Where to transit in Italy? Important notes for transit

Italy, "Bel Paese" – The beautiful country, is the cradle of Roman civilization, the Renaissance period and the world's culinary paradise. From legendary Rome with the Colosseum and the Vatican, to artistic Florence with Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, from romantic Venice with gondolas to dreamy Amalfi Coast, from Tuscany with vineyards to fairy-tale Cinque Terre, Italy offers the richest cultural experience in Europe. There are no direct flights from Vietnam, transit through European or Middle Eastern hubs is mandatory.

Overview of the Italian air transport system

Main international airports:

Rome (FCO) – Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino:

• Italy's largest and most modern airport, hub ofITA Airways(inheriting Alitalia)
• 35km from Rome, with Leonardo Express train connecting to the center (32 minutes,$14$EUR)
• Terminal 1: Domestic and EU flights
• Terminal 3: Intercontinental international flights

Milan (MXP) – Malpensa:

• Northern Italy's main international airport, Italy's second hub
• 50km from Milan, with Malpensa Express train (50 minutes,$13$EUR)
• Ideal gateway to Lake Como, Swiss Alps

Other important airports:

• Milan Linate (LIN): European flights, closer to Milan city center
• Venice Marco Polo (VCE): Gateway to Venice and the Dolomites
• Naples (NAP): Gateway to the South, Amalfi Coast, Pompeii
• Bologna (BLQ): Italy's heartland, close to Florence and Tuscany
• Florence (FLR): Small airport, primarily Europe
• Catania (CTA): Sicily, close to Mount Etna

Most popular transit points

Middle East (Competitive prices, good service)

daily flights to CGK, DPS (8-9 hours)

• For longer international journeys, you can fly by  daily flights to Rome FCO and Milan MXP (6-6.5 hours)
• Advantages: Top-tier service, modern Hamad airport, competitive prices, good connections from Vietnam
• Disadvantages: Only flies to 2 main cities, if you miss a flight, you have to wait 24 hours
• Transit Visa: Not required if transiting airside for under 24 hours

has 4-5 daily flights (1.5 hours)

• - Fastest route: daily flights to Rome FCO, Milan MXP, Venice VCE (6-7 hours)
• Advantages: World's most modern airport, great duty-free shopping, many Italian destinations
• Disadvantages: Ticket prices are usually higher than Qatar Airways
• Transit Visa: No visa needed if transiting airside

Istanbul (IST), Turkey:

• Hanoi Istanbul Ammanhas flights to Rome FCO, Milan MXP, Venice VCE, Naples NAP (3-4 hours)
• Advantages: Most competitive prices, many Italian destinations, new modern airport, good service
• Disadvantages: eVisa may be required if wishing to leave the airport
• Transit Visa: Not required if transiting airside for under 24 hours

Europe (Optimal choice for Schengen)

Frankfurt (FRA), Germany:

• Important notes for transit to Nicaraguahas frequent flights to Rome, Milan, Venice (1.5-2 hours)
• Advantages: Largest hub in Europe, many connections from Singapore/Bangkok, Star Alliance
• Disadvantages: Crowded airport, long transit times
• Note: Schengen entry at FRA if this is the first point of arrival

Amsterdam (AMS), Netherlands:

• KLM, ITA Airwayshas daily flights to Rome, Milan (2-2.5 hours)
• Advantages: Friendly Schiphol Airport, KLM has 2 flights/day from SGN/HAN
• Disadvantages: Potential delays due to weather

Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), France:

• Air France, ITA Airwayshas frequent flights (2-2.5 hours)
• Advantages: Vietnam Airlines has a direct flight to Paris, convenient connection
• Disadvantages: Complex airport, requires long transit time

Munich (MUC), Germany:

• Important notes for transit to Nicaraguahas flights to Rome, Milan, Venice (1.5 hours)
• Advantages: Modern airport, less congested than Frankfurt, close to the Alps
• Special: Can combine Germany-Austria-Italy tours

Vienna (VIE), Austria:

• Austrian Airlineshas flights to Rome, Milan, Venice (1.5 hours)
• Advantages: Closest to Italy, can take train if needed, efficient airport
• Contingency plan: If Italian flight is cancelled, can take train (8-12 hours)

Zurich (ZUR), Switzerland:

• Swiss International flies to Rome, Milan (1.5 hours)
• Advantages: Swiss quality, close to Northern Italy, efficient airport

