Perfect transportation guide for Italy! Tips on how to use the bus, train, metro, and more! Read the blog to learn how to get around Italy!
Italy is a very easy country in terms of transportation services. Their public transportation is an efficient and reliable way of getting around the country. Here are a few different ways you could get around Rome, Milan, and Italy.
Walking
Popular destinations like Rome and Milan, and most other places in Italy, are walkable. It is such a great way to see the city and get an idea of where all the main sights are located. Like most cities in Europe, Italy is filled with old roads and cobblestone streets. I highly recommend good walking shoes. Your feet will thank you later. If you plan to walk throughout cities such as Rome, I recommend breaking up the city into sections over a multiple-day period.
Taxi
Taxis are the easiest mode of transportation and a fast way to get around the city. They can always be seen waiting outside hotels or you can just wave one down at the corner of an intersection. You can also have the hotel service call one, and it can be waiting for you out front for whatever time you need. They usually use the meter system, so it can get pricy the farther you go. So, it would be good to use it for shorter distances. And be mindful of tourist traps. Do not get into a taxi unless there is a meter, and don’t accept a fixed rate. Uber is available within the city, they work with the local taxis. It works well if you want to use a credit card. Most taxis prefer cash.
Bus
Another great way to get around Italy is by bus! There is an extensive network of city buses you can use for most tourist destinations. Tickets can be bought at the station and remember to stamp your ticket. After stamping it, you can use the bus for 100 minutes and change lines if needed.
If you are planning on just visiting the tourist spots, I recommend the Hop-on-Hop-off bus. This is a great way to see the city as well as all the more popular locations. The City Sightseeing Italy is a double-decker red bus. It operates in several Italian cities. Usually, the buses depart every 10 to 20 minutes and are perfect for a multiple-day trip! Book your tickets online so all you have to do is step on board!
Metro
In Italy’s capital city of Rome, there are three metro lines (A to C). B has the stop closest to the Colosseum (Colosseo). You can switch between the lines at the Roma Termini station. This is also where you can get onto the regional and high-speed trains. There are several ways to buy a ticket, one being at the station itself. The ticket is valid for any public transportation (ATAC). This includes the metro, bus, and some regional trains. However, they are not valid if you are going to the airport, a separate ticket is needed. Similar to most metro services, to get to the correct stop, start with what line your end destination is on. Example: To get to the Pantheon from the Vatican Museums, you need to go from Cipro metro stop to Spagna on line A in the direction of Anagnina.
Roma Pass
A great option for transportation in Rome is the Roma Pass. With the Roma Pass, you can use unlimited ATAC public transport for 48 or 72 hours. You also have the option for access to one or two attractions (including the Colosseum).
Train
One of the best ways to travel, when visiting multiple cities in Italy, I recommend taking high-speed trains. It is one of the most efficient ways to travel further distances. There are two main train companies that connect to the major cities in Italy. TrenItalia with Frecciarossa is a state-run company and Italo is a privately owned company. Both are similar as far as travel time and seat options. I have heard that Italo might be slightly cheaper. You can buy a ticket in advance or purchase one at the front booth.
Example Itinerary: Rome’s main train station, Roma Termini to Milan’s station, Milano Centrale. This trip takes around 3 1/2 hours for around 70 euros (this cost is for the business class ticket).
When boarding the train here are a few tips! When entering the train station, go to the Departure board and look for your train number (most important) and train line logo.
After you have spotted your train number, check the destinations. Keep in mind, your final destination may not be the same as your train’s. Example: You are going to Florence, but may be traveling on a train destined for Milan that stops in Florence on the way. As long as your train number match, you are on the right train.
Then check which platform your train will be leaving from as well as your car and seat number. Train doors will close one minute prior to departure and access to the train will not be permitted after that. Snacks are provided in the Bistro car or pack some before boarding.
Ferry
Lake Como is a popular tourist destination. This will require transportation on a ferry. There are several private tour boats you can book for a pretty high price. Or you can take a public ferry through Navigazione Laghi. There are several stops along Lake Como including the more popular Bellagio and Varenna. To purchase a ticket you can do so online or at the office near the dock.
Much like a train, check the departing board at the pier. Be aware of departure times and destinations. Example: you are going to Bellagio, but the end destination might say, Calico, which stops at Bellagio along the way. As long as you are headed in the right direction, you are on the right ferry.
There are a few different piers at the Como stop, so be sure you are boarding the correct ferry. When in doubt, do not hesitate to ask the attendant.
Thank you for reading!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
No Comments