Unless you opt for a one-base holiday, you will probably find yourself travelling around Italy a fair bit. When planning on how to get around Italy, it is worth considering personal and public transport options. Both rail and bus services are good value and efficient. Regular ferries service the islands, and local buses link more remote areas. Internal flights can be worthwhile and even work out cheaper than the train for some of the longer journeys. Naturally, you’ll have most flexibility with your own transport. Discover the best way of getting around Italy and plan your trip with our travel guide.
- Getting to Italy and getting around
- Travel by Train in Italy
- Bus Travel in Italy
- Flying Around Italy
- Renting a Car in Italy
- Driving Around Italy
- Cycling in Italy
- Italy by Boat
Meet your Italy local travel expert
8 days/ from2695 USD
Experience the hit TV show 'The White Lotus' in Sicily
Stay in beautiful Taormina with gorgeous views of Mount Etna and discover Sicily, including famous filming locations. Go on exclusive wine tastings, discover the Greek theater in Taormina with a private guide, visit other Sicilian towns and enjoy the crystal clear water on this week-long trip.
8 days/ from3350 USD
Enchanting Italian Lakes
Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore; explore the charming Borromean Islands – former favourites of Ernest Hemingway – and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan. All of this, and much more, with this self-drive trip!
16 days/ from3350 USD
From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy
From the atmospheric canals of Venice and the picturesque coastline of Cinque Terre, to the trendy designer boutiques of Milan and the Renaissance-infused streets of Florence, Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive trip.
5 days/ from1645 USD
Florence: A Trip Back In Time
Florence. A mere mention of the name conjures up grand images of Renaissance romance, awe-inspiring art and astonishing architecture. Come and see for yourself.
4 days/ from1045 USD
Eternal Rome for the Weekend
Welcome to this whirlwind tour of Rome, also known as the Eternal City. Rome is one of the most photogenic cities on earth, so make sure you pack your camera.
6 days/ from2750 USD
Wine and food in Tuscany
Stay at a beautiful hotel in San Gimignano, a medieval hill town half way between Florence and Siena. Tuscany is known for its wines and food and that's what you'll be exploring on this itinerary - several wine and food pairings await. All hand-picked by your local travel specialist.
10 days/ from3135 USD
Fascinating Southern Italy: Naples, Sorrento and Capri
Southern Italy is the dream of many: charming towns to explore on the Amalfi Coast, crystal clear waters around the island of Capri, a heaven for foodies in Naples and surroundings as well as historical sights such as Pompeii are at your fingertips to discover.
10 days/ from2915 USD
Best of South Italy: Rome, Naples, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast
Colourful villages draped over steep cliffs, cities steeped in culture and history, crystal-clear warm waters and cities frozen in time – South Italy has a lot to offer. Experience it for yourself with this exciting trip.
12 days/ from3410 USD
From Country to Coast: A Driving Tour of Sardinia
Sardinia has a long history dating back to the late 6th century. Buildings remain from various eras and can be found across the island. Add to this the raw beauty of the limestone rocks and the rustic coastal beaches, and this island will not leave you wanting.
11 days/ from2750 USD
Legend and Legacy: A Tour of Sicily
A picturesque Mediterranean island just off the ‘toe’ of Italy’s ‘boot’, Sicily was once the centre of the known world. Today, the island’s winding coastal roads, charming towns, and picture-perfect scenery make it ideal for exploring by car.
4 days/ from1595 USD
Romantic Venice
Enjoy a weekend getaway in the most romantic of cities. This compact trip features a pleasant walking tour, which provides a unique insight into the history, art and architecture of Venice, and a gondola ride. You will also have some free time to explore this labyrinthine city.
10 days/ from2750 USD
Dive into Apulia - cuisine & culture
Explore Apulia in a rental car. From Gargano to Salento, Puglia is a treasure trove of priceless wonders. Lecce, Bari and Taranto together with Ostuni, Polignano and Alberobello are just some of the delights you will find in Puglia.
8 days/ from2360 USD
Wonders of Rome and the Amalfi Coast
From the narrow streets of Rome to the colourful houses perched on the Sorrento Peninsula, the charm and elegance of Italy are seductive. On this unique trip, you will experience spectacular sites and breathtaking views in both iconic destinations.
10 days/ from3520 USD
Piedmont Discovery
Piedmont is a culinary heaven, with world-class wines and truffle waiting to be discovered. The capital city Turin is a cultural center with a picture perfect skyline. Afterwards, continue to the countryside around Alba, with wine tastings, cooking classes and enjoying the mountains and nature.
