With its proximity to Italy, San Marino is a must-see for any European traveler. And it is also quite easy to travel from Italy to San Marino.
One of the world’s smallest and oldest countries, San Marino has not made it on many people’s travel wish lists just yet. But this fact only makes a visit even more special.
Italy surrounds the tiny country of San Marino, which is said to be the oldest republic in the world. St. Marinus, a Christian stonemason, is said to have founded the country in 301 AD, which bears his name today.
The capital city of San Marino, also known as San Marino, is home to the majority of the country’s cultural attractions. Located at the summit of a mountain, the city is a tourist destination full of historic buildings, restaurants, and shops.
In addition, there are many small museums and stunning views of the surrounding towns and countryside.
San Marino is a must-see for anyone who enjoys fairy-tale castle fortresses perched on mountaintops.
San Marino, despite its diminutive size, has a lot to offer beyond the typical day trips from Italy’s Rimini and Bologna.
Spending two or more days in San Marino, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an excellent way to learn more about one of the world’s most fascinating countries.
How to Travel from Italy to San Marino
The only way to get to San Marino is via Italy.
For a hassle-free visit, you only need your passport and visa (especially if you’re not Italian or European). After 30 days, you must obtain a visa and a residence permit from the authorities.
So, how do you reach this stunning microstate? We’ve prepared an easy guide for your smooth travel from Italy to San Marino.
To begin with, there are no airports in San Marino. If you’re flying in from another country, you’ll need to land in Rome, Milan, Bologna, Venice, or Remini to get to San Marino. If you’re flying into one of these cities, you’ll need to take a train to Remini first.
There are two ways to get to San Marino from Rimini: driving or taking the bus from the Rimini train station to San Marino.
1) Train to Remini
San Marino does not have a train or rail system. It is, however, easily accessible via bus from Rimini, Italy, which is where most visitors to San Marino begin their journey.
If you’re traveling from any major city of Italy to San Marino from any of Italy’s major cities, the first step is to board a train to Rimini Station.
Italy’s rail networks use a system that allows the price of tickets to be flexible. The price tends to rise as the departure date approaches. As a result, if you have the opportunity to book in advance, take it.
It is also possible to buy a train ticket on the day of travel, but expect to pay more.
Your point of departure has a significant impact on the cost. The following are the standard Trenitalia ticket costs and travel times for various routes:
Bologna to Rimini –
Direct trips.
Travel time: 1 hour to 2 hours 15 minutes
Fare: 9.85€ to 30€
Florence to Rimini –
Usually includes a transfer in Bologna or Faenza.
Travel time: 2 hours 13 minutes to 4 hours
Fare: 13.95€ to 50€
Milan to Rimini –
There are direct trains, but some trips have a transfer in Bologna.
Travel time: 2 hours 6 minutes to 5 hours
Fare: 25€ to 100€
Venice to Rimini –
Usually includes a transfer in Bologna.
Travel time: 3hours 15 minutes to 5 hours
Fare: 20€ to 80€
Rome to Rimini –
Usually has a transfer in Bologna.
Travel time: 3.5 to 8 hours
Fare: 24€ to 100€
*The majority of routes include a stopover in Bologna, the nearest major city to Rimini.
2) Bus from Remini to San Marino
When you arrive at Rimini Station, one of the first things you’ll notice is the Burger King across the street. You must proceed to that side of the road.
There is a small tabaccheria (tobacco shop) to the left of Burger King. That is where you can purchase San Marino tickets.
Don’t go to the Rimini Bus Station because they don’t sell tickets. You can only buy tickets at this small tabaccheria.
The first trip departs at 7:55 AM, and the last trip departs at 7:10 PM. The schedules are also 1.5 to 3 hours apart, so you may have to wait a while.
The one-way ticket costs 5 euros. You can also get a return ticket from the same tabaccheria.
The journey takes 50 minutes.
Once you have your ticket, walk to the Rimini Stazione (Rimini FF.SS.). The bus stop is located in the same street, in front of the Napoleon Hotel, just a quick walk from Burger King.
You’ll want to get on the bus early if you don’t have a seat assignment on your ticket.
The ticket is also not timed. You can wait for the next bus if you can’t find a seat or if you miss the first one. But the wait will take a few hours.
Piazzale Calcigni in San Marino’s old town is where the bus stops. Look around you and remember the location of this bus stop, because that’s where you’ll be returning to Rimini.
To get to the area’s tourist attractions, all you have to do is walk.
3) Traveling to San Marino by Car
San Marino is easy to reach by car if you have a current driver’s license and plan on renting a car.
There are no border controls to travel from Italy to San Marino.
However, parking in San Marino is limited; you’ll have to leave your car in nearby Borgo Maggiore and take the cable car up to the city. There is no shortage of parking spaces to choose from in the area close to the cable car station.
That’s it! We hope this guides helps on your travel from Italy to San Marino. Have a wonderful time!
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