Getting Around San Remo. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Bus Network Overview

Operated by Riviera Trasporti (RT), the bus network connects San Remo's various neighborhoods and provides links to nearby towns along the coast, like Ventimiglia to the west and Imperia to the east, as well as some inland villages. Buses are a cost-effective way to travel longer distances within the city or for day trips to adjacent towns.

Main Hubs: Bus hubs in San Remo include Piazza Colombo (a central city square) and Piazza Cesare Battisti (near the Sanremo train station). These are good places to catch buses heading in various directions. Routes run along the main thoroughfares, including the pedestrianized Corso Matteotti and the scenic Corso Imperatrice along the promenade.

Ticketing & Validation

Tickets: Purchase bus tickets before boarding. You can find them at `tabaccherie` (tobacco shops, identifiable by a 'T' sign), newsstands (`edicole`), or some cafes.
**Single Tickets (`Biglietto Orario`):** A single urban ticket typically costs around €1.50 and is valid for a specific duration (e.g., 90 minutes), allowing for transfers within that time. Fares for inter-urban routes vary by distance.
**Day Passes (`Biglietto Giornaliero`):** If you plan multiple bus trips in a day, a day pass has better value, usually costing around €4.50.
Validation: It is imperative to validate your ticket upon boarding the bus. Look for the small yellow or green machine near the door. Failure to validate a ticket can result in a fine.

Hours of Operation

Buses generally operate from early morning (around 5:30 AM) to late evening (approximately 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM).

Frequency

Service frequency varies by route; main routes typically have buses every 15-30 minutes during the day. Service is often reduced on Sundays and public holidays.

Accessibility Information

Newer buses in the Riviera Trasporti fleet are increasingly equipped with ramps and designated spaces for wheelchairs. Accessibility at bus stops can also vary.

Tips for Efficient Navigation

Digital Assistance

Use Google Maps or the Moovit app for real-time bus information, routes, and estimated arrival times. These apps often present a more user-friendly experience than paper schedules.
Buy a few tickets in advance from a `tabaccheria` to save time and avoid searching for a vendor when you need to travel.
Always remember to validate your ticket immediately upon boarding.

Practical Advice

Carry small Euro coins or notes for bus tickets or small purchases. Some smaller shops might not accept large notes for small transactions.
Bus maps are often available at tourist information offices, major bus stops, or on the Riviera Trasporti website.
Service is often reduced on Sundays and public holidays, so check schedules in advance for these days.

Local Transportation Comparison

Local Bus RT

Pros: Affordable, covers city & nearby towns. Cons: Can be slow, less frequent evenings/Sundays. Avg Cost: €1.50 (single), €4.50 (day pass). Booking: Tabaccherie, newsstands.

Taxi

Pros: Convenient, direct, faster. Cons: More expensive, limited availability (stands/call). Avg Cost: €8-€15 (city ride). Booking: Taxi stands, phone call.

Car Rental

Pros: Flexibility for day trips & region. Cons: Parking difficulties, ZTLs, tolls, cost. Avg Cost: €30-€80+ per day (excluding fuel/tolls). Booking: Online, at airports.

Bicycle Rental

Pros: Best for Pista Ciclabile, eco-friendly. Cons: Limited to cycle path/flat areas. Avg Cost: €5-€10 (per hour), €20-€35 (full day). Booking: Local rental shops.

Taxi & Rideshare

Taxis present a convenient, direct way to travel in San Remo, especially for short distances or when carrying luggage.

Licensed Taxis

Licensed taxis in San Remo are white vehicles with a clear "TAXI" sign on the roof. They also display a meter inside.
Hailing: You cannot typically hail a taxi on the street. Instead, find taxis at designated taxi stands (e.g., outside the Sanremo train station, in Piazza Colombo, near the Sanremo Casino) or call a local taxi service.
Fares: Fares are regulated and metered. Ensure the driver starts the meter. Surcharges apply for luggage, night service, and public holidays. A short city ride might cost between €8 and €15.
Payment: Cash is the preferred payment method for taxis. While some taxis may accept credit or debit cards, it is not guaranteed, so always have enough cash.

Ride-Sharing Services

Major international ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are not widely available or established in San Remo. Uber Black (a premium, luxury car service) might be an option in some Italian cities, but standard UberX or similar budget services are generally not operational.
Alternatives: Your best alternative to traditional taxis is to call a local taxi company by phone or use local taxi-hailing apps if available. Ask your hotel reception to help arrange a taxi.
Safety: Licensed taxis in San Remo are generally safe. Always confirm the fare or ensure the meter is used to avoid misunderstandings. For late-night travel, using a pre-booked taxi or one from a reputable taxi stand is a safer option.
Airport/Station Taxis: Taxi stands are conveniently located directly outside the Sanremo train station, providing easy access for arriving or departing travelers.

Walking & Cycling

**Pedestrian-friendly areas:** Corso Matteotti (main shopping street, largely pedestrianized), Promenade (Lungomare Italo Calvino, Corso Imperatrice), and La Pigna (medieval old town).
**Walking tour options:** Exploring La Pigna with a map is rewarding. Local tour operators might present guided historical or culinary walking tours.
**Bicycle infrastructure:** The Pista Ciclabile dei Fiori (Coastal Cycle Path) is San Remo's premier cycling attraction. This flat, well-maintained path stretches for over 24 kilometers.

City Cycling: Cycling on city roads outside the designated path can be challenging due to traffic and narrow streets. Exercise caution.
No-go areas: Motorways (`Autostrade`) are strictly off-limits to pedestrians and cyclists. Exercise caution in heavily trafficked areas.
Safety: Avoid walking or cycling on busy roads without designated pedestrian/cycle paths.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

San Remo does not offer a dedicated hop-on-hop-off bus service. Some regional tour buses may include San Remo as a stop within a wider Ligurian Riviera itinerary.

Water Transport

Limited boat taxi services operate within San Remo's port areas. During the summer months, boat tours for coastal sightseeing or trips to nearby coves may be available from the Porto Vecchio.

Accessibility Services

The Pista Ciclabile is flat and accessible for wheelchairs. Newer public buses are generally accessible. La Pigna (the old town) has significant challenges due to its cobblestones, steep inclines, and numerous steps.

Explore Differently

Consider renting an e-bike for the cycle path to cover more ground with ease.

For an unique perspective, a boat tour along the coast has stunning views of the Riviera.

Getting Around San Remo