How to travel around Italy? 

Planning a trip to Italy and wondering how to get around? From vibrant cities to stunning countryside, Italy offers a variety of transport options for every traveler.

Whether you prefer trains, buses, taxis, or renting a car, this guide will help you understand the best ways to travel around Italy easily and affordably.

Discover some tips for navigating airports, public transportation, and city centers so you can focus on enjoying Italy’s amazing culture, food, and sights.

Transport to and from the airport

Getting from Rome Airport, Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci airport to central Rome:

Regional Trains (FL1)

The regional trains depart every 15 minutes Monday – Friday (every 30 minutes on weekends and public holidays). Stops include Rome Tiburtina, Rome Ostiense, Rome Trastevere, and they reach Rome Termini (central train station) 55 minutes after departing the airport.

Leonardo Express

A non-stop train service connecting Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport with Termini Station, Rome's train hub, in 32 minutes. Trains depart every 15 minutes, starting from 6:38am to 11:38pm daily. 

Taxi

There are fixed fare taxis to any destination in Rome for 50 Euros. Grab the official, licensed taxis (white cars with taxi number on side) outside of the airport. 

Getting around

Uber: Uber is available in most large Italian cities.

Taxi: Be aware that in Italy, taxi drivers start the metre from the moment they get the call, not when you actually get in, so it might be wiser to hail one (a registered one). In Rome, fares change depending on day and time; night time is more expensive, as are Sundays. And don’t be surprised if you get charged an additional €1 for each piece of luggage you pop in the boot.

Self-drive/ hire a car

Parking Rules vary from city to city but as a rule of thumb:

• Blue - parking is limited and you either must buy a ticket from a street machine and display it on your dash board, there will be a sign to tell you the maximum time allowed.
• Yellow - handicapped or loading zone, do not park in yellow spaces. 
• Red - means resident only parking.
• White - can mean free parking or can mean resident only parking. The best bet is to park in a pay garage. If this is not possible, try to find a white marked space but read the signs carefully in case they are resident only.

If you follow the sign posts marked ‘centro’, this will take you to the town centre and you will usually find parking but will have to pay. 

Be careful entering the centre of cities as they are usually restricted traffic zones and have tele-cameras. The fine will be put on to your credit card if you have a hire car.

Speed limits (often ignored by Italians and change anytime)

• 50 km/h in urban areas
• 80 km/h in secondary roads
• 110 km/h dual carriageways
• 130 km/h on motorways (autostrade) 

Trains

Traveling by train is a popular and efficient way to explore Italy, offering everything from regional to high-speed options. The country’s extensive rail network connects major cities and scenic spots, making train travel a convenient choice.

For regional trains, remember to validate your ticket before departure to avoid fines. High-speed trains, like the Frecciarossa and Italo, provide quick and comfortable journeys between major hubs. Enjoy the scenic views and ease of travel as you explore Italy!

We guarantee after a 24+ hour flight from NZ, you won't want to deal with a transfer via public transport. Ask your House of Travel consultant about booking a transfer before you even leave NZ.   

Rules and customs

Photocopy your passport: By law, you’ll need to carry a photocopy of your passport at all times and smoking is banned in all public places.

When to drink coffee: Don’t worry too much about other travellers telling you about Italians scowling at coffee drinkers who order cappuccinos and lattes after 11am. It’s not customary for an Italian to do so, but tourism is huge in Italy and they are quite happy to serve their visitors a latte whenever they want one. 

Calcio in Costume: Every June in Florence, a traditional football (Calcio) match is held between the city's neighbourhoods. Teams dress up in 15th Century costume in the colours of their burb and matches are played in Piazza Santa Croce. Dates may change but usually 16, 24, 30 June and if you are in Florence on these dates don’t miss it.

Where to have fun

Unlike most nations with ample tourist attractions, it’s actually the obvious things that offer the most fun in Italy. You absolutely must try a Tuscan red and glide the Venetian canals aboard a Gondola, and you should definitely eat pasta in a trattoria spilling into the street.

Sip on a glass of spumante at a bar with a glorious balcony, speed days soaking up the Amalfi Coast sunshine and navigate a gleaming sailing boat across Lake Garda.

If you leave without nursing an espresso at a pavement café or without seeing Michelangelo's David in Florence, the jaw-dropping Sistine Chapel, Pompeii, Sicily and every single inch of Rome, well, you’ll leave disappointed.

It’s probably here we should mention you need at least six months in Italy.

What to do in an emergency

Italy’s violent crime rates are low compared to most European countries. For emergencies, call 112.

We recommend safely and securely storing three important travel documents (your passport, credit card and driver's license) on your phone. Use an app such as Traveler ID which will store a series of documents in one place. Of course, you might lose your phone, so also store them in the Cloud, or your saved emails.

Mobile usage – to roam or not to roam?

If your phone is unlocked you’ll be able to purchase an Italian SIM card. TIM and Vodafone are two of the best for foreigners as they both offer tourist plans. Approximately €30 ($50) for 30 days. No contract. Includes local calls, texts and CAPPED data.

What adapter do I need?

In Italy, mains voltage is 220 volts AC. All sockets take small, round two-pin plugs.

Inspired to explore the beauty of Italy? Reach out to one of our Italy specialists today!