Flights to Italy
Book Flights to Italy
Italy is a popular tourist destination due to its hot weather and Mediterranean coastline. Italy is well known for many reasons such as fashion, culture, art, cuisine, architecture and opera. The best time of year to visit Italy is in Spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October) when the weather is perfect, the beaches aren't as busy and the prices are lower.
Whether you are visiting to explore the lost city of Pompeii, relax on a gondola ride in Venice, take photos of the Leaning Tower of Pisa or simply enjoy the scenery at Lake Como there is something for everyone. Did you know that the birthplace of opera was in Italy and for generations the language of opera was Italian? When visiting see if you can get hold of tickets and find out why it’s so popular in Italy.
How to buy cheap flights to Italy
Are you looking for affordable flights to Italy? Take a look at our top tips that will help you find cheap flights to Italy and make your holiday more budget-friendly.
Payment plans
One of the best ways to make your flight to Italy fit your budget is to use one of our buy now pay later plans. Split the costs of your flights over weeks or months from a variety of interest free payment plans. By using buy now pay later you can reserve your flights to Italy today without having to save up the full cost of your ticket, allowing you to manage your holiday budget with ease.
Fly with low cost airlines
If your looking for cheaper flight tickets one of the first things you should do is consider flying with a low cost carrier, such as Ryanair, Easyjet or Vueling. While these carriers do not offer as much of an experience as a full service airline, you can save significantly by opting for a low cost carrier.
Use our best fare finder tool
When you use our best fare finder tool you can compare flight prices for the weeks surrounding your surrounding your desired dates to help you find the cheapest day for your flights. Simply enter your preferred dates of departure and arrival and we'll use a traffic light system to show you the cheapest alternative travel dates. If you are flexible with your travel dates, this is a great way to save money on your flights to Italy.
Buy Flights to Italy and Pay Later
At Alternative Airlines you can reserve your flight to Italy today and pay later, handy right!
Stretch your travel budget without breaking the bank. With Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options, such as Scalapay, you can manage the cost of your flights to Italy at your own pace by dividing the total into smaller, manageable instalments.
If you settle your payments within the agreed timeframe, many BNPL providers will waive the interest fees (check with payment provider) - this frees up your budget for other trip essentials, ensuring a stress-free and financially comfortable adventure to Italy.
If you are a resident of Italy, Spain, France or Portugal, pick Scalapay at checkout to split your payments over 3 to 4 instalments.
Airlines Flying to Italy
When you book with Alternative Airlines, you can fly now and pay later with 600+ airlines worldwide, including ITA Airways, Ryanair, and United Airlines. Here are some of the top airlines that will jet you off to Italy. ✈️
- ITA Airways is considered Italy's national carrier and the biggest Italian-owned airline operating in the country with a 4-star Skytrax rating.
- Serves 70 destinations worldwide, with 16 destinations across Italy. Some of these Italian destinations include Rome (Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport), Turin (Turin-Caselle Airport), Bologna (Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport), Genoa (Genoa Airport) and more.
- Operates a large fleet of next generation aircraft with comfortable Economy, Premium Economy and Superior cabin classes.
- The average ITA Airways flight from the USA is between 8-12 hrs depending on which coast your coming from. Direct flights are available with ITA.
- Ryanair is an Irish airline and is one of the largest low-cost carriers in Europe and is a popular choice for those flying within Europe. The airline has a 3-star Skytrax rating.
- Serves over 24 destinations across the northern and southern Italy, including Rome (Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport), Palermo (Falcone Borsellino Airport), Venice (Venice Marco Polo Airport) ], Milan (Milan Malpensa Airport) and more.
- Ryanair offers an Economy and Business Plus fare cabin class on their flights. The business fare includes different benefits, such premium seats, extra baggage, priority boarding.
- The average Ryanair flight time between the United Kingdom and Italy is 2 hours and 30 mins (depending on the route). Ryanair generally offers direct flights to Italy.
- United Airlines is one of the biggest full-service airlines operating in the USA and the world, with a 3-star Skytrax rating. Perfect for travellers coming from the USA.
- Serves 6 destinations across Italy, including Rome (Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport), Milan (Milan Malpensa Airport), Naples (Naples International Airport), Palermo (Falcone Borsellino Airport), Venice (Venice Marco Polo Airport), and Florence (Amerigo Vespucci).
- United Airlines connects Rome with over 300 destinations across the world. From New York City to Tokyo, United Airlines is a great choice for those looking to fly to Italy from anywhere in the world.
- Pick from Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class cabins for the perfect in-flight experience.
Discover Rome
Rome is the capital city of Italy. Although Rome is a popular tourist destination, it’s also very pricey. It’s famous for its history and ancient ruins however, it’s also well known for gelato and pasta.
