Italy ... Transportation Tips

Trains are by far the best way to travel around Italy. The Eurostar, high speed trains, are available to travelers for most destinations. The charm and chaos of the old style trains, some with sliding doors on separate compartments, is fading away for all but the small local lines but most people agree that the new trains are more comfortable and expedient. They almost always leave on time and you are guaranteed a full refund if they arrive at their destination more than half an hour off schedule. Try that, Amtrak! Eurostar trains are clean, air-conditioned and all seating is reserved with no standing room tickets. The “no smoking” cars actually do enforce the rule, and most bathrooms are properly equipped with toilet paper, soap and paper towels.

Train Tips:

• Buy your ticket as far ahead of time as possible, especially in high season (July-August).
• Be sure to stamp your ticket in a machine that can be found on the side of the track or the entry to the track before you board! The conductors come around and ask to see tickets and will expect that you have done this before getting on the train.
• Don’t rely solely on the Departures/Arrivals boards in the station to determine which track your train is leaving from. Ask the conductor or another passenger to verify you are on the right train.

Busses are a mode of transportation very commonly used in Italy by all walks of life. Many cities have a historic district where cars are not allowed without a special permit, so people rely on busses and taxis to reach this part of the city. Though it varies from place to place, in most cities the tickets must be purchased before boarding the bus. These can be found at a Tabacchi store, and at some newsstands. When catching the bus from a terminal, sometimes there are ticket machines near the bus stop.

A crowded bus, especially in high traffic tourist areas, is a very common venue for pick pockets! Put your wallet in a very safe location before getting on the bus and even before arriving at the bus stop. A good pick pocket will target you while waiting for the bus and "suddenly" squeeze on right after you, perhaps "needing" to push through the bus while trying to lift your wallet in the commotion and pushing.

Bus Tips:

• Stamp your ticket in the appropriate machine usually found at the front and back of the bus. Just slide the ticket into a slot in the machine and it will time stamp the end of the ticket.
• Most busses are set up for passengers to enter from the front and back doors and exit via the center door. Check the arrows on the doors.
• Unlike the busses in the U.S., you must push a button to request a stop rather than pulling a cord.
• Some of the bus lines in the major cities get very full and you may find yourself uncomfortably squashed between strangers. Keep your wallet, passport and valuables in a safe place. A crowded bus is a standard venue for pickpockets.
• Yield your seat to anyone who may need it more than you do, such as an elderly person or someone with an injury.
• Keep an eye on your valuables.

Cars give you complete mobility if you are brave enough to drive in Italy. In many ways driving in Italy is the same as driving in the USA; you drive on the right side of the road, stop signs mean the same thing (they are even the same shape and say "Stop") and traffic lights have the same colors. But it can be daunting to drive in any foreign country and Italian drivers are fearless! If you typically drive in a major US city you should have enough of a killer instinct to hold your own on the Italian roads but be prepared to be honked and flashed at (with headlights) if you aren't speeding. Near Naples in particular, it is felt that stop lights are simply a "suggestion" and speed limit signs have and invisible "2x" in front of the number.

Car Tips:

• We recommend driving a compact car. Many towns have very narrow streets where a larger car would have a hard time squeezing through. We usually rent a Fiat Punto or a Fiat Uno. They seat four though the trunk is rather limited for large suitcases.
• It is a good idea to go to an AAA office or your local DMV before going to Italy to get an International Driver's License. It only takes a few minutes and costs about $30.00.
• There is no "right on red" in Italy.
• Road signs can be very confusing. Don’t be surprised if you see two signs to the same place pointing in different directions. Just take the one that feels right…you'll get there eventually.
• When driving on the Autostrada (like a US Interstate highway), ALWAYS check your rear view mirror and look over your shoulder before changing lanes! People zipping along in the left lane on a highway do not believe they should have to slow down for anyone even if they are passing someone else! And they can appear out of nowhere very quickly.
• Try to stay in the right lane (or center lane) unless you are passing.
• Italian service areas offer excellent food compared to the junk food available along US highways. We always miss stopping at an Autogrille when we drive in the U.S. If you are on your way to visit someone and forgot to get a gift, you can get a bottle of wine or a fancy box of candy along with your panino and cafe at an Autogrille!

Boats are a typical form of transportation to go from the mainland of Italy to the many islands along the coast, including Sardegna. In this manner cars can be ferried over to the larger islands. The boat trip to Sardegna takes about 12 hours. Cabins can be booked for the voyage or you can sleep "airport style" in one of the chairs on the boat or even on the deck. Be prepared to awaken covered in a salty film if you do spend the night on deck. Smaller boats, including fast hydroplanes, take passengers to islands closer to the shore such as Elba or Capri, which is great for a day's excursion. Of course there are also boats that run from ports in Italy to almost every other Mediterranean destination as well as cruises that run from port to port.

Airplane travel within Italy is not very practical unless you are going a long way and are, for example, booking a trip that includes time in Rome and in Sardegna where a boat trip would be rather too long. Otherwise trains are generally the most effective way to move around within Italy. Flights are certainly available but airports are often outside of major cities while train stations are centrally located.