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| Home > City Guide - Bologna - Getting There By Road | ||
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Getting There By Road Italy has an excellent selection of motorways or autostrada (A), the main north–south link being the autostrada del sole, which links Milan with Reggio di Calabria, in the toe of Italy. Speed limits on motorways are 130kph (81mph) for cars of 1100cc or more and 110kph (68mph) for smaller cars and all cars when conditions are wet. All motorways are tolled and driving from Rome to Bologna will cost approximately €15. Travellers on a budget might prefer the strade statali (SS), which are often fast, multi-lane carriageways that are toll free. The speed limit on these roads is 110kph (68mph). