Getting Around Italy

Italy is one of Europe's bigger countries (slightly smaller in surface area than Germany, but slightly bigger than the UK). The narrow size of its famous boot shape makes travel distances from north to south quite significant—for example about 800 miles (1,200 km) from Venice to the tip of Italy's boot across the sea from Sicily. 

Driving around Italy isn't as straightforward as in other European countries as traffic can be quite hectic and complex rules for Limited Traffic Zones ("Zona a Traffico Limitato" or ZTL) can cause some confusion (and traffic tickets!). That said, many travelers do opt to rent a car to self-drive around Italy, especially in regions like Tuscany with its many hilltop towns that are easiest to reach by road. 

Italian trains are fast and convenient, and therefore many travelers' preferred choice to travel on major routes like Florence to Rome and Milan to Venice. Competition between Italy's two rail companies are keeping both on their toes, which explains why Italian trains deliver great quality and value to travelers. 

Other options are flights (which often take longer than trains from city center to city center), private transfers, and ferries (especially to Sicily).
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Murano, Italy
How to Get from Venice to Murano

Traveling from Venice to the nearby island of Murano (the "Glass Island") is accomplished by boat, either by taking a public vaporetto (water taxi) or hiring a private water... read more

Map of How to Get from Rome to Tuscany
How to Get from Rome to Tuscany

Barely 100 miles (160 km) separate Rome from the heart of Tuscany, making it easy to incorporate both into your Italian itinerary. For ease and efficiency, travel by train is... read more

Map of How to Get from Rome to Sicily
How to Get from Rome to Sicily

Rome and Sicily are approximately 260 miles (420 km) apart as the crow flies. Quick flights and overnight train and ferry routes make the trip possible for even the shortest of... read more

Map of How to Get from Rome to Puglia
How to Get from Rome to Puglia

235 miles (378 km) separate Rome from Puglia in the far south of the country. The “heel” to Italy’s boot, the region’s rugged countryside and magnificent beaches put it high on... read more

View of Varenna and Lake Como, Italy
Map of How to Get from Milan to Lake Como
How to Get from Milan to Lake Como

The southern shore of Lake Como is just 32 miles (51 km) from Milan. This iconic Italian lake draws visitors from around the world, and with good reason. Lake Como is lovely at... read more

Biking in the Dolomites
How to Get to the Dolomites

If you plan to visit Italy's stunning Dolomites mountain range, the city of Bolzano, capital of the South Tyrol region, makes a good starting point for explorations by car,... read more

Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy
Map of How to Get from Amalfi to Rome
How to Get from Amalfi to Rome

The best way to get from Amalfi to Rome is via a combination of ferry and train. Start with a super scenic ferry ride from Amalfi to Salerno, followed by a high-speed train to... read more

View of Naples and Mount Vesuvius
Map of How to Get from Rome to Naples
How to Get from Rome to Naples

The total distance from Rome to Naples is about 142 miles (230 km). The trip should take between one and four hours, depending on your mode of transportation and traffic... read more

Vieste in Puglia
Map of How to Get from Tuscany to Puglia
How to Get from Tuscany to Puglia

Traveling from the Tuscany region of Italy down to the southern region of Puglia is a trip of almost 500 miles (800 kilometers) that will take about seven to eight hours by car... read more

Bari, Italy
Map of How to Get from Sicily to Puglia
How to Get from Sicily to Puglia

The distance between Sicily and Puglia is approximately 344 miles (554 km), depending on your starting and ending points in the regions. While most travelers choose to fly, you... read more

Catania
Map of How to Get from Palermo to Catania
How to Get from Palermo to Catania

The cities of Palermo and Catania, both located in Sicily, are approximately 131 miles (212 km) apart. Palermo, Sicily's largest city, is on the northwest side of the island, by... read more

Portofino, Italy
Map of How to Get from Portofino to Pisa
How to Get from Portofino to Pisa

