Bus travel in Italy can be efficient, reliable and inexpensive. However it
is often considered second place to going by train, which is usually faster
and more comfortable but slightly more expensive. Always compare the cost
with a railway ticket.
The only setback to bus travel can be lack of services and connecting
transport. It's always worth doing a bit of homework at the local tourist
information office when you arrive.
LOCAL BUSES
Local buses throughout Italy are the only
alternative in a lot of smaller towns. However
most of these may travel only once or twice
daily through the smaller towns. Along the
Amalfi coast, through Tuscany, the Dolomites,
Liguria, and the interior of Sardegnia and
Sicily there are no or few trains, so buses
are the only alternative. SITA buses, Autostradale
and Lazzi buses are the main operators through
Italy however there are many private companies
and therefore no central system. It pays
to check for connections with the local
tourist information office well ahead of
time. Most private bus lines have a ticket
office or allow you to pay when you board.
CITY BUSES
For city buses you usually buy your ticket
from a machine, newsstand or tobacconist
and stamp it on board in validating machines.
You can sometimes get tickets from the driver.
Buses going to the airport can differ from
this system.
PAYING
Some bus companies will require pre payment
before boarding the bus, others allow you
to pay onboard. Check for each bus you take.
Most tourist offices provide paying information
and timetables.
USEFUL LINKS
Here is a list of some helpful links and
bus services:
Eurolines www.eurolines.com
Services within Europe. Tickets available
online.
Greyhound Lines
Bus fares, schedules and ticket information. www.greyhound.com
Bus Éireann
Home
Irish National bus company providing local
bus services, Expressway long distance intercity
services, Eurolines services with destinations
in Britain and abroad. www.buseireann.ie
The Bus Station
Bus, coach, tram, trolleybus and transit links all over the world
www.busstation.net
BusWeb
Index of links to bus, coach, and motorcoach
related web sites. www.busweb.com
Eurolines
coach operator connecting cities across
Europe.
Europe
Bus Transportation
summarizes bus charter, tour, and transportation
companies serving countries in Eastern and
Western Europe.
