Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bus
Buses are the cheapest overland option to Italy, but services are less frequent, less comfortable and significantly slower
than the train.
Eurolines
(
www.eurolines.com
)
A consortium of coach companies with offices throughout Europe. Italy-bound buses
head to Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome, from where Italian train and bus services continue south.
Marozzi
(
www.marozzivt.it
) Offers daily services from Rome to Bari, Brindisi, Otranto and Matera.
Miccolis
(
www.miccolis-spa.it
)
Runs daily services from Naples to Potenza, Taranto, Brindisi and Lecce.
Marino
(
www.marinobus.it
) Runs daily services from Naples to Bari and Matera.
Liscio
( 0971 5 46 73;
www.autolineeliscio.it
)
Connects Potenza to Rome, Naples, Salerno, Florence, Siena and Per-
ugia. Also connects Rome to Matera.
Lirosi
(
www.lirosilinee.com
)
Runs services from Rome to Reggio di Calabria.
SAIS
(
www.saistrasporti.it
)
Operates long-haul services to Sicily from Rome and Naples.
BUS PASSES
Eurolines (
www.eurolines-pass.com
) offers a low-season
bus pass
valid for 15/30 days that costs €215/320 (re-
duced €185/250). This pass allows unlimited travel between 51 European cities, including Milan, Venice,
Florence and Rome. Fares increase to €355/465 (reduced €300/385) in midsummer.
Car & Motorcycle
CONTINENTAL EUROPE
»
When driving in Europe, always carry proof of vehicle ownership and third-party insurance. If driving an EU-re-
gistered vehicle, your home country insurance is sufficient. Ask your insurer for a European Accident Statement (EAS)
form, which can simplify matters in the event of an accident.
»
A European breakdown assistance policy is a good investment and can be obtained through the
Automobile Club
d'Italia
(ACI; from non-Italian phone number 800 116800, roadside assistance 803 116;
www.aci.it
).
»
Every vehicle travelling across an international border should display a nationality plate of its country of registration.
»
There is an excellent network of autostradas (motorways/freeways) in Italy, represented by a white A followed by a
number on a green background. The main north-south link is the Autostrada del Sole, from Milan to Reggio di Calabria
(called the A1 from Milan to Rome, the A2 from Rome to Naples and the A3 from Naples to Reggio di Calabria).
»
There's a toll to use most of Italy's autostradas. You can pay by cash or credit card as you leave the autostrada; to
avoid lengthy queues, buy a prepaid Viacard charge card from ACI offices, motorway petrol stations and roadside Au-
togrill stores, and some banks, in denominations of €25, €50 or €75. These cards are valid throughout Italy. For informa-
tion on road tolls and passes, or to pay any unpaid toll fees, click onto
Autostrade per Italia
(
www.autostrade.it
).
»
Italy's scenic roads are tailor-made for motorcycle touring, and motorcyclists swarm into the country every summer.
With a bike you rarely have to book ahead for ferries and can enter restricted-traffic areas in cities. Crash helmets and a
motorcycle licence are compulsory. Unless you're touring, it is probably easier to rent a bike once you are at your des-
tination.