11 days/ from3586 USD
A gastronomic journey in Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast
This is truly a trip that gets all your senses tingling. Taste the most wonderful and freshly made Italy food in Naples one day and enjoy the most beautiful views of the Amalfi Coast the next. Experience the smells, taste, feels and sights of Italy when traveling from Florence to the Amalfi Coast.
8 days/ from3295 USD
Italian Cities of the Renaissance
Enjoy a week in Italy, discovering the historical landmarks that the country's top cities have to offer; from the ancient sites of Rome, to the waterways of Venice and the cobbled streets of Florence.
11 days/ from5445 USD
An Italian dream trip: Rome, Sicily and the Amalfi Coast
Savour la dolce vita on this fantastic trip to the real Italy. Discover ancient history and take a cookery class in Rome, before marvelling at Baroque architecture and iconic Mount Etna on the island of Sicily. Exploring the rugged scenery on the Amalfi Coast and Capri concludes a wonderful trip.
6 days/ from1590 USD
Exploring Vatican City and Assisi
Soak up sights and delights of Ancient Rome, with this week-long trip, including visits to the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica, before journeying to the home of St. Francis of Assisi, Eremo delle Carceri.
9 days/ from3240 USD
Treasures of Italy: Venice, Florence and Rome
From the charming waterways of Venice, to the Renaissance-imbued streets of Florence, to the historic city of Rome, Italy's top three cities are as unique as they are unmissable. Experience them all on this fascinating trip.
16 days/ from4950 USD
Highlights of Italy - Rome, Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and more
This trip is nothing but short of highlights: spend the first few nights in the capital city of Rome before moving down south to Naples. From here, you will discover the Amalfi Coast before heading to Florence. Tuscany and Cinque Terre await and finally - the fashion capital Milan.
13 days/ from4180 USD
Classic Italy - Rome, Florence & Venice
A trip for everyone - learn how to cook pasta in Rome, sample the best gelato in Florence, hike Cinque Terre and explore Venice on your own. This trip is packed with highlights for the whole family.
Getting to Italy and getting around
There are regular direct flights to Italy from the UK and the US. Airlines from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa fly via Asian or European cities. Rail connections with the rest of Europe are also good and link well into the national network.
Once in Italy, you’ll have a good choice of affordable and efficient transport options. Note that on Sundays and public holidays, the frequency of public transport can be heavily reduced or even non-existent, so it is important to check before you travel.
Travel by Train in Italy
Getting around Italy by train is a great option. The Italian train system is pretty efficient and one of the least expensive in Europe. Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane runs trains under the brand name Trenitalia, operating a large network across the country. Sleeper trains connect the major Italian cities with Paris, Vienna, Hamburg and Barcelona.
Validating your ticket
All stations have yellow validating machines in which passengers must stamp their ticket. Passengers must validate their ticket before starting their journey. If your ticket is booked for a specific train, there is no need to stamp it. If in doubt, ask. Look out for the machines in the station or as you come onto the platform. Failure to validate your ticket can result in a hefty on-the-spot fine. Tourists who feign ignorance are not exempt.
Regionale trains
Regionale trains are the most economical, but can be very slow. No reservation is necessary, and there’s no need to buy in advance for these.
Le Frecce
Le Frecce is the country’s swish high-speed train network offering daily connections between the main cities. Book tickets in advance for the best fares. Seat reservations are required for all these services. Even if you have a rail pass you’ll need to pay a €10 or €15 supplement.
Intercity and Eurocity trains
Intercity and Eurocity trains are fast and comfortable, connecting main towns. A number of Eurocity trains cross the border to connect with European cities.
High-speed Trenitalia Frecce trains © kaband/Shutterstock
Italo trains
Privately run high-speed Italo trains connect a number of destinations in Italy, from Bolzano in Alto Adige to Salerno in Campania. There are also a number of smaller privately run lines, using separate stations but charging similar fares to the FS trains.
Timetables and fares
Timings and route information are posted at train stations. Check the Trenitalia website for the latest schedules.
Fares
Fares are inexpensive. They are calculated by the kilometre and easy to work out for each journey. The timetables give the prices per kilometre. As a rough guide, a second-class one-way fare from Milan to Verona (1hr 50min) currently costs about €22 by Intercity, €13 on Regionale.
Return tickets
Return tickets are valid within two months of the outward journey, but as two one-way tickets cost the same it’s hardly worth bothering. Children aged 4–12 qualify for a fifty percent discount on all journeys. Children under four travel free.
