Getting Around Italy
Buses
Good coach services run between cities and towns and there are also good local bus services. Good bus networks exist between most Italian towns and are well priced – the choice for those on a budget.
Tickets for in-town/city bus travel are usually purchased in advance at ticket machines or at news kiosks and tabacchi; you then validate them on board the bus. Single tickets are more expensive.
Intercity buses are run by private organisations such as SITA (http://www.sitabus.it/wps/portal) as Italy doesn't have a national bus company. Bus terminals are often next to train stations – ask for the autostazione. Seat reservations are not normally possible.
Taxis
Taxis are widespread and an efficient way of getting around city centres. They are metered and charge extra for luggage; there is a fixed start price plus a kilometre charge thereafter. You will also charged extra on Sundays, holidays for journeys at night and for going to and from an airport.
Taxis should be taken from a rank or called for by phone; there is little flagging down of taxis as is common elsewhere. Meters start running from the time they get the call to attend.
Car Hire
Hiring a self-drive rental car in Italy is very feasible and an excellent way of seeing the country, allowing you to explore at will.
Parking in Italian towns and cities is always a problem so use a car for inter-city transport and take local public transport inside the town. Fines for parking violations are high and strictly enforced and it’s not uncommon for vehicles to be towed away if parked illegally.
You must be at least 21 to rent a car; most rental companies ask those under 23 to pay by credit card.
Expressways are free, but highways operate with a toll: upon entering a toll highway you are issued a ticket, which is returned with payment upon exiting the highway.
Headlights are mandatory when driving on all roads outside city limits, whilst using a mobile phone while driving is illegal. Italian traffic police have the ability to charge on-the-spot fines (penalties for drink-driving are especially severe).
Drivers that wear glasses should have a spare in the car at all times.
Italian law requires all occupants to wear seat belts.
Children under the age of 12 cannot travel in the front passenger seat of a car unless a special child restraint is used. Children under the age of 4 cannot travel at all unless in a special child restraint.
A visibility vest is compulsory – check your hire car comes with one; two warning triangle should be carried at all times – check this too.
Speed limits are:
Motorway (if wet) - 130 km/h (110 km/h)
Dual carriage way (if wet) - 110 km/h (90 km/h)
Open road (if wet) - 90km/h (80 km/h)
In town and villages (if wet) - 50 km/h (50 km/h)
Driving
The traffic drives on the right hand side of the road in Italy.
Trains
Trains are an excellent way of covering distances between towns and cities in Italy – head to the Trenitalia website for timetables (www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html). The Trenitalia network covers some 16,000 km and links big cities and small towns within Italy and internationally, making travelling from other European centres to Italy very feasible.
Intercity and long distance trains: Alta Velocità (high-speed) Eurostar Italia trains offer the fastest long-distance connections between Italy's most important cities with stylish, modern trains. Fore local connections between towns and cities there are Eurostar City and Intercity trains.
On board are spacious armchair seats (welcome drinks, snacks and newspapers free in 1st class) and welcome drinks also in 2nd class. Tickets can be bought through the Trenitalia dedicated Call Center and their website: buying tickets is quick and easy. Stations have dedicated sales desks too.
Regional Transport Trains: These trains operate within a single region, stopping at almost every station en route, connecting them with larger towns. They usually provide only 2nd class seats.
Direct Trains: Operate both within the regions and their bordering regions; they travel at faster speeds than the local trains and stop at fewer stations.
Inter-Regional Trains: Operate as the names suggest beyond regional boundaries to more distant locations - often touristic destinations; they therefore operate at weekends only or during certain times of the year.
Boats
Italy has a highly developed network of ferries and hydrofoils operated by numerous private companies. Sardinia and Sicily are connected by large car ferries with mainland ports such as Genoa, Livorno, La Spezia, Civitavecchia, Fiumicino and Naples. Fares are reasonable but booking is essential on longer journeys, especially to Sardinia. Service frequencies are much reduced outside of the main spring to late summer season, and some services cease altogether.
