Transport Info

Most intercontinental flights to Italy arrive at Rome's Leonardo Da Vinci airport or Milan's Malpensa airport, with Venice also receiving some intercontinental flights. Many regional airports connect to these major hubs and European cities.

Rome Airports

Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (Fiumicino)
The Leonardo Express train connects the airport to Roma Termini, running every 15-30 minutes (6:00 AM to 11:30 PM) for €14. Taxis charge a fixed rate of €50 to central Rome.

Rome Ciampino Airport
Terravision and SIT bus services connect to Roma Termini for €6 one-way. Taxis charge a fixed rate of €30 to the city center.

Milan Airports

Malpensa Airport
Transportation options include taxis (€95), the Malpensa Express train (€13), and bus services (€10). The train journey to Milano Centrale takes about 50 minutes.

Linate Airport
Located 7km from Milan, Starfly buses run for €7. Taxis to the center cost €40-55. The new M4 metro line connects to downtown Milan for €2.20.

Florence and Pisa

Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport
A tram connects directly to Santa Maria Novella station for €1.50. Taxis to the city center cost €25-30.

Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport
The Pisa Mover light-rail connects to Pisa Centrale station for €6.50.

Venice Airports

Marco Polo Airport
ATVO Fly Bus services to Piazzale Roma cost €8 (20-minute journey). Alilaguna waterbus service costs €15. Bus service to Mestre Station costs €10.

Treviso Airport
Located 40km north of Venice, serves as a hub for low-cost carriers with connections to major European cities.

Northern Italy

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport
Marconi Express connects to the Central train station for €11. Taxis cost €15-20.

Verona Valerio Catullo Airport
Aerobus provides service to the main train station every 20 minutes.

Bergamo-Milan Orio al Serio Airport
Serves as a major base for low-cost carriers connecting to European destinations.

Torino Airport
Bus service to the city center takes 45 minutes. A train connects to Dora station in 19 minutes.

Genova Cristoforo Colombo Airport
Volabus connects to Genova Principe or Brignole stations. Taxis cost €20-25.

Central Italy

Perugia S. Egidio Airport
Offers connections to London, Frankfurt, and Brussels.

Southern Italy and Islands

Naples Capodichino Airport
Alibus shuttle costs €5. Fixed-rate taxis to the city center cost €20.

Catania Fontanarossa Airport (Sicily)
AMT Alibus Service runs every 20 minutes from 5 AM to midnight (€4). A taxi from the city center will cost between €30  and €36. and it will take 15-30 minutes depending on traffic. 

Bari Palese Airport
Several transportation options connect the airport to the city center. Terravision buses run from 5:35 AM to 12:10 AM, costing €4 for a 40-minute journey. Tempesta Autoservizi offers service to strategic city points and the Central Station for €5 (30-minute journey). The AMTAB Line 16 public bus costs €1 if purchased in advance or €1.50 onboard, with hourly departures. Taxis to the city center cost €23 for a 25-minute journey.

Olbia Airport (Sardinia)
Taxis to town cost about €15. Public buses (no. 2 weekdays, no. 10 weekends/holidays) connect to Via Gabriele D'Annunzio (€1,50).

For all airports, schedules and services may change, so it's recommended to check the respective airport websites for the most current information. Many regional airports are well-served by low-cost carriers connecting to major European hubs.schedules and tickets.

You can fly into Innsbruck from several European hubs, like London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, etc. From there you can take the F-bus to the downtown train station. The journey takes about 20 minutes. See the list of airlines that service Innsbruck here. 

Paris has two main airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), which handles most international flights, and Orly, which primarily serves domestic and European routes. When transferring between these airports, allow at least one hour for travel time using the connecting shuttle buses.

Paris Charles de Gaulle (Roissy) Airport TransportationFor travel between CDG and central Paris, several options are available. Taxis typically cost €50-80 depending on your destination and traffic conditions. This option can be more practical when traveling with others and heavy luggage, particularly outside rush hours.

The RER B train, operated by RATP, connects terminals 1 and 2 with central Paris. The journey to Gare du Nord takes approximately 35 minutes and costs €12.40 (2024 price). Key transfer stations for the metro include Gare du Nord, Châtelet-les Halles, Saint Michel-Notre Dame, and Denfert-Rochereau.

Le Bus Direct service connects the airport to several Paris locations including the Eiffel Tower (via Porte Maillot, Place de l'Etoile/Champs-Elysées, and Trocadéro), Gare Montparnasse (via Gare de Lyon), and Orly Airport. The service departs from terminals 1 and 2, with journey times of approximately one hour to both the Eiffel Tower and Gare Montparnasse. Current fares are €17 (€21 for Orly airport transfers).

