Getting There & Getting About

International Airports

• Rome, Fiumicino (FCO): 26 km from the nearest city.
• Bologna (BLQ): 6 km from the nearest city.
• Genoa (GOA) 6km, Milan from the nearest city.
• Malpensa (MXP): 45 km from the nearest city.
• Milan, Linate (LIN): 10 km from the nearest city.
• Naples (NAP): 7 km from the nearest city.
• Pisa (PSA): 2 km from the nearest city.
• Palermo (PMO): 30 km from the nearest city.
• Turin (TRN): 30 km from the nearest city.
• Venice (VCE): 10km from the nearest city.
• Full list of airports in Italy with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

There is a good domestic flight network in Italy, with services to all the major cities (over 30 airports).

There are a number of passenger and car ferries that operate throughout the year to link Italian ports such as Cagliari, Civitavecchia, Genoa, Livorno and Naples. Regular hydrofoil and boat services also run to the Aeolian Islands and the islands of Capri, Elba, Giglio, Sardinia and Sicily.

The Italian State Railways run a nationwide network at reasonable fares, which are based on the distance travelled. Main routes include Rome-Naples-Palermo, Rome-Genoa-Turin, Milan-Bologna-Bari and Turin-Milan-Venice. Residents of countries other than Italy may purchase a Trenitalia Pass, which allows from 3 to 10 days of unlimited travel within a 2-month period. A small supplement is required for Eurostar Italia services.

Self-drive hire is available in most cities and resorts and is offered by both local and international companies. Many car hire agencies have booths at the airport. Italy has more than 479,688 km (298,064 miles) of roads, including over 6,000 km (3,700 miles) of motorway (autostrada), which run the length and breadth of the peninsula. Tolls are payable on the autostrada, and are based on the type of vehicle and the distance travelled. Speed limits are 50 kph (31 mph) in urban areas, 90 kph (55 mph) on ordinary roads, 110 kph (68 mph) on dual carriageways and 130 kph (80 mph) on autostrada.

The majority of the towns and cities (particularly Genoa, Milan, Naples, Rome, Turin and Venice) have excellent public transport networks. Tram services are available in Rome, Milan, Messina and Turin, whilst Milan and Rome also have an underground system. The bus services are also good, and operate in all main cities and towns. Fares for public transport are generally pre-purchased from machines or tobacconists (tabacchi). However, visitors should be aware that these tickets must be endorsed in a ticket machine before the journey starts (machines are generally located on-board buses and trams and in entrances to platforms in railway and metro stations), as failure to do so could lead to an on-the-spot fine of up to €60.

Taxis are available in all towns and cities, with government-regulated vehicles usually coloured either white or yellow. Un-metered taxis should be avoided. Water taxis in Venice are extremely expensive; water buses are a much cheaper option.