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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Umbria And Le Marche, Italy

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Ancona Falconara Airport (AOI) - Raffaello Sanzio Airport: This forms the main airport within Le Marche. It serves domestic flights within Italy and offers several routes to European cities.

Other Regional Airports

  • Rimini Federico Fellini Airport (RMI): Just north of Le Marche, it brings a convenient option for accessing the northern part of the region.
  • Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ): A major international airport, approximately 2-3 hours from northern Le Marche. It includes a wider and more frequent range of international connections.
  • Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA): Italy's busiest international airports, about 3-4 hours from Le Marche. They hold the most extensive international flight options.

Flight Options & Transfers

Airlines and Typical Routes: Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Volotea, and Wizz Air often operate routes to Ancona, Rimini, and Pescara from various European cities. ITA Airways operates domestic routes to Ancona.

Direct Flights & Connections

  • Direct flights from outside Europe to Ancona are rare. Most international travelers fly into major Italian hubs like Rome (FCO) or Bologna (BLQ).
  • From these airports, connect to Le Marche via train (high-speed trains offer efficient connections) or rental car. Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner assist with flight searches.
  • Transfer Options: Ancona Airport (AOI) has direct train service ("Raffaello") to Ancona Centrale, taking about 20 minutes. Buses and taxis are also available.

Ancona Airport AOI

Offers standard facilities including car rental services, taxi stands, and bus connections to Ancona city center. A direct train station connects to Ancona Centrale.

Larger Hubs BLQ, FCO

These airports display extensive facilities like duty-free shopping, a wider selection of lounges, numerous food and beverage options, and comprehensive ground transportation services.

Onward Travel

From major airports, high-speed trains (Frecciarossa and Italo) connect to Ancona. A rental car offers flexibility, particularly for exploring rural Le Marche. DiscoverCars.com can assist with car rentals.

Tips for Air Travel

Booking & Savings

  • Book flights in advance, especially during high season, for better prices.
  • Consider low-cost carriers for flights from European cities to Ancona or Rimini.
  • Flexibility with travel dates may lead to cheaper fares.
  • Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner to compare options.

Connecting to Le Marche

  • High-speed trains from Rome or Bologna offer a comfortable and efficient connection to Ancona.
  • Picking up a rental car at a major airport like Rome or Bologna gives full flexibility for regional exploration.
  • Check airport websites for the latest information on transfer services and schedules.
  • Allow sufficient time for transfers, especially if connecting flights or trains.

Airport Facilities

Ancona Falconara Airport AOI

Offers standard amenities including car rental services, taxi stands, and bus connections to Ancona city center. It also has a direct train station connected to Ancona Centrale.

Rimini Federico Fellini Airport RMI

This airport includes general facilities to accommodate travelers to the northern part of Le Marche and Emilia-Romagna.

Larger Hubs Bologna BLQ, Rome FCO

These larger airports present extensive facilities like duty-free shopping, a wider selection of lounges, numerous food and beverage options, and comprehensive ground transportation services.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Trenitalia, Italy's national railway company, operates all train services in Le Marche. The Adriatic Line runs along the coast, joining major towns like Pesaro, Fano, Ancona, Civitanova Marche, and San Benedetto del Tronto. Trains are frequent and reliable along this route, displaying scenic views of the sea.

Inland Routes & High-Speed Access

  • Slower regional lines connect Ancona to inland cities like Fabriano, Macerata, and Ascoli Piceno. Connections may occur less frequently on these routes.
  • Ancona connects to Italy's high-speed rail network. Connections via Bologna to the north and Rome to the south permit relatively quick journeys to major Italian cities.
  • Checking schedules in advance for inland routes is a good idea.

Long-Distance Buses & Car Rentals

Regional bus networks are extensive in Le Marche and serve towns not directly reachable by train. Different companies operate in various provinces.

Bus Companies & Self-Driving

  • Bus Companies: ConeroBus (Ancona), Autolinee Bucci (Pesaro/Urbino), Contram (Macerata inland). These services are useful for smaller villages and mountain areas.
  • Self-Driving: A rental car presents the most flexibility for exploring Le Marche. Many charming hill towns, rural agriturismi, and natural parks are not easily accessible by public transport.
  • Requirements for Self-Driving: Non-EU citizens must possess an International Driving Permit (IDP) with their home country driver's license. Obtain your IDP before departure.

Road Conditions & Driving Laws

Motorways (Autostrade) are well-maintained toll roads, identifiable by green signs. State roads (Strade Statali) and provincial roads (Strade Provinciali), indicated by blue and white signs respectively, vary in condition but are generally good. Mountain roads can be winding and narrow in some parts.

