Thinking about moving to Italy and planning your first visit to the Bel Paese, maybe hunting for your dream home? Then you’ll probably need some direction on how getting around the peninsula avoiding unpleasant surprises during your stay. So bear in mind some few practical tips about the Italian transportation system!

Most of the peninsula is well served by the state railway which is called Trenitalia. It is quite extensive and less expensive than those of other European countries, but it now has a brand new competitor more environmentally friendly and cheaper, the private Italo, a bullet-train which currently travels between Milan, Rome and Naples. Other routes are scheduled to start within the end of this year. For detailed information about timetable and travel solutions, or to purchase your ticket online just check out their websites, also available in English!

If you decide to take the train you won’t regret it! You will enjoy beautiful panoramas because spectacular trails are practically everywhere in Italy. But it is strongly recommended that you provide your biglietto (ticket) at the ticket window or at the automatic ticket machines located in every station, or else you will be forced to pay a fortune to buy one on-board. Advance booking is essential and seat reservations compulsory for long-distance journeys. But don’t panic, you can book your e-ticket up to 2 months before you travel. Then remember punching it in the dedicated machine prior to getting on the train if you don’t want to run up against heavy fines.

Railway in Abruzzo

Bus will probably meet most of your needs if you’re venturing to smaller villages which are not always reachable by train. But it’s certainly an affordable alternative also if you have to cover long distances. Indeed Italy offers a large choice of buses connecting major cities from one region to another, for instance you can start your journey from Le Marche region until you arrive in Tuscany passing through Umbria and historical towns, such as Assisi and Perugia. In this case you need to purchase your ticket in advance. You could refer to a travel agent to arrange the itinerary that best suits your necessities.

The bus is definitely the most convenient means of transport also within the major cities to move from one neighbourhood to another in order to avoid congestion in peak hour times. Their tickets are not available on the bus, so make sure to purchase them at some bars or at any edicola (newsstand) and tabaccheria (tobacco shop) that you will recognize from the big T on the sign. They will be able also to provide you with a list of bus stops and routes, and advice you about possible customized travel solutions. Unlike trains you will have to validate your ticket once you’re in. Notice that within the same town buses or trams are usually orange in colour, whereas those which link two different cities tend to be blue. And don’t forget that all public transport, and the bus service especially, is drastically reduced on Sundays and public holidays! Some big cities, such as Milan, Rome, Naples and Catania, also boast a metro network.

If you want to travel at your own pace without any restriction then equip yourself with a detailed map or a GPS navigator and rent a car through an agency. That’s the best option for you, in particular if you’re planning to explore off-the-beaten-tracks discovering hidden paradises. Just beware of the autovelox (speed cameras) that have been installed along many long-distance roads in order to check that you are staying within the limits.

But what happens when you arrive in the big cities or in the old town centres? Here parking can be a real pain in the neck because metered parking zones usually have stays limited. Moreover you have to deal with the limited traffic areas (ZTL) which have been created in the majority of the Italian old town centres, where only authorized vehicles are allowed to drive. So if you enter a ZTL without a proper permit the traffic camera that photographs all vehicles passing by will register the image of your plate and a notice of traffic violation will be send to you up to a year later in some cases!

Depending on your budget, the time you have in your hands and your preferences, you can choose among different options to visit Italy and seek out your ideal property in the Bel Paese.

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