Traveling from Portofino to Pisa means a trip down the coast of the Ligurian Sea, a lovely, scenic ride of about 89 miles (143 km). It's best accomplished by private transfer,... read more

Map of How to Get from Portofino to Genoa
How to Get from Portofino to Genoa

The distance between Portofino and Genoa is just 21 miles (34 km). Driving (with a rental car or private transfer) is the quickest way to make the journey, which takes around 50... read more

Map of How to Get from Florence to Sicily
How to Get from Florence to Sicily

With 395 miles (636 km) between Florence and Sicily, the most efficient way of traveling is via a direct flight to either Catania, an ancient port city, or Palermo, the capital... read more

Map of How to Get to Lake Maggiore
How to Get to Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore (Lago Maggiore), is the second-largest lake in Italy and is located northwest of Milan. Part of the lake is in Switzerland, but the majority is shared by the... read more

Map of How to Get from Venice to Puglia
How to Get from Venice to Puglia

With 282 miles (453 km) separating Venice from the region of Puglia, flying is by far the fastest way to travel. Fly out of Venice and land in either Bari, Puglia's capital, or... read more

Map of How to Get from Amalfi to Naples
How to Get from Amalfi to Naples

The historic city of Naples is located approximately 38 miles (61 km) from Amalfi via car, making for a fairly easy destination or day trip up the coast. The easiest way to get... read more

View of Praiano
Map of How to Get from Rome to Praiano
How to Get from Rome to Praiano

Rome and Praiano on the Amalfi Coast are just 170 miles apart, but it takes anywhere from three to five hours to travel between them. Roads are steep and winding. Trains can... read more

Aerial view of Lipari
How to Get to the Aeolian Islands

If your trip to Sicily involves a visit to the fascinating Aeolian Islands to the north, there are a few ways to get to the chain of islands, and almost all of them involve a... read more

Map of How to Get from Florence to Siena
How to Get from Florence to Siena

Visiting Florence and Siena during the same trip is straightforward given their close proximity, and traveling between them is a great opportunity to enjoy the Tuscan landscape.... read more

St. Mark's Square, Venice
Map of How to Get from Rome to Venice
How to Get from Rome to Venice

Rome and Venice appear together on many Italian itineraries, and the 288-mile (464 km) journey between the historic cities is made easy by an efficient high-speed train system.... read more

How to Get to Lake Garda

Traveling to any of the cities on the shores of Lago di Garda (Lake Garda), Italy's largest lake, is relatively straightforward, whether you're traveling by car or public... read more

Milan
Map of How to Get from Milan to Venice
How to Get from Milan to Venice

The distance between two of Italy's greatest cities—Milan and Venice—is 173 miles (279 km), traveling directly across the base of the Italian Alps from east to west. The easiest... read more

Tuscany, Italy
Map of How to Get from Tuscany to Sicily
How to Get from Tuscany to Sicily

Wine lovers know that both Tuscany and Sicily create some of Italy's best wines, so that's one good reason (among many others) to travel from Tuscany to Sicily. Seeing Mt. Etna... read more

Map of How to Get from Lecce to Matera
How to Get from Lecce to Matera

When you're ready to trade the Baroque architecture of Lecce, in Italy's Puglia region, for the sassi cave dwellings of Matera, there are a few ways to make the 110-mile (175... read more

Piazza Unità d'Italia, Trieste
Map of How to Get from Venice to Trieste
How to Get from Venice to Trieste

At just 100 miles (160 km) from Venice, the seafront city of Trieste makes an interesting add-on to any tour of northern Italy. And with its close proximity to the borders of... read more

Map of How to Get from Venice to Sicily
How to Get from Venice to Sicily

There are 509 miles (819 km) separating Venice from the northern tip of Sicily. With that being said, it's no surprise that flying is the most efficient way of getting between... read more

Map of How to Get from Milan to Turin
How to Get from Milan to Turin

With only 45 miles (119 km) between the two cities of Milan and Turin (also known as Torino), taking the high-speed train is the most efficient mode of transportation. The two... read more