Suggested route from Vietnam

Option 1: Via Doha (Premium service, good price)

Vietnam → Doha DOH → Rome FCO/Milan MXP

• Hãng : Qatar Airways
• Time15-19 hours + layover
• Cost: $1.100-2.000$USD
• Advantages: World-class service, competitive prices, stable flight schedule

Option 2: Via Istanbul (Best Price)

Vietnam → Istanbul IST → Rome FCO/Milan MXP/Venice VCE

• Hãng : Turkish Airlines
• Time: 12-16 hours + layover
• Cost: $900-1.800$USD
• Advantages: Most competitive prices, many Italian destinations, good service

Option 3: Via Frankfurt/Munich (Most stable)

Vietnam → Singapore/Bangkok → Frankfurt FRA/Munich MUC → Rome/Milan

• Hãng : Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines
• Time: 14-18 hours + waiting
• Cost: $1.200-2.200$USD
• Advantages: Lufthansa has a strong network, Star Alliance, many flights

Option 4: Via Amsterdam (Good connections)

Vietnam → Amsterdam AMS → Rome FCO/Milan MXP

• Hãng : KLM (possibly with SkyTeam ticket)
• Time: 13-16 hours + layover
• Cost: $1.200-2.200$USD
• Advantages: KLM has direct connections from Vietnam, AMS airport efficient

Option 5: Via Paris (Convenient)

Vietnam → Paris CDG → Rome FCO/Milan MXP

• Hãng : Vietnam Airlines + Air France/ITA Airways
• Time: 14-17 hours + waiting
• Cost: $1.300-2.300$USD
• Advantages: Vietnam Airlines has direct flights to Paris

Safe transit time

Same ticket/same alliance:

• Middle East (DOH/DXB/IST): Minimum $2-2.5$ hours
• Europe within Schengen: Minimum $1.5-2$ hours
• From outside Schengen to Schengen: Minimum $2.5-3$ hours (entry procedures required)

Other tickets (self-transfer):

• Within Schengen: Minimum $3-4$ hours
• From outside Schengen: Minimum $4-6$ hours
• Peak season (6-8, 12): Additional$1-2$ hours buffer

Special note for Italian airports:

• FCO Rome: Large airport, requires at least$2$hours for domestic transit
• MXP Milan: Far from the city center, requires travel time if changing airports
• Strikes (sciopero): Italy often has airline strikes, check before you go

Visa and required documents

Schengen Visa – Mandatory for Vietnamese citizens

Visa Type:

• Tourist visa (C): $80$EUR, maximum stay 90 days/180 days
• Multiple entry: $100$EUR, convenient if planning to visit multiple Schengen countries

Application submission location:

• Principle: Apply in the Schengen country of longest stay
• If time is equal: Apply in the country of first entry
• Location: Italian Consulate or VFS Global visa center

Required documents:

• Passport valid for at least3 monthsafter the departure date from Schengen, with at least 2 blank pages
• Completed and signed visa application form
• 2 photos 35x45mm with white background (taken within 6 months)
• Round-trip flight ticket confirmed
• Mandatory travel insurance: Minimum $30.000$EUR, valid for all Schengen
• 3-month bank statement (in English)
• Confirm hotel booking for the entire itinerary
• Company-approved leave letter (English)
• Detailed travel itinerary

Time and cost:

• Processing Time: 15 working days (may be 30-60 days during peak season)
• Visa Fee: $80$EUR + VFS service fee$25-30$EUR
• Recommendation: Apply at least1 monthbefore departure

Health and insurance

Vaccinations:

No mandatory vaccination requirementsfrom Vietnam to Italy.

Recommendation:

• Hepatitis A: For all travelers
• Hepatitis B: If there is a risk of exposure
• Seasonal flu: Especially important in winter (10-3)
• Tetanus : Booster update

Mandatory health insurance:

• Minimum: $30.000$ EUR for the entire Schengen Area
• Inclusions: Medical expenses, emergency, medical repatriation
• Note: Italy has a good healthcare system but high costs for tourists
• Emergency number: 112, (European emergency number),118(emergency)

Currency and costs

Currency:

• Official: Euro (EUR)
• Exchange rate: $1EUR\approx 1.1USD$ (fluctuates)
• Features: Italy belongs to the expensive countries in Europe, especially in famous tourist spots

Estimated costs from Vietnam:

