Italy Transport

Airlines operating at these airports include (but are not limited to): Air France, British Airways, British Midland, easyJet, Lufthansa, Qantas, Ryanair, Thai International Airways, United Airways and Virgin Express. Intense competition between airlines keeps ticket prices lower during the off-season, though seats are often sold out and therefore more expensive from June to September. Italy's national carrier, Alitalia, operates across Italy. The airline is headquartered in Rome flies to more than 70 international destinations.

The airports at Rome and Milan are world-class, operating multiple terminals and offering exhaustive facilities that cater for tourists and business travellers alike. Ample parking and access for disabled passengers is provided, and public transportation from these airports to their respective city centres is well catered-for.

It is possible to reach Italy overland by bus, hire car or train. Although buses are the least expensive mode of travelling to Italy, most tourists opt to arrive by train, which is a considerably faster and more comfortable mode of transport. Eurolines is the most popular coach company, operating to and from multiple European cities. In Italy, Eurolines travels to Florence, Milan and Rome.

In Rome, travellers can purchase a Rome Travel Pass, which allows one to travel on all public transport in the Rome urban area, though not to the airports.

Another convenient way to arrive in Italy is by ferry from any number of neighbouring Mediterranean destinations. Ferries travel to Albania, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro and Spain. Popular ports of arrival in Italy include Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, Naples, Sicily and Venice. It is also possible to arrange transport to and from ports in North Africa.

Within Italy, intercity travel or transport from one side of town to the other is quick and reliable. Ferries and hydrofoils travel from mainland ports to virtually all of the outlying islands, and it's quite possible to travel by ferry from one mainland port to the other on large car ferries. Tickets on these vessels can be booked for simple seats or cabins.

Italy is serviced by an intricate network of railroads between cities. Eurostar is the luxury train, offering fast and comfortable service between major cities at premium prices. InterCity trains serve the same cities however they aren't as luxurious or efficient (nor as expensive). Budget travel by train is made possible by Diretto, InterRegionale and Regionale. These trains make frequent stops and are rarely air-conditioned.

Multiple bus companies travel between Italian cities. These vehicles are very punctual and consistently provide reliable service. However, they're not necessarily cheaper than the train, which means they're often only used by persons travelling to a town that doesn't have a railway station.

Hiring a car is a nice way to travel between cities or enjoy the scenic countryside. However, issues with parking and the high prices of petrol make public transport more attractive to most travellers. If you are staying in just one region, hiring a car is a convenient option.

You must be a minimum of 18 to rent a car in Italy and have held your licence for at least 1 year. Drivers under 25 are subject to a young drivers surcharge. Seatbelts must be warn at all times and children under 12 must also be in appropriate restraints. Italians drive on the right side.