Are you planning a trip to Italy? Have you already booked your hotel and tours? Now it’s time to consider transportation in Italy and how to get around?!
I get it, you’re so excited to finally be going on your dream vacation, right?! Everything is coming together but now you have to figure out how to get around. This part can be overwhelming and I am here to help.
What transportation option would be best for your trip? What’s the most cost-effective and easiest way to travel from one city to another?!
These are all questions I had when I first moved to Italy and am frequently asked by followers on Instagram. Well, unless you can afford to hire a private driver for your trip, public transportation in Italy is going to be the best way to get around! (Yes, people actually do hire private drivers for their whole vacation!)
Exploring Italy’s beautiful cities and countryside can be confusing when you don’t know how to use the transportation network. Don’t worry, I got your transportation needs covered! I will walk you through the best ways to get around Italy, from trains and buses to rental cars and ferries. (All of which I have personally used.)
Transportation Options
Whether you’re a solo traveler, backpacker, or a student studying in Italy, knowing how to get around can make all the difference in your travel experience. Each form of transportation offers a unique experience and certain conveniences. Depending on the length of your trip, budget, and itinerary, there’s an option for everyone!
- Trains: These are ideal for long-distance travel between major cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan. The high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Italo) offer nice comfort, speed, and convenience. Tip: Book tickets in advance on Trenitalia or Italo apps for discounts and easy check-ins. Plus, sometimes the train seats can get fully booked!
- Regional Trains: Connect smaller towns and rural areas. Remember to validate your ticket at the yellow machines before boarding to avoid fines.
- Buses: Best for reaching remote towns and scenic villages like Tuscany’s hilltop towns. Always check the schedule as some routes run only on weekdays (“feriale”) or weekends (“festivo”).
- Local Metro & Trams: Perfect for navigating big cities like Rome and Milan. Consider a day pass if you’re traveling frequently.
- Taxis & Rideshares: Widely available in major cities. Download apps like FreeNow for taxis or try rideshares like BlaBlaCar.
- Ferries: Great for reaching islands like Sicily and Sardinia. Some ferries allow cars onboard, making it ideal for extended road trips.
- Planes: Italy has many domestic airports. Low-cost airlines like Ryanair and easyJet are ideal for longer distances.
Each transportation mode has its advantages and challenges. Make sure you have your itinerary mapped out so you can check the best options for your destinations and timeline.
Two Main Train Options
High-Speed Trains in Italy: Best for City-Hopping
If you’re planning to hop between major cities like Rome, Florence, Naples, or Milan, trains are going to be your best friend. Italy’s rail network is not only extensive, but it’s also fast and efficient. The high-speed trains, known as Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca, and Italo, are sleek and modern, whisking you from one iconic city to the next in no time.
- Trenitalia Freccia trains offer speeds up to 300 km/h and amenities like a food car and business car.
- Italo provides competitive prices and offers lounge access at the train station for an extra fee.
Pro Tip: Book your tickets in advance on the Trenitalia or Italo websites/Apps for the best deals. You can even snag first-class seats at a discount if you book early enough! If you book through the app you can also check in on your phone instead of validating your ticket. I also will use Omio or Trainline. (I like to compare prices)
Exploring Italy’s Smaller Towns: Buses and Regional Trains
Regional Trains
Regional trains connect cities to smaller towns and rural areas. While slower than high-speed trains, they offer a more scenic and local travel experience.
Don’t forget to validate your ticket at the little yellow/blue machines before boarding if you’re on a regional train—avoiding a fine is key to keeping your trip stress-free!
Buses: Quick & Easy
While trains are fantastic for city-hopping, Italy’s city buses will take you to the charming, off-the-beaten-path villages you’ve probably seen in postcards. From quaint hilltop towns in Tuscany to the coastal gems along the Amalfi Coast, buses are your gateway to these local treasures.
Italian buses run regularly, but the schedules can be a bit tricky, especially in smaller towns. Be sure to check the timetable (or ask a local!) and keep an eye out for signs that say “feriale” (weekday) or “festivo” (holiday/weekend) so you don’t end up waiting for a bus that isn’t coming.
Pro Tip: Google Maps is surprisingly reliable for bus routes in Italy, but it never hurts to double-check at the local station. In smaller towns, the bus schedule and tickets might be inside the closest cafe.
Long Distance Buses
Buses are not just available for short trips to nearby cities; you can also take a FlixBus for longer journeys, and they are quite comfortable. Why choose a FlixBus instead of a train? The answer lies in affordability and comfort!
