The Italy Guides

Getting Around Italy: Trains, Buses, Cars & the High-Speed Network

· 2 min read Practical
Italian train — getting around Italy by rail

Contents

  1. High-speed trains
  2. Regional trains
  3. Car rental
  4. Local transport within cities
  5. Ferries

Italy has one of the best rail networks in Europe for connecting major cities, and one of the more challenging networks for accessing smaller towns and rural areas. The combination of high-speed trains between hubs and a car (or local buses) for the countryside covers most itineraries.

High-speed trains

Trenitalia Frecciarossa and Frecciabianca — Italy’s primary high-speed service. The main spine runs Rome–Florence–Bologna–Milan, with extensions to Turin, Venice, Naples, and Salerno.

Italo (NTV) — A private competitor running on the same routes. Prices are often slightly lower; the trains are newer. Worth comparing on italotreno.it.

Key journey times (high-speed):

  • Rome–Florence: 1h 35min
  • Rome–Milan: 2h 55min
  • Rome–Naples: 1h 10min
  • Florence–Milan: 1h 45min
  • Florence–Bologna: 35min
  • Milan–Venice: 2h 30min
  • Milan–Turin: 55min

Booking: Early booking gets the best prices. Check both Trenitalia and Italo. A Rome–Florence ticket booked 2 weeks ahead can cost €15–25; the same ticket bought same-day is €55+.

Regional trains

The regional network (Trenitalia Regionale, plus local operators like Trenord in Lombardy) connects smaller towns and is significantly cheaper. No booking required (or possible on most routes); just turn up and buy a ticket. Remember to validate (stamp) paper tickets before boarding — the yellow machines on platforms. Fines for unvalidated tickets are issued without exception.

Car rental

A car is essential for exploring rural Tuscany, Umbria, Puglia, Basilicata, and Calabria. It is counterproductive (and expensive) in major cities, where ZTL restrictions, parking costs, and traffic congestion make driving punishing.

ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato): Most Italian historic centres have restricted traffic zones, active most hours. Cameras automatically photograph license plates and issue fines of €70–250. Rental cars are tracked; fines follow you home. If driving to a city, park outside the ZTL and walk or use public transport.

Hire prices: €25–60/day for a compact car booked ahead. Fuel is expensive (€1.80–2.10/litre). Tolls on motorways (autostrade) add up on long journeys.

Local transport within cities

All major Italian cities have buses; Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin, and a few others have metros. Tickets are typically €1.50–2.50 per journey or €6–11 for a day pass. Buy from tabacchi (tobacco shops), newsagents, or machines — almost never from the driver. Trams are the most useful in Milan.

Ferries

Ferries connect the islands (Sicily, Sardinia, Capri, Ischia) and the Aeolian Islands. The main routes are operated by Tirrenia, Grimaldi, and Moby for long overnight crossings; fast hydrofoils (aliscafi) by SNAV and Caremar for shorter hops.