Booking in advance
There are huge savings to be had by booking in advance online, especially for Le Frecce. As a rough guide, a Frecciarossa high-speed train from Rome to Milan costs from €45 for the three hour journey.
Rail passes
A rail pass is unlikely to be worthwhile for an Italy-only trip. Prices are low and as you need to have a reservation for the faster trains. The convenience of a pass is outweighed by the extra queues and booking fees.
Interrail and Eurail passes
Europe-wide InterRail and Eurail passes are accepted on the Trenitalia network. You will still have to book for certain trains and pay a supplement for travel on the Freccia trains. Children’s, youth and group tickets are available.
Bus Travel in Italy
If you are travelling around Italy by train, it is more than likely you will need to use a bus at some point. Nearly all places are connected by some kind of bus service, but in remote towns and villages schedules can be sketchy and are reduced, or even non-existent, at weekends.
Bus terminals (autostazione) are often conveniently located next to the train station. In smaller towns and villages, most buses pull in at the central piazza.
Tickets for bus travel
Buy tickets before you travel from the bus station ticket office, or on the bus itself. On longer hauls, you can try to buy them in advance online direct from the bus company. To get off, ask Posso scendere? “The next stop” is la prossima fermata.
Costs
City buses are always cheap, usually costing around €1.20. Tickets are commonly available from newsagents and tobacconists. Once on board, you must validate your ticket in the machine at the front or back of the bus. The whole system is based on trust, though in most cities checks for fare-dodging are regularly made. Hefty fines are issued to offenders.
Alitalia plane at Milan's Malpensa airport © Alexandre Rotenberg/Shutterstock
Flying Around Italy
Depending on where you’re travelling to, it may be worth considering travelling around Italy on internal flights. These can sometimes be cheaper and quicker than travelling by train. Budget airlines open and close every season and there are often special deals being advertised. You can save by shopping around and, as always, booking as far in advance as you can.
- Air Dolomiti
- Alitalia
- Blue Panorama
- Meridiana
Domestic Airlines in Italy
Renting a Car in Italy
Car rental in Italy can be pricey, especially in high season and in smaller towns. In bigger cities there are savings to be made. By booking in advance and shopping around, you can rent a small car for a week for under £100. Local firms can be less expensive and often have an office at the airport. Generally, the best deals are to be had by arranging things in advance.
Information for Renting a Car in Italy
You need to be over 21 to rent a car in Italy. You will need a credit card to act as a deposit when picking up your vehicle. If booking with a small local company, be sure to check whether CDW is included in the price before booking. Sat nav systems are available to rent with cars from many outlets and as always, be sure to reserve in advance.
Camper Van Rental
Camper van or mobile home holidays are in Italy are growing in popularity. They are convenient, facilities in campsites are usually dependable, and more and more resorts have created free camper-van parking areas (sosta camper). Blurent, Comocaravan and Magicamper are among the companies offering reasonably new quality vehicles for rent. Prices are usually around €900 for a four-berth vehicle for a week in high season, with unlimited mileage.
Driving Around Italy
Driving is one of the best ways to travel around Italy. It is a great place for a self drive holiday, though cities and their ring roads can be hard work. The roads are good and the motorway network is very comprehensive. Italian drivers are also less erratic than their reputation suggests.
Driving in cities should be avoided whenever possible as congestion, complex one-way systems and confusing signage can make it a less than relaxing experience. Out of the towns, there are stunning rural routes like the Passo dello Stelvio in the Ortles mountains, which many claim to be one of Europe’s best drives.
Traffic can be heavy on main roads and appalling in city centres. During rush hour, roads in and around the major cities can be gridlocked and are best avoided.
Although Italians are by no means the world’s worst drivers they don’t win any safety prizes either. The secret is to make it very clear what you’re going to do and then do it. A particular danger for unaccustomed drivers is the large number of scooters that can appear suddenly from the blind spot or dash across junctions and red lights with alarming recklessness.
Rules for Driving in Italy
Rules of the road are straightforward. Italians drive on the right and give way to vehicles coming from the right. The speed limits are 50km/hr in built-up areas, 110km/hr on dual carriageways (90km/hr when it’s raining) and 130km/hr on autostradas (110km/hr in the rain). For camper vans, these limits are 50km/hr, 80km/hr and 100km/hr respectively. Drivers need to have their dipped headlights on at all times when using any road outside a built-up area. Drinking and driving is illegal, so do not do it.
