Lamezia Terme International Airport

Lamezia Terme International Airport is the main air gateway to sunny Calabria and the ideal starting point for a journey through southern Italy. Located on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, it immerses guests in the atmosphere of a relaxed Mediterranean holiday from their very first minutes. Although the airport is located in the city of Lamezia Terme, it serves as a key transport hub for the entire province, including picturesque Cosenza, which is easily accessible by car or train.

Lamezia Terme Airport offers several advantages that make it convenient for tourists:

Strategic Location. The airport is in close proximity to the Lamezia Terme Centrale railway station and the A2 motorway. This allows for quick access not only to Cosenza but also to famous resorts such as Tropea and Pizzo.

Compactness and Speed. Thanks to the terminal's modest size, navigation here is intuitive, and passing through passport control and baggage claim usually takes minimal time. Travelers appreciate the absence of the hustle and bustle typical of giant hubs.

Availability of Services. Despite its modest scale, the airport has everything necessary: car rental desks, which are particularly relevant for traveling around Calabria, cafés offering local pastries, and shops with regional products.

• Official Website: www.lameziaairport.it
• Information Desk Phone: +39 0968 414333
• Address: Via Aeroporto, 88046 Lamezia Terme CZ, Italy
• Email: For general inquiries, you can use the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: The airport is present on major platforms, such as Facebook, where current news and updates are published.
• Lost & Found: If your luggage has been lost, please contact the baggage tracing service at +39 0968 414409 or speak directly to your airline representative at the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For consultations and assistance, you can use the main airport information desk phone number.

There are several ways to get from the city center of Cosenza to Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF), located approximately 75 kilometers away. The choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. The journey takes on average from 1 to 1.5 hours.

Public Transport

This is the most budget-friendly way to reach the airport. Direct buses from several companies (e.g., Autolinee Federico) run between Cosenza and Lamezia Terme Airport. They depart from the Cosenza bus station and arrive directly at the terminal. This is the most convenient and direct option among public transport. You can also take a train: for this, you need to travel from Cosenza station to Lamezia Terme Centrale station, and from there transfer to a local bus or shuttle to the airport, which takes just a few minutes. The cost of a bus or train ticket is usually low, making this option attractive for economical travelers.

Taxi and Private Transfer

A taxi ride is the fastest and most comfortable option, especially if you are traveling with a lot of luggage or in a group. The cost will be significantly higher than public transport and may range from 80-120 Euros or more. It is recommended to confirm the fare with the driver in advance or book a car through official services. Another convenient option is to book a private transfer online. In this case, a driver will meet you, and the price will be fixed, eliminating unpleasant surprises.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to explore the Calabria region on your own, renting a car is an excellent solution. The road from Cosenza to the airport follows the modern A2/E45 motorway and is straightforward. Lamezia Terme Airport hosts offices of all major international and local rental agencies. For those driving to the airport in their own or rented vehicle, convenient parking lots are available — for both short-term and long-term stays.

Recommendations

For solo travelers and couples without heavy luggage, the bus is the optimal choice in terms of price and convenience. Families with children and those who value comfort should consider booking a taxi or transfer. Always check the current public transport schedule, especially if your trip falls on weekends or public holidays in Italy.

Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF) features a structure that is simple and easy for passengers to understand. This significantly simplifies navigation and reduces the time needed for pre-flight formalities, which is particularly convenient for tourists arriving in the Calabria region.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal that serves both domestic and international flights, including Schengen and non-Schengen destinations. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transferring between different buildings — all services and zones are under one roof, making movement around the airport quick and intuitive.

The terminal layout is classic and logical. The building has two main levels:

• Ground Floor (Piano Terra) — this is the Arrivals area. Passengers arrive here after disembarking for passport control (if necessary), baggage claim, and customs inspection. Car rental desks, tourist information offices, and exits to the city for bus stops and taxis are also located here.
• First Floor (Primo Piano) — the Departures area. Here you will find flight check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, security checks, and passport control for those flying outside the Schengen area. After passing inspection, passengers enter the secure area with shops, cafés, and boarding gates.

Check-in and security screening at Lamezia Terme Airport usually do not take much time due to its compact size. However, during the peak tourist season (from June to September), queues are possible. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic or Schengen flight and 2.5-3 hours before an international flight. Navigation through the terminal is straightforward: all signs are in Italian and English and clearly guide passengers along the necessary route from the entrance to the boarding gate.

The history of Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF) began relatively recently, but it is closely linked to the development of the entire Calabria region. The decision to build a large modern airport was made in the 1960s to stimulate the economy and tourism in southern Italy. The official opening took place in June 1976, when the first Itavia flight from Rome landed here. Initially, the airport was conceived as a central hub serving key cities in the region, including Catanzaro, Crotone, and, of course, Cosenza.

A key stage in the airport's development was 1990, when it received international status. This event coincided with the FIFA World Cup held in Italy and gave a powerful boost to passenger traffic. In the following decades, the airport underwent several waves of modernization to meet growing demands. The runway and apron were expanded, and, importantly, the passenger terminal was repeatedly extended and updated for traveler comfort.

