Cuneo International Airport

Cuneo International Airport sits 21 kilometres northeast of Cuneo city centre, in the commune of Levaldigi, at the foot of the Maritime Alps. It is a small regional airport handling seasonal flights to a handful of European destinations, plus general aviation and cargo. With a single terminal and a runway that stretches just over 2,100 metres, the airport is compact enough that passengers can walk from the entrance to the gate in under ten minutes. But its modest size belies its importance to the region: it provides the most direct air link for travellers heading to the Langhe wine country, the Alpine ski resorts of Limone Piemonte, and the truffle markets of Alba. The airport opened in the 1960s and underwent a major renovation in the 2010s, adding a modern facade and improved accessibility features. Today it serves around 300,000 passengers a year, a number that swells during the winter ski season and the autumn truffle fairs.

Getting There

Cuneo International Airport is connected to Cuneo city centre by bus, taxi, and car. The most reliable public option is the Airport Shuttle Bus, operated by the local transport company, which runs between the airport and Cuneo’s railway station (Stazione di Cuneo) in about 30 minutes. The service is timed to coincide with flight arrivals and departures, so schedules vary. A one-way ticket costs around €5. For those arriving by train, the station has regular connections to Turin, Ventimiglia, and Savona. If you prefer a taxi, the journey from Cuneo to the airport takes roughly 25 minutes and costs between €35 and €50, depending on traffic. Driving yourself is straightforward: from Cuneo, take the SS20 towards Fosano, then follow signs for Levaldigi and the airport. Parking is available in a large lot directly in front of the terminal; the first 15 minutes are free, and long-term parking costs about €10 per day. For passengers coming from Turin, the A6 motorway leads to the Fosano exit, then local roads for another 15 minutes. Note that public transport connections to the airport are limited outside flight times, so check the bus schedule in advance if relying on it.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal is a single-level building with a straightforward layout. Upon entering, you find the check-in desks to the left and the security checkpoint straight ahead. The airport has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible car park with reserved spaces near the door. Inside, the floor is level and wide enough for easy navigation. Wi-Fi is available free of charge throughout the terminal; a simple login via a web page grants access. The airport is officially LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, with unisex accessible toilets that include changing tables. There is a designated wheelchair-accessible toilet and wheelchair-accessible seating near the gates. Baggage storage is available for a fee, located near the check-in area, useful for day trippers who want to explore the region without luggage. The security check is efficient, though during busy times — especially Monday at 3 pm, Tuesday at 7 am, Wednesday at 3 pm, and Thursday at 9 am — queues can build. Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure for European flights, two hours for any non-Schengen destination. Once through security, the departure lounge has a small café serving coffee, snacks, and sandwiches, plus a duty-free shop with local products such as Barolo wine, hazelnut spreads, and olive oil. There is no currency exchange, but ATMs are available before security. Overall, the atmosphere is calm and unhurried, with helpful staff who often speak both Italian and English.

Cuneo International Airport and Levaldigi

Levaldigi itself is a small comune of about 150 people, set in the rolling hills of the Piedmont region. Its name means “valley of the daisies,” a fitting description for the lush meadows that surround the area. Most passengers pass through Levaldigi without stopping, but the village offers a quiet glimpse into rural Italian life. The main reason people fly into Cuneo International is to access the wider region: the Langhe and Roero areas, famous for their wine (Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo) and the prized white truffle of Alba. The Alba White Truffle Fair, held from October to November, draws food lovers from around the world, and the airport is the most convenient entry point. The Maritime Alps, just south of Cuneo, provide year-round outdoor activities: skiing at Limone Piemonte in winter, hiking and mountain biking in summer. The city of Cuneo itself, with its medieval old town and arcaded streets, is worth a day trip. The region is also known for its hazelnut production — the famous Nutella hazelnut spread uses Piedmont hazelnuts — and for its cheeses, such as Castelmagno and Robiola. For history buffs, the nearby town of Mondovì has a historic university and a funicular railway, while the Sanctuary of Vicoforte, with its immense elliptical dome, is a short drive away. The airport’s role is thus not as a destination but as a gateway to some of Italy’s most celebrated culinary and natural landscapes. Understanding this helps explain why the airport, though small, receives such loyal traffic: it saves hours of driving from Turin or Milan for those heading straight to the Langhe or the Alps.

Practical Information

The airport is not open 24 hours a day; its operating hours correspond to flight schedules. Typically, the terminal opens two hours before the first departure and closes after the last arrival. To confirm exact hours for your travel date, check the official website at http://www.cuneoairport.com/ or call +39 0172 741500. The busiest times — as noted — are Monday at 3 pm, Tuesday at 7 am, Wednesday at 3 pm, and Thursday at 9 am; plan to arrive early if flying during these windows. There are no hotels on site, but several agriturismi and B&Bs are within a 10-minute drive in Levaldigi and neighbouring villages. For car rental, major agencies like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar have desks in the arrivals area. If you plan to return a car, leave extra time to drop it off and shuttle to the terminal. One practical tip: if you are arriving late in the evening, pre-book a taxi or arrange a car rental in advance, as public buses may not run after the last flight. The airport’s compact size means you will not be overwhelmed, but it also means limited services — do not expect a full-service restaurant or a lounge. Bring snacks if you have a long wait. Finally, remember that the airport serves mostly seasonal destinations (such as London Stansted, Bucharest, and some Italian cities like Olbia and Cagliari), so check the route map before booking. The best piece of advice for a smooth experience: confirm your flight is actually operating on the day you travel, as cancellations and schedule changes are more common here than at larger hubs.