In Milan, Rome, Naples, Brescia, Turin, Catania and Genoa, you can travel around swiftly by underground metro. Other Italian cities have mass rapid rail or tram lines, similar to traditional metros. During the week, the metro runs constantly, and end of service times vary between cities.

Traveling by public transport in Italy in 2026 is an exercise in "buying before boarding" and, most importantly, validation. In major cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence, you can no longer buy tickets from the driver. Instead, you must purchase a ticket from a "Tabaccheria" (shops marked with a large 'T'), a newsstand, or an automated vending machine at a metro station. A single ticket (usually around €1.50–€2.20) typically lasts for 90 to 100 minutes across buses, trams, and one metro entry. The most critical step is to find the small yellow or green machine inside the bus or at the metro gate to "validate" your ticket, which prints a timestamp. Failing to do this can result in an immediate fine of €50 or more, even if you have a valid ticket. In 2026, many cities have introduced "Tap & Go" systems, allowing you to use a contactless credit card or smartphone to pay directly on the reader. For inter-city travel, high-speed trains (Frecciarossa and Italo) are the best option; these require a pre-booked seat and a digital ticket, which can be easily managed through the Trenitalia or Italo apps.