How to get to Italy

Italy is well connected to the rest of the world by air, rail, and road. Direct flights are available from the UK, the US, and Canada, while flights from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa require a stop in Asia or Europe. Trains link Italy with other major European cities, offering an alternative to flying.

Price-comparison websites like Skyscanner and eDreams can help find the best fares, though sometimes booking directly with the airline is cheaper.

Flights from the UK and Ireland

There are regular direct flights to Italy from the UK and Ireland. British Airways flies year-round to Rome, Milan, Palermo, Turin, Bologna, Naples, Pisa, Venice, Florence, and Verona, with seasonal routes to Cagliari, Genoa, Catania, and Olbia. Aer Lingus offers flights from Dublin to Milan, Naples, Pisa, Rome, Venice, and Verona.

Low-cost airlines such as easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, and TUI fly from London, Dublin, and regional airports to various Italian destinations.

Flights from the US and Canada

Nonstop flights to Italy from North America arrive in Rome or Milan, with airlines such as Delta, Alitalia, and American Airlines operating direct routes from New York, Boston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago.

Air Canada offers direct flights from Montreal to Rome. Other European carriers, including British Airways (via London), Lufthansa (via Frankfurt), and KLM (via Amsterdam), provide additional options.

Flights from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa

There are no direct flights to Italy from Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa. Travelers will need to connect via a hub city such as Dubai, Singapore, or a major European airport.

• Australia: The fastest and most affordable flights are usually with Malaysia Airlines, Emirates, British Airways, or Qantas.
• New Zealand: Most routes go through Southeast Asia or the Middle East before reaching Europe.
• South Africa: Flights typically connect via London, Paris, or a Middle Eastern hub.

Getting to Italy by train

Traveling by train to Italy is an eco-friendly alternative to flying, though it can be more expensive. Most trains from the UK and western Europe pass through Paris, then head into Italy via Milan.

• Eurostar to Paris: From London to Paris, the Eurostar runs multiple daily services. From there, high-speed trains continue to Milan and beyond.
• Paris-Milan connections: Travelers should allow at least 90 minutes to transfer between Gare du Nord and Gare de Lyon when changing trains in Paris.

For detailed train information, The Man in Seat 61 is an excellent resource.

Rail passes for Italy

Interrail and Eurail passes offer unlimited travel within Italy and across other European countries.

• Interrail Pass: Available for European residents, with discounts for travelers aged 12–27 and over 60.
• Eurail Pass: For non-European residents, offering flexible travel options within Italy and beyond.

Both passes require seat reservations for high-speed and night trains.

Buses to Italy

Traveling to Italy by bus is a budget-friendly option, though it takes significantly longer than flying or taking the train. Several international bus companies operate routes to Italy from across Europe, including the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Eastern Europe.

Buses from the UK to Italy

• FlixBus runs routes from London to Milan, Rome, Venice, and other cities, usually with one or two transfers in Paris, Munich, or Zurich. Travel times range from 24 to 36 hours, depending on the route and layovers.
• Eurolines (now part of FlixBus) previously operated direct routes but now mainly connects through Paris or Brussels before continuing to Italy.
• Departures leave from London Victoria Coach Station, and most services arrive at Milan Lampugnano Bus Station or Rome Tiburtina Bus Station.

Buses from France to Italy

• Paris to Milan or Rome is a popular route, taking 12 to 20 hours depending on the destination.
• FlixBus and MarinoBus run direct and indirect services.
• Major departure points include Paris Bercy Seine Bus Station and Lyon Perrache Bus Station.

Buses from Germany to Italy

Direct buses operate between Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Italian cities like Milan, Venice, and Rome.

Travel times vary:

• Munich to Milan: 7-8 hours
• Berlin to Rome: 22-24 hours
• Frankfurt to Florence: 15-18 hours

FlixBus and RegioJet offer frequent services.

Buses from Spain to Italy

• Direct buses run between Barcelona, Madrid, and major Italian cities.
• Barcelona to Milan takes around 14-16 hours, while Barcelona to Rome takes 22–24 hours.
• Operated by FlixBus, Alsa, and Eurolines.

Buses from Eastern Europe to Italy

Italy is well connected to Poland, Romania, Hungary, and the Balkans by long-distance buses.

Popular routes include:

• Warsaw to Milan (18-22 hours)
• Budapest to Venice (7-9 hours)
• Bucharest to Rome (30+ hours)

Operators include FlixBus, RegioJet, and Sindbad.

Things to know about bus travel to Italy

Tickets are cheapest when booked in advance. FlixBus often offers discount fares from €20–50 depending on the route.

Buses usually have free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and reclining seats, but comfort levels vary.

Most international buses arrive at major terminals, such as:

• Milan Lampugnano Bus Station
• Rome Tiburtina Bus Station
• Florence Villa Costanza Bus Terminal
• Venice Tronchetto Bus Station

While buses take much longer than flights or trains, they offer an affordable way to get to Italy from all over Europe.