Transportation
Traveling by plane
According to top-medical-schools, ITA – Italia Trasporto Aereo and other airlines such as Eurowings, Easyjet, Ryanair and Wizz Air fly to all major cities in the country. ITA flies from Rome to Milan, Catania, Bari and Lamezia Terme and from Milan to Bari and Naples.
Traveling by car/bus
The Italian road network has a length of over 480,000 km with more than 6700 km of motorway. Tolls: On the mainland, except for the A3 from Salerno to Reggio di Calabria, all motorways are subject to tolls. The toll stations all work on the same principle. The “yellow lane” may only be used with the “Telepass”. At the “blue tracks” you can only pay with an EC or credit card. Most lanes are white and some are occupied by employees. At “white tracks” you can pay with cash or card. Another payment option is the Viacard. It is available from ACE, among others. The Viacard cannot be used at four toll stations on the A18 in Sicily between Messina and Catania. For the A36, A59 and A60 motorways, tolls are paid in the Free Flow System, which requires prior registration with the Autostrada Pedemontana Lombarda Motorway Company. Toll fees can also be paid with the Telepass transponder, which can be ordered via Tolltickets. Technical defects at the toll stations can mean that you can drive through an already open barrier without paying. You should definitely not do this, instead press the help button and request a receipt. This means that the toll to be paid can be paid afterwards. Numerous petrol stations close between 12.00 and 15.00, you should inquire about the regional opening times beforehand.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
Information on the Italian road network is also available from the Società Autostrade.
Car rental
Rental cars can be hired from Italian and international rental companies in almost all cities and resorts. Prices and conditions are different. Many car rental agencies have counters at the airport or information desks in hotels. Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Maggiore can be found in Rome. Drivers must be at least 21 years old (may vary by vehicle category) and have held a driver’s license for at least one year.
Taxi
Taxis in Rome are only available by appointment or from taxi ranks; they cannot be stopped on the street. From the city to the airport there are fixed prices; over land one should discuss the price in advance in order to avoid discussions.
Coach
Long-distance buses run between towns and cities. The regional bus network is very good, also in Sardinia and Sicily. In more remote areas, trains and buses provide sufficient connections.
Regulations
– All vehicles must carry a red warning triangle. – It is compulsory for drivers to wear fluorescent warning vests when leaving their vehicle outside of built-up areas and staying on the road, eg in the event of a breakdown or an accident. – During the day outside of built-up areas, the dipped headlights must always be switched on. Mopeds and motorcycles also in urban areas. – Trams have the right of way. – Alcohol limit: 0.5 ‰. – Seatbelt obligation. – Telephoning while driving is only permitted with a hands-free device. – Private towing is prohibited on Italian motorways. – Motorcyclists and their passengers must wear a helmet that complies with the European DIN standard; without a standardized helmet, the motorcycle can be confiscated for 60 days. Speed limits: in built-up areas: 50 km/h, on country roads: 90 km/h, on dual carriageways: 110 km/h, (90 km/h in rain, 50 km/h in fog), on motorways: 130 km/h (110 km/h in the rain), on three-lane motorways: 150 km/h in marked sections (only in favorable weather conditions).
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of vehicle damage: Tel. +49 89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: Tel. +49 89 76 76 76.
Documentation
For citizens of EU and EFTA countries, the license plate number is valid as proof of insurance. Nevertheless, EU and EFTA citizens are recommended to take their international motor insurance card with them in order to be able to enjoy full insurance cover in the event of damage. Otherwise, the statutory minimum liability insurance coverage applies. In addition, the international motor insurance card can make it easier to record accidents. Vehicle documents must be carried. If the vehicle is not the property of the driver, he must be in possession of a power of attorney. National driving license or EU driving license (recommended as it has happened in the past that the national driving license was not recognised) and national registration are sufficient. Motorcycles can be temporarily imported without any special customs formalities. A driver’s license or motorcycle license is required for motorcycles over 49cc. Young moped drivers up to the age of 18 need a driver’s license for light motorcycles.
