|
NavSliced
|
|
|
|
Getting Around in Italy
|
• By Road
Documents
U.S. Citizens require an international driving license, available from the American Automobile Association (www.aaa.com ) for a $10.00 charge. For the vehicle, it is necessary to have the car's registration papers, and a nationality plate of the approved size.
Driver’s Insurance
Insurance coverage is A MUST, and an International Insurance Certificate (Green Card) is the most effective proof of insurance coverage and is recognized by police and other authorities (Members of AAA should pick up the free brochure Offices to Serve You Abroad.) The Italian Automobile Club (ACI) has
its head office in Rome, #8 Via Marsala 00185 (06 4998).
A 24-hour car breakdown service (chargeable) is operated
by the ACI for foreign motorists. Dial 116 for
assistance in case of breakdown. The ACI also offers a
telephone information service in English for road and
weather conditions as well as for tourist events (06
4477).
|
|
Major Highway Laws
• The minimum driving age is 18.
• Traffic drives on the right. It is required for the driver and the front seat passengers to wear seat belts, and seat belts must be worn in the back.
• Children under 12 must travel in the back seats, unless the front seat is fitted with a child restraint system.
• Full or dipped headlights must be turned on in poor visibility.
• In the event of a breakdown, a red warning triangle must be placed in the road; these can be found at the ACI (deposit refunded) or at any reputable car rental company.
• Drivers should be alert for unfamiliar road signs and be careful at all times.
• At crossroads drivers to the right have the right-of-way.
• Severe penalties are assessed for drunk-driving.
Speed Limits
• In urban/populated areas the understood speed limit is 50kph/31mph unless otherwise posted.
• On country roads, 90kph/55mph
• On highways 90kph/55mph for vehicles up to 1000cc and 130kph/80mph for vehicles over 1100cc
Parking
There are many lots with attendants, particularly near the tourist areas. Obviously, you should check the rates before parking to avoid any unpleasant surprises as you leave. It is also advisable to use the lots, particularly in the main cities of Rome, Milan, Turin, Florence and Naples, rather than leave cars unattended.
In many large towns, the historic centers are subject to traffic restrictions, indicated by large rectangular signs "Zona a traffico limitato riservata ai veicoli autorizzati." In this case, park your car outside the town before sightseeing on foot.
Gas Stations - Stazione Benzine
• Gasolio = diesel
• Super = Super leaded or 98 octane
• Senza Piombo =
Premium unleaded 95 octane
• Super plus = Super unleaded 98 octane
• Gas stations are usually open between 7am to 7pm. Many close at lunch time between 12:30 and 3:00. Sundays and holidays many refuse credit cards so check before purchasing.
Route Planning by Car
|
|
The Italian road system is excellent. There are many highways (autostrade), most of which are toll roads. The toll is calculated according to the distance between the car axles and the size of the engine. Highway tolls can be paid with cash or with the Viacard, a prepaid card with a value of 50,000L or 90,000L. The card can be purchased at a toll station before you get on the highway, at a rest stop (Autogrill restaurant) or the ACI.
For more information visit Autostrade S.p.A.
Road Signs
|
|
Road signs are very clearly marked. The name of the city or town is clearly marked (In Italy the actual name of the city is used on the exits signs and not a number as done in the U.S.). Highways (autostrade) and dual lane throughways (superstrade) are indicated by green signs; ordinary roads by blue signs; tourist sights by yellow.
Car Rental
Reputable car rental agencies can be found at airports, train stations and in large towns or resorts. The main agencies are Avis, Hertz, Eurodollar, Europcar and Maggiore Budget. Fly and drive packages or train and car packages are available. European cars are usually manual transmission, but automatic cars are available on demand. An international drivers license is required for U.S. citizens.
• By Rail
|
|
In Italy, the national train system, Ferrovia dello Stato, is very efficient and easy to use. However during the months of July, and especially August the trains and train stations can become very crowded and confusing. Purchase your tickets in advance and reserve a seat whenever possible (Seat reservations are an option when purchasing tickets, they require a surcharge).
Traveling by train is easy and inexpensive when planned right!
To Purchase tickets on-line in advance go to:
TrenItalia
Special train tickets can be bought once in Italy. The biglietto chilometrico (kilometer ticket) is valid for a distance of 3,000km/1,875mi or a maximum of 20 trips and allows travelers to save about 15% of the full price of a ticket. It is valid for up to two months from the date of the first use and can be bought up to one month in advance. A pass allows the purchase of a minimum of 4 tickets with a 10% discount on all trips between 71km/44mi and 350km/218mi and a 20% discount on all longer trips.
