What is the best way to travel from city to city in Italy?

Question

I will be staying in Sorrento for 2 weeks, and then from there I will be visiting Venice, Florence and Milan for 9 days. During my 2 week stay, I will also be visiting Rome for a weekend. What is the cheapest and fastest way to get from city to city? Also, do you recommend buying tickets before I go? I am leaving next month on May 15. Thanks!

Answer 1

I won't go into detail about trains, as that was well answered.  However, there is something to consider that wasn't discussed:

Trains are an excellent form of transportation in Italy between the cities.  They are frequent and efficient, and you don't need to bother with reservations.

However, trains will cause you to sacrifice some freedom.  More and more people are discovering Italy's beautiful countryside, and the wonderful hilltowns.  Think of the hilltowns of Tuscany, or beautiful Umbria.

If you have any intention of visiting these areas, the trains may not be your best bet.  The reason is that the train system connects the cities very well, but once you get into those areas, train service becomes very limited.  You could take buses, but even that is difficult and limiting.

You may consider a car if you will be looking into those areas, at least for part of the time you will be there.

Fortunately, there are some extremely cheap options for getting a car.  Check out www.sixti.com and you will see what I mean.  

I also noticed that a few people suggested Scooters.  They are fun, but they will only be of value while you are inside the city, and unless you are and EXTREMELY experienced motorcycle rider, I would suggest that you avoid scooters in Italy at all costs.  

I understand the romantic thought of riding a Vespa through the streets of Rome like Audrey in Roman Holiday, but reality paints a different picture.  Italian drivers are extremely aggressive in the cities, and it is VERY, VERY dangerous, and VERY chaotic.

Answer 2

The trains are great!  Not terribly expensive, more comfortable than buses, and you don't get stuck in traffic.  Look up schedules and prices on

http://www.trenitalia.com

You might want to get an Italy pass from Eurail (if you're not living in Europe).  Check this link for Italian railpasses.  Cheaper if you're traveling with somebody, you can get the Saverpass.  And if you're under 26, you can get the youth pass.  

http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/passes...

Figure out how many days you need and just get a 2nd class. It's fine.  

Some trains still require a reservation, but most of the time a day in advance is enough (unless it's around Easter or Christmas).  Often you can get the reservation the same day of travel.  Some trians may require a supplement even with a pass, but considering all the hopping around you'll be doing, I think a pass may turn out good for you.

If the train doesn't require a reservation, you can just go get on and find a seat.  On the schedules, you will see a capital "R" next to trains that require a reservation.  

IF you'll be traveling with another person, get this:

http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/passes...

IF you're under 26, get a youth pass:

http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/passes...

Answer 3

Definatly take a train.  If you speak some Italian, you can ask for times at the station or you can check the schedule.  Also, you can check train times at bahn.hafas.de.  If you're under 26, you will get a youth discount.  While I have travelled most of Europe via trains without problems, I would be remiss in not warning you to keep you belongings close to you, especially as you get further south in Italy.  Have fun!

Answer 4

scooters

Answer 5

I say train too.

It is the best chose.

I hope you have a good time in Italy.

Answer 6

get one of those little scooters....they look fun.  Vespa's...that's it.

Answer 7

I'm Italian and I confirm it: train is the best way to visit the cities you said. As for the tickets, if you can speak some Italian, I suggest you to buy them over there, because you can never know what is going to happen with Italian trains. Often they are late or they could delete some train at the last minute (especially during the summer).

Answer 8

for the amount of time you are staying in each place.... the trains are the best choice. get a eurorail pass. I believe they are good for a 2 week period and they a reasonably priced. if you want to also... you could rent a car for around 50 euro a day and go where ever you wanted.... just keep your eyes open and drive like you own the road.... people will get outta your way. if not, you'll be screaming and pulling your hair out if you let them drive the way they want. remember... when in rome....