Rules of the Road

  • Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
  • Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 90-110 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways.
  • ZTLs (Limited Traffic Zones): Historic centers of many towns have ZTLs. These zones restrict vehicle access. Cameras enforce ZTLs, and fines are high. If your lodging is within a ZTL, they can usually register your car for temporary access. Otherwise, park outside these zones in designated paid parking areas.

Parking & Border Crossings

Finding parking can present challenges and expense in city centers. Look for blue lines (paid parking), white lines (free, but often reserved for residents), or yellow lines (restricted parking). Parking garages (parcheggi) are available in larger towns.

Border Information

  • Le Marche shares land borders with other Italian regions and the independent Republic of San Marino.
  • No formal border controls for travel between Italy and San Marino. However, officials may ask for your passport for certain services or as identification.
  • The minimum age for car rental is typically 21 (sometimes 25 for certain car classes), and a surcharge may apply for drivers under 25. A major credit card is necessary for the security deposit.

Important Driving Alerts

  • Always be aware of ZTLs (Limited Traffic Zones) in historic city centers. Driving into these zones without authorization leads to significant fines.
  • Cameras enforce ZTLs and speed limits strictly.
  • Parking in restricted areas (yellow lines) or blocking access may result in towing.
  • Italian drivers can be assertive; maintain defensive driving.
  • Using a mobile phone without a hands-free device while driving faces prohibition.
  • Strict drink-driving laws are in place.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Le Marche's Adriatic coastline makes it an important hub for sea travel, notably through the port of Ancona.

Ancona Port & Connections

  • Ancona serves as a major Adriatic ferry port. Companies like Minoan Lines, Anek Superfast, Jadrolinija, and Adria Ferries operate routes.
  • Destinations include Greece (Patras, Igoumenitsa), Croatia (Split, Zadar), and Albania (Durres).
  • Ancona also serves as a port of call for various international cruise lines, bringing passengers to explore the region's attractions.

Immigration & River Transport

Standard passport control procedures for international arrivals by ferry or cruise ship resemble those at airports. Have your passport and any required visa documentation ready for inspection upon disembarkation.

Sea to Land Transitions

  • Immigration at seaports mirrors airport procedures.
  • The port of Ancona locates conveniently close to the city center and Ancona Centrale train station.
  • River transportation is not a common mode of travel within Le Marche, as its rivers are generally not navigable for passenger services.

Port Location

Ancona Port is near the city center and Ancona Centrale train station, facilitating onward travel.

Local Transfers

Local buses and taxis are readily available at the port to connect you to your accommodation or onward travel destinations.

Efficient Transitions

The convenient location and ample transfer options make it easy to transition from sea to land exploration in Le Marche.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures & Timing

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for air or sea travel when departing from Italy. Your ticket price generally includes all required charges.

Timing Recommendations

  • Air Travel (International/Non-Schengen): Arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before scheduled departure. This allows ample time for check-in, security, and any potential VAT refund processing.
  • Air Travel (Domestic/Schengen): 1.5-2 hours is usually sufficient.
  • Train Travel: Arrive at the train station at least 15-20 minutes before departure. This supplies enough time to locate your platform (binario) and find your carriage.

Airport/Station Facilities & VAT Refunds

Airports and major train stations in Le Marche and connecting hubs offer various facilities for departing travelers.

Departure Services

  • Ancona Falconara Airport: Possesses basic amenities, including cafes and a few shops.
  • Larger Hubs (Rome Fiumicino, Bologna Marconi): These airports present a more extensive range of services, including duty-free shopping, a wider variety of dining options, and lounges.
  • VAT Refund Procedures: Non-EU residents claim a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund on eligible purchases made in Italy (minimum €154.94 from a single store). Look for "Tax Free" or "VAT Refund" signs.

VAT Refund Process

Get Tax-Free Form

Obtain a tax-free form from the merchant at the point of purchase for eligible goods.

Present at Customs

At your final EU departure airport (e.g., Ancona, Rome, Bologna), present purchased goods (unused, in original packaging), passport, receipts, and completed tax-free forms to customs officials Before checking luggage.

Process Refund

Customs stamps forms. Then, process the refund at a designated refund agency desk (e.g., Global Blue, Planet Payment) at the airport, or mail stamped forms for a refund to your credit card/bank account. Allow extra time for this process.

Departure Day Planning

Allow extra time if you return a rental car, as this might lengthen the process, or if you anticipate heavy traffic to the airport.