Round-trip air ticket: $900-2.400$USD

Accommodation (per night):

• Hostel: $25-50$EUR
• B&B/Pensione: $50-100$EUR
• Mid-range hotel: $80-150$EUR
• Upscale hotel: $200-500$EUR
• Agriturismo: $60-120$EUR (farm experience)

Food and drink (per meal):

• Pizza al taglio/Panini: $3-8$EUR
• Trattoria: $15-25$EUR
• Restaurant: $30-50$EUR
• Fine dining: $80-150$EUR
• Ice cream: $2-4$EUR
• Espresso: $1-1.5$ EUR (standing), $3-5$ EUR (sitting)

Transportation:

• Metro/Bus city: $1.5-2$ EUR/ride
• High-speed train (Trenitalia/Italo):
  • Rome-Milan: $50-100$EUR
  • Rome-Florence: $25-60$EUR
  • Rome-Naples: $20-45$EUR
• Car Rental: $30-60$ EUR/day + gas $1.6-1.8$ EUR/liter

Activities and sightseeing:

• Colosseum: $16$EUR
• Vatican Museums: $17$EUR
• Uffizi Gallery: $20$EUR
• Pompeii: $15$EUR
• Doge’s Palace Venice: $25$EUR
• City pass: $30-60$ EUR/day

Estimated cost for 10 days: $1.500-3.500$EUR/person

Payment methods:

• Credit cardsVisa/Mastercard widely accepted
• ContactlessCommon, limited$25-50$EUR
• Cash: Still important for small shops, markets, tips
• ATMs: Available everywhere, fees around$2-5$ EUR/withdrawal

Best time

Spring (April-June) – Ideal:

• Weather: $15-25°C$, most pleasant
• Advantages: Flowers bloom, perfect weather, not too crowded yet
• Disadvantages: Prices start to increase from May

Autumn (September-October) – Wonderful:

• Weather: $18-26°C$, pleasantly warm
• Advantages: Less crowded than summer, weather still beautiful, harvest season
• Disadvantages: Prices still high, especially in September

Summer (July-August) – Peak season:

• Weather: $25-35°C$ hot and crowded
• Advantages: Longest day, all activities open
• Disadvantages: Extreme heat, highest prices (50-100% increase), unpleasant heat in the South

Winter (November-March):

• Weather: $5-15°C$, rainy
• Advantages: Lowest prices, few tourists, Christmas markets
• Disadvantages: Bad weather, many closures, short days

Best months: May, September, October– good balance between weather, prices, and crowds

Transport and getting around

From the airport to the city center:

Rome FCO:

• Leonardo Express: $14$ EUR, 32 minutes to Termini Station
• Bus Terravision/SitBus: $6$ EUR, 55 minutes
• Taxis: $48$ EUR fixed price to the center
• Uber: $35-50$EUR

Milan MXP:

• Malpensa Express: $13$ EUR, 50 minutes to Centrale/Cadorna
• Bus: $10$ EUR, 50 minutes to Centrale
• Taxis: $90-100$EUR
• Uber: $60-80$EUR

Moving between cities:

High-speed train (Highly recommended):

• Trenitalia (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento)
• Italo (private company, often more comfortable)
• Book in advance: Save 30-50%
• Advantages : Quick, comfortable, stations in the city center

Car Rental:

• Ideal : Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Sicily
• Avoid: Large cities (chaotic traffic, difficult parking)
• ZTL zones: Restricted traffic areas – heavy fines for violationsRome: Metro, bus, tram –
• Driving license: International driving permit required

Public transport in the city:

• MilanVenice: Vaporetto (water bus) –$1.5$EUR/ride, Roma Pass $28-38$EUR
• Good morning (morning), Good evening (afternoon/evening)Venice: Vaporetto (water bus) –$2$EUR/ride, rush hour is very crowded
• Thank you (grah-tsee-eh)Ancient Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill$7.5$EUR/ride, $20$ EUR/day

Culture and etiquette

Languages:

• Italian: Official language
• English: Common in tourist areas, limited in remote areas
• Dialects: Each region has its own dialect

Food culture:

• Colazione (Breakfast): Espresso + cornetto, standing at the bar
• LunchPranzo (Lunch)
• : 12:30-14:00, the main meal of the dayAperitivo
• : 18:00-20:00, drinks + snacksDinner
• Cena (Dinner): 20:00-22:00, later than Northern Europe

