Transportation in Italy

Italy, with its irresistible charm, has always attracted international travellers. Numerous options are available to visit Italy from all over the world. Based on their preference and convenience, visitors have easy options like railways, airways, waterways and roadways to choose from.

Distances can mislead you in Italy because the Italian peninsula, although narrow, is as long as the state of California. The journey from Venice to Naples takes 9 hours, whereas Rome to Pisa takes around 4 hours.

This Italy Transportation Guide lists details about both getting to and from Italy, as well as getting around Italy once you are there. One excellent option for getting around and exploring Italy is taking a Italy tour. For information about local transport, you can go directly to our Sardinia Transportation Guide.

Italy Transportation Guide

Getting to Italy

By Air

Several airlines have direct flights to all the major airports of Italy. Alitalia, the national carrier of Italy, has daily flights to Italy from around the globe. The intercontinental flights arriving into Italy land at the main airports of Rome and Milan. Generally people prefer arriving in Rome and after taking an Italy tour of the three major cities of Florence, Rome and Venice between flights, finally depart from Milan.

For transport from the airport to the city (or from the city to the airport), we recommend Green Path Transfers, who offer eco-friendly airport transfers in hundreds of destinations around the world, including Milan, Rome and Venice.

Visit our partner Air Valid for Airline Reviews and Information about Italy.

By Train

Eurail passes enable you to travel to Italy by train. You get to see spectacular views of the Italian countryside if you reach Milan or Venice via the Alps. If you are looking forward to travelling in comfort then book yourself a seat on the Eurostar.

By Bus

A wide selection of low-cost bus companies operate between various European countries and different Italian cities, as do low-cost airlines. The bus companies have pre-arranged agreements with hostels and local campsites that offer good bargains; this helps you save more upon reaching your destination.

Getting Around Italy

Transportation facilities between major Italian cities are fairly efficient, but be prepared for delays and late arrivals when you travel to less popular destinations.

By Train

Italy has a widespread train network which is fairly efficient and economical. The premier rail link Eurostar is best suited for long journeys. You can book your seats in advance; these trains are generally punctual. Previously there was a big difference in fares because Eurostar was more expensive than regular trains. Nowadays the prices are nearly the same; it is better to travel by Eurostar than by the less reliable state trains system. Avoid overnight travelling in the local state trains within Italy because recently these trains had problems with bug-infested sleepers. The night trains between Milan and Naples are overcrowded with workers travelling to and from work on Friday and Saturday nights.

By Bus

Minor routes are only connected by bus. You need to be careful because the bus routes along the countryside cater to the convenience of the local people and are scheduled accordingly. Generally, daily commuters and students leave early in the morning and arrive late in the evening; therefore hardly any buses ply during the day. If you are planning to visit a village hidden away in the hill country, it is better to spend the day because you will be stuck without transport. To avoid confusion, inform the driver beforehand about your stop. Buses are the most practical means of travelling within the towns and cities. Bus travel in Italy is economical if you buy from a selection of passes that are available - for the length of your stay.

By Plane

Before, travelling around the Italian peninsula by air was expensive, but now the reasonable fares of low-cost airlines have made it easier. Numerous airports are located everywhere in the country and flight tickets can cost from a few Euros to €100 or more. It is better to travel by air to cover long distances in Italy. Train or road travel from Rome to Venice will take six hours if the traffic is good, whereas by plane it will take approximately one hour, and cost the same.