/>
Sign up
Home chevron_right Blog chevron_right Italy Transport
school Erasmus Guide 2026-2027

Public Transport in Italy: The Ultimate Guide for Erasmus Students

Author
By the Lupo Team
8 min read Updated December 2025

Italy has one of Europe's best public transport networks, but figuring out the student travel passes can be confusing. In this updated guide for the 2026-2027 academic year, we break down ATM Milan and ATAC Rome monthly fares, explain student discounts on Trenitalia, and compare high-speed trains so you can travel like a local and save money for the things that matter on your Erasmus.

savings

Monthly Travel Passes 2026-2027

Most Italian cities offer significant student discounts for under-26s and under-27s. Here is an up-to-date comparison of the main Italy student travel passes for the upcoming academic year.

City Operator Standard Fare Student Fare
Milan ATM €41.00 €24.00 (under 26)
Rome ATAC €37.00 approx. €21.00
Bologna TPER €38.00 €29.00
Florence Autolinee €37.00 €25.00
* Estimated fares for the 2026-2027 academic year. An international student card or a certificate from your local university is required.
Erasmus Deal 2026

Save on rent and travel further!

We have the best central rooms so you spend less time commuting and more time exploring Italy.

Browse All Rooms
smartphone

Apps that will save your life

directions_bus
Free

Moovit

Essential for buses and the metro. Moovit alerts you when your stop is coming up and plans live routes across Italian cities.

train
Official

Trenitalia

The official Trenitalia app for regional trains and Frecce. Collect CartaFreccia points and unlock student-friendly youth discounts.

bolt

Omio & Trainline

Perfect for comparing Italo and Trenitalia fares at a glance. They sometimes add a small booking fee, but the time you save searching is worth it.

speed

High-Speed Rail: Italo vs Frecciarossa

For longer journeys (e.g. Rome to Milan in around 3 hours) you have two main options. Both are excellent for Erasmus travel, but they differ in price and frequency.

Frecciarossa

  • check_circle More frequent departures throughout the day.
  • check_circle Stops at more central city stations.
  • warning Tends to be a little pricier if you don't book in advance.

Italo Treno

  • check_circle Very competitive fares for young travellers.
  • check_circle Modern interiors with onboard cinema on selected routes.
  • warning Fewer departure times to choose from.

Ready for your Erasmus in Italy?

Find your ideal room and start planning your trips around Italy with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to validate my bus ticket? expand_more
Yes! You must validate your ticket in the yellow or red machines as soon as you board a bus or tram in Italy. Skip it and the on-the-spot fine ranges from €40 to €60.
Does the student travel pass work in summer? expand_more
It depends on the city. In Milan the annual ATM pass covers a full 12 months, while monthly passes only cover the month you paid for. Always check the conditions linked to your university card.
Is night transport safe in Italy? expand_more
Generally yes, especially at weekends. The night buses replacing the metro tend to be packed with students. As anywhere, keep an eye on your belongings.