Getting Around San Marino
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Walk or use local buses for the compact historic center. Rural: Rent a car for countryside exploration. Border: Buses from Italy. For convenience, book airport transfers from Rimini to your destination.
Train Travel
ATTC Bus Network
Efficient bus services connecting San Marino's nine castles and towns with frequent routes.
Cost: €2-5 per ride, journeys under 30 minutes between most areas.
Tickets: Buy via ATTC app, website, or onboard. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 8-10 AM and 4-6 PM for better availability and seats.
Bus Passes
Day pass offers unlimited rides for €10, weekly pass €25 for multiple journeys across San Marino.
Best For: Multiple town visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Bus stations, ATTC website, or official app with instant activation.
Cross-Border Buses
Buses connect San Marino to Rimini and Italian cities like Bologna via Bonelli or Start Romagna lines.
Booking: Reserve seats in advance for peak season, discounts up to 20% online.
Main Stations: Piazzale Amarcord in Borgo Maggiore, with connections to Rimini station.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for exploring the mountainous terrain and nearby Italian Riviera. Compare rental prices from €35-55/day at Rimini Airport and border towns.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 21-23.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check for mountain road inclusions.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 130 km/h highways in Italy.
Tolls: Italian autostrade require electronic tolls or cash, no vignettes needed for San Marino.
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted, narrow mountain roads require caution.
Parking: Free in designated areas, paid lots €1-3/hour in city center.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available at €1.60-1.80/liter for petrol, €1.50-1.70 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, download offline maps for remote areas.
Traffic: Light in San Marino, but expect delays on winding roads to the capital.
Urban Transport
Funicular & Cable Car
Iconic funicular from Borgo Maggiore to San Marino City, single ticket €4.50, day pass €12.
Validation: Tickets bought at base station, operates 7:45 AM-8 PM daily.
Apps: ATTC app for schedules, real-time updates, and combined tickets.
Bike Rentals
Bike-sharing in Dogana and Serravalle, €6-12/day with stations near shopping areas.
Routes: Scenic paths along the mountains, e-bikes recommended for hills.
Tours: Guided e-bike tours available, exploring castles and viewpoints.
Buses & Local Services
ATTC operates internal bus lines covering all municipalities with frequent services.
Tickets: €2 per ride, buy from driver or use contactless payment.
Border Links: Direct buses to Rimini beach and Italian towns, €5-10 depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near the city center or Borgo Maggiore for easy access, historic areas for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major events like the Medieval Days.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable mountain weather.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to bus stops before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in urban areas, 4G throughout San Marino and border regions.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Works with Italian providers like TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre offering prepaid SIMs from €10-20.
Where to Buy: Airports in Rimini, shops in San Marino, passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for €15, 10GB for €25, unlimited for €30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public squares.
Public Hotspots: Main bus stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1, daylight saving March-October (CEST, UTC+2).
- Airport Transfers: Rimini Airport 25km from San Marino, bus to center €6 (45 min), taxi €50, or book private transfer for €45-65.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus stations (€4-7/day) and tourist offices in major towns.
- Accessibility: Buses and funicular accessible, many historic sites have steps due to terrain.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on buses (small free, large €3), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on buses off-peak for €4, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to San Marino
Rimini Airport (RMI) is the closest international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales or Kiwi for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Rimini Airport (RMI): Primary gateway 25km from San Marino with bus connections.
Bologna Airport (BLQ): Major hub 120km away, train/bus combo to San Marino €20 (2 hours).
Falconara Airport (AOI): Regional option 80km north, suitable for central Italy flights.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Bologna or Venice and taking bus/train to San Marino for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair and Wizz Air serve Rimini with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to San Marino when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee €2-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep €50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.