Italy
Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi - Umbria International Airport (PEG): This is the closest airport directly serving Umbria. It handles domestic flights and some international routes, often with low-cost carriers like Ryanair. PEG offers direct access to the heart of Umbria.
From PEG (Perugia): Local buses connect the airport to Perugia city center (Piazza Partigiani and Fontivegge train station) in about 20-30 minutes. Taxis are available. Car rental desks are at the airport. From FCO (Rome): The Leonardo Express train provides non-stop service to Roma Termini (Rome’s main train station) in 32 minutes, with departures every 15-30 minutes. Shuttle bus services also operate. All major car rental companies have desks at FCO.
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Find options at DiscoverCars.com for exploring Umbria independently.
Consider an Airalo eSIM for easy data access upon arrival.
No specific exit fees or taxes apply to departing travelers from Italy. Airline tickets generally include all applicable taxes and charges.
For International Flights (Non-Schengen): Arrive 2-3 hours before your scheduled flight. For Domestic/Schengen Flights: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before. During peak season, consider adding an extra 30 minutes due to potentially longer queues.
For Regional Trains: Arrive 15-30 minutes before departure. For Intercity/High-Speed Trains: Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure. Confirm your flight or train status the day before and on the day of departure.
Italy is part of the Schengen Area, meaning no routine border controls when traveling from another Schengen country. Trenitalia, Italy’s national railway system, serves Umbria well with regional and intercity trains. Main lines connect Florence and Rome, passing through Orvieto, Terni, and Spoleto. Another important line connects Perugia to Rome, via Foligno, Spello, Assisi, and Terni. High-speed trains do not directly serve most Umbrian towns but connect to major hubs.
Renting a car offers freedom to explore Umbria's countryside and smaller, less accessible villages. Requirements: A valid driving license (held for at least 1-2 years). For non-EU citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally necessary, accompanying your original license. A credit card in the main driver's name is needed for the rental deposit.
Italian roads are generally safe. Italian drivers can be assertive and sometimes fast, especially on highways. Drive defensively. Speed limits are 130 km/h (80 mph) on autostrade, 90-110 km/h (55-68 mph) on main roads, and 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas. Pay attention to posted signs.
Umbria is a landlocked region, so sea or river arrivals are not applicable for general tourism. No sea or river ferry services or cruise ports serve Umbria directly. While Umbria has rivers like the Tiber and Nera, regular river transportation services for general tourism are not available. Recreational activities like rafting or kayaking occur on specific river sections.
Public transport in Umbria mainly consists of buses and regional trains. BusItalia Nord operates most local services, connecting towns and villages. Trenitalia's regional trains link larger towns like Perugia, Assisi, Spoleto, Orvieto, Terni, and Foligno.
Taxis offer convenience for direct travel. Licensed taxis are white, have a "TAXI" sign on the roof, and a meter. Find them at designated taxi stands (e.g., at train stations, major squares) or call a taxi service. Hailing on the street is not typical. Confirm the price with the driver or ensure the meter is running. Surcharges apply for night service, Sundays, holidays, and luggage. Payment is usually cash, but some accept credit cards.
Umbrian hill towns are best explored on foot. Most historic centers are pedestrianized or feature ZTLs. Charming alleys, ancient staircases, and panoramic viewpoints are numerous. Many towns offer designated walking routes.
The Assisi-Spoleto Greenway provides a mostly flat, paved cycle path. A cycle path encircles Lake Trasimeno. Mountain biking trails exist in Monti Sibillini National Park. Electric bike (e-bike) rentals are popular for tackling hills.
Highways (autostrade and superstrade) are forbidden for bicycles and pedestrians. Exercise care on narrow, winding roads with fast-moving traffic. Stick to designated cycle paths or quieter secondary roads where available.
Requirements: You must be at least 21 years old (some companies 25 for certain cars). A valid driver's license (held for at least 1-2 years). For non-EU citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally necessary, accompanying your original license. A major credit card in the main driver's name is needed for the rental deposit.
Hop-on-hop-off services are not common. Organized day or multi-day tours by coach are available from major Italian cities like Rome or Florence that include Umbrian destinations.
Limited to Lake Trasimeno, where ferry services connect towns like Passignano sul Trasimeno, Castiglione del Lago, and the islands (Isola Maggiore, Isola Polvese). A delightful way to explore the lake.
Perugia Minimetrò, Orvieto Funicular, and Assisi Stairlifts assist with navigating steep slopes and accessing historic centers efficiently.
For short distances within a town, especially a hill town, always consider walking first. It is often faster than waiting for a bus or taxi, and you will discover more hidden corners.
