Living the GOOD LIFE for the REST OF YOUR LIFE!
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
IN ITALY!
Owning a car while living in Italy is important ONLY if you live outside a major city. However, you can rely on public transportation if you have an “inner-city” lifestyle.
Most Italian towns provide buses, trains, trams and even “lifts” up a mountain! These services are relatively inexpensive and the best way to see Italy.
You must be prepared to get onto any of the public transportation vehicles by having a ticket in hand before you board. These can be purchased at street-side machines or tobacconists (tabacchi) and must be validated when you board the transport. A ticket is good for either a period of time (usually one hour) or a full day. The day ticket is less expensive and perfect for touring a new location. You can also purchase weekly and monthly tickets.
TRAINS:
The Trenitalia network of trains covers all of Italy and links big cities and small towns. Very rarely will you find a town that is not serviced by a train. And train travel is an exquisite way to relax and see the countryside without the hassle of driving. It also keeps you off the expensive toll roads that soar throughout the country.
BUSES:
Taking a bus from town to town can be done, and most buses pick up and drop off at the central piazza in each village. You can buy your ticket at the station’s ticket office or on the bus itself. They do not take reservations.
City buses in Italy are very inexpensive and you will need a ticket before boarding. One ticket lasts for one hour. Once on board, cancel the ticket in the machine at the back of the bus.
FERRIES:
When traveling to the mainland from Sicily, there are many ferries and hydrofoils available. Also, from Bari, you can ferry to Croatia and Greece!