When I booked my FlixBus from Innsbruck, Austria, to Brescia, Italy, I was surprised to find that the bus was a double-decker Mercedes! It was impressive, featuring USB charging ports at every seat, a restroom onboard, and reclining seats with footrests. At just $36, this option exceeded my expectations.
I’ve seen FlixBus prices as low as $7! If you are a budget traveler, a backpacker, or simply looking to save money on a portion of your trip, I highly recommend considering a FlixBus.
Navigating Italy’s Major Cities: Local Metro and Trams
Local Metro: Quick and Efficient City Travel
In major cities such as Rome, Milan, and Naples, the local metro systems offer a fast and convenient way to get around, especially in busy urban areas. The metro can take you to all the must-see attractions, from the Colosseum in Rome to the Duomo in Milan. Trains run frequently, and tickets are affordable, making this an ideal option for exploring the city. Just be aware of rush hour, as the metros can become quite crowded!
Pro Tip: Buy a day pass if you plan to use the metro several times throughout the day. It’s often cheaper and saves you the hassle of buying individual tickets each time. You can usually buy them at kiosks in the station or on apps like myCicero(MooneyGo) or Tabnet. But here’s the best part—many places in Italy, especially cities like Rome and Milan, now offer tap-and-go! Just tap your contactless card or smartphone at the turnstile, and you’re good to go—no need to worry about paper tickets.
Tram: A Scenic Ride Through the City
Trams offer a charming way to explore cities like Milan and Florence. Gliding through cobblestone streets, trams are slower than the metro but provide a scenic ride through the heart of the city. They’re perfect for shorter trips or sightseeing without the hustle and bustle of underground travel. Trams are also great for getting a feel for the local atmosphere, as they tend to pass through more residential and historic areas.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the tram schedule, as they may run less frequently in the evening. Also, make sure to validate your ticket once you board to avoid fines! Most trams now offer a tap-and-go option onboard.
Freedom to Explore: Renting a Car in Italy
If you’re someone who likes to create your itinerary, renting a car might be the way to go. Driving in Italy, especially in rural areas, gives you the flexibility to stop whenever you want—whether it’s for an impromptu wine tasting or to take photos of dreamy Italian landscapes.
If you are planning on renting a car and need some inspiration, check out my article, My 5 Favorite Road Trips in Italy.
Now remember that driving in major cities like Rome or Naples can be chaotic, and parking is often a challenge. You’ll also want to watch out for the ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) signs—restricted traffic zones where non-resident cars can’t enter. If you enter these streets you will be fined.
Pro Tip: Renting a car is ideal for exploring regions like Tuscany, Sicily, and the Puglia. Be sure to get an International Driving Permit before you leave home! You can easily apply for one with AAA.
Island-Hopping by Ferry: Travel to Sicily and Sardinia
Dreaming of lounging on a sun-soaked Mediterranean island? Italy’s ferries make hopping over to Sardinia, Sicily, or one of the smaller islands along the coast an absolute breeze. Trust me, the ferry ride itself is half the fun—with stunning views of the rugged coastline and plenty of opportunities to bask in the Italian sunshine.
Pro Tip: If you’re in it for the long haul, book an overnight ferry and treat yourself to a cozy cabin. And yes, you can totally bring your rental car along—because why not keep the adventure going?
Flying in Italy: Budget Airlines and Domestic Flights
Italy’s trains and buses are fantastic, but if you’re pressed for time, flying between cities can save you hours—especially for longer distances like from Rome to Palermo or Venice to Bari. And the best part? You don’t have to break the bank. Thanks to a variety of low-cost airlines, you can easily find affordable flights that whisk you from one end of Italy to the other in no time. Airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and ITA Airways frequently offer routes between major cities and even some smaller ones, so you’re never far from your next adventure.
Pro Tip: Be mindful of those sneaky baggage fees with budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet. What looks like a super cheap fare can quickly add up if you’re not careful! Pack light, pay for luggage in advance, and always double-check the fine print so there are no surprises at the gate.
You Got This!
Italy’s transportation system might feel a little tricky at first, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, it’s a breeze—and actually kind of fun! Whether you’re gliding through the rolling countryside on a train, discovering hidden gems by bus, or cruising along the coast on a ferry, each ride adds its own unique flavor to your Italian adventure. So, pack light, stay flexible, and let the journey unfold. After all, getting there is half the magic when you’re exploring Italy!
Planning Tips:
- Map Your Itinerary: Seeing your destinations mapped out in advance will help decide between trains, buses, or car rentals.
- Download Apps: Use Google Maps, Omio, and Trainline for real-time updates.
- Be Flexible: Schedules can change, so always have a backup plan.
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