Italy is a beautiful country full of history, amazing food, and stunning landscapes. If you are planning a trip from the UK to Italy, here is everything you need to know.

Do You Need a Visa?

  • If you have a UK passport, you can visit Italy without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date.
  • Starting from the ending of 2026, UK travelers will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization before visiting Italy.
  • For the latest entry rules, I will advise all travelers to check the UK government’s website.

Best Ways to Travel to Italy from the UK

By Plane

The fastest way to reach Italy is by plane. Direct flights from London, Manchester, and other UK cities take 2 to 3 hours. You can fly to:

  • Rome (FCO, CIA)
  • Milan (MXP, LIN, BGY)
  • Venice (VCE, TSF)
  • Florence (FLR)
  • Naples (NAP)

Budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air offer cheap flights if you book early.

By Train

If you prefer train travel:

  1. Take the Eurostar from London to Paris (2.5 hours).
  2. From Paris, take a high-speed train to Milan, Rome, or Venice.

Train travel takes longer than flying but is more comfortable and scenic.

By Car and Ferry

If you want a road trip:

  • Take the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais or a ferry from Dover to Calais.
  • Drive through France and Switzerland to reach Italy.

This option allows you to stop in different countries along the way.

By Coach

Companies like FlixBus and Eurolines offer budget-friendly coach trips from London to Italy, but these journeys take 24 hours or more.

Best Cities to Visit in Italy

  • Rome: The capital city, home to the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain.
  • Florence: A city full of art, museums, and beautiful architecture.
  • Venice: Famous for its canals, gondolas, and St. Mark’s Square.
  • Milan: The fashion capital, with the Duomo and luxury shopping.
  • Naples: Close to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast, great for pizza lovers.

How Much Does It Cost?

  • Flights: Budget (£30-£100), Full-service (£120+).
  • Hotels: Budget (£40-£80), Mid-range (£90-£150), Luxury (£200+).
  • Food: Pizza or pasta (£7-£15), Restaurant meal (£20-£50).
  • Transport: Metro/bus (€2.50 to €3.80) within city.

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (March to May): Warm weather, fewer crowds.
  • Summer (June to August): Hot and busy, great for beaches.
  • Autumn (September to November):  Pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists.
  • Winter (December to February): Colder but great for Christmas markets and skiing.

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Currency: Italy uses the Euro (€).
  • Time Zone: Italy is 1 hour ahead of the UK.
  • Language: People speak Italian, but English is common in tourist areas.
  • Power Sockets: Italy uses Type L plugs, so bring an adapter.
  • Tipping: Not required, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated.

Final Tips

  • Book flights and hotels early for the best prices.
  • Learn a few basic Italian words. This will help you a lot.
  • Italy has great public transport, which I recommend you use to save money.
  • Try Italian specialties like gelato, espresso, and fresh pasta.

For official travel updates, visit UK Government Travel Advice or Italy’s Official Tourism Website.

Resources Used for This Article

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Kojo Enoch

Traveler. Storyteller. Curious about how people live around the world. I created Explore With Kojo to share real stories from the places I visit and to inspire smart, honest travel.

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