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Getting Around Ferrara

Getting Around Ferrara

Ferrara Emilia Romagna And San Marino, Italy Travel Guide

Public Transportation

Ferrara relies on a bus network for public transportation; it has no metro or tram system. The main public transport is its bus network, operated by TPER (Trasporto Passeggeri Emilia-Romagna). Public buses provide service to the city center, connect it to residential areas, and provide courses to the train station and outskirts.

The bus network includes the city and immediate surrounding areas. Detailed route maps are online on the TPER website or at major bus stops and the Ferrara Tourist Information Office. Google Maps also offers reliable public transport directions.

Tickets & Hours

  • Single-use urban tickets (Biglietto towno) are common. Purchase them in advance from Tabaccherie (tobacco shops) or newsstands. Tickets bought on board incur a small surcharge.
  • A single urban ticket costs around €1.50 in advance. Daily or multi-day passes offer savings for frequent use.
  • Buses operate from early morning (around 5:30 AM - 6:00 AM) until late evening (around 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM). Frequency varies by line and time of day.
  • Tickets Must be validated immediately upon boarding the bus. Failure to validate results in a fine.

Navigate with Apps

Use Google Maps or Moovit for real-time bus schedules and route planning.

Carry Small Change

Keep small change if you anticipate needing to buy tickets on board a bus.

Accessibility

Many newer TPER buses are low-floor and include ramps for wheelchair access.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis
  • Licensed taxis in Ferrara are white, include a "TAXI" sign on the roof, and have a visible meter inside.
  • You cannot hail taxis on the street in Ferrara. Find them at designated taxi stands (Ferrara train station, Piazza Trento e Trieste, Piazza Castello) or call Radio Taxi Ferrara (+39 0532 900900).
  • Fares are metered, with a base fare plus charges per kilometer and waiting time. Surcharges apply for night service, holidays, and luggage.
Ride-Sharing & Safety
  • Uber’s standard ride-sharing service is not widely available in Ferrara. Only Uber Black might appear.
  • Free Now (formerly MyTaxi) allows booking licensed taxis via the app.
  • Always use licensed taxis from official stands. Ensure the meter is on. Avoid unofficial "taxis."

Rental Options

Car Rental

Requires valid national driver’s license, International Driving Permit (IDP), and major credit card.

Companies

Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, Enterprise at BLQ and VCE airports, and some in Ferrara near the train station.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Less common for tourists; some local shops may offer scooter rentals.

Bicycle Rental

A plethora of shops (Bici Ferrara, Noleggio Bici Ferrara) offer rentals. Costs are around €8-€15 for a full day.

Self-Driving & Parking

Ferrara is well-connected by Italy’s efficient train network, and road trips exists with careful planning. Be aware of ZTLs in the city center.

Driving Laws & Conditions

  • Italians drive on the right-hand side of the road. Road conditions are generally good.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal unless hands-free.
  • Typical speed limits: 50 km/h (31 mph) urban, 90 km/h (56 mph) secondary, 110-130 km/h (68-81 mph) motorways.
  • Italian drivers can be assertive; attention to scooters and bicycles is necessary.

Parking in Ferrara

  • ZTL (Zones With Restricted traffic): Vehicle access is limited to authorized vehicles during certain hours. Fines for unauthorized entry are steep.
  • Parking: Limited and often paid within the historic center.
  • Blue Lines: Paid parking. Pay at close meters, display ticket on dashboard.
  • Designated Parking Lots: Parcheggio Kennedy and Parcheggio Centro Storico - Ex MOF are outside ZTL plus near to the city center.

Walking & Cycling

  • The entire historic center of Ferrara is pedestrian-friendly. Streets are reserved for pedestrians or have limited traffic.
  • Piazza Trento e Trieste, Piazza Castello, and Corso Ercole I d'Este are excellent for walking.
  • The over 9 kilometers (6 miles) of intact Renaissance walls offer an excellent, flat, and car-free pathway for walking or cycling.
  • Ferrara includes extensive bicycle paths (Piste ciclabili) throughout the city and along the city walls.
  • While generally safe, awareness of pedestrians in crowded areas and traffic outside dedicated paths is important.
  • No specific "no-go" areas exist for pedestrians or cyclists in Ferrara.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Ferrara has no dedicated hop-on-hop-off bus service for its city center due to its compact nature and ZTL restrictions.

Water Transport

Ferrara is not on a major navigable waterway for urban public transport. Boat trips along the Po River or in the Po Delta are recreational tours.

Unique Transport

No cable cars, funiculars, or other unique transport systems exist in Ferrara. Its flat landscape eliminates the necessity of such systems.

Accessibility Note

Ferrara's flat terrain makes it relatively accessible for mobility-impaired travelers compared to hillier Italian cities.

Main thoroughfares often feature smoother surfaces; cobblestones can present challenges for wheelchairs.

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