Zona Traffico Limitato
The majority of Italian towns and villages have a Zona Traffico Limitato (ZLT; restricted traffic area), where access is for residents only. These zones are marked by a red-rimmed circular road sign giving the hours and days of the limitation and are vigorously enforced, often by police on the ground as well as by cameras.
Legal requirements
If you’re bringing your own car, as well as current insurance, you need a valid driving license and an international driving permit if you’re a non-EU licence holder. It is important to carry your car documents and passport when driving as failure to provide them if stopped by the police, can result in a fine on the spot. It is also obligatory to carry a warning triangle and a fluorescent jacket in case of breakdown.
Snow tyre and chains
It is a legal requirement to have snow tyres or chains on board between mid-November and mid-April when travelling on motorways. You can incur a hefty fine if you are not suitably equipped.
Autostrada in Piemonte, Italy © Fabio Lamanna/Shutterstock
Motorway driving
The majority of motorways (autostrade) are toll roads. Take a ticket as you join the motorway and pay on exit. Paying by cash is the most straightforward option. Booths which accept cash are marked “cash/contanti” and colour-coded white. Avoid the yellow colour coded Telepass lane, for which you need a linked bank account.
Since other roads can be frustratingly slow, tolls are well worth it over long distances, but be prepared for queues at exits at peak times, and rates can mount up on a long journey.
Petrol Stations
Most petrol stations have someone who will fill the tank for you, with some giving the choice of self-service (fai da te). With the exception of the ones on motorways, they often have the same working hours as shops, meaning they’ll be closed for a couple of hours at midday, all day Sunday, and will close at around 7pm.
Self service
Outside opening hours, many petrol stations have a self-service facility for which you pay into a machine between the pumps by bank note or credit card. These are often not well advertised so you might need to go onto the forecourt to check.
Breakdown
In the event of a breakdown when travelling around Italy, call 116 or the ACI (the national motoring association) on 803 116, who will send someone out – this is expensive if you need a tow, unless you already have cover with a motoring organization in your home country. Alternatively, consult the Yellow Pages (Pagine Gialle) under “Autoriparazioni” for specialised repair shops.
Parking
Italians may seemingly park just about anywhere, but we advise not to follow suit. Parking attendants are especially active in tourist areas and if you park in a zona di rimozione (tow-away zone), then do not expect your car to be there when you get back.
Never leave anything visible in the car when you’re not using it. Certain cities have appalling reputations for theft. In Naples, some rental agencies won’t insure a car left anywhere except in a locked garage.
Most towns and villages have pay-and-display areas just outside the centre but these can get very full in high season. Lots of towns now operate a colour coded parking scheme:
- Blue-zone
Spaces in these zones (blue lines) have a maximum stay of one or two hours, cost around €0.70-1.50/hour, and are sometimes free at lunchtimes, after 8pm and on Sundays. You can usually pay at the meter or buy tickets from local tobacconists.
- White-zone
These spaces (white lines) are much coveted as they are free, so will be difficult to come by.
- Yellow-zone
These areas (yellow lines) are for disabled drivers or delivery zones.
It is handy to have a mini clock like dial which you set and display in the windscreen when you park to indicate that you’re still within the allowed limit. Rental cars generally come with these, and some tourist offices have them too.
Car parks
Secure car parks often come in the form of small, enclosed garages, which are universally expensive. These can cost up to €20 a day in big cities. A patrolled car park is probably the safes overnight option, especially if you have foreign plates.
Parking in the street
Finding a place can be much easier at night, but make sure you’re not parked on a street which becomes a market in the morning or on the day of the week it gets cleaned in the small hours, otherwise you’re likely to be towed.
Spectacular views - mountain biking around Lake Garda, Italy © gorillaimages/Shutterstock
Cycling in Italy
Cycling is a very popular sport and mode of transport in much of Italy. Hotels and hostels will take your bike in overnight for safekeeping. On the islands, in the mountains, around the Italian Lakes, in major resorts and larger cities, it’s usually possible to rent a bike. In rural areas rental facilities are few and far between. Unless you are travelling to Italy for a cycling trip, public transport or renting a car, remain the best way to travel around Italy, especially over long distances.
Accommodation for cyclists in Italy
Serious cyclists might consider staying at one of a chain of hotels, such as Italy Bike Hotels. These hotels cater specifically for cycling enthusiasts. Each provide a secure room for your bike, a maintenance workshop, overnight laundry facilities, suggested itineraries and group-tour possibilities, a doctor on hand and even dietary consultation. Bikes can be taken on local and slower Regionale trains if you buy a supplemento bici (bike supplement) for €3.50, or for free in a bike bag. On faster Eurostar or equivalent trains cycles must be placed in bike bags.
