Blu-express: Rome to Catania

The carrier: Blu-express

About

Blu-express is low cost in Italiano.  It flies within Italy and to a smattering of other Mediterranean destinations from its primary Rome Fiumicino hub and several additional destinations in Italy: Bari, Catania, Milan, Palermo, and—best of all—the southern island of Pantelleria.

Upside

One of the lowest flight cancellation rates among Italian airlines. Comfortable reclining leather seats on board.

Downside

Destinations are limited.

Baggage

* Carry-on: One piece of hand luggage not to exceed 5 kg, plus personal item.
* Checked: Up to two bags not exceeding 15 kg. Over 15 kg, you will be charged €7 for each additional kg.

* Please visit Blu-express’s website for more information on its baggage policy.

Seating

Check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Seats are assigned at check-in. You may also book online at €8 per person per flight.

Check-in and Ticketing

If you are traveling from Rome Fiumicino, Nice, Catania and Turin with an electronic ticket or only have carry-on luggage, you can check-in online from 28 days to 3 hours before the flight departure.  Talk about planning in advance!

Departure: Rome, Italy - Leonardo da Vinci di Fiumicino (FCO)

Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport or "Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci di Fiumicino," also commonly known as Rome-Fiumicino International Airport, its former name, is Italy's largest airport and second-largest international air gateway and Rome's primary airport. While the focus at Fiumicino is on long-haul routes flown by conventional airlines, the airport also hosts several budget airlines. Among these, Blu-express, Vueling, and Air Berlin fly the most routes.

Fiumicino may not be one of the most exciting big city airports in Europe, but it does, unsurprisingly, sport some of the best espresso bars we've ever found.

Location:

Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport is situated 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of the city, in the coastal city of Fiumicino.

Transport:

•Rail: Fiumicino benefits from a fab airport train connection, which drops passengers off at Rome's massive Termini train station. To take the train, follow the signs at the airport marked "Treni." The train runs every half hour, from 6:37 a.m. until 11:37 p.m. and takes about 35 minutes. Tickets cost €9.50 and can be purchased from one of the (sometimes unreliable) ticket machines or at the train ticket office. If you're pressed for time, you can buy a ticket on the train for €11.

Another option, especially good for visitors staying in Trastevere, is to take one of the local trains, Orte or Fara Sabina. A journey on either train lasts 45 minutes and costs €5. Orte and Fara Sabina trains depart from the airport station for Rome's Stazione Tiburtina. At Tiburtina, you can catch the B subway line. Stops on the B line include Trastevere and Ostiense.

•Bus: Another way to get into the center of Rome from Fiumicino airport is on the Terravision express bus. The Terravision bus connects Fiumicino airport to Rome's Termini Station. Tickets cost €7 one-way and €12 round-trip. Visit the Terravision booking engine to book bus tickets in advance.

•Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport. The official taxis are white and identified by the illuminated Taxi sign on the roof. Ensure the meter is running, and check the approximate price of the journey beforehand. Expect to pay a whopping €60 per ride, not including supplementary charges for luggage, nighttime travel, and Sunday travel. (Stick to the train, folks!)

Service:

There are information desks located in all three terminals. There are a number of restaurants, cafes and bars located throughout the airport. There are numerous first-class shopping centers that have exclusive stores selling quality goods, as well as the duty-free shops. Other facilities include first aid, a chapel and prayer room, a Bureau de change, and 24-hour cash machines (ATMs).

Arrival: Catania, Italy - Fontanarossa (CTA)

Catania-Fontanarossa Airport or "Aeroporto di Catania-Fontanarossa" is the busiest airport in Sicily.

Location:

Catania-Fontanarossa Airport is located 5 kilometers (3 miles) south of Catania, the second largest city on the Italian island of Sicily.

Transport:

•Bus: A shuttle bus service provides transport into Catania city center and the Central Train Station, while scheduled bus services to other parts of the island are also available direct from the airport.
•Taxi: Travelers can take a taxi from the terminal building into the city or beyond, with popular locations including nearby Syracuse, Palermo, and Marsala.

Service:

This airport offers a shopping center and newsstand as well as restaurants and bars. Also, there is a flight information office, currency exchange, nursery, and bus ticket office.