How to get around Italy

There are multiple ways to get around Italy

There are multiple ways of travelling around Italy, depending on the type of trip being undertaken. Generally, to get around Italy the fastest way is by train. There are many different operators providing express services from city to city. Buses are the best option for visitors on a budget, however with no national bus company most bus routes stay within a city or town, although there are various city to city bus routes. Taking the metro, driving, cycling, and even travelling by sea are other alternatives.

Things You'll Need

• Cash
• If driving:
• Driver’s licence
• Hire car or your own car
• If cycling:
• Bike, or hired bike, or motorbike

Instructions

By train

1. Ensure you are at the station 20 minutes before your train is due to depart.

2. Purchase your ticket if you have not done so in advance.

3. Buy refreshments at the station if necessary, as most trains do not have a dining carriage or cart from which you can buy food.

4. Stamp your train ticket before boarding. There should be an electronic machine within the station for you to do this. Failure to validate your ticket can result in a fine.

5. Board the train and enjoy your journey.

By bus

1. Buy your ticket before you get on the bus. You can do this at newsagents, tobacconists, some hotel receptions, and any shop displaying a big black ‘T’.

2. Tickets are valid on as many bus routes as you wish within 1 hour of purchasing.

3. Get on the bus. Buses travelling within the city are orange, while buses travelling between cities are blue.

4. Validate your ticket on the machine at the back of the bus. Failure to do so can result in a fine, and inspectors do routine checks.

By Metro

1. Purchase a ticket at the metro station from the ticket office.

2. At the turnstile, place the ticket through a scanner to be able to get through to the platforms.

3. Follow the signs to the correct platform for your destination. The metro is an efficient way of getting around the cities of Rome, Milan, Naples, Torino, and Catania.

By car

1. Check with your insurance company that you have adequate cover to drive through Italy.

2. You do not need a special driver’s licence unless you are a resident of the US or Canada - in these cases you will need to get an international driver’s licence before you can rent a car in Italy.

3. Contact hire car companies if you’re renting a car to get quotes. The main ones are Avis, Hertz, Alamo, and Auto Europe.

4. Remember to always drive on the right hand side of the road.

Tips & Warnings

• There are numerous ferries connecting Italy’s ports to the surrounding islands, as well as to Turkey and Greece. Make sure you reserve beforehand, especially in the summer months.

• Cycling can be another good way to get around and contemplate the Italian scenery, there are many places offering bike hire, less so that hire out motorbikes however.

• If you are a woman travelling alone, do not hitchhike. Hitchhiking along motorways is strictly forbidden.

References

• Just Italy: Getting Around Italy
• About Italy: Getting Around