While Italy is renowned for its historic architecture, picturesque piazzas, and winding medieval streets, the country's major cities also have efficient and affordable metro systems to help you get around. Utilizing the metro can save you time and energy while sightseeing in Italy's urban centers. Here's a guide to using the metro in Rome, Milan, and Naples.
The Rome Metro
Rome has three metro lines - Line A (red), Line B (blue), and Line C (green). The two most useful for tourists are Line A and Line B.
Line A runs through the heart of Rome's historic center with stops near top attractions like the Spanish Steps (Spagna), Trevi Fountain (Barberini), Piazza del Popolo (Flaminio), and the Vatican (Ottaviano for the Vatican Museums, Cipro for St. Peter's Basilica).
Line B has stops at major sites like the Colosseum (Colosseo station) and Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo station).
Lines A and B intersect at the central Termini station, making transfers easy. Single ride tickets cost €1.50 and can be purchased at newsstands, tabacchi shops, or metro stations. You can also use a contactless credit/debit card or mobile payment app at the turnstiles. The metro runs from around 5:30am to 11:30pm, with later service on weekends. Trains come frequently, every 3-8 minutes at peak times.
The Milan Metro
Milan's metro system has four lines that form the shape of an 'X' through the city center. The lines are color-coded - red (Line 1), green (Line 2), yellow (Line 3), and lilac (Line 5). Key stops for sightseers include Duomo (Line 1 and Line 3) next to Milan's iconic cathedral, Cadorna (Lines 1 and 2) near the historic Castello Sforzesco, and Missori (Line 3) which is walking distance to the Santa Maria delle Grazie church housing The Last Supper. Single ride tickets cost €2 or you can purchase a daily pass starting at €4.50. The metro operates from around 6am to 12:30am, with trains arriving every 2-5 minutes during peak hours.
The Naples Metro
Naples has a small but useful metro system consisting of two lines - Line 1 and the newer Line 6. Line 1 has stops in the historic center near major sights like the Duomo, National Archaeological Museum, and Central Funicular to ride up to the Vomero hill neighborhood.Single ride tickets are €1.10 or you can buy day passes. The metro runs from around 6am to 11pm, with trains every 10-15 minutes on Line 1 and less frequent service on Line 6.A few tips for using Italian metro systems:
- Hold your bag/purse close and be aware of pickpockets, especially on crowded trains.
- Have your ticket/pass ready to insert into the turnstile when entering stations.
- Maps are posted throughout stations showing metro lines and connections to buses/trams.
- For major tourist stops, listen for stop announcements or watch the electronic signs.
With its extensive metro networks, getting around Italy's cities on efficient and economical public transit is easy. Just remember to buy tickets in advance and mind your belongings for a smooth metro experience.
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