How to Get Around Italy: Transport Guide for Tourists

Italy's transport network is better than its reputation suggests. The main intercity trains are excellent, regional rail connects smaller towns, and city transport — once you learn the quirks — is manageable. Here's how to get around without getting stuck.

Trains: the backbone of Italian travel

Trenitalia and Italo operate high-speed routes between the major cities. Rome to Florence takes 1.5 hours on the Frecciarossa, Rome to Milan is around 3 hours, and Milan to Venice is 2.5 hours. These trains are comfortable, on time, and worth booking in advance for the cheapest fares. Regional trains (Regionale) are slower and cheaper, connecting smaller cities and countryside towns.

Key train routes and journey times

• Rome to Florence: 1h 30m (high-speed Frecciarossa)
• Florence to Venice: 2h 10m (high-speed)
• Rome to Naples: 1h 10m (high-speed)
• Milan to Cinque Terre (via La Spezia): approx 2h 30m
• Naples to Pompeii: 35 minutes on the Circumvesuviana regional train

Getting around cities

Rome and Milan have metro systems but they're limited — most city exploration is on foot, by bus, or by tram. Buy transport tickets before boarding buses (not on the bus) at newsstands or tabacchi shops. Validate your ticket on board using the yellow machines. Rome's traffic is legendary — walking or the metro is almost always faster than a taxi in the centre.

Island and coastal ferries

For the Amalfi Coast, the ferry service between Positano, Amalfi, Salerno, and Sorrento is far more pleasant than the coast road bus (which is also fine but slow). For Sicily, high-speed ferries from Naples take 3.5 hours to Palermo. Ferries to Sardinia run from Genoa, Civitavecchia, and other mainland ports.

What to know about Italian taxis

Taxis in Italy are metered and generally honest, but always take official licensed taxis from designated ranks — never accept rides from people approaching you at airports. Uber operates in major cities but is expensive in Italy. Rome's official taxis are white; Florence's are white or yellow. Always confirm the meter is running.

Mobile data for getting around Italy

Google Maps covers Italy comprehensively, and real-time bus and tram tracking works well in Rome and Milan. Trenitalia's app is useful for managing bookings and checking delays. An Italy travel eSIM gives you reliable mobile data throughout the country, including in rural Tuscany and the southern regions where Wi-Fi can be patchy.