Public transport in Italy: information for foreign travelers
Table of contents
Italy's major cities have different transportation features, and in some regions, there is no public transportation at all. Find out how public transportation works in Venice, Milan, Turin, and Naples and what travelers should be prepared for
You may be used to your city transport administration and have a monthly pass or a single metro, bus, or train ticket. But newcomers who arrive to explore your city for work or tourism can find it difficult, especially if they are from a different country. Each country and even city has its own public transportation rules and regulations, which can be challenging.
Italy is not unique in this context. Different Italian regions have different transport peculiarities, and some regions don’t even have any means of public transport. What to be prepared for when traveling to Italy? We will tell you about transport peculiarities in four major Italian cities so that you know what to do the next time you are there.
Find the 7 best places to live in Italy for a high quality of life here.
Venice
The city without routes has an exceptional transportation system, and it is both a way to get to a place you need and entertainment at the same time. Venice boasts a unique public transportation system defined by its iconic canals and waterways. The primary means of transportation is the vaporetto, a water bus that navigates the city's network of canals, offering an efficient and picturesque way to get around. With over 100 stops, vaporettos access major attractions, islands, and neighborhoods. The standard price for 75 minutes of vaporetto is €9.50.
The system has traghetti and gondolas used as passenger ferries to cross the Grand Canal. Venice also has a small land-based transportation system, including buses on the mainland and a people mover connecting the Tronchetto parking area with Piazzale Roma. Single ticket on land costs €1.5.
The ACTV is the primary public transport operator, offering various ticket options, including single-ride and multi-day passes.
However, walking remains the most popular means of moving within the city, thanks to its compact size and narrow streets.
Want to explore Venice? tTravel has an itinerary to the city of canals and Aperol Spritz. Find it here.
Milan
Milan's public transportation system is a comprehensive network that connects the city and surrounding areas efficiently. The system's backbone is the Milan Metro, consisting of four lines (M1, M2, M3, and M5) that cover most of the city. The metro provides quick and reliable transportation, especially during rush hours.
Complementing the metro are trams, an integral part of Milan's identity. With over 17 lines, trams traverse the city's streets, offering a scenic and convenient way to reach different neighborhoods and attractions. Additionally, buses extend the reach of the public transport network, serving areas not covered by the metro and trams.
The ATM (Azienda Trasporti Milanesi) operates the public transportation system, ensuring regular daily services. Tickets can be purchased at metro stations, newsstands, and ticket machines, ranging from single rides to multi-day passes.
The ATM also offers the MilanoCard unlimited travel and discounts on museums, attractions, and restaurants. Milan's public transportation system is known for its punctuality and frequency, making it an efficient way to navigate the city.
Enjoy your Milan adventure with tTravel. A detailed 4-day itinerary is available in the app.
Turin
Turin's public transportation system also provides a reliable and efficient way to navigate the city and its surroundings. The Turin Metro system is composed of a single line (Line 1) that connects the central districts, including the city center and suburbs. The metro offers frequent service and covers popular destinations such as Porta Nuova railway station, Lingotto, and the Polytechnic University of Turin.
Complementing the metro are buses, which operate an extensive network of routes, reaching areas not covered by the metro. Turin's buses are equipped with modern amenities and provide a convenient mode of transportation.
Additionally, trams play a vital role in Turin's public transport system. They offer a scenic and nostalgic way to travel through the city, with several lines serving different neighborhoods and attractions. The GTT (Gruppo Torinese Trasporti) manages the public transportation system in Turin, ensuring regular services throughout the day. Tickets can be picked up at ticket offices, concession stands, and ticket vending machines, ranging from single-ride tickets to extended-day passes. The Turin Card is also available, offering unlimited travel and discounts on museums and attractions.
tTravel can offer you an easy 2-day itinerary around the city with its main sights. Get access via the link.
Naples
Welcome to one of the most dangerous and, at the same time, marvelous cities in Italy. Naples boasts a diverse and extensive public transportation system that caters to the needs of both residents and visitors. The city's primary mode of transportation is the Naples Metro, comprising three lines (Line 1, Line 2, and Line 6) that connect various parts of the city and surrounding areas. This metro is famous for its beauty and unique design. It is worth visiting at least to see this art.
Naples has an extensive network of buses that cover the entire metropolitan area. Naples' public transportation system faces challenges such as occasional delays and congestion, particularly during peak hours. ANM (Azienda Napoletana Mobilità) operates the public transportation system in Naples. Tickets can be purchased at ticket offices, authorized retailers, and ticket machines, with single rides or multiple-day passes options. ANM also offers integrated tickets, allowing passengers to use various modes of transportation within a specified time.
Be careful with pickpockets, and stay attentive all the time. Naples can surprise you with weird and dangerous people. But still, it’s a legendary city with the best food in Italy, historical architecture, and warm culture.
Discover Naples and its neighboring city Caserta with tTravel via the link.
*Material is prepared with tTravel – an app from travelers to travelers that helps them monetize their travel experience and explore the world, avoiding the main travel planning issues.
Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:
Travel and medical insurance for foreigners in Italy;
Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Italy;
Insurance for foreign students in Italy;
Legal advice on medical treatment, business, immigration, education in Italy;
Services of a personal lawyer in Italy for registration in Italy for up to one year.
We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information. Therefore, if you see any error or discrepancy, please write to our hotline.
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