MBA Italy Public Transport

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Train in Italy

State and private railways serve the country and are generally simple, cheap and efficient. The main Italian train network is Ferrovie dello State, there are also small, local lines which are privately owned. Regionale and Diretto trains are basically commuter trains and sometimes there may not even be a station agent to buy tickets from at these stations. All tickets are one-way (andata) – return is just double the price of a single journey. Unfortunately the Trenitalia site is open to registered users and to get registered you need to be an Italian resident.

Children pay 50% off if they are under 12; they travel for free if they are under 4. There is a family ticket which gives a free journey for every child under 12 who travels with 2 adults (any two adults paying the full fare). Senior citizens are entitled to a 15% discount if they buy a "Carta Argenta"

You can buy train tickets at any train station; this can involve waiting in line for about 30 minutes, especially in high season. Once you have a ticket it has to be stamped before you get on the train.

Buses in Italy

Occasionally bus service between Italy's major cities can be more convenient than trains, especially in the south. The major Italian bus company that operates throughout the country is called SITA. You will find the current schedule on line at SITA S.P.A.. Once you are in the area, you will also be able to pick-up a pamphlet at the SITA ticket offices. If you're in a city or a coastal area, odds are there will be a stop nearby. Purchase your tickets ahead of time at local tobacco shops.

Every major city has a City Card, a fixed-fee card allowing you to travel on local public transportation and visit a number of museums. If you are a tourist, it may be convenient to buy daily or multi-day tickets that permit you travel as much as you want in a single day. Be sure to validate your ticket when you get on the bus.

Taxis in Italy

Taxis in Italy, that are fully-licensed, are mainly yellow or white and must have a meter. Once you’re into the taxi, check that the meter is running, and be sure to look for a card listing sample fares and surcharges (nights, Sundays, holidays, luggage). The licensed taxis have a sign “Taxi” on the roof. They are outside airports and train stations, and every tempting when there is a taxi queue. For taxi trips outside the city boundaries, fares will be based on distance and be sure to settle on the fee before you go. Don't expect to just hail a cab as you might end up walking back home. The majority of official taxis drivers in Italy are honest but it is a good idea to write down the plate number and tell the driver you are doing so. You will need this number if you want to place a complaint or if you forget something in the taxi.

Taxis are available in all of Italy's cities and even less-populated areas as well. It is almost impossible to hail a taxi in those areas; you should go to a taxi rank or call one by phone (The meters start running from the time they get the call).

Cars in Italy

If you are a good driver, you should have no trouble driving in Italy; just avoid driving in the major cities. You need an International Driver's Permit (IDP) to drive in Italy. You can get one through AAA (American Automobile Association) at AAA. While you do not need to show the IDP when you rent a car you might need to show it if you are stopped by the police. Bring your regular driver's license from home as well, since you must show this at the rental counter.

Citizens of all EU member states can drive in Italy with their driver's license from home, but in order to drive your own car you'll need to get an International Insurance Certificate, or Green Card, from your insurance provider. But be warned, the rate of car accidents and thefts is very high in Italy.

When you drive, it is necessary to be very alert because Italians drive in a quite chaotic way and the traffic norms are little respected. The speed limits usually are of 130 km/h in the freeways and 110 km/h in the state and provincial routes. The rent of cars is usually expensive and it is necessary to be at least 21 years old and to be in possession of the driver's license that is at least a year old.

Airports in Italy

Italia is one of the countries with the highest tourism affluence per year, so the aerial transport is very fluid. AlItalia, the Italian airline, flies daily to Italy from numerous international destinies. Air travel within Italy is expensive, making it a less-attractive option than to travel by train or bus. Other companies that fly to Italy are Iberia, Sabena and Thai Airways International. For local flights, ATI, filial company of Alitalia, and Meridiana private company have an ample network of local flights that covers all the territory.

Italy counts a total of 29 international airports, being the main ones:

• The Leonardo da Vinci airport of Rome - known as "Fiumicino"
• The airport of Malpensa in Milan

Milan and Rome have other airports: Linate and Ciampino respectively, which normally are used for arrivals of domestic flights. Other cities with international airports are Naples, Palermo, Venice, Turin and Cagliari.

Water Tranport in Italy

Historically, water transport was the first important means of linking Italy with its Mediterranean trading partners, although its only navigable internal water is the Po River. Italy has many ports like Genoa, Venice, Trithis, Livorno, Bari, Cagliari, Naples, Palermo and Ancona, the tourists can arrive there by sea. It is possible to take a boat to the Italian islands from these ports.

Many companies offer daily routes like Tirrena Navigaziones, Trans Tirreno Express and Navarna. The smallest islands are communicated to the peninsula by ferries, small boats and water buses.

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