For travelers heading directly to southern France, the TGV station in Terminal 2 offers high-speed rail connections. A free shuttle bus (ADP Navette) runs every 8 minutes between terminals. Follow signs for "Gare TGV" once in Terminal 2.

Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport
Lyon's airport offers extensive European connections and convenient access to Provence. The Rhônexpress connects the airport to Lyon Part-Dieu station, running every 15 minutes with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes. The fare is €16.30 (2024 price). The airport also features an on-site TGV station, accessible by a 5-minute walk from the terminal.

Marseille MP Airport
Marseille's main airport serves numerous European destinations, including routes operated by low-cost carriers. A taxi to the city center costs approximately €50. Shuttle buses to Saint Charles train station take 25 minutes and cost €8.30. The nearby Vitrolles-aéroport Marseille Provence train station, reached by a 5-minute shuttle, offers direct connections to Avignon (1-1.5 hours) and Montélimar (2-2.5 hours).

Marseille MP2
This terminal primarily serves low-cost carriers throughout Europe, including EasyJet, Ryanair, and Vueling. Transportation options match those of the main terminal.

Nîmes-Arles Airport
This airport receives flights from select European cities. A shuttle bus connects to Nîmes center in 25 minutes, costing €6.80.

Bordeaux Airport
Bordeaux offers connections to major European hubs and Montreal. The 30'-Direct bus service runs between Terminal B and Saint Jean train station every 30-60 minutes, costing €8 (€7 for passengers over 60), with an approximate journey time of 30 minutes.

Bergerac Airport
Located five kilometers from Bergerac, this smaller airport handles flights from UK cities, Brussels, Rotterdam, and Nice.

Seville Airport (SVQ) - San Pablo
Seville Airport serves as an important regional hub, offering regular connections to major European cities. The airport is particularly well-served by low-cost carriers including Ryanair, EasyJet, and Vueling, with frequent flights to Madrid, Barcelona, London, and Paris. Ground transportation options include a regular shuttle bus service to the main bus terminal (Plaza de Armas), operating every 30 minutes with a fare of €4. Taxi service to the city center typically takes 20-25 minutes, with standard rates around €35-40 depending on the specific destination and time of day.

Granada Airport (GRX) - Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén
Granada's airport primarily serves domestic routes with regular connections to Madrid and Barcelona. International service is limited but includes seasonal flights to London and Paris-Orly. For travelers seeking more international options, Málaga Airport is accessible via regular bus service, with the journey taking approximately 2 hours. The airport is located about 17 kilometers from Granada city center.

Málaga Airport (AGP) - Costa del Sol
As one of Spain's major international airports, Málaga offers extensive connections throughout Europe and serves as the main gateway to the Costa del Sol. Ground transportation includes the A Express bus service to Málaga city center, operating every 20-25 minutes with a fare of €4. Taxi service to central Málaga costs approximately €25-30. The airport's integrated train station in Terminal 3 connects to María Zambrano Station, where passengers can access high-speed AVE services to Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona.

Madrid Airport (MAD) - Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas
Madrid's main airport is Spain's largest, serving as the country's principal international hub. Ground transportation options include:
- Metro service from both airport terminals (T1-T2-T3 and T4), with tickets to the city center costing €7.50 (including airport supplement)
- Taxi service to central Madrid, with fixed rates of €30 for zones within the M-30
- Express Airport Bus (Line 203) connecting to Atocha Station

León Airport (LEN)
This regional airport primarily serves domestic routes, with regular connections to Barcelona and Madrid. The airport is an important access point for pilgrims starting the Camino de Santiago.

Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)
Located in Lavacolla, approximately 12 km from Santiago de Compostela, this airport serves as a key gateway for pilgrims completing the Camino de Santiago. Ground transportation includes regular bus service to the city center (€3.50, running every 30 minutes) and taxis with a fixed rate of €25 to central Santiago. The airport offers direct flights to various European destinations through carriers including Ryanair, Vueling, and Iberia, with regular connections to Madrid, Barcelona, London, Paris, and Frankfurt.

Note: All fares and services listed are based on 2024 rates but may vary. Travelers should verify current rates and schedules directly with service providers or official airport websites.