No cappuccino after 11 AM

• GreetingsVatican: St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums
• Politeness:Baroque Rome: Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon
• Thank you: "Grazie" (grah-tsee-eh)
• Dress code: Modest in churches, elegant in fine dining restaurants

Tip

• Time: 13:00-16:00
• Riposo (Siesta):: Many small shops closed
• Note: Plan a suitable tour

Must-visit attractions

Rome (3-4 days):

• TrastevereRenaissance Art: Uffizi Gallery, Accademia (Michelangelo’s David)
• Vatican: St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums
• Baroque Rome: Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon
• Trastevere: Bohemian neighborhood with vibrant nightlife

Florence (2-3 days):

• Renaissance Art: Uffizi Gallery, Accademia (Michelangelo’s David)
• Architecture: Duomo, Ponte Vecchio
• Tuscany day trips: Siena, San Gimignano, Chianti wine region

Venice (2 days):

• St. Mark’s Square: Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Campanile
• Gondola ride: Romantic but expensive ($80-120$EUR)
• Islands: Murano (glass), Burano (colorful houses)

Milan (1-2 days):

• Fashion: Quadrilatero della Moda, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
• Art: La Scala Opera, The Last Supper (book 2-3 months in advance)
• Day trip: Lake Como (1 hour by train)

Amalfi Coast:

• Positano: Most beautiful town
• Amalfi: Maritime history
• Ravello: Stunning views, ancient villas

Tuscany:

• Val d’Orcia: UNESCO vineyard landscape
• Montepulciano: Vino Nobile wine
• Pienza: The perfect Renaissance town

Preparation checklist

Documents:

• Passport valid for 3+ months after departure from Schengen
• Schengen Visa granted (check accuracy)
• Travel insurance$30.000$EUR (hard copy)
• Round-trip air ticket + booking confirmation
• Notarized copies of important documents

Finance:

• Visa/Mastercard credit card (inform bank)
• EUR Cash (approx. $300-500$EUR)
• Latest bank statement

Technology:

• Type C/F/L Adapter (Italy has 3 different socket types)
• European eSIM or travel SIM
• Useful apps:
  • Trenitalia/Italo: Book train tickets
  • Citymapper: Public transport
  • Google Translate: Camera translate for menus
  • XE Currency: Currency exchange

Clothing:

• Summer: Light clothing, hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes
• Winter: Warm jacket, umbrella, non-slip shoes
• Churches: Long-sleeved shirt, long pants, scarf (to cover shoulders)
• Walking shoes: Extremely important – Italy has many ancient cobblestone streets

Practical Italy Travel Tips

Booking Tickets:

• Book online in advance: Colosseum, Uffizi, Vatican Museums, The Last Supper
• Skip-the-line tickets: Worth it in peak season
• Roma Pass/Firenze Card: Saves money if visiting multiple sites

Eating and Drinking:

• Avoid tourist traps: Near famous attractions
• Find local eateries: Where Italians eat
• Menu turistico: Often poor quality
• Coperto: Table service charge ($1-3$ EUR/person)

Shopping:

• Tax refund: Buy from $155$ EUR in one store
• Outlet: Prada Outlet (Montevarchi), Gucci Outlet (The Mall)
• Local products: Olive oil, wine, parmigiano

Conclusion

Italy is a dream destination for art, history, culinary, and nature lovers. “Il Bel Paese” offers a diverse experience from ancient Roman heritage to Renaissance art, from world-class cuisine to the “la dolce vita” lifestyle.

Optimal transit route:

• USD, to both Nairobi and Mombasa: Premium service, competitive prices, good connections from Vietnam
• USD, competitive prices: Best prices, many destinations, good service
• Frankfurt/Munich (Lufthansa): Most stable, wide network, Star Alliance
• : Direct connection from Vietnam: Direct connections from Vietnam, efficient airports

Most important preparations:

• Schengen Visa (submit 1 month early)
• Insurance$30.000$EUR mandatory
• Book tickets in advance for famous attractions
• Comfortable walking shoes – extremely important

Ideal time: May, September, October for good weather and fewer crowds. Summer is the best but extremely crowded and expensive.

With thorough preparation, Italy will bring unforgettable memories of artistic beauty, unique culinary flavors, and the hospitality of its people. “Arrivederci” and see you again in this beautiful country!

Note: Information may change over time. Always check the latest information from the Italian Consulate and airlines before departure.