Map of How to Get from Rome to Umbria
How to Get from Rome to Umbria

Barely 50 miles (80 km) separate Rome from the southern border of Umbria, making the region easily accessible from the Italian capital. The largest city of Perugia lies 82 miles... read more

Map of How to Get from Milan to Verona
How to Get from Milan to Verona

With a short distance of 85 miles (137 km), getting from Milan to Verona is a straightforward journey. Traveling by high-speed train is the fastest and most convenient way to... read more

Map of How to Get from Milan to Bologna
How to Get from Milan to Bologna

The distance between Milan and Bologna is only 123 miles (198 km). By far, the most convenient way to make the journey is by high-speed train. Italy's two train companies have... read more

Maiori, Italy
Map of How to Get from Naples to Maiori
How to Get from Naples to Maiori

Traveling from Naples to Maiori, on the Amalfi Coast, is a 34 mile (54 km) trip that takes you past an ancient volcano and over scenic mountains if you travel by rental car or... read more

Photo: Bigstock
Map of How to Get from Florence to Milan
How to Get from Florence to Milan

Florence and Milan, two major Italian hubs, are well-connected by high-speed trains. Multiple trains make the 190-mile (305 km) trip throughout the day, a two-hour journey... read more

Night view of Trieste, Italy
Map of How to Get from Grado to Trieste
How to Get from Grado to Trieste

Traveling from Grado to Trieste should only take an hour or two, depending on your mode of transportation. Plan some extra time, though, because the 35-mile (56 km) trip takes... read more

How to Get to Mount Etna

If you're keen to visit Sicily's Mount Etna, the largest and most active volcano in Europe, there are a number of ways to get there and several ways to experience the volcanic... read more

Positano, Italy
Map of How to Get from Venice to Positano
How to Get from Venice to Positano

Traveling from Venice to Positano—a distance of 480 miles (773 km)—will take you on a journey through several regions of Italy as you travel south through Florence, Rome, and... read more

View of Marina in Bari, Italy
Map of How to Get from Lecce to Bari
How to Get from Lecce to Bari

Whether you travel from Lecce to Bari by train, car, or bus, there's plenty to see along the way. Taking the train is the fastest option, though you can also travel by car or... read more

Map of How to Get from Rome to Maiori
How to Get from Rome to Maiori

Maiori is connected to the rest of the Sorrento Peninsula by road and, in peak travel months, by boat, making it an excellent place to stay if you want to visit several Amalfi... read more

View of Marina Corta, Lipari, Italy
Map of How to Get from Catania to Lipari
How to Get from Catania to Lipari

Traveling from Catania to the island of Lipari requires taking a ferry from either Milazzo, the more popular ferry port (81 miles/130 km from Catania), or Messina Marittima (60... read more

View of Verona and Adige River
Map of How to Get from Venice to Verona
How to Get from Venice to Verona

As you leave Venice and journey toward Verona, it's a quick trip 71-mile (115 km) trip to the city Shakespeare made famous in "Romeo and Juliet." Traveling from Venice to Verona... read more

Pisa, Italy
Map of How to Get from Rome to Pisa
How to Get from Rome to Pisa

If you need to travel from Rome to Pisa, a distance of 220 (355 km), you can go by train, rental car, private driver, or bus. Because of Italy's high-speed train system, the... read more

Photo: Bigstock
Map of How to Get from Amalfi to Sorrento
How to Get from Amalfi to Sorrento

However way you choose to get from Amalfi to Sorrento, the high-nested villages across the way will always be a magnificent backdrop to your route. In traveling from one coastal... read more

Map of How to Get from Milan to Lucca
How to Get from Milan to Lucca

With only 129 miles (207 km) between the cities of Milan and Lucca, getting there in one day is doable. The fastest and most scenic way to get to Lucca is by driving, during... read more

Evening view of the Vatican, Rome
Map of How to Get from Florence to Rome
How to Get from Florence to Rome

