Is there a better airport to fly into Italy?
 

We will be staying in a country house in the about half-way between Rome and Milan. It looks like we could fly into Rome, Milan, Bologna or Genoa. Any suggestions as to which would be the more "friendly" airport to manuever?

I don't know about any of the other cities besides Rome - but we just got back from a trip/cruise in the Med where we flew into Rome. It was a beautiful (large - but logical) clean, looked new, airport. It was really easy to get through. We took a cab - I assume you're getting a car - so I don't know what getting a rental car is like, but it's probably pretty good. Also, since you probably wouldn't have to go through Rome to get where you're going, that wouldn't be an issue. Also, our limited Italian got us through the airport well - and alot of people spoke english.

A recent posting on the forum discussed the fact that Bologna was a very good alternative airport to fly into. Of course, you can't fly into Bologna non-stop from the US, as you can to Rome or Milan. If this doesn't bother you, Bologna is reachable by changing planes in Europe. Air France, Sabena, Swiss Air and Lufthansa all offer connections (we're going on Sabena this year).

kt, It's been about 8 years, but Malpensa(MXP), the Milan airport was easy to navigate. If you're driving, the car hire is easy to find, if you're using rail you must take a bus to the Milan Termini.

I've only flown into Rome, so can't compare to the experience of the other cities. If price and convenience are factors, then Rome and Milan are your best choices. Didn't say where your point of origin is - but from the US, there are direct flights into Rome or Milan. If you're coming from Midwest, believe that American Airlines will be adding a direct flight from Chicago into Rome sometime this or next month. Already fly direct from Dallas into Milan. As far prices, American as well as several other domestic carriers seem to offer the better prices periodically on the Milan route.

One of our favorite routes from the West Coast to Tuscany is to fly to Heathrow and then transfer to a flight to Pisa. This is easily done on Alitalia or British Air.

What is the name of the city in which you are staying? There are several airports in the location between Rome and Milan (Florence, Pisa, Perugia, Parma). These are accessible from Rome, Milan or other major cities. You may want to check with Alitalia USA.com <BR>They usually include the additional flight at no extra charge. I've flown into Pisa, Genoa, and Parma, and I consider them to be "friendly" airports.