Bus system in Italy

Buses are not the most common transportation choice of tourists, travelling by train in Italy is much more popular.

City-specific companies operate city buses. For example, I live in Bergamo and the bus company is ATB – Azienda Trasporti Bergamo. In Milan, it’s ATM – Azienda Trasporti Milanesi.

Although buses aren’t the go-to transportation for visiting tourists, regional buses can better connect you to hidden gems and areas off-the-beaten-path where trains don’t stop!

Here’s the catch: there is no national bus line in Italy. You cannot get from one region to another by bus, unless it is operated by a third-party.

Third-party bus companies that operate in Italy are Flixbus and those that cover airport transfers.

Tourist Tickets (24 hour and 72 hour)

Lots of cities’ bus companies will offer a friendly price for tourists. These tickets usually have a validity from 24 to 72 hours, so tourists can have unlimited rides within that time period.

Where to Buy

Shops called “tabaccheria”, which are small convenience stores that also sell stamps, cigarettes, and newspapers, sell bus tickets. You will find them scattered around town and marked with a big “T” sign outside.

To buy a ticket, you have to ask the clerk at the counter exactly what kind of ticket you would like. They should also know enough about the bus system to help you if you’re not sure what ticket you need.

On The Bus

On city buses, there are several machines where you can pay for your ticket. Some regional bus companies may also let you buy your ticket in cash while getting on the bus.

There is a machine that takes cash (remember the currency is the euro in Italy), but note that these machines don’t give change. The tickets printed on the bus are already validated.

There is also a machine that allows you to buy your ticket with debit or credit card. To round it out, some buses are also equipped with contactless pay machines where you just have to tap your card and you are good to go.