Legacy Carriers

• Air France - France's flag carrier, part of Air France-KLM group
• ITA Airways (formerly Alitalia) - Italy's national airline, launched in 2021
• Lufthansa - Germany's flag carrier
• KLM - Dutch national airline, part of Air France-KLM group
• Brussels Airlines - Belgian carrier, part of Lufthansa Group
• Aer Lingus - Irish flag carrier, part of International Airlines Group (IAG)

Major Low-Cost Carriers

• Ryanair - Europe's largest low-cost carrier, based in Ireland
• easyJet - British-based low-cost airline serving destinations throughout Europe
• Vueling - Spanish low-cost airline based in Barcelona, part of IAG
• Wizz Air - Hungarian low-cost carrier serving Europe and beyond
• Volotea - Spanish low-cost airline focusing on connecting European mid-size cities
• Jet2.com - British low-cost leisure airline
• Eurowings - Lufthansa Group's low-cost subsidiary (formerly including Germanwings)
• Transavia - Low-cost subsidiary of Air France-KLM

Please note:

Airline routes and frequencies often vary seasonally, particularly for leisure destinations.
Many airlines adjust their routes based on demand and market conditions
It's recommended to check current routes and schedules directly through airline websites or your departure/arrival airports

The French national railway company, SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer), operates several types of trains throughout the country. The crown jewel of French rail travel remains the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse), France's high-speed rail service. These trains continue to offer impressive travel times, such as the Paris to Avignon route in just 2 hours and 45 minutes, compared to about 7 hours on conventional trains. TGV trains feature restaurant cars, though luggage space can be limited in second class carriages.

For regional connections, France offers Corail trains connecting major cities, while the TER (Train Express Régional) provides comprehensive local service, stopping at smaller stations throughout each region.

Purchasing Your Tickets

Travelers can buy tickets before their trip through travel agents or after arriving in France. While the SNCF website remains a primary resource for timetables and booking, it's important to note that station ticket machines may still have issues accepting non-European credit cards. It's advisable to allow extra time for possible counter service. For all trains except the TGV, last-minute tickets can be purchased onboard from conductors, though this comes with approximately a 30% surcharge. When at the station, look for the "Réservations" counter rather than "Informations" for ticket purchases.

The Eurail Pass Option

For extensive rail travel, the Eurail Pass remains a viable option. These passes offer either first or second-class travel with a set number of journeys within a specified timeframe. Remember that even with a Eurail Pass, TGV journeys require separate seat reservations.

Essential Pre-Journey Steps

Ticket validation remains mandatory in France. Look for the bright orange "compostage" machines throughout the station (not on the platforms) to validate your ticket before boarding. Simply insert your ticket for the machine to stamp it. Failure to validate can result in fines, so if you encounter any issues, seek out a conductor immediately for assistance.

Finding Your Platform

Train platforms (quais) are displayed on the main departure boards and monitors throughout stations. Trains are listed by their final destination, so knowing this is crucial. While detailed schedules are posted in display cases around the station, always verify your platform on the main board as last-minute changes can occur.

Choosing Your Class

The price difference between first and second class remains significant, particularly on TGV services where first class costs approximately 30% more. First class offers notably more space for both passengers and luggage, along with a quieter environment. Second class remains popular among locals and is perfectly comfortable for most journeys, especially during off-peak hours. When purchasing tickets, remember that counter staff will default to second class unless specifically requested otherwise.

Additional Information

All French trains maintain a strict no-smoking policy. TGV services require seat reservations, guaranteeing you a specific seat. On other trains, you may sit anywhere except in seats marked "réservé." Train conductors generally remain helpful and many speak some English - if you encounter any issues, it's best to proactively seek their assistance rather than waiting for them to reach you during ticket checks.

For the most current information on schedules and services, it's recommended to check the official SNCF website or consult with a travel agent, as specific details may have changed since this guide was written.

Spain's modern rail network offers an efficient and comfortable way to explore the country. Here's what you need to know about purchasing tickets and navigating the system.

Purchasing Tickets

Train tickets can be purchased through multiple channels, with digital options being the most convenient. The official Spanish railway website, www.renfe.es, offers a user-friendly booking platform available in multiple languages. The Renfe app provides another convenient booking option. While advance booking isn't typically necessary for regular routes, it's strongly recommended for high-speed AVE trains and during peak travel periods such as Easter week, August, and major holidays.

Station Navigation

At Spanish train stations, platforms are called "andén" in Spanish. Departure information is displayed on digital screens and information boards throughout the station, listing trains by their final destination. Modern stations feature clear signage in both Spanish and English, with detailed timetables available on digital displays and traditional schedule boards.

Travel Classes

Spanish trains primarily offer two classes of service. Turista (Tourist) class provides comfortable, assigned seating at the most economical price point, even on the premium AVE high-speed trains. Preferente (First) class offers enhanced services, including more spacious seating, complimentary meals on longer journeys, and access to station lounges. Most travelers, including locals and tourists, opt for Turista class, finding it offers excellent value for money.

Additional Information

All Spanish trains maintain a strict no-smoking policy throughout their carriages. Train staff, particularly on AVE routes, are known for their professionalism and helpfulness, with many speaking English and other languages to assist international travelers. The growing network of high-speed routes has significantly reduced travel times between major cities, making train travel an increasingly attractive option for both domestic and international visitors.