How to Get to San Marino. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel Connections

Major Airports

Nearest entry points for air travel.

Airports

Federico Fellini International Airport (RMI) in Rimini (17km).
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) (120km).
Ancona Falconara Airport (AOI) (100km).

Flight Options

Airlines serving these regional hubs.

Carriers and Routes

Rimini: Seasonal and charter flights to European cities.
Bologna/Ancona: Ryanair, Wizz Air, EasyJet, Lufthansa, British Airways, ITA Airways.
Direct flights from outside Europe are generally unavailable to regional airports.

Seasonal Fluctuations

Rimini Airport sees more flights during summer; prices are higher in high season. Booking well in advance finds better fares. Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner for flight deals.

Airport Services

Rimini (RMI), Bologna (BLQ), and Ancona (AOI) all feature car rental desks, taxi stands, cafes, shops, and ATMs. Bologna has the most comprehensive range.

Transfer Options

From Rimini (RMI): Taxi (€30-€40), local bus to Rimini train station then Rimini-San Marino bus. See DiscoverCars.com for car rentals.

Bologna & Ancona Transfers

From Bologna BLQ

Aerobus shuttle to Bologna Centrale train station.
Frequent train service to Rimini Centrale (1-1.5 hours).
From Rimini train station, take the Rimini-San Marino bus.
Rental cars are available (1.5-hour drive to San Marino).

From Ancona AOI

Train from Castelferretti station (near airport) to Rimini (often with changes).
Rental car services are available (1.5-hour drive to San Marino).
Taxis are available at airports.
Check train/bus schedules in advance.

Land Transportation

Border Crossing

The border between Italy and San Marino stays open. No passport checks or customs procedures when entering San Marino by road.

Train Connections

San Marino has no train station. The nearest major train station is Rimini Centrale in Italy. Rimini connects to major Italian cities via the Adriatic railway line.

Bus Services

The main public transport link is the regular bus service from Rimini train station, operated by Bonelli Bus. Buses run frequently (45-50 min journey).

Driving and Road Safety

Self-Driving in San Marino

Driving has a convenient way to reach San Marino, specifically for exploring the surrounding Italian region.

Driving Essentials

Roads are well-maintained; access via state highways from Italy.
Parking in historic center is limited but large paid lots are available below city walls.
Driving laws similar to Italy's; IDP may be a need. Carry license, registration, insurance.

Road Conditions & Safety

Awareness of local road aspects.

Safety on Roads

Roads are generally in good condition.
Winding roads exist near Monte Titano; drive cautiously.
Winter conditions, including snow and ice, affect roads at higher elevations. Check forecasts.

Car Rentals

Car rental typically happens in Italy.

Rental Process

Rent cars at Italian airports (Rimini, Bologna) or cities.
Major international companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar) operate.
Valid driving license (with IDP if needed), passport, credit card for deposit.

Other Rentals

Alternatives for exploring.

Bikes & Scooters

Scooter rental might be in Rimini or nearby Italian towns, less in San Marino.
No public bicycle sharing. Rentals from shops exist, cycling in historic center impractical.
Cycling outside city center means challenging routes for experienced cyclists.

Important Notes

San Marino has no direct sea or river access.
Nearest port is Rimini, Italy, not a major international ferry hub for San Marino.
No navigable rivers connect San Marino.

The historic center is largely pedestrianized; cycling not permitted in core.
Be aware of traffic on winding roads outside the city core.
No specific unique local vehicle options like tuk-tuks.

Departure Procedures

General Departure

Prepare for your departure.

Exit Details

No specific exit fees or taxes upon departure from San Marino.
Airport departure taxes are typically included in airline ticket prices.
Check train/bus schedules in advance for connections.

Airport/Station Facilities

What to expect at departure points.

Facility Overview

Rimini bus station and San Marino bus stop offer basic amenities.
Rimini Centrale Train Station: waiting rooms, restrooms, cafes, newsstands.
Airports (Rimini, Bologna, Ancona): check-in, security, duty-free, restaurants.

Rimini Airport Departures

For flights from Rimini Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before scheduled departure time for European flights.

Bologna/Ancona Flights

For flights from these larger airports, allow extra time (1.5-2 hours from Rimini) for the bus/train journey to the airport, plus check-in (2-3 hours).

Bus to Rimini

When departing San Marino via bus to Rimini for a train or flight connection, allow ample time (approx. 50 minutes, plus potential traffic delays). Factor in transfer time at Rimini.

Smooth Departures

Always plan your airport or train station transfers with extra time. San Marino is small, but connections depend on external transport schedules.

How to Get to San Marino