If you've taken in the Renaissance charms of Florence and are ready to visit Rome or catch your flight home, there are a few ways to make the roughly 175-mile (282 km) journey.... read more

How to Get to Chianti

If you're on a wine tour of Italy or just want to explore one of its beautiful rural areas, your travels might lead you to the Chianti region of Tuscany. Wedged between... read more

Map of How to Get from Rome to Bologna
How to Get from Rome to Bologna

Rome and Bologna are both on Italy's high-speed train network, making train travel between the two the most convenient and quickest mode of transportation. Those with more time... read more

View of Medieval Lucca
Map of How to Get from Siena to Lucca
How to Get from Siena to Lucca

Traveling the 90 miles (144 km) from Siena to Lucca is not a straightforward experience, thanks to the geography of Italy's Tuscany region. Tuscany is more mountainous than most... read more

Pisa, Italy
Map of How to Get from Venice to Pisa
How to Get from Venice to Pisa

If you want to travel the 203 miles (327 km) from Venice to Pisa, your best option will be to take a high-speed train to Florence and then transfer to another train to Pisa. You... read more

Map of How to Get from Florence to Umbria
How to Get from Florence to Umbria

The distance from Florence to the region of Umbria is roughly 70 miles (112 km) as the crow flies, traveling south across Tuscany and into the green Umbrian landscape. A rental... read more

Perugia, Italy
Map of How to Get from Puglia to Umbria
How to Get from Puglia to Umbria

Puglia, a region on Italy’s Adriatic Coast, is approximately 345 miles (556 km) from the region of Umbria. The easiest way to get from one to the other is by combining plane and... read more

Photo: Bigstock
Map of How to Get from Venice to Siena
How to Get from Venice to Siena

The distance between Venice and Siena is roughly 200 miles (321 km), moving south from the Veneto region towards Tuscany. Train travel is best (4-4.5 hours) here, with a... read more

How to Get from Florence to Lucca

The distance between Florence and Lucca is only 57 miles (92 km), and well worth the short trip—there are many things to see and do in this historic city located at the foot of... read more

Torino, Italy
Map of How to Get from Turin to Alba
How to Get from Turin to Alba

Alba, in the Langhe wine-growing area of Italy, is about 38 miles (62 km) southeast of the city of Turin (Torino). To travel from Turin to Alba, you can choose to go by train,... read more

View of Amalfi, Italy
Map of How to Get from Siena to Amalfi
How to Get from Siena to Amalfi

Siena and Amalfi are popular Italian destinations, so there are several ways to make the 300-mile (480 km) trip between the two cities. While driving from Siena to Amalfi is... read more

Venice, Italy
Map of How to Get from Venice to Bologna
How to Get from Venice to Bologna

Traveling the 97 miles (155 km) between Venice and Bologna can be accomplished via train, rental car, private driver, or bus. For most vacationers, the train makes the most... read more

Map of How to Get from Capri to Positano
How to Get from Capri to Positano

Capri, an island in the Gulf of Naples, is located about 22 miles northwest of Positano. To get to Positano from Capri, you'll need to travel by ferry, hydrofoil, or private... read more

Map of How to Get From Amalfi to Maiori
How to Get From Amalfi to Maiori

Getting from Amalfi to Maiori—which has the longest beach on the Amalfi Coast—isn't difficult, but it might take longer than you think. This is especially true during July and... read more

How to Get to Capri

Capri is an island in the Bay of Naples off of the Amalfi Coast. Whether you're traveling from Rome, Florence, or Naples, you'll ultimately need to venture across the bay to get... read more

Rome, Italy
Map of How to Get from Rome to Salerno
How to Get from Rome to Salerno

Traveling the 165 miles (266 km) from Rome to the port city of Salerno southeast of Naples offers great opportunities to see some of Southern Italy's major sites along the way.... read more

Photo: Bigstock
Map of How to Get from Chia to Cagliari
How to Get from Chia to Cagliari

The distance between the Sardinian cities of Chia and Cagliari is just 33 miles (53 km), making the trip from one city to the other fairly easy. The best way to get from... read more

