The transportation system in Italy is very easy to navigate and is very accessible, even to foreigners. You can find buses and trains connecting all of the major cities to one another and most of the islands are connected by ferries. Here is a list of information about the most common types of transportation in Italy.
The Rail- Probably the easiest way to get around in Italy is to use to Eurail. It is inexpensive and you can get a ticket quickly to almost anywhere you want to go, even outside of the country. The Eurail is a great alternative to taking buses which tend to be crowded, or taxis in the large cities, which can get quite expensive. Another option is taking the Ferrovie Dello Stato, which is Italy’s national railway system and is also very accessible.
Buses- There are many buses in Italy and they are almost as accessible as the railway system. They are very reliable and they are very safe to use. But make sure to get there in plenty of time because buses are usually quite crowded, as are all transportation means in Italy. Buses usually run between most large cities.
Taxis- I would recommend taking a train or a bus before opting to take a taxi. But if this is what you decide to do, they are generally very reliable and safe. Fares are generally the same as they are in most big cities in the U.S, but make sure to negotiate the taxi fee before hand so that you do not get overcharged.
Car Rental- If you are going to many cities throughout Italy in a short amount of time then renting a car might be a great decision. It allows you to move at your own pace and allows you to see the things that you really want to see, something that you cannot do if you take public transportation. Make sure that you pay attention to the speed limit and remember that Italy uses the metric system. In addition to having a current driver’s license when drive in Italy, you will also want to have an international driver’s license, which can be obtained in America.
Sea Transportation- There are many services linking the islands by sea to the mainland. The main connections between the mainland and the islands are ferries and hydrofoils. There are many ports all throughout southern Italy that make getting to those ferries accessible. Ferries and hydrofoils are generally inexpensive and are easily accessed. Also, going on a ferry gives you a view of the Mediterranean Sea that is unparalleled. For anyone who is in a hurry to get to the major islands of Sardinia and Sicily, there are also planes that take off from all the major airports daily.