Other special discounts include the Carta verde for people under 26, and the Carta d’argento for people over 60, which give a 20 % discount on all train trips. The Pendolino, the high-speed train runs between Rome-Milan (4hr), Turin-Rome (5hr), Genoa-Rome (4hr), Rome-Venice (4hr) and Rome Bari (4hr 30min).
• By Air
|
|
The main Italian airlines are Alitalia, Airone, Meridiana, Avianova, Air Dolomiti, and TAS. They usually offer special weekend rates, discounts for groups and families and reduced pricing for children. For information contact a travel agent in Italvista’s travel agent network.
Main Italian Airports
|
Here is a list of main Italian Airports
to help you plan your itinerary
|
| City |
Airport |
Distance |
Minutes to city bus/train
|
| Ancona |
Falconara |
13km/8mi |
30 bus |
| Bari |
Palese |
9km/6mi |
30 bus |
| Bergamo |
Orli al Serio |
3.5km/2mi |
20 bus |
| Bologna |
Guglielmo Marconi |
6km/4mi |
20 bus |
| Bolzano |
Bolzano |
4km/2.5mi |
15 bus |
| Brindisi |
Papola Casale |
6km/4mi |
20 bus |
| Cagliari |
Elmas |
6km/4mi |
20 bus |
| Catana |
Fontarossa |
4km/2.5mi |
20 bus |
| Florence |
Amerigo Vespucci |
4km/2.5mi |
20 bus |
| Genoa |
Cristoforo Colombo |
6km/4mi |
30 bus |
| Milan |
Forlanini |
8km/5mi |
25 bus |
| |
Malpensa |
45km/28mi |
1hr bus/
35min train
"MalpensaExpress" |
| Naples |
Capodichino |
6km/4mi |
30 bus |
| Olbia |
Costa Smeralda |
4km/5mi |
|
| Palermo |
Punta Raisi |
30km/19mi |
1hr bus |
| Perugia |
Sant’Egidio |
17km/10mi |
|
| Reggio Calabria |
Ravagnese |
4km/2.5mi |
|
| Rome |
Leonardo da Vinci |
26km/16mi |
30 train |
| |
Fiumicino |
26km/16mi |
30 train |
| Turin |
Caselle |
15km/9mi |
30 bus |
| Trieste |
Ronchi del Legionari |
32km/20mi |
40 bus |
| Venice |
Marco Polo |
13km/8mi |
20 bus |
| Verona |
Villafranca Veronese |
14km/9mi |
30 bus |
• By Sea
Sicily and Sardinia
|
|
The two Italian islands are linked to the mainland by way of ferries and hydrofoils. In the summer months visitors are advised to book their plans well in advance if they are going by boat to one of the islands. The numerous beaches and resorts make these islands very popular during this time. If you are going to take your chances, tickets can be purchased at time of departure but don’t plan on it being a definite.
Crossings to Sicily
|
| Cities |
Companies offering
ferry crossings |
Phone |
Time |
| Cagliari |
Tirrenia Navigazione,
Agenzia Agenave |
070666065 |
14hr 30min to Palermo |
| Genoa |
Grandi Navi Veloce |
010589331 |
20hr to Palermo |
| Livorno |
Grandi Navi Veloci |
|
17hr to Palermo |
| Naples |
Tirenia Navigazione at Sazione Marittima |
0812514740 |
11hr to Palermo |
| Reggio |
Stazione Ferrovie dello Stato (train) |
|
25min to Messina |
| Calabria |
Aliscafi SNAV (Hydrofoil) |
096529568 |
15 min to Messina |
Crossings to Sardinia |
| Civitavecchia |
Sardinia Ferries,
Calata Laurenti |
0766500714 |
7hr to Golfo degli Aranci |
| |
Tirrenia Navigazione at Stazione Marittima |
076620332 |
7 hr to Cagliari |
| Fiumicino |
Tirrenia Navigazione |
066523501 |
4hr to Golfo degli Aranci |
| Genoa |
Tirrenia Navigazione at Stazione Marittima Pontile Colombro |
01026981 |
21hr to Cagliari,
13 hr to Olbia |
| |
Grandi Navi Veloci |
010589331 |
10hr to Porto Torres |
| La Spezia |
Tirrenia Navigazione |
0187770250 |
6hr to Golfo degli Aranci |
| Livorno |
Sardinia Ferries |
|
9hr to Golfo degli Aranci |
| Palermo |
Tirrenia Navigazione |
091333300 |
14 hr to Cagliari |
For more information visit Tirrenia
Back to Travel News & Information Home Page
|
|
|
|
|