Traveling in the city
All towns and cities (Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin, Genoa and Venice) have a good public transport system. Metro (Metropolitana): There are three metro lines in Rome. The underground trains run Sun-Fri 05.30-23.30 and Saturday 05.30-00.30. Metropolitana A line: Battistini – Flaminio – Termini – Anagnina, Metropolitana line B: Laurentina – Piramide – Termini – Bologna – Rebibbia – Jonio, Metropolitana line C: Lodi – Montecompatri/Pantano. There is also a subway in Milan and Turin. Tram: Rome has six tram lines. The route network covers 40 km. Milan, Naples and Turin also have a tram network. Bus: Bus lines operate in all towns and cities. The extensive bus network in Rome is complemented by the underground and trams. In some cities there are also trolleybuses. Tickets are valid for all public transport and allow the passenger to change trains as often as they like within 100 minutes. Daily or weekly tickets can be bought from ticket machines at bus and train stations, in tobacconists, kiosks, cafés, hotels or travel agencies. The BTI (Integrated Tourist Ticket), valid for three days on buses, subways, trams, regional trains and Trenitalia regional trains, is ideal for tourists. Information is available from the ATAC Inquiry Point Information Office opposite Termini Station. In the larger cities, tickets are usually bought from machines or in shops before you start your journey. A machine validates the tickets on the bus. In most cities there is a standard tariff. Taxi: Taxis in Rome are expensive and there is a surcharge for night driving, luggage and phone orders. The tariffs are recorded on a list. Taxis can be stopped at designated collection points or ordered by phone. It is better not to use taxis without a taximeter. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but the bill should be rounded up. City tours: In Rome you can not only travel by bus, but also in a horse-drawn carriage through the city. In Venice, visitors can cruise the city’s canals in rented boats or gondolas – though public ferries are cheaper. Parking: You can park for free on white curbs, Parking is chargeable on blue ones and forbidden on black and yellow ones. Yellow parking spaces are reserved for buses, taxis, etc. In some cities there are designated green parking spaces. There is a parking ban on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Locally on the way by train
The Italian railway company Ferrovie dello Stato – Trenitalia (FS) has an extensive rail network. The fares are cheap and depend on kilometer zones in the regional area. Trenitalia high-speed trains operate on the following routes: Turin-Milan-Bologna-Florence-Rome-Naples-Salerno, Venice-Padua-Bozen-Bologna-Verona-Milan, Rome-Lecce-Reggio Calabria, Turin – Milan, Milan – Genoa, Padua – Venice. In addition to the state railway, there are several regional railway companies whose trains mainly run on short and narrow gauge lines. There are regular connections to the Italian mainland from Palermo and Catania/Siracusa in Sicily. In Sardinia, several trains run daily between Cagliari, Porto Torres and Olbia. Trenitalia’s Intercitynotte (www.trenitalia.com/tcom/Altri-treni/Intercity-Notte) night trains run between numerous Italian cities. Motorail trains: There are motorail trains operated by Italian railways. More details from the tourist office or the ADAC and other automobile clubs. Fare reductions and special tickets: The InterRail One Country Pass is available for travel in 30 European countries and is valid in one country for either 3, 4, 6 or 8 days within 1 month. Children aged 4-11 travel at half the adult price.
rail passes
The Interrail One Country Pass and the Interrail Global Pass are also valid in Italy.
Note on the train journey
Laws for taking dogs: Small dogs – up to 6 kg – in a special box (70 x 30 x 50 cm) can be taken to Italy free of charge. Large dogs are not allowed. Guide dogs for the blind can always be taken along free of charge. Further information.
Traveling by ship
Italy’s main port cities are Ancona, Brindisi, Cagliari, Civitavecchia, Genoa, Livorno, Naples, Palermo and Venice. Numerous car and passenger ferries connect the port cities all year round. Both regular ships and hydrofoils operate between the mainland and Capri, Sardinia, Sicily and the Aeolian Islands. The following shipping companies serve the Italian regions and islands, among others: Tirrenia, Tel. (only for Italy) 892 123 and SNAV, Tel. (Call Center Naples) +39-(0)81 428 5555. Ferries also operate on the Great Lakes, such as Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, Como and Lake Iseo. They are operated by Navigazione Laghi, Tel. (only for Italy) 800 551 801.
