Perugia ”San Francesco” Airport

Airport in Perugia

Perugia San Francesco D’Assisi – Umbria International Airport
Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi – Umbria International Airport

Perugia “San Francesco” Airport (PEG) is the main air gateway to Umbria, one of Italy's most beautiful and historic regions. Located around 12 km from Perugia and close to Assisi, this small and efficient airport provides easy access to hilltop towns, countryside villas, monasteries, and cultural sites across central Italy. Whether you're arriving for a relaxing rural break or heading home after exploring Umbria's medieval landscapes, this guide covers everything you need to navigate the airport smoothly.

Why This Airport Matters

Perugia Airport offers a quieter, more relaxed travel experience than larger hubs like Rome or Florence. Its compact layout ensures fast arrivals, minimal queues, and quick access to the surrounding towns of Umbria, making it ideal for travellers who prefer simplicity and ease over busy terminals.

The airport is particularly useful for visitors staying in or near Assisi, Perugia, Spello, and the Montefalco wine region. It is popular with couples, pilgrims visiting Assisi's basilicas, and independent travellers exploring Umbria's scenic backroads and medieval towns.

History and Significance

Opened in the 1930s as a military airfield, Perugia Airport later transitioned into civilian operations to support regional travel. Over the decades, the terminal saw gradual upgrades to handle modern tourism and increasing connections with European destinations.

It was renamed in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi, one of Italy's most revered spiritual figures, reflecting the deep cultural and religious heritage of the region. Today the airport continues to expand slowly while maintaining its quiet, local character.

Airport Layout and Quick Facts

Perugia Airport has a single terminal designed for quick and uncomplicated passenger flow. All essential services - check-in, security, waiting areas, and boarding gates - are within a short walk, making it very easy to navigate even during peak travel seasons.

Arrivals are similarly efficient, with baggage claim located just steps from the exit and car rental companies positioned conveniently near the terminal. With its small footprint, travellers often move from aircraft door to car park in under ten minutes.

Where to Stay Close to Perugia “San Francesco” Airport

The closest hotels are located in the countryside between Perugia and Assisi, offering peaceful surroundings and quick airport access. Options include Etruscan Chocohotel, a quirky and comfortable choice in Perugia with good transport links, and Hotel Tevere Perugia, located around 10 minutes from the airport.

Travellers wanting to stay near Assisi can look at Hotel Cenacolo, which offers modern rooms and quick access to the basilicas. Staying in Perugia itself is also convenient, with accommodations around the historic centre providing easy connections to PEG.

Getting To and From Perugia “San Francesco” Airport

By Bus

A shuttle bus connects the airport with Perugia city centre, Assisi, and Santa Maria degli Angeli. Services are coordinated with flight schedules, making the bus a reliable and low-cost option for most travellers. Journey time to Perugia is around 25 minutes.

By Taxi

Taxis wait directly outside the terminal, offering direct transport to Perugia, Assisi, and surrounding towns. Fares vary depending on distance, with rides to Perugia typically costing between €25-€35. Pre-booking a taxi can ensure availability during early morning or late-night arrivals.

By Train

There is no train station at the airport. The nearest major stations are Perugia and Assisi, both reachable by bus or taxi. From there, travellers can continue to Rome, Florence, or other Italian cities. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

By Car

The airport is located near the SS75 highway, which provides quick access to Perugia, Assisi, Foligno, and beyond. Car hire is a popular choice for exploring Umbria's rural villages and winding mountain roads. Short- and long-term parking is available directly opposite the terminal. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

By Transfers and Shuttles

Private transfers and hotel pickups offer door-to-door convenience, particularly for groups, families, or travellers with heavy luggage. These services are especially useful for reaching rural accommodations not served by public transport.

Arriving at Perugia “San Francesco” Airport

Arrivals at PEG are simple and fast. Passport control, when required, is usually quick due to the limited number of flights operating at the same time. Baggage claim is located immediately after immigration, and luggage typically arrives within minutes.

In the arrivals hall, travellers will find car rental desks, restrooms, a café, and an information point. ATMs are available, and the airport’s small size makes navigating the exit extremely straightforward.

Money Exchange & Currency Tips for Italy

Italy uses the euro (EUR), and the easiest way to obtain cash is by withdrawing from ATMs located at the airport or in city centres. Airport exchange counters often have less favourable rates, so withdrawing a small amount at the airport and more in town can be a better strategy.

Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) when withdrawing or paying - always choose euros. Cards are widely accepted across Umbria, but carrying a small amount of cash is useful for rural cafés, markets, and smaller shops.

Any leftover euros can be used on future Eurozone trips or spent at airport cafés, shops, or toll booths before departing.

SIM Cards & Connectivity

Italy's main mobile operators - TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre - offer strong coverage across Umbria, including rural areas. Travellers can purchase SIM cards at mobile shops in Perugia, Assisi, or at larger train stations. Some kiosks occasionally sell SIMs at the airport depending on the season.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging points can be found in seating areas and cafés.

Departing from Perugia “San Francesco” Airport

Departing from PEG is a smooth process thanks to its small size. Check-in desks are located near the main entrance, and security screening is typically fast. Travellers are advised to arrive at least 90 minutes before European flights, especially during peak months like July and August.

After security, a compact departures lounge offers a café, bar, small shops, seating areas, and clear gate signage. Boarding usually begins quickly, with short walking distances to each gate.

Airport Services and Facilities

Food and Drink
A café and bar serving drinks, pastries, and light meals before and after security.

Shops
Small stores offering travel essentials, souvenirs, snacks, and local Umbrian products.

ATMs and Currency
ATMs available in the arrivals hall for withdrawing euros.

Wi-Fi and Charging
Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal; charging stations available in seating areas.

SIM Cards
Not always available at the airport; easiest to purchase in Perugia or Assisi.

Family and Accessibility Facilities
Baby-changing areas, accessible restrooms, and mobility assistance are provided on request.

Medical and Assistance Points
First-aid services available during operating hours.

Lounges at Perugia “San Francesco” Airport

PEG does not currently offer traditional paid-entry lounges or business lounges. The departures area is small but comfortable, with seating and access to food and drink options.

Perugia “San Francesco” Airport Hotels

While there are no hotels directly inside the terminal, nearby accommodation options include Hotel Tevere Perugia and Hotel Cenacolo. Travellers can also stay in Perugia’s historic centre, which offers a wider range of boutique hotels and B&Bs.

Renting a Car at Perugia “San Francesco” Airport

Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Umbria’s countryside, medieval towns, and scenic hilltop villages. Several rental companies operate directly at the airport, with pick-up points located steps from the terminal entrance.

Driving in Umbria is generally straightforward, with well-maintained roads connecting major towns such as Perugia, Assisi, Spello, and Montefalco. Rural areas may involve narrow or winding roads, so taking your time is recommended.

Flights and Airlines Operating at PEG

Perugia Airport offers European connections to destinations such as London, Brussels, Tirana, Rotterdam, and other seasonal holiday routes. Airlines typically include Ryanair, Wizz Air, and other regional carriers depending on the season.

For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Perugia on Booking.com.

Practical Tips for Using Perugia “San Francesco” Airport

  • Arrive early during summer weekends.
  • Carry some euros for rural shops and cafés.
  • Buy SIM cards in Perugia or Assisi for better prices.
  • Roads around the airport are easy to navigate for self-drive travellers.
  • The terminal is small - services may close between flights.

Can You Sleep Overnight at the Airport?

Perugia Airport is not a 24-hour facility, and overnight stays inside the terminal are generally not permitted. The building usually closes after the final evening departure, and travellers must wait outside or return in the morning. Seating is limited, and security staff may ask visitors to leave once operations stop.

If you need to stay near the airport overnight, nearby hotels such as Hotel Tevere Perugia offer comfortable rooms, while accommodations in Perugia and Assisi provide more options.

Final Thoughts

Perugia “San Francesco” Airport is a friendly, efficient gateway to Umbria's hill towns, vineyards, and cultural treasures. With its easy layout, quick arrivals process, and peaceful atmosphere, it offers a relaxed start or finish to any journey through central Italy. Whether you're planning a pilgrimage to Assisi or a scenic drive through the Umbrian countryside, PEG provides a smooth and welcoming travel experience.

The Perugia ”San Francesco” Airport appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Perugia!

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Visiting Perugia ”San Francesco” Airport

Address: San Francesco d'Assisi Airport (PEG), Via dell'Aeroporto, Perugia, Province of Perugia, Italy
Perugia: 9 km
Assisi: 10 km
Gubbio: 29 km

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