Getting Around Arezzo
Arezzo sits on a steep hill rising from the floodplain of the River Arno, and that geography shapes everything about how you move through it. The historic centre is compact and best explored on foot, but you will feel as though you are walking uphill pretty much everywhere. Comfortable shoes are essential, and the cobbled streets and gentle inclines can be challenging for visitors with mobility issues.
Walking the Historic Centre
For most visitors, walking is the most efficient way to see Arezzo. The old town is small enough to cover on foot, and the headline sights — Piazza Grande, the Cathedral, the Basilica di San Francesco and Vasari's House — all sit within easy walking distance of one another. Early mornings are quietest, while evenings bring good light and livelier squares. Do bear in mind that the pavement is uneven in places and the terrain is hilly throughout.
Rail
Arezzo's train station sits at the edge of the historic old town, which makes arriving by rail unusually convenient. It is a significant Tuscan railway hub, with Trenitalia operating both regional and intercity services. There are frequent connections to Florence, Rome and Siena, and direct trains also run from Rome. The Florence run is quick, whether you take a fast service or a regional train, and services range from Regionale trains for short hops up to Frecciarossa high-speed trains.
Booking in advance is recommended for popular routes and peak times. Tickets can be bought online, at station kiosks or at ticket offices, and should be validated before boarding to avoid fines. The station itself has ticket offices, automated machines, waiting rooms and cafes, and it also houses bus stops and taxi stands, which makes onward transfers straightforward.
Buses and Public Transport
The urban bus network is operated primarily by Autolinee Toscane, connecting the train station, the historic centre and the outer neighbourhoods. The main bus hub is the area around the station and Piazza Guido Monaco, and most lines pass through this central zone. Buses are useful for uphill destinations and the outskirts, including the Medici Fortress and the Cathedral. A "Centro Storico" line covers the historic old town, and an "L" line circles the city centre and serves the main attractions — generally the most useful route for tourists.
Buses run frequently on weekdays, with reduced service on Sundays and public holidays. Service generally starts early in the morning and winds down in the late evening. Route maps and schedules are available at bus stops, at the Autolinee Toscane office and on the official website, and real-time planning works well through Google Maps or Moovit.
Buy your ticket before boarding — at tabaccherie (tobacco shops, marked with a blue "T" sign), newsstands, or the train station. Buying on board costs more. Tickets must be validated immediately after boarding using the machines near the doors; failure to validate can result in a significant fine. Multi-trip "carnet" tickets offer a slight discount over single fares.
Note that Arezzo has no metro or tram network, and being inland, there is no funicular, cable car or passenger boat transport. There is also no dedicated hop-on-hop-off bus service, though some tour operators based in Florence and other larger cities run day tours that include bus transport to Arezzo.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
The taxi service is efficient and not too expensive for short trips. Licensed taxis are white with a "TAXI" sign on the roof and are metered. You will find stands at the train station and at major squares such as Piazza Guido Monaco, but hailing on the street is uncommon — taxis are typically booked by phone (for example, Radio Taxi Arezzo) or through your accommodation. Confirm the estimated cost beforehand for longer trips, and check that the meter is running. Most drivers accept cash and some accept cards, so it is worth confirming card acceptance; tipping is not mandatory.
Uber and similar ride-sharing apps are not widely available in Arezzo. Where they operate at all, it tends to be a limited, expensive service or one arranged through local taxi partnerships. Taxi-booking apps may also be limited. Stick to licensed taxis and avoid unofficial drivers.
Driving, Parking and the ZTL
A rental car is not recommended for the city centre. Much of the historic core is a camera-enforced Restricted Traffic Zone (ZTL), and unauthorized entry carries substantial fines. Park outside the ZTL and walk or take a short bus ride into the centre. Accommodation inside the ZTL may be able to register your licence plate for a temporary luggage drop-off, but parking inside the zone is generally not permitted for guests.
Public car parks around the perimeter include Parcheggio Pietri, near the escalator up to the historic centre and convenient for the Piazza Grande market; the large underground Parcheggio Mecenate; and Parcheggio Stazione by the train station. Spots fill quickly in peak season. Parking is charged by the hour with daily maximums, and municipal lots can cost under €10 for the entire day. On-street parking follows the national colour code: blue lines are paid, white lines are free (rare in the centre), and yellow lines are reserved.
If you do drive, remember that Italy drives on the right, seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, and hands-free systems are required for mobile phone use. A car is genuinely useful for exploring the surrounding Tuscan countryside, nearby towns and vineyards — just not for getting around Arezzo itself.
Rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget and Enterprise often have offices near the train station or on the outskirts, and advance booking is recommended in peak season. Non-EU citizens generally need an International Driving Permit alongside a valid licence, passport and a major credit card in the driver's name. Minimum ages vary, and drivers under 25 usually pay a young-driver surcharge. Motorcycle and scooter rental is available from specialised shops in Arezzo or nearby larger towns, with significant security deposits required and helmets mandatory. Bicycle rental — city bikes, e-bikes, road bikes and mountain bikes — can be arranged through shops or by asking at tourist offices; dedicated bike paths within the city are limited, and rural roads, while popular with local cyclists, require caution around vehicle traffic.
Accessibility
Newer buses are often low-floor with ramps, though older vehicles may lack these features. The historic centre is challenging for visitors with mobility issues, given its narrow, cobblestone streets, steep hills and steps in historic buildings. It is worth contacting attractions, hotels or the Arezzo Tourist Information Office in advance about accessibility, considering travelling with a companion, and noting that accessible parking is available with a disability permit.
Getting There from the Airport
Arezzo has no airport of its own. The most convenient approach is via one of Tuscany's two airports: Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei (PSA), just south of Pisa city centre, or Florence Airport Amerigo Vespucci (FLR), close to the centre of Florence. From either airport, a short train ride reaches Arezzo. Arezzo can also be reached by flying into the major international airports in Rome or Milan, with direct trains running from Rome.
Once you arrive at Arezzo's station, you are already at the edge of the old town, with the city bus network, taxi stands and the historic centre all within easy reach.