Italy Info
Joined: 21 Oct 2006
Posts: 18
Home Country: italy
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 Posted: Thu Oct 26, 2006 10:07 am Post subject: GETTING AROUND IN ITALY |
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GETTING AROUND IN ITALY
AIR
Italy's domestic air network on Alitalia is one of the largest and most complete in Europe. Some 40 airports are serviced regularly from Rome, and most flights take less than an hour. Fares vary, but some discounts are available. Tickets are discounted 50% for passengers 2 to 11 years old; for passengers 12 to 22, there's a youth fare. And anyone can get a 30% reduction by taking domestic flights departing at night.
RAIL
Trains provide a medium-priced means of transport, even if you don't buy the Eurailpass or one of the special Italian Railway tickets. As a rule of thumb, second-class travel usually costs about two-thirds the price of an equivalent first-class trip. The relatively new InterCity trains (IC on train schedules) are modern, air-conditioned trains that make limited stops; compared to the slower direct or regional trains, the supplement can be steep, but a second-class IC ticket will provide a first-class experience.
A couchette (a private fold-down bed in a communal cabin) requires a supplement above the price of first-class travel. Children 4 to 11 receive a discount of 50% off the adult fare, and children 3 and under travel free with their parents. Seniors and travelers under age 26 can also purchase discount cards. Seat reservations are highly recommended during peak season and on weekends or holidays; they must be booked in advance.
Trenitalia Pass for Italy covers 4 to 10 days of travel within 2 months. Price for 4 days $260 first class, $206 second class. Additional days $27 first class, $22 second class.
Discounts and bonuses include ferries to Sicily; they do not include international Artesia, France-Italy Night, and Elipsos trains, but they do offer passholder fares on those trains.
BUS
Italy has an extensive and intricate bus network, covering all regions. However, because rail travel is inexpensive, the bus isn't the preferred method of travel. Besides, drivers seem to go on strike every 2 weeks.
One of the leading bus operators is SITA, Viale del Cadorna 105, Florence (tel. 055-47821; www.sita-on-line.it). SITA buses serve most parts of the country, especially the central belt, including Tuscany, but not the far frontiers. Among the largest of the other companies, with special emphasis in the north and central tiers, is Autostradale/Eurolines, Autostazione Garibaldi, Milan (tel. 02-637901; www.eurolines.it). Lazzi, Via Mercadante 2, Florence (tel. 055-363041; www.lazzi.it), goes through Tuscany, including Siena, and much of central Italy.
Where these nationwide services leave off, local bus companies operate in most regions, particularly in the hill sections and the alpine regions where rail travel isn't possible.
CAR RENTAL
Many of the loveliest parts of Italy lie away from the main cities, far away from the train stations. For that, and for sheer convenience and freedom, renting a car is usually the best way to explore the country. But you have to be a pretty aggressive and alert driver who won't be fazed by super high speeds on the autostrade (national express highways) or by narrow streets in the cities and towns. Italian drivers have truly earned their reputation as bad but daring.
However, the legalities and contractual obligations of renting a car in Italy (where accident and theft rates are very high) are a little complicated. To rent a car here, a driver must have nerves of steel, a sense of humour, a valid driver's license, and a valid passport and (in most cases) be over 25. Insurance on all vehicles is compulsory, though any reputable rental firm will arrange it in advance before you're even given the keys.
The three major rental companies in Italy are Avis (www.avis.com), Budget (www.budget.com), and Hertz (www.hertz.com). |
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