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Turin Travel Guide Navigating the City

Turin Travel Guide Navigating the City

Liguria Piedmont And Valle Daosta, Italy

Public Transportation in Turin

Turin an integrated public transport system GTT (Gruppo Torinese Trasporti), metro, extensive bus lines, and several tram routes. This comprehensive network getting around the city easy and affordable.

Route maps for metro, buses, and trams available online on the GTT website, at metro stations, and through the GTT mobile app.

System Overview & Hubs

  • Metro: One automated underground line (Line 1), serving major stations (Porta Nuova, Porta Susa).
  • Buses: Extensive network covering the entire city and connecting to surrounding areas.
  • Trams: Several lines, including charming Tram 7 (circular tourist route).
  • Hubs: Torino Porta Nuova, Torino Porta Susa, Piazza Castello (major interchange points).

Ticketing & Fares

Single Urban Ticket: €1.70 (valid 90 mins, unlimited transfers). Daily Ticket: €4.00 (24 hrs unlimited). Multi-day tickets and Carnet options also.

Hours & Frequency

Metro: ~5:30 AM to 12:30 AM (extended Fri/Sat). Buses/Trams: ~5:00 AM to midnight. Frequencies vary by line and time of day.

Accessibility

Turin's public transport system increasingly accessible. Metro stations generally modern, lifts and ramps. Many newer buses low-floor with ramps.

Tips for Efficient Navigation

Smart Usage
  • Use the GTT App for real-time locations, route planning, schedules.
  • Buy a pass: If using public transport more than twice daily, a daily or multi-day ticket economical.
  • Turin + Piedmont Card: A tourist pass for free/discounted museum entry and free public transport.
Important Reminders
  • Validate your ticket: Immediately upon boarding a bus/tram or at metro turnstile. Fines substantial for non-validation.
  • Understand the system: Metro fast for east-west. Buses/trams comprehensive coverage.
  • Always have small Euro notes and coins for tickets from vending machines.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis

White, "TAXI" sign on roof. Best at stands or by calling Radio Taxi Torino (+39 011 5737) or Taxi Torino (+39 011 5730).

Fares & Payment

Metered. Initial flag-down fee (~€3.50-€6.00). Supplements for luggage/night. Confirm card payment.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Uber Black available. Free Now widely used, connects with licensed taxis. Book, track, pay via app.

Safety Tips

Use official, marked taxis. For apps, confirm driver and vehicle details match. Avoid unmarked cars.

Rental Options: Independence & Flexibility

For greater independence or specific exploration, Turin various rental options, from cars to bicycles. Tailor your transport to your itinerary.

Car Rental

  • Requirements: Age 21+ (surcharges for under 25). Valid national DL + IDP for non-EU/EEA.
  • Major credit card in main driver's name for security deposit.
  • Companies: Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise at Turin Airport and city.
  • Booking in advance for preferred vehicle type and better rates, especially peak season.

Motorcycle & Bicycle Rentals

  • Motorcycle/Scooter: Available from specialized agencies. Valid motorcycle license for motorbikes.
  • Bicycle Sharing: ToBike public system. Stations spread throughout the city.
  • Private Rentals: Several shops daily or weekly bicycle rentals (city bikes, e-bikes).
  • Specialty vehicles: Not common like tuk-tuks. Standard rentals are the main modes.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

  • Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants.
  • Speed limits: 50 km/h (31 mph) urban, 90 km/h (56 mph) secondary, 130 km/h (81 mph) motorways.
  • Road conditions generally good. Motorways (autostrade) excellent, but are tolled.
  • ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato): Restricted Traffic Zones in city center. Unauthorized entry results in high fines.
  • Parking: Challenging and expensive in city center. Blue lines paid, white free (rare), yellow reserved.
  • Italian drivers assertive; defensive driving habits recommended. Be aware of scooters/motorcycles.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly

Turin's city center exceptionally pedestrian-friendly. Grid layout and extensive arcaded sidewalks ("portici") shade and shelter.

Walking Tours

Numerous local companies guided walking tours (history, architecture, culinary). Self-guided options also available via apps/guidebooks.

Cycling Safety

Growing network of dedicated bike lanes. Flat terrain in city center cycling easy. Helmets not mandatory for adults but recommended.

Specialized Transportation

Beyond standard public transit and private options, Turin a few unique transport experiences more for sightseeing than daily commuting.

Tour Buses & Water Transport

  • City Sightseeing Torino: Hop-on-hop-off bus tours connect major attractions.
  • Water Transportation: Po River leisure cruises during warmer months (not daily transport).
  • These offer a different perspective of the city from the water or elevated views.
  • Ideal for getting an overview or unique photo opportunities.

Unique Local Transport

  • Sassi-Superga Rack Tramway: Historic tramway connecting Sassi district to Basilica of Superga.
  • Tramway ride charming, panoramic views as it ascends. Basilica at top has stunning vistas.
  • Monte dei Cappuccini: Panoramic viewpoint accessible by local bus or pleasant walk up the hill.
  • Accessibility services: GTT makes public transport accessible. Contact Tourist Office/GTT for accessible routes.

Local Transportation Options in Turin Table

Public Transport

Metro: €1.70 (single), Fast. Bus/Tram: €1.70 (single), Varies.

Efficient for east-west travel. Extensive network for all areas.

Taxis/Ride-Share

Licensed Taxi: €8-€20 (short-mid), Fast. Free Now App: €8-€20 (short-mid), Fast.

Door-to-door, available at stands or by call. Convenient booking.

Rental Options

Car Rental: €40-€100/day, Varies. ToBike (Bike Share): €8/day (approx.), Varies.

Freedom for day trips. Good for central exploration, healthy.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas
  • Turin's city center exceptionally pedestrian-friendly.
  • Parco del Valentino: Large public park along the Po River, wide paths for walking, jogging.
  • Areas around Mole Antonelliana and Piazza Castello also ideal for walking.
Cycling Infrastructure & Safety
  • Growing network of dedicated bike lanes.
  • Helmets not mandatory for adults but recommended for safety.
  • Flat terrain of the city center cycling relatively easy.

No-Go Areas & Safety Tips

  • Turin generally a safe city. No specific "no-go" areas unsafe for pedestrians or cyclists during the day.
  • Exercise common sense and situational awareness, especially in poorly lit areas or isolated parks late at night.
  • Peripheries of train stations sometimes attract loiterers; be aware of surroundings after dark.
  • Always prioritize personal safety, especially when alone at night.
  • Keep emergency numbers handy (112 for all emergencies).
  • Keep valuables out of sight, especially in crowded areas.
  • If out late, travel with companions or use licensed taxis/ride-share apps.
  • Carry a fully charged phone for emergencies.

Expert Advice: Navigating Turin

Turin's public transport system efficient. Consider a daily pass for convenience. Walking is the best way to explore the elegant city center.

For destinations further afield, the metro, buses, or trams connect you across the city. Taxis a quick option for direct routes.