When visiting Rome tourists typically want to see places like the Colosseum. St. Peter's Basilica is also a very popular location for Christians and historians alike. This is actually in Vatican City, a tiny country which shares an open border with Italy and is within walking distance of Rome. We actually suggest exploring Rome on foot as it’s cheaper and you don’t miss out on any nice restaurants or stunning scenery.
The best time to visit Rome is from October to April when most of the tourist crowds have disappeared and room rates are lower. A lot of low-cost airlines fly to Italy therefore, there are options to make this trip more affordable. Airlines flying from the UK to Italy normally fly direct.
Top Destinations in Italy
Milan
The capital of Italy's northern Lombardy region, Milan is renowned for being a global capital of design and fashion. Milan is perfect for those looking for high-end shops, luxury Italian cuisine, and the alternative side of Italy. For the sightseers, visit some of Milan's historic sites, including the Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and the La Scala theatre where you can still watch the opera today. To get to Milan, the best airport for most travellers is Milan Linate Airport (LIN), which is closest to the city centre. For those travelling from outside of Europe Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is a better choice as it is the international hub for the Lombardy region.
Florence
Best known for its Renaissance art and monuments, Florence is one of the most scenic cities in Italy. Florence is the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region and is essentially an open-air museum of Italy’s Renaissance era. Discover the Uffizi Gallery, Italy’s premier art gallery, or take a stroll around Mercato Centrale, the central market in Florence filled with authentic local Italian vendors. To get to Florence, the best airport to fly to is Pisa International Airport (PSA), which generally offers cheaper flight choices. Alternatively, you can fly into Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR), which is closer to Florence.
Turin
Set at the foot of the Alps, Turin is a popular location for those looking for a more refined Italian experience with less intense crowds. There is plenty to do in Turin. From its lively food scene to world-famous events, such as the Turin Film Festival, Turin combines modern and historic Italy into one, making it a great place to travel for young and older travellers alike. To get to Turin you will need to fly into Torino Airport (TRN), the closest airport to Turin.
Popular Places in Italy
Looking for places across Italy to visit? Here are our top 3.
Lake Como
Lake Como, located in Northern Italy's Lombardy region near the Alps, is best known for its natural beauty and romantic villas that attract flocks of tourists each year. Popular spots include the city of Como, Bellagio, and Menaggio, each offering unique experiences. Take a trip up the historic Como-Brunate funicular for views of the Alps. Alternatively, take a boat trip to one of Lake Como's scenic locations, such as Villa del Balbianello. Or simply, take a walk through the charming streets of Como for a more authentic experience. To get to here You will need to fly into Milan Malpensa Airport, which is roughly 60 - 90 minutes away from the city of Como by car.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Campania region of Southern Italy, is well known for its natural beauty, charming villages, coves and unspoilt beaches. Explore hidden caves like the Grotta dello Smeraldo, wander through quaint towns such as Amalfi, and enjoy the local cuisine at several restaurants along the way. For more temperate weather and fewer crowds, we recommend visiting in May or October, while early June or September will give you warmer temperatures. The best way to get to the Amalfi Coast is by flying into Naples-Capodichino International Airport (NAP), which takes around 1 hour 30 mins by car or 2 hours 30 mins by train to get to Amalfi.
Pompeii
One of Italy's top tourist attractions, the buried city of Pompeii is a large archaeological site in the southern region of Campania that has been frozen in time since Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE. Spanning 440,000 square meters, Pompeii offers a unique snapshot of what Roman life was like with well-preserved streets, temples, homes, shops and more. There is so much that to explore all of Pompeii would take three full days!
Visiting Pompeii is an unforgettable experience for families, explorers and history buffs alike. While it may take three days to explore, even a shorter visit is worth the hassle. To get here, fly to Naples-Capodichino International Airport (NAP), which is just 20-30 minutes away by car and about an hour on the train. We recommend staying in Naples as it is ideal for easy transport and offers more sightseeing options after you visit Pompeii.
The Best Times to Visit Italy
Italy is a popular destination that can get quite busy and hot if you go at the wrong time.
April-June
The best time to visit Italy is between April and June as it offers a combination of temperate climates that aren't too hot and a nice level of tourism so that it's not too busy whilst you're out there.
September-October
September offers cooler but more pleasant temperatures throughout Italy. Also, you can expect fewer crowds and lower airfares in these months. During this time, there are regional harvest and food festivals that will give you a unique experience compared to warmer months. If you don't mind it being a little cooler September to October is a great time to visit Italy.
July-August
This is Italy’s high season. Expect much warmer weather, packed beaches and more crowds in general. It will generally cost more to travel to Italy during these months but it will provide you with a lively atmosphere.
