Traveling Italy by public transport offers a cost-effective, convenient, and logistics-friendly way to explore this beautiful country.
Public transport in Italy is a backpacker’s best friend. Renting a car in Italy can be expensive without mentioning dangerous in terms of driving experience. When I visited on my first European backpacking experience I drove my own Nissan Micra through Europe from England and stopped in Pisa, Rome, Venice and Milan. I took a pop-up tent and camped. Fellow travellers warned me about travelling any futher south than Rome. Times change but it’s certainly worth checking advance regarding the areas you are travelling too regarding driving conditions and safety.
On the other hand, Italy’s extensive train and bus networks are efficient and affordable, making it easy to move from one destination to the next without the hassle of driving and parking. On my first European adventure I stayed in campsites outside the cities and used public transport to tarvel into them. The second time I went we relied on planes, trains and buses for all our journeys.
You want to be packing smartly for your trip. Essentials include:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight clothing
- A waterproof jacket
- A reusable water bottle
- Portable phone charger
- Pocket WiFi Europe, a smart device to save on roaming costs
- Travel-size toiletries
- Basic first aid kit
Milan
You can fly directly to Milan from major UK airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, or Bristol. Upon arrival, take a bus from the airport to the city center, which is both economical and convenient.
What are the must-sees in Milan that you can tick off your list in a day?
- Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano): An architectural marvel and one of the largest churches in the world (see a much younger me pictured above lol)
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: A stunning 19th-century shopping arcade with luxury shops and beautiful mosaics.
- Navigli Canals: Stroll along these historic canals, dotted with charming cafes and bars.
Venice
Trains in Italy are among the fastest and cheapest in Europe, so this is going to be your best bet to travel through the country on a budget.
You can catch a train from Milan to Venice, a scenic journey that takes about 2.5 hours.
How should you plan your 24 hours in Venice?
- St. Mark’s Basilica: A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture with stunning mosaics.
- Rialto Bridge: The oldest bridge across the Grand Canal, offering fantastic views.
- Gondola Ride: Experience the quintessential Venetian boat ride through the canals.
Florence
You can travel from Venice to Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station by train.
Florence has a rich past of history and art. If you have only one day, head to:
- Uffizi Gallery: Home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and da Vinci.
- Piazza del Duomo: Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and its famous dome.
- Ponte Vecchio: An iconic medieval bridge with shops built along it.
Rome
From Florence, the train journey to Rome takes about 1.5 hours.
There is so much to do and see in Rome. But for short visits, you want to focus on these must-do spots:
- Colosseum: Explore the ancient amphitheater where gladiators once fought.
- Vatican City: Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
- Trevi Fountain: Toss a coin into the fountain to ensure your return to Rome.
Naples
Naples is no further than 1 hour away by train from Rome.
Naples is home to a world heritage site that has been crucial to support the understanding of the Roman Empire. So, if you have only 24 hours, you want to focus on the history of the city:
- Pompeii: Take a day trip to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Naples National Archaeological Museum with artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Why not end the day with a pizza in Naples, for an authentic culinary taste of the region?
After your Neapolitan adventure, fly back to the UK from Naples. Major airlines have direct flights to various UK airports.
If you’ve only got a few days to spend in Italy, this is one of the best ways to get a taste of what the country has to offer on budget.
