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Getting to Udine

Getting to Udine

Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

Air Travel Hubs

Main Airports

Trieste Airport (TRS) in Ronchi dei Legionari is approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Udine. It is the closest and main airport for the region.

Trieste Airport TRS

  • Handles domestic and European international routes.
  • Compact size often means quicker processing times.
  • Airlines: Ryanair, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, ITA Airways. Routes: London, Tirana, Valencia, Rome, Milan.

Venice Airports

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is approximately 120 kilometers southwest of Udine. A larger, busier international airport, it offers a wider range of global connections.

Venice Airports

  • VCE hosts major international airlines like Delta, United, Emirates, Qatar, Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways. Extensive network.
  • Treviso Airport (TSF) is about 100 kilometers southwest of Udine. It mainly serves low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air.
  • TSF is a budget-friendly option for flights from various European cities.

Direct Flights

Direct intercontinental flights into Trieste (TRS) are limited. For major global hubs (North America, Asia, Middle East), Venice Marco Polo (VCE) presents more extensive direct connections. Transfer to Udine by ground transportation from VCE.

Seasonal Prices

Flight prices to all regional airports are generally higher during peak summer (June-August) and major holidays (Christmas, New Year, Easter). Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) often present a good balance of pleasant weather and moderate prices.

Airport Facilities

All three airports (Dollar Flight Club for deals) provide standard facilities: duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, car rental desks from major international agencies, and currency exchange services.

Airport Transfers to Udine

From Trieste Airport TRS

  • Train: Direct service from Trieste Airport station to Udine train station, about 30 minutes. Station directly connected to terminal.
  • Bus: APT Gorizia line 51 to Udine's main bus station (Autostazione Udine), about 45-60 minutes.
  • Taxi: Available outside terminal, typically €60-80 to Udine.
  • Car Rental: Major international agencies at airport desks. This presents flexibility for regional exploration.

From Venice Marco Polo Airport VCE

  • Train: Bus (ATVO or ACTV) to Venezia Mestre train station (20-30 mins). Frequent direct trains from Mestre to Udine. Total journey 1.5-2 hours.
  • Private Transfer/Taxi: Costly (€150-200), suitable for groups or convenience.
  • Car Rental: Services available at VCE, another option for onward travel. DiscoverCars.com offers competitive rates.
  • Consider Skyscanner for flight and transfer options.

Airport Logistics

Timely Arrival

For international flights (outside Schengen), arrive at least 2-3 hours before departure. For domestic or Schengen flights, 1.5-2 hours is generally sufficient.

No Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied for departing Italy. Airline ticket prices generally cover applicable airport taxes.

Station Departure

For train travel, arrive at Udine train station about 15-30 minutes before departure. This time allows finding your platform and ticket validation.

Land Travel Connections

Train Services

Udine serves as a significant railway hub within the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. Trenitalia, Italy's national railway company, operates services.

Domestic & International

  • Domestic: Direct connections to Trieste (45-60 mins), Venice (1.5-2 hrs), Milan (3.5-4 hrs), Rome (5-6 hrs).
  • International: Connections to Austria (Villach, Vienna) and Slovenia. Gateway to broader Central Europe.
  • Booking: Purchase online via Trenitalia or at stations. Advance booking for high-speed routes supports better prices.

Bus Travel

Flixbus offers long-distance bus connections from Udine to various cities across Italy and Europe. This can be a budget-friendly alternative to trains.

Bus Stations

  • Main bus station (Autostazione Udine) sits near the train station.
  • Connections extend locally and internationally.
  • Fares are generally more economical for some routes.

Driving in Udine

Udine’s road network connects effectively. Self-driving offers flexibility for regional exploration.

Driver Requirements

  • International Driving Permit (IDP) with national license for non-EU citizens.
  • Credit card in main driver's name for rental deposit.
  • Minimum driving age 18, rental companies often 21 or 25 (with surcharges for under 25).

Road Conditions & Safety

Italy boasts an excellent motorway network (Autostrade), which connects Udine to other major cities (e.g., the A4 motorway links Udine to Venice and Trieste, and the A23 heads north towards Austria). These are toll roads. Local roads are well-maintained.

Safety Points

  • Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL): Restricted access in city centers, including Udine's historic core. Unauthorized entry leads to high fines.
  • Driving Style: Italian drivers can be assertive and fast-paced. Defensive driving is advisable.
  • Parking: Challenging in historic centers. Use designated parking garages or park outside ZTL and use public transport/walk.

Important Driving Alerts

  • Strict ZTL enforcement by cameras. Fines apply for unauthorized entry.
  • Look for 'Zona a Traffico Limitato' signs or a red circle with a white bar.
  • Parking: Blue lines for paid, white for free, yellow for reserved.
  • Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants.
  • Headlights required outside urban areas, even during the day.
  • Speed Limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h secondary, 110 km/h main, 130 km/h motorways.

Departure & Transfers

Sea & River Notes

Udine is an inland city. Sea or river arrivals do not apply directly.

Trieste Port

  • The closest major port is Trieste.
  • Trieste offers ferry services to Adriatic destinations like Croatia and Albania.
  • These services suit multi-country itineraries rather than direct access to Udine.

Departure Logistics

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing Italy. Airline ticket prices generally include applicable airport taxes.

Efficient Departure

  • Airport Check-in: Standard procedures. 2-3 hours for international flights, 1.5-2 hours for domestic/Schengen.
  • Train Departures: Arrive 15-30 minutes before departure to find platform and validate ticket.
  • Airport/Station Facilities: Trieste and Venice airports offer duty-free, dining, lounges. Udine train station provides standard amenities.

Walking City

Udine’s historic center is largely pedestrianized and compact. Most main attractions are comfortably explored on foot. Charming alleys and courtyards invite leisurely exploration. Self-guided tours are easy to follow with a map or navigation app.

Cycling Comfort

Udine is relatively flat, making cycling a pleasant way to explore. Some dedicated bike lanes exist, and quiet secondary roads offer enjoyable routes to nearby towns and vineyards. Cyclists should be aware of traffic outside dedicated lanes and follow road rules.

Special Transport Notes

Udine does not feature unique or specialized transportation methods like gondolas or funiculars. Standard public buses, taxis, and rental vehicles address all transportation needs within and around the city.

Getting Around

Udine's compact nature makes walking the preferred way to explore its historic heart. For longer distances or regional trips, the efficient train and bus networks serve well. Consider car rental for flexible exploration of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, but be mindful of ZTLs.