Travel Tips: Transportation

Driving in Italy is an adventure; streets that are maze-like, one-way, or open after a certain time...not to mention the streets are narrower than found in the States. Not only do you have to pay attention to yourself, but also to possible drunk drivers: in my experience, there weren't negative connotations with 'drinking and driving'.

When driving, it is helpful to have a map, and a simple grasp of Italian words for direction (see here for examples). You will find most Italians helpful in giving directions...but it helps to know what they're talking about.

Most cars are manual transmission--if you haven't learned, it'd be best to do so, and practice on hills. Even if you know, yet regularly drive an automatic, practice manual driving on the steepest hills you can find.

Common Sense Transit

When arriving in a train station/air port, skip the taxis that are waiting to expensively cart you to a place you can easily arrive at by bus. I'd venture this is common in all major cities. Get a bus schedule, and PAY ATTENTION to the bus number/destination before getting on one...or you'll wind up heading in the wrong direction. When purchasing train tickets, make sure it's a straight-shot. It can get confusing if you have to switch trains mid-way.

You need to purchase a ticket before getting on public transit. These can be purchased either at the station ticket windows, some caffes, or tobacco shops (tobacchi). If you do not have a ticket, you will be fined and removed from the train/bus at the next stop.

Bus Tips

That being said, public transport is the easiest way to travel the cities. Streets are narrow, taxis are expensive, and walking (though recommended) can become tiresome. There are frequent stops near interesting locations. I MUST point out; in Rome, most daytime buses end their routes at 11 pm, and night buses are infrequent--taking a taxi at that time of night is a guaranteed price gouge. Remember to check your time regularly, or end your evening within walking distance of your hotel unless you prefer to pay exhorbitant prices for a taxi.

Daytime buses generally have a frequent schedule, usually running every 5-15 minutes, depending on traffic and peak hours (after the midday break). There are 'buttons' located in the bus to ring for your stop; though not always a rule, at times if no passengers are waiting at the proceeding stop and no one rings a bell, the driver will continue without stopping.

As for tickets, the commonly purchased ticket is good on all buses (which come in various sizes...). On smaller buses, which are common in smaller towns, there is a punch machine as you enter in the front. The larger city buses (orange, blue, or the super-sized green and white) have punch machines both in the front and the back, and can be entered/exited by one of three doors. These buses tend to get pretty packed during peak hours--the passenger limit, by my figuring, is however many passengers the bus can hold while keeping the doors closed. The words "Nel Fundo" mean "in back", to tell the driver to open the back doors in case he's missed it. If you have a bulky backpack, for this reason, it might be best to keep it in front of you. Also, for safety reasons, you may want to find a pole to grab onto--Italian bus drivers are STILL Italian drivers, and the ride will probably be a little jerky.

Another factor in crowded buses is the difficulty in exiting at your stop. I always tried to stay close to the doors during these times, and used elbows to wedge my way out. You may want to perfect a different technique.

Trains

I loved traveling by train within Italy; from Eurostar to the local lines, it was always a wonderful way to view the passing countryside. Various different trains are available; subways within the larger cities (Milan, Rome), and local trains that connect the smaller towns. I recommend taking such a trip even if you've rented a car; choose a small city for a daytrip from your Florence vacation, travel to Bologna or Milan. Take a bus from the train station to the central piazza, walk the historic streets, step into the shops that interest you. It can be very relaxing, but keep up with the bus and train schedules.

Ticket Basics

I've mentioned purchasing tickets several times. Tickets are found such places as the tobacci, newsstands, tourist centers, caffes, and bars. Not to mention at train stations or subways. It is helpful to purchase a couple tickets at a time for convenience. Your ticket will be stamped upon entering; keep up with the time. Tickets aren't usually checked (except for smaller buses), but it's better to be safe regarding tickets. The fine is usually double/triple the amount of a ticket, or you will be put off the bus/train at the next stop.

There are several different types of tickets. The most common one is the single ticket: Biglietto Integrato a Tempo. Has about an hour and twenty minute time limit for catching different buses. A Biglietto Integrato a Giornaliero is a daily ticket, good only on the day it is stamped. Good for buses, trams, subways, and city trains. They're more expensive than the single transit tickets; decide how much transit time you'll be spending in a city before deciding which tickets to buy; there are tickets for a greater time period (3-day, Weekly, and Monthly), but the two above are probably going to be the most used.

Pedestrians: (better known as "walkers in faith")

Being in Italy, site-seeing, you will often find yourself going on foot. Other chances are you will be driving and having to look out for those who choose to walk. Most of my exercise was from walking everywhere, and avoiding cars and buses in the process. You'll find it prudent to keep watch of vehicles (including scooters) and other pedestrians. Though I never came near being hit (though a bus was drifting toward the sidewalk as the driver caught view of a pretty girl across the street), I still advise keeping your distance from the street, crossing at corners, and perhaps finding a little faith as you walk across a Roman street. When traveling on little roads in the country, you also have to keep eye out for lone pedestrians walking from a distant bus stop.

Drinking and Driving

While we're on the subject of not hitting anyone with a vehicle, I'd like to point out that most Italians I knew were okay with drinking and driving. I realize their culture and location make wine and alcohol more socially acceptable than in the states, and in truth, I grew used to three glasses of wine a day, so one can imagine the higher tolerance levels. However, there are times when someone is visibly drunk and attempting to operate a vehicle. My advice is to be a bit more aware of night time drivers, especially after midnight. Another bit of advice--to keep on the sharp lookout for such drivers, don't become one yourself. A Canadian friend happened to be in such an state when he crashed in Tuscany, and I can assure you, there are better ways to come home than in a box.

So ends all useful transportation travel tips I can think of; remember, you're on vacation, have fun, but be aware as you would in any vehicle back home, and always practice safe driving tips. Additional suggestions include getting a booklet about the various road signs (most are just symbols), studying it, practicing on standard transition, and knowing your car--the roads are narrower in Italy, so pay attention to the width of your car.