28 Travel

Trains

In general, Europe has an excellent railroad system that is fast and reliable. Tickets are available at first- and second-class prices. Check the websites www.trenitalia.com and www.italotreno.it for ticket information and itineraries.

There are a few different types of trains in Italy. Le Frecce, the alta velocità or high speed, requires a seat reservation. The trip between Bologna and Florence takes thirty minutes; Bologna and Milan one hour; Bologna and Rome two hours and fifteen minutes. The local trains (Regionale), the least expensive, do not always require a reserved seat and make frequent stops. The trip between Bologna and Ravenna is one hour, Bologna and Ferrara thirty minutes. Regionale tickets without a seat reservation must be machine stamped before boarding the train. The machines are easy to find; they are yellow and distributed throughout the stations.

A student may sign up for the Carta Freccia, a “frequent traveler” card, which entitles the holder to ticket discounts.

At all times on board trains, keep credit cards, cash, and passports in a safe place, such as a money belt or pouch around your neck.

Automobiles

Only Italian citizens and foreign residents may have a driver’s license in Italy. Renting a car in Europe can be expensive, and gasoline costs more than in the U.S. because it is measured by the liter, not by the gallon.

Bicycling

Many students purchase used bicycles in Bologna or have the option of renting them. The city of Bologna also offers a bike sharing program that is easy to use. The city center is easily navigated by foot, but navigating the streets between classes is faster and easier by bike. Other bike friendly cities in the Emilia Romagna region include Ferrara and Parma. Bikes may be transported on some trains. Check the Trenitalia and Italo websites for more information. The program advises students to rent or buy a bicycle helmet.

Hostels

Youth hostels provide clean, inexpensive, albeit spartan accommodations throughout Western Europe. See https://www.hiusa.org.

Air Travel

The Aeroporto Gugliemo Marconi (airport code BLQ) is an international airport served by many European and international airlines (www.bologna-airport.it). You can reach the airport by taxi (051 4590 or 051 372727) or using the Marconi Express (https://www.marconiexpress.it/).

Increased security measures at airport facilities and on aircrafts will require that you take additional precautions when flying. You should be prepared to comply with multiple document checks, baggage searches, and inquiries. Be patient — these steps are being taken for your protection.

Pedestrian Travel

• Avoid crowded areas where you are most likely to be robbed: crowded subways, train stations, marketplaces, festivals. Don’t use narrow alleys or poorly lit streets.
• Avoid travel alone at night.
• Beware of pickpockets. They often have an accomplice who will jostle you, ask for directions or the time, point to something spilled on your clothing, or distract you by causing a disturbance. Vagrant children may create a distraction while picking your pocket.
• Try to seem purposeful while you move about. Even if you are lost, act as if you know what you are doing. Go into a store, restaurant, hotel, or other identifiable place, to ask for directions or to use a phone.