Local Customs to Know Before Flying to Italy
Going abroad allows you to experience new cultures and ways of life. With that comes different local customs. Here are some of the top local customs in Italy.
Coffee, Wine and Alcohol Etiquette
Italians have a strong coffee culture and take a lot of pride in their daily coffee routines. They have a cappuccino in the morning with their breakfast and have espressos during the day at the bar. Wine and alcohol consumption in Italy is often centred around food and is usually found in the same cafes that served you coffee in the morning.
Do: expect to have coffee in the cafe instead of on the go. Unlike the UK or USA, the "to-go" coffee culture does not really exist in Italy.
Do: drink wine with food or a meal. Most Italians don't drink wine or alcohol without food or some sort of snack like olives or peanuts.
Don't: have cappuccinos past from the afternoon or after a meal unless you want some odd looks.
Don't: ask for more milk with your coffee unless it's the morning as it is seen as unusual or bad etiquette.
Dining Culture in Italy
Many family-run shops/restaurants close anywhere between 1-4 PM for lunch and can also be closed on Monday mornings and Sundays. When open, they will tend to serve dinner after 07:30 PM as Italians tend to eat later on in the day compared to people in the UK or USA. Tipping culture is also not expected and is usually done if service is exceptionally personalised. If you do plan to tip, cash is appreciated since Italy is still very cash-based.
Do: book reservations past 07:30 PM and preferably between 08:00 PM - 9:00 PM.
Do: tip if the service was exceptional and in cash.
Don't: pay for small transactions by card, instead carry a small amount of Euros on you.
Language and Communication
English is not as common, with only 24% of the population speaking the language. This is even lower for those among the older generations of Italians.
Do: learn basic Italian phrases like "please", "thank you", "hello" and more to show respect.
Don't: get frustrated if locals cannot understand you. Younger people in Italy tend to speak more English so if in doubt speak to a younger person for help.
Dress Code
Italians tend to dress with a smart or smart casual look, regardless of whether they are just going to the local town square or going for a meal out. It is seen as bad etiquette to be wearing casual clothes, like a full tracksuit or sportswear.
Do: dress smartly when heading out and about in Italy. This is especially important when dining out in a restaurant.
Do: cover your shoulders; bring a shawl or cardigan if visiting a church.
Don't: wear overly casual clothes when going out. For example, tracksuits or activewear.
Events in Italy
2025 Italian Grand Prix
The 2025 Italian Grand Prix is being held between the 5-7th September. The 16th race of the F1 season is being held at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, located just outside the city of Monza which is north of Milan. The three-day long event is split into free practices on the 5th of September, Qualifiers on the 6th of September, and the race on the 7th of September.
To get to the 2025 Italian Grand Prix you will want to fly into Milan Linate Airport (LIN), which is a 30-minute drive or 47-minute train ride away from Monza. Alternatively, you could also fly into Milan Bergamo (BGY) or Milan Malpensa (MXP), which are a little further from the track.
Kappa FuturFestival 2025
The Kappa FuturFestival is returning to Turin between the 4-6th July 2025. The festival is located in Turin's Parco Dora and will guarantee eventgoers three great days of music. Featuring more than 100 Italian and international artists, this festival is not one to miss if you are into the electronic music scene.
To get to Kappa FuturFestival 2025, you should fly into the Turin Caselle Airport (TRN), the main airport serving the city of Turin. From here it will take approximately 20 minutes by car or 40 minutes by train.
Wherever you're looking to go next, we'll get you there on your terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What language do they speak in Italy?
With a population of 58.9 million, 94% speak Italian. However, 28% of Italians also speak English and 7% speak French. When travelling to Italy, it is more common for English-speaking Italians to be located in more touristy areas like Rome. Also, there are plenty of signs in multiple languages, which helps tourists navigate the country more easily.
Is it safe to travel to Italy?
Yes, it is generally quite safe to travel to Italy. Like many other European countries, Italy has a lower crime rate and is more open to other cultures, making it a safe location to travel to. However, Italy does have a higher rate of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching in city centres. So make sure you keep all of your personal belongings stored securely in zip pockets, secured bags or in a safe in your hotel. There is always a level of risk when travelling, so make sure to stay alert and observant when travelling to foreign countries.
What currency is used in Italy?
Like other countries in the European Union, Italy uses the Euro (€) as its national currency. Formerly, the currency in Italy used to be the Italian Lira.
Whats the average price of beer and Food in Italy?
The average price of beer in Italy is roughly between 3-7€ depending on whether you get a domestic or imported beer. If you are travelling to a tourist hotspot like Rome, expect the prices of alcohol to be more expensive. The average price for a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is roughly between 50-100€.