Bus Transportation

Local buses generally run every 10 - 15 minutes. Tickets are sold at tabacchi or newsstands, frequently with a discount for purchasing multiple rides. It is not possible to either buy tickets or pay the driver on the bus. The ticket must be validated upon entering the bus. The validating machines usually located behind the driver or at the rear of the vehicle (the location varies by line). Failure to have a correct, validated ticket can result in a fine when ticket inspectors get on board. In order to exit the bus, passengers must either press a button or pull a cord to signal the driver to stop. In large cities, passengers enter the bus at either end and exit in the middle. Schedules are available at the main bus terminal or at the information offices normally located near the train station. Every bus stop on the street has a sign listing all the buses and routes that stop there. Buses generally run from approximately 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. and become less frequent late at night.

One normally uses the train to travel between cities; however, not all cities are on the train route, in which case one travels by bus. This is slightly complex, since buses generally are regional and usually only serve the cities and towns of one particular region. There are only a few lines that are inter-regional, so it may be necessary to pay close attention to which line one chooses. Tickets are for sale both at the tabacchi and the bus station, and they must be validated on the bus. Buses are generally clean; however, it is good to know that there are no restrooms on the bus since the rides are not generally that long. Snacks are sold at vending machines at the bus station or at the tabacchi and newsstands inside the bus station.