Travel That is Uniquely Yours
Italy & Greece Transportation Guide
Italy and Greece both have excellent transportation systems, but they work very differently from Japan.
The three most important tools you will need are:
- Google Maps
- FreeNow (Taxi App)
Together, these will handle almost all transportation throughout your trip.
Google Maps will be your best friend throughout Italy and Greece.
Use it for:
- Walking directions
- Train schedules
- Public transportation
- Taxi pickup locations
- Ferry terminal navigation
Simply:
- Open Google Maps
- Enter your destination
- Choose Walking, Transit, or Driving
Google Maps is generally very accurate in both countries.
Florence is one of the easiest cities in Europe to explore.
The historic center is compact and walkable.
Most major attractions are within:
- 5–20 minutes walking
- No subway system needed
- Taxis only occasionally necessary
Your hotel, B&B Le Stanze del Duomo, is located directly in the historic center, making most attractions accessible on foot.
Florence Taxi Tips
Official taxis are white.
Taxi stands are common near:
- Santa Maria Novella Station
- Piazza del Duomo
- Piazza della Repubblica
Uber operates very limited services in Florence and is generally not recommended.
You will travel between Florence and Rome using Italy's high-speed rail network.
The two major train companies are:
- Trenitalia
- Italo
High-speed trains are:
- Comfortable
- Air-conditioned
- Have assigned seating
- Include luggage storage
Before Departure
Arrive at the station approximately:
20–30 minutes before departure
This allows time to:
- Find the correct platform
- Locate your train car
- Store luggage comfortably
Unlike airports, train stations generally do not require security screening.
When arriving:
- Locate the departure board
- Find your train number
- Note the platform ("Binario")
- Proceed to the correct platform
Platform numbers are often announced 10–20 minutes before departure.
Your train departs from:
Florence Santa Maria Novella Station
and arrives at:
Rome Termini Station
Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours.
Once arriving in Rome:
- Taxi to hotel
- Or short transit connection depending on luggage and energy level
Rome is larger than Florence and involves significantly more walking.
You will primarily use:
- Walking
- Metro
- Taxi
Rome Metro
Rome has three metro lines:
- A (Orange)
- B (Blue)
- C (Green)
Google Maps provides excellent directions.
Tickets may be purchased at:
- Station machines
- Ticket counters
- Tabacchi shops
When tired or carrying shopping bags, taxis are often worth the cost.
Recommended App:
FreeNow
Benefits:
- Transparent pricing
- Easy pickup
- English interface
Avoid unofficial drivers approaching inside stations.
On July 1 you will fly from Italy to Crete.
Recommended airport arrival:
2–3 hours before departure
European flights generally have stricter baggage enforcement than U.S. domestic flights.
Have passports readily available.
Crete is very different from Rome and Florence.
Public transportation exists but is limited for tourists.
For this portion of the trip, you will primarily rely on:
- Hotel transportation
- Organized tours
- Taxis
Taxi Apps in Greece
Recommended:
- FreeNow
Widely used throughout Greece.
Download before departure:
- Google Maps
- Google Translate
- FreeNow
These apps will cover nearly everything needed during your trip.
Transportation can occasionally run late, stations may feel more chaotic, and signage is sometimes less organized.
Do not let that worry you.
Both countries are very tourist-friendly, and Google Maps plus the recommended apps will make navigating surprisingly easy.