Verified Facts
To get around in San Marino, a combination of buses, taxis, and walking is the most convenient option, as the country has a limited rail network and no domestic flights.
Quick Facts
Getting There
San Marino is a small, independent republic located in the Apennine Mountains, and the easiest way to get there is by flying into one of the nearby Italian airports, such as Federico Fellini International Airport in Rimini or Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, and then taking a bus or taxi to San Marino. The country is surrounded by Italy, and the closest overland entry points are from the Italian towns of Rimini and Cesena. Visitors can take a bus or drive from these towns to San Marino, and the journey takes around 30-40 minutes.
The main entry points to San Marino are via the Italian towns of Rimini and Cesena, and visitors can take a bus or drive from these towns to San Marino. There are also bus services available from other major Italian cities, such as Bologna and Florence, but these may involve changes and take longer. It's worth noting that San Marino is a popular tourist destination, and during peak season, there may be traffic congestion and long queues at the border crossings.
Domestic Flights
As San Marino has no domestic air network, visitors will need to rely on other forms of transportation to get around the country. However, there are bus services available that connect the different towns and villages in San Marino, and these can be a convenient and affordable way to get around. The main bus company in San Marino is Azienda Autonoma di Stato per i Servizi Pubblici, and it operates a network of routes that cover most parts of the country.
Trains & Rail
San Marino has a limited rail network, and there are no train services within the country. However, visitors can take a train to the nearby Italian town of Rimini, and then take a bus or taxi to San Marino. The Italian rail network is extensive, and visitors can take trains from major cities such as Bologna and Florence to Rimini. From Rimini, visitors can take a bus or taxi to San Marino, and the journey takes around 30-40 minutes.
Buses & Coaches
The bus network in San Marino is operated by Azienda Autonoma di Stato per i Servizi Pubblici, and it connects the different towns and villages in the country. The buses are frequent and reliable, and tickets can be bought at the bus station or on board. The cost of a bus ticket in San Marino is around 2-3 euros, and visitors can also buy a day pass or a weekly pass for unlimited travel. There are also bus services available from San Marino to nearby Italian towns, such as Rimini and Cesena.
City Transport
| Mode | Available In | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Bus | San Marino, Borgo Maggiore | $2-3 | frequent and reliable services |
| Taxi | everywhere | $10-15/km | available at taxi ranks or by phone |
| Ride-Hailing | San Marino, Borgo Maggiore | $10-15 | local alternatives to Uber |
| Walking | everywhere | free | San Marino is a small country, and walking is a great way to get around |
Driving
- To drive in San Marino, visitors will need a valid driver's license from their home country, and it's recommended to have a car insurance policy that covers them in San Marino.
- The road conditions in San Marino are generally good, but visitors should be aware that the roads can be narrow and winding, especially in the mountains.
- Fuel costs in San Marino are similar to those in Italy, and visitors can expect to pay around 1.50 euros per liter of gasoline.
- Car rental companies are available in San Marino, and visitors can rent a car from companies such as Avis and Hertz.
- Visitors should be aware that parking in San Marino can be limited, especially in the historic center, and it's recommended to park in designated parking areas.
- The speed limit in San Marino is 50 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on highways, and visitors should be aware that there are speed cameras and traffic police patrols.
Transport Tips
- Visitors should be aware that there are no toll roads in San Marino, but there may be tolls on the Italian roads that lead to the country.
- It's recommended to have a valid credit card or cash to pay for transportation, as not all providers may accept debit cards or other forms of payment.
- Visitors can download the San Marino bus app to plan their journey and buy tickets in advance.
- It's recommended to avoid driving in San Marino during peak season, as the roads can be congested and parking can be limited.
- Visitors should be aware that there are no ride-hailing apps such as Uber in San Marino, but there are local alternatives available.
- It's recommended to learn some basic Italian phrases, such as "dove posso trovare..." (where can I find...), to help navigate the transportation system in San Marino.
- Visitors should be aware that there are no airports in San Marino, and the closest airport is Federico Fellini International Airport in Rimini, Italy.
- Visitors can buy a San Marino tourist card, which includes free public transportation and discounts on attractions and activities.