Train
The Italian railway network is operated by the state-owned Trenitalia SP.A. The extensive network links every major city together and there is no need to fly unless time is of priority. The railway is connected to the two main islands, Sardinia and Sicily, by means of ferries departing from Civitavecchia (Rome) and Villa San Giovanni (Reggio Calabria). The fastest trains operate on the networks between the major cities while the regional trains are fairly slow. Travelers who are already in France, Switzerland or Austria may consider coming into Italy by Eurostar train. There are many classifications of trains in Italy as provided below: 

Train Classifications in Italy

• ES Eurostar - Interregional high-speed train service
• IC Intercity - The main category of express trains used in domestic service
• EC Eurocity - Express trains used in international service, subject to IC Intercity supplementary fare and rules
• CIS Cisalpino - Express trains connecting the main cities of Central and Northern Italy with the Swiss main cities
• EXPR Espresso - Express trains often on night service with both first and second class cars
• DIR Diretto - Semi-express trains that make many stops, often with second class seating only
• IR Interregionale and REG Regionale - Local trains, not necessarily making all the stops on a route

Rail schedules are displayed in the stations and are also available for purchase at news-stands. For more information, check out Trenitalia's website.

* Seat reservations are possible on every kind of train except REG Regionale and DIR Diretto. However, reservations for particular services such as sleeping cars and car transport, should be made through travel agencies.
** It is extremely important to validate your ticket before boarding to avoid fines. There are special stamping machines recognizable with their yellow color located along the station platforms. Stamped tickets must be used within six hours of validation.
*** It is customary for the conductor to take your passport if you are crossing international borders in a night train (couchette). If you do not feel comfortable with handing over your passport, simply ask them to wake you at the border.

Bus
A major Italian bus operator is SITA S.p.a. and it offers fairly good coach services throughout the country. There are akso many private bus companies serving both regional and international destinations. An important note for train and bus passengers in Italy is that the ticket purchased for use on the Italian public transport system must be validated before you board avoid heavy fines. The validation machines are usually yellow in color and are located inside the train or bus station. Bus tickets are often valid for use within one hour after being stamped by the machine, and they cannot be purchased on board.  Tickets are available at newsagents, tobacconists, ticket kiosks and bars. There are also daily, weekly and monthly passes available.  

Ferries
There are many ferry services offering links between the Italian mainland and its islands.  The main Italian ports of embarkation for the large islands of Sicilia and Sardegna are: Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Fiumicino, Naples and Villa San Giovanni. There are also ships from other countries around the Mediterranean that make a stop at the Italian ports. Bookings can be made and tickets purchased at authorized travel agencies. Connections are more frequent during the summer and on holidays. For more information, check out fares and schedules at FerriesOnline's website.

Car
Italy has a fairly well-organized public transportation especially in cities, but driving is the best way if you want to explore the countryside.  Most of the roads from western Europe leading into Italy are toll-free, with some notable exceptions. If you use the Swiss superhighway network, you'll have to buy a special tax sticker at the frontier. You'll also pay to go through the St.Gotthard Tunnel into Italy. Crossings from France can be through the Mont Blanc Tunnel, for which you'll pay, or you can leave the French Riviera at Menton and drive directly into Italy along the Italian Riviera toward San Remo.

Italy recognizes driving licenses and other traffic documents that are valid in other countries. U.S. and Canadian driving licenses are valid in Italy but the license must be accompanied by a translation or an international license. For motorists not in possession of an International Driving license, the ACI (Automobile Club d'Italia) will issue a declaration upon presentation of a U.S. or a Canadian license. The declaration is obtainable at any ACI offices. 

Taxi
Authorized and metered-taxis are abundant in Italy. It is strongly advisable to use only official taxis which are clearly marked and are generally yellow or white in color. Extra fees are common for airport trips, for night service (10 PM-7AM), for luggage, and holidays. It's a good idea to ask for an estimated price before getting in if you are going into the city. For taxi trips outside the city boundaries, fares will be based on distance.  

This article is authored and copyrighted
by Royal Exclusive Travel