Quote:
Originally Posted by kipperfan
Thanks for the posts so far guys, some very useful advice. I am flying into London then after spending New Years there am flying direct to Palermo. I was thinking about taking the train onwards from Palermo as opposed to renting a car...but after some of your posts I'm wondering if driving might be better to hit up some the smaller areas/towns. Anyone speak on that? Train (and/or bus) vs rental car?
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I haven't taken a train or bus very far in Italy, only driven a car. My in-laws took a bus from Rome to Cosenza and it was two hours late. That's all I've got.
Italians aren't renowned for punctuality, which is part of the charm.
Driving is fun and pretty easy on the autostradas. Italy has a good driving culture, as you might expect. The cities are pretty chaotic but can also be fun, although at times it is a little stressful. And just watch for mopeds - they're everywhere and they'll sneak up on you in the cities and pass you wherever and whenever they feel like it.
On a different trip, I drove from Slovenia to Venice. Although it wasn't that far from the relative calm of Slovenia, it was hilarious pulling into Trieste and it was instantly back to Italian traffic rules. Cars all over the place, mopeds weaving in and out, very loosely obeyed lanes, signs, and signals. Loads of fun though.
Italians are also known for their periodic strikes for one reason or another, and although the odds are remote, it could have an impact on the timeliness of your train or bus. In Venice, for example, the vaporettos (water taxis) decided to partially strike for a day when we were there. Never did figure out why, but the locals just took it in stride.