The significant growth in the airport's popularity in the 21st century is largely due to the entry of budget airlines into the market. This made Calabria accessible to a wide range of tourists from Europe, turning Lamezia Terme into a lively tourist hub during the summer season. The airport is not associated with any loud historical records, but its main achievement is its stable and reliable operation as the main transport hub connecting one of the country's most picturesque regions with the rest of the world.

An interesting fact: the airport is located in the Sant'Eufemia district, whose name it bore in the early stages. Today, it is a strategically important infrastructure facility playing a key role not only in tourism but also in the export of local agricultural produce. Its history is an example of how a modern transport facility can radically change the economic landscape of an entire region.

Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF) provides passengers with a wide range of services to make their stay as comfortable and convenient as possible before departure or after arrival. The terminal offers facilities for both short waits and longer stays.

For those wishing to have a snack or shop, the airport has several cafés and coffee bars where you can drink authentic Italian coffee, eat a sandwich, or enjoy a dessert. Shops offer a variety of goods: from newspapers and books to souvenirs and local Calabrian delicacies. Of course, there is also a Duty Free zone where you can purchase perfumes, confectionery, and tobacco products at competitive prices.

Passengers preferring to wait for their flight in a quieter environment can use the VIP Lounge services. It offers comfortable seating, snacks and beverages, fresh newspapers, and high-speed internet. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal for all passengers, and special zones for charging electronic devices are equipped in the waiting halls.

Financial matters can be handled directly at the airport: ATMs (Bancomat) and currency exchange points are available to travelers. In case of need, there is a first aid station in the terminal, ready to assist in emergency situations.

The airport cares for all categories of passengers. For travelers with small children, there are nursery rooms with changing tables. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on comprehensive support: special parking spaces, ramps, elevators, and assistance from qualified staff. It is recommended to request assistance service in advance through your airline.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, many hotels of various comfort levels are located a few minutes' drive away, easily accessible by taxi or shuttle. Specialized conference halls are not provided in the airport, but basic conditions for work can be found in the business lounge.

At Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF), travelers can find several options for a snack or a full meal both before and after passing security control. Although the selection here is not as extensive as in major international hubs, you certainly won't go hungry.

The majority of dining establishments are concentrated in the Departures area (airside), after passport and customs control. Here you will find cafés and coffee bars where you can comfortably spend time waiting for your flight. Typically, they offer a classic Italian assortment: aromatic espresso, cappuccino, fresh pastries (such as cornetto croissants), as well as various panini sandwiches and pizza. This is a great place to enjoy a final cup of authentic Italian coffee before departure.

If you are looking for something more substantial, look for self-service establishments or small restaurants where you can order pasta, salads, or hot dishes. Prices at the airport, as elsewhere, are higher than average city prices. Expect to pay around 5-7 Euros for a cup of coffee and a pastry, and from 15-20 Euros and up for a full lunch.

For passengers with specific dietary needs, finding ready-made solutions can be challenging. Vegetarians will find it easier — there are almost always panini with mozzarella and tomatoes or vegetable salads on the menu. For Halal, vegan, or gluten-free options, availability may be limited, so it is best to check the ingredients with the staff. Most establishments open early in the morning and operate until the last flight departs, but operating hours may vary.

In the public area (landside), before passing control, there are also cafés where you can have coffee and a snack. This is convenient for those seeing off or meeting passengers. A panini and a drink are perfect for a quick bite, and if you have more time, you can dine leisurely at one of the restaurants in the departure zone.

To ensure your journey through Lamezia Terme International Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. A thoughtful approach to pre-flight procedures will help save time and reduce stress, leaving more pleasant impressions of your trip to Italy.

Arrival time at the airport. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2-2.5 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. During the peak tourist season (in summer and on holidays), it is better to allow extra time due to possible queues for check-in and security screening.

Check-in and Security Control. The fastest way to check in for a flight is online check-in on your airline's website. This allows you to go straight to the baggage drop-off counter or, if you are traveling light, proceed directly to security. When passing through security control, be prepared to remove laptops and other large gadgets from your hand luggage, as well as your plastic bag with liquids.

What can and cannot be carried in hand luggage. Standard rules limit the carriage of liquids: they must all be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent resealable bag with a capacity of up to 1 liter. Sharp objects, weapons, and explosive substances are prohibited. Always check the rules of your specific airline, as there may be additional restrictions, for example, on the carriage of lithium batteries.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If the airline offers seat selection, decide what is more important to you: a window view, free access to the aisle, or the ability to leave the plane faster (seats at the front of the cabin). If you have a connecting flight, clarify in advance whether you need to collect your luggage in Lamezia Terme and check it in again. Leave a sufficient time margin between flights to avoid rushing.

Customs Control. Travelers arriving from countries outside the Schengen area must pass passport and customs control. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to choose the "Green Channel". If you are carrying something that needs to be declared, you should go to the "Red Channel".

Saving Time and Money. To save money, book your transfer from the airport to Cosenza or parking online in advance. Take an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security, and light snacks — this is cheaper than buying them at the airport. The main way to save time is to travel with hand luggage only.

In Case of Flight Delay. First, contact your airline representative for information about the status of the flight and your rights. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for meals or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts and boarding passes — they may be needed to claim compensation.