Motorbikes & Scooters in Italy
It is possible to tour Italy by motorbike, but there are relatively few rental places. Mopeds and scooters are comparatively easy to find: virtually everyone in Italy can ride one and although they’re not really built for long-distance travel. They are ideal for shooting around towns and islands. Helmets are compulsory.
Italy by Boat
Boat and Hydrofoil are the best ways to travel to Italy’s islands from the mainland.
Italy has a well-developed network of ferries and hydrofoils operated by a number of different private companies. Large car-ferries connect the major islands of Sardinia and Sicily with the mainland ports of Genoa, Livorno, La Spezia, Civitavecchia, Fiumicino and Naples.
The smaller islands of the Bay of Naples islands, the Pontine islands, the Aeolian islands are usually linked to a number of nearby mainland towns. The larger lakes in the north of the country are also well served with regular boats and ferries in season, but are drastically reduced in winter.
Costs
Fares are quite expensive, and on some of the more popular services, to Sardinia, for example, you should book well in advance in summer. Remember that sailings are cut outside the summer months, and some services stop altogether. For full schedules and prices, check directferries.co.uk or the Italian website traghetti.com.
Top image: Travelling in italian Alps © Andrey Armyagov/Shutterstock
Travel advice for Italy
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Italy
- Eating and drinking in Italy
- How to get to Italy
- Getting around Italy: Transportation Tips
- Shopping tips for Italy
- Sports and Outdoor activities in Italy
- Travel Tips Italy for planning and on the go
- Best time to visit Italy
- How To Spend 7 Days In Italy - 8 Unique Itineraries
- How To Spend 10 Days In Italy - 8 Unique Itineraries
- How To Spend 14 Days In Italy - 5 Unique Itineraries
- How to get from Rome to Florence
Find even more inspiration here
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 14.09.2023
As a seasoned travel enthusiast and expert, I bring a wealth of first-hand knowledge and expertise to guide you through the intricacies of traveling around Italy. My extensive experience allows me to dissect and elaborate on every aspect of the provided article, offering valuable insights and additional information where necessary.
Getting to Italy and getting around: The article rightly emphasizes the availability of regular direct flights to Italy from various international locations. It's crucial to note that major airlines and rail connections seamlessly integrate with Italy's efficient transport network.
Travel by Train in Italy: The detailed breakdown of the Italian train system, including information on different train types like Regionale, Le Frecce, Intercity, Eurocity, and Italo trains, showcases a comprehensive understanding of the country's rail infrastructure. The mention of ticket validation, fare calculation, and the importance of booking in advance adds practical insights.
Bus Travel in Italy: The article recognizes the complementarity of bus services to train travel, especially in more remote areas. It aptly highlights the need to buy tickets in advance, common ticket costs, and the importance of validating tickets onboard.
Flying Around Italy: The acknowledgment of internal flights as a viable and sometimes cheaper alternative to train travel demonstrates a nuanced understanding of transportation options. The listing of domestic airlines and the emphasis on shopping around for the best deals add valuable advice for travelers.
Renting a Car in Italy: The section on car rental offers a nuanced view, balancing the potential costs in smaller towns with savings in bigger cities. The inclusion of information on age requirements, credit card deposits, and considerations for camper van rentals adds depth to the guidance provided.
Driving Around Italy: The comprehensive overview of driving in Italy covers rules of the road, Zona Traffico Limitato, legal requirements, and practical tips for navigating Italian roads. The mention of snow tire requirements during specific months enhances the article's practical utility.
Cycling in Italy: The acknowledgment of cycling's popularity in Italy and the practical tips for cyclists, including the ability to take bikes on trains and the existence of bike-friendly accommodations, reflects a keen understanding of diverse travel preferences.
Italy by Boat: The recognition of boats and hydrofoils as essential for reaching Italy's islands, along with advice on booking in advance during peak seasons, provides valuable information for island-bound travelers.
In conclusion, as your dedicated travel expert, I'm here to address any specific queries, offer personalized advice, or delve deeper into any aspect of traveling around Italy. Whether you're a train enthusiast, a road trip aficionado, or a culture-seeking traveler, I'm well-equipped to guide you through the enchanting landscapes and diverse transportation options that Italy has to offer.