Frequently Asked Questions

Transport

Is it better to get around by car or train?
Italy is well connected with both the rail system and motorways. Getting around by car will depend on how confident you are as a driver and driving on the opposite side of the road as compared to Australia and New Zealand.
Is my Australian driver's licence valid in Italy?
Yes, provided it is accompanied by an official translation or an international driver's licence.
Can I buy a ticket onboard the bus?
Rarely. Tickets are usually sold at tobacconists or newsagents.
Can I park my car in Venice?
In Piazzale Roma there are parking stations. There is also a parking lot on the Island of Tronchetto. Another solution is to leave your car in Mestre either in the parking lots by the entrance to the Ponte della Liberta' or the ones near Mestre railway station and continue from there by bus or train to Venice.
Can I drive in the city centres such as Florence and Rome?
Given their historic nature, the city centres in Italy were clearly not designed for modern traffic needs and vehicles. City centres are generally limited to residents and vehicles with special permits. This DOES NOT include rental cars. If you are caught driving within the restricted ZTL areas (Zona a Traffico Limitato) you can expect to receive a fine. If you are planning to rent a car you will need to plan ahead and let your hotel know you will be driving so the hotel can contact the appropriate traffic authorities in order for you to receive permissions to enter and avoid any fines.

Once you have received clearance to drive in the city centre and through the ZTL zones to reach the hotel, you still have to find a place where to park or reserve a car spot.
How do I reach the Amalfi Coast from Rome?
From Roma Termini train station you can catch trains to Naples. Once you arrive at Naples Stazione Centrale Piazza Garibaldi railway station, follow the direction signs to the Circumvesuviana platform (the regional railway line, situated underneath the main railway station) and from there you can take the train to Sorrento. You will reach Sorrento in about an hour. Outside Sorrento railway station you can get the Sita bus headed to Positano-Amalfi or to Sant'Angela-Nerano.

Another option is to head to Roma Tiburtina railway station and from there board one of the Marozzi coaches which run between Rome and Amalfi and Rome and Sorrento. For Amalfi, there is just one coach which leaves at 07.00 in the morning and arrives at 12.00.

For Sorrento, there are two coaches, one departing at 07.00, the other at 15.00.

In the summer months, sea connections by hydrofoil and ferry depart from the Molo Beverello in Naples and dock in Positano and Amalfi.
How do I reach the port of Civitavecchia from Rome?
Trains to and from Civitavecchia run hourly and the trip takes 40 mins to just over an hour. The entrance to the port is within walking distance from the Civitavecchia train station (600m). Alternatively, shuttle buses frequently travel to the entrance of the Port.

Visiting Information

If I go to Italy in September/October what will the temperature be like?
Depending on the location you are in, September and October are usually still mild.
Do I have to prebook tickets for the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel?
Booking is not compulsory but if you book online you can skip the queue. You can book at mv.vativan.va
Can I buy tickets for the Ufizzi Gallery online?
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