Travelling through Italy - roads, airports, railway, bus transportation

Italy is one of the most economically developed countries in the world. Accordingly, the transport infrastructure in the country is at a very high level. Due to the fact that most of the territory of Italy is surrounded by sea, transportation by water is well developed. It is worth noting that historically, Italian channels were the most powerful among all maritime powers. Today, the influence of this type of transportation and turnover has a huge impact on the country’s economy. Regular ferry connections link not only the coastal territories of Italy, but also the country with neighboring autonomous territories, including the Canary Islands.

The government of Italy pays much attention to the country’s road network. Subsequently, the road surface is considered one of the best in the world. However, it is worth remembering that most autobahns in Italy are on a paid basis. The road network covers all parts of the country, even the most remote corners. The total length of highways is more than seven thousand kilometers. Along the roads you will come across hotels, snack bars and cafes, shops, service stations, and filling stations. We can therefore safely say that Italy has created the safest and most comfortable conditions for traveling by car. Buses are considered the most common type of public transportation. There are both intra-city and interurban trips. The quality of the vehicles varies considerably depending on the place of its use. Thus, in the big cities run modern luxury buses, and in small rural areas one can still meet old and dilapidated buses from the previous century.

In large cities such as Rome or Milan, you will meet an underground metro. Statistics show that the Roman metro carries an average of more than 3 million passengers daily. The quality of the subway is also at a very high level, equipped with all necessary security measures, paying great attention to the comfort of passengers waiting and traveling by metro. Rome’s city subway has two lines, just like that of Milan. The railway infrastructure is also at a very high level. The total length of railways is more than 15,000 kilometers. Of this number, about 1,000 kilometers are high-speed tracks. It should be noted that all the large cities are connected by direct rail routes. If you plan a trip to a remote province, then, most likely, transfers during the trip cannot be avoided. The government pays much attention to the safety of movement along the railway track. Therefore, all local electric trains and long-distance trains are serviceable and equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable transport of passengers. Please note that all long-distance trains are divided into first and second class, and the cost of tickets varies significantly.

The air transport network in the country is also highly developed. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the greater part of passenger traffic is concentrated only in 3 major Italian airports, of which the Da Vinci airport terminal is the main one. Among popular flights not only international passenger flights are popular. About one third of the boards are used in domestic flights. It is worth noting that in Italy, as in most countries of modern Europe, bicycling is gradually gaining popularity. In the major cities of Italy today, high-quality bicycle paths have been laid along most major roads. Motorists relate to such road users with great respect.

Italy has an extremely developed air network. There are many airports in the country, including helicopter landing stations, and air bases. Most airports are working to transport passengers and have international status (designed for the reception and transit of passengers from the near and far abroad).The largest aerial harbor in Italy is the Da Vinci Airport. At the moment, four terminals are successfully operating within its territory. The airport is located about twelve kilometers from Rome. You can get to the airport by means of public transportation or by taxi service. Please note that free buses and even underground electric trains run between the terminals. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The infrastructure of the leading Italian airport (Da Vinci Airport) will pleasantly surprise even the most experienced traveler. On the territory of the terminals are available comfortable recreation areas, cafes and restaurants, souvenir shops and duty-free shops, as well as nurseries, currency exchange offices, and bank branches. Next in size is considered to be the Marco Polo airport, which is located in Venice. It is situated eight kilometers from the city center. You can get to it with the help of water transport, buses, and taxis. The infrastructure of this airport is also quite well developed, creating comfortable and safe conditions for the movement of passengers. The third by dimensions in Italy is the Milan-Malpensa airport. It is located 45 kilometers from Milan. You can get to the city by public transport, taxi, or transfer.

Palermo Airport is 35 kilometers from the city Palermo, Sicily. The airport of Catania is also considered an equally important air harbor. It is located at a minimal distance from the city of Catania. Please note that this airport has significantly increased its throughput in recent years. One of the most popular resort terminals is the airport of Valerio Catullo Villafranca. This airport is located practically in the center of the country, in the area of ​​Verona. The most convenient way to get to the city is by express buses. Please note that during the peak season, the number of flights which this air harbor takes, increases.

In view of the fact that Italy is one of the most developed countries in the world, the transport interchange on its territory is also characterized by high level of activity. The most common type of public transport is buses. Please pay attention to the fact that they go both on intra-city, and on interurban trips. Thanks to the extensive automobile interchange, it is possible to go by bus even to the most remote regions of the country. At most bus stops, you will find an information screen with timetable and fare. The vehicle always runs on schedule. You can buy a ticket in the buses themselves when boarding, or in tobacco, or newspaper kiosks. As a rule, all regular trips run from 6 am to 12 noon. With regards traveling to very remote places, regular trips run only once a week, thus tickets will need to be booked in advance.

In large cities such as Milan or Rome, you will find an underground metro. You can buy tickets in kiosks or inside the subway. At peak hours, trains run every two to three minutes. At other times and on weekends, the frequency of the underground transport can vary within 7 minutes. The fare in most of Rome’s subway lines is approximately 2 euros. The quality of the road surface in Italy is at a very high level. Therefore, quite often, tourists decide to rent a car. It can be selected in advance before arriving in Italy, or on the spot. A one-day car rental at the airport in Milan will cost at least 80 euros. Please note that many autobahns in the country are on a paid basis. The average fare is 30 euros. An alternative will be to travel by bike. In large cities, you will find bicycle paths of quite decent quality which are laid along all the central roads of the city. Also quite a popular mode of transportation is suburban trains and international trains. There are even high-speed passenger express trains. The fare depends on the class of the train and the distance of the trip.

Transportation by sea, particularly ferries, is also very popular. You can use them to travel between the coastal regions of the mainland, as well as to access neighboring territories. The fare depends on the class of the ferry itself, the distance of the route, and the services provided in the complex. On modern ferries there are swimming pools, cafes and bars, as well as playgrounds, and even Duty Free shops. Several taxi companies are operational in the country. You can order a car by phone or catch one right on the street. On weekends, cars from taxi companies are very few, so when you call you have to wait at least 20 minutes. The cost of pick up is at least 3 euros. At night, on public holidays, as well as on weekends, tariffs are slightly increased. Nonetheless, as a rule, a kilometer ride will be from one to one and a half euros. If you want to quickly get from one point of Italy to another, it is possible to employ the services of airports.