San Marino Travel Guide: How to Get There and Get Around Without an Airport or Railway
Relied on Italy’s transport system to reach the mountains, and on your feet and cable cars to explore the city – this guide explains how to get around this tiny country.
Getting to San Marino
There are no airports or train stations within the country. The nearest air gateways, in order of proximity, are Rimini Airport (around 25 km away, with fewer international flights), Bologna Airport (about 130 km away, with the most frequent flights), and Ancona Airport. Most international travelers connect via Milan, Rome, or Munich.
| Route | Transport | Time/Cost |
|---|
| Rimini → San Marino | Bonelli Bus (direct to the mountain town) | About 45 minutes, one-way around 5–6 euros |
| Bologna → Rimini | Train | About 1–1.5 hours, around 10 euros |
| Rome/Milan → Rimini | Train | 3–4 hours, around 30–50 euros |
| Self-driving | Via SS72 highway up the mountain | About 40 minutes from Rimini, foreign driving license translation required |
Transportation on the Mountain and in Town
- Cable Car (Funivia): Borgo Maggiore ↔ Mountain Town, runs every 5 minutes, round trip about 5–6 euros, the fastest way to go up and down the mountain.
- Walking: The core of the mountain town is entirely pedestrian, with the main street and stairways connecting all attractions; wear comfortable shoes.
- Bus: Local buses connect various towns and the shopping district of Cittadella di San Marino, though not very frequent – suitable for half-day shopping trips.
- Taxi: Very limited availability; recommended to book by phone in advance for longer journeys.
Parking and Self-Driving
The Old Town is a pedestrian zone; visitor vehicles must park in multi-level parking lots outside the city (P1–P9). Parking tickets may offer discounts at some attractions. Parking spaces can be tight on weekends during peak season – try to arrive before 10 AM.
Tips
- The Bonelli bus stop is located outside Rimini Train Station; buses run about once per hour, with reduced frequency on holidays.
- You can check bus and cable car schedules using Google Maps – no local transit card is needed.
- Luggage storage is available near the Visitor Centre – traveling light makes tower climbs more enjoyable.