Map of How to Get from Tuscany to Umbria
How to Get from Tuscany to Umbria

Moving from Tuscany to Umbria is a simple trip, as these two famed Italian regions are joined at the south end of Tuscany and the north of Umbria. So the journey to the south is... read more

Leaning tower of Pisa
Map of How to Get from Florence to Pisa
How to Get from Florence to Pisa

It's an easy day trip from Florence to Pisa, only about 52 miles (84 km) west toward the Mediterranean Sea. There are no direct flights between the two cities, but plenty of... read more

Map of How to Get to Pompeii
How to Get to Pompeii

For many travelers to Italy, no tour of the country is complete without a visit to the Pompeii, the southern Roman city destroyed by the 79AD eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. The... read more

The colorful houses of Corniglia, one of the villages in Cinque Terre
How to Get to Cinque Terre

Bordering the coast of the Italian Riviera sits Cinque Terre and its five villages, all of them holding historical differences but sharing similarities in color and vibrancy.... read more

Map of How to Get from Modica to Syracuse
How to Get from Modica to Syracuse

Only 32 miles (52 km) separate Modica and Syracuse, heading northeast across Sicily’s Ragusa and Siracusa provinces to the Adriatic coast. For efficiency and affordability, the... read more

A distant view of the town of Assisi in Umbria
Map of How to Get from Venice to Umbria
How to Get from Venice to Umbria

There are 127 miles (204 km) between Venice and the northern tip of Umbria, and multiple forms of transportation are available to make the trek. The quickest way of getting... read more

Bari, Italy
Map of How to Get from Bari to Fasano
How to Get from Bari to Fasano

Travel from Bari, the capital of the Puglia region, to nearby Fasano is a scenic trip along the Adriatic Sea regardless of what mode of transport you choose. Take the train for... read more

Photo: Bigstock
Map of How to Get from Udine to Trieste
How to Get from Udine to Trieste

At roughly 45 miles (72 km), the ride between Udine and Trieste is short, moving southward across Italy's Friuli Venezia region and toward the Slovenian border.  As for most of... read more

Yachts on Grado's Waterfront
Map of How to Get from Udine to Grado
How to Get from Udine to Grado

Udine and Grado, two popular destinations in Italy's Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region, are just 33 miles (53 km) apart. Getting from Udine to Grado takes about an hour by car and... read more

Photo: Bigstock
Map of How to Get from Trapani to Sciacca
How to Get from Trapani to Sciacca

In Sicily, the most convenient way to get around is by car due to poor public transportation and rural destinations that are scattered around the island. The drive from Trapani... read more

Turin, Italy
Map of How to Get from Turin to Bologna
How to Get from Turin to Bologna

The journey from Turin (Torino) to Bologna takes visitors from the Piedmont region of Italy south into the Emilia-Romagna, across fertile lands edged by mountains. The trip... read more

Perugia, Capital of Umbria
Map of How to Get from Sicily to Umbria
How to Get from Sicily to Umbria

The overland distance between Sicily and Umbria is about 540 miles (870 km). The fastest route between the two regions involves a combination of air travel and train. Including... read more

Map of How to Get from Fasano to Lecce
How to Get from Fasano to Lecce

The 59-mile (94 km) journey from Fasano to the whitewashed city of Lecce, both in Italy's Puglia region, can be undertaken by train, car, or bus. Unless you're on a driving tour... read more

Fishing Boats in Riposto's Harbor, Sicily
Map of How to Get from Catania to Riposto
How to Get from Catania to Riposto

Catania and Riposto are just 18 miles (29 km) apart, and it takes a mere half hour to get from Catania to Riposto by train. Driving from Catania to Riposto takes about the same... read more

Photo: Bigstock
Map of How to Get from Palermo to Paceco
How to Get from Palermo to Paceco

The road distance between Palermo and Paceco is 66 miles (106 km), making a day trip between the two Sicilian cities easy. As with the rest of Sicily, the best way to move... read more