- Tram: T2 line to Unità, approximately 20 minutes.
- Taxi: Around 15 minutes.
Rome
- Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO): Located 35 kilometers (22 miles) southwest of Rome. Options to reach the city include:
- Train: Leonardo Express to Roma Termini, approximately 30 minutes.
- Bus: Several shuttle services, around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Ciampino Airport (CIA): About 15 kilometers (9 miles) southeast of Rome. You can get to the city via:
- Bus: Several shuttle services, approximately 40 minutes.
- Taxi: Around 30 minutes.
Naples
- Naples International Airport (NAP): Located 7 kilometers (4 miles) northeast of Naples. Travel options include:
- Bus: Alibus service to Piazza Garibaldi (Central Station) and Piazza Municipio, approximately 20 minutes.
- Taxi: Around 15 minutes.
Greece
Athens
- Athens International Airport (ATH): Located 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Athens. You can reach the city center by:
- Metro: Line 3 to Syntagma Square, approximately 40 minutes.
- Bus: X95 to Syntagma Square, around 45 minutes.
- Taxi: Approximately 30 minutes.
Thessaloniki
- Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG): Located 13 kilometers (8 miles) southeast of Thessaloniki. Travel options include:
- Bus: OASTH bus line 01X to the city center, approximately 45 minutes.
- Taxi: Around 30 minutes.
Santorini
- Santorini International Airport (JTR) is about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from Fira. Travel options include:
- Bus: OASTH bus line 01X to the city center, approximately 45 minutes.
- Rental Car: You can pick up your car at the airport and you can return it there or to the ferry port.
Conclusion
Both Italy and Greece have well-connected airports that make it easy for travelers to reach major tourist destinations. Whether you’re planning to explore the canals of Venice, the historical wonders of Rome, the fashion capital Milan, or the vibrant culture of Athens, understanding the proximity and transport options from the airports will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
