Italy travel guide
Most travellers from India reach Italy on one-stop flights through Gulf, Turkish or European hubs. Delhi has direct flights to Rome or Milan when operating, and flights from other cities take about 9.5 to 13.5 hours in total. Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa (MXP) are the main gateways. Confirm schedules before you book.
Facts checked 3 Nov 2026
Italy is a long-haul destination from India, so the flight is the largest journey in your trip. There is no direct service from most Indian cities, and the usual route is one stop. This guide covers flight times from each departure city, the main airports, the airlines in our research, what to check before you fly, and how to get around once you land. Our packages are land-only, so flights are booked separately, and our planners can suggest timings that fit your route.
Flight times in our research, by departure city, are approximate and depend on the connection:
Schedules change by season, so confirm operating dates before you book, and compare total journey time rather than fare alone.
Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is convenient for central and southern routes. Milan Malpensa (MXP) is useful for northern Italy, the lakes and open-jaw itineraries. Venice Marco Polo (VCE) is the airport for Venice itself. Bologna (BLQ), Naples (NAP) and Florence (FLR) can also be used depending on your route and connections. For Ahmedabad departures, Milan is often the more practical northern gateway, and Rome works better for central and southern routes.
An open-jaw ticket, which arrives in one city and leaves from another, can reduce backtracking. For example, you could arrive in Milan and leave from Rome, or arrive in Rome and leave from Naples. Ask your planner whether an open-jaw ticket suits your itinerary.
Italy has a strong rail network. High-speed trains, including Frecciarossa, Italo and Intercity services, connect major cities quickly. Regional trains and buses serve smaller towns. In cities, use the metro, tram and bus networks, including in Rome, Milan, Naples and Turin, and walk the historic centres where practical. Water buses serve Venice, and ferries are important for islands, lakes and the coast.
Taxis are metered, and private vehicles are practical for the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany and rural Sicily. Paper tickets on regional trains and buses may need validation before you board, so check the rule for each journey. Download offline maps and transport apps before you leave, because connectivity can be patchy in some areas. Allow time for station-to-hotel walking with luggage, as cobblestones and stairs slow down rolling bags.
Land at your first airport and transfer to your first hotel by private vehicle, as included in our packages. Keep the first day light, especially after a long flight. If you arrive in Rome, the Termini area is convenient for rail connections, while the historic centre suits sightseeing on foot. Plan the first full day around pre-booked timed entries, and allow for queues at popular sites.
This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information and from traveller reports. It was last checked on 2 November 2026. Flight schedules, airline operations and rail fares change, so confirm the details with your planner before you book.
Read places to visit in Italy to choose your bases, and how long a trip should be in the Italy travel guide. For costs, see Italy trip cost, and for the season, see the best time to visit Italy. Compare the Italy tour packages and read the Italy visa guide for Indians before you book flights.
Ready-made trips
Rome 2N · Florence 3N · Amalfi Coast 4N
Rome 3N · Florence 3N · Venice 2N
*Approximate price per person, excl. GST. Contact us for exact pricing.
Packages cover stays, transfers, sightseeing and meals as listed. Flights are not included. Prices are per person, excl. GST.
FAQs
Short answers to what travellers ask about Italy.
Flights take about 9.5 hours from Delhi, when the direct service operates, and about 11 to 13.5 hours from other Indian cities with one stop. Total journey time depends on the connection and airport transfers, so allow a full day for arrival.
Rome Fiumicino (FCO) suits central and southern routes, and Milan Malpensa (MXP) suits northern Italy and the lakes. Venice Marco Polo (VCE) is the airport for Venice. Choose the gateway that matches the first and last cities on your route.
Delhi is the departure city with direct flights in our research, with Air India and ITA Airways listed, when services are operating. Most other Indian cities usually connect once through a Gulf, Turkish or European hub. Confirm dates before booking.
The airlines in our research include Air India, ITA Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines, depending on your city. Compare total journey times and baggage rules rather than fare alone.
An open-jaw ticket arrives in one city and departs from another, for example arriving in Milan and leaving from Rome. It can reduce backtracking on a multi-city trip. Ask your planner whether an open-jaw route suits your itinerary and dates.
High-speed trains connect major cities quickly, and regional trains serve smaller towns. Book high-speed fares early for lower prices. Validate paper tickets on regional trains before boarding, and allow time to carry luggage from the station to your hotel.
Yes, in major cities. The metro, tram and bus networks cover Rome, Milan and Naples, and water buses serve Venice. Taxis are metered. Private vehicles are more practical for the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany and rural Sicily, which is why our packages use private transfers.
It is safer not to book non-refundable flights until your visa timing is clear. Normal processing is commonly 15 calendar days, but it can take longer. Ask your planner for advice on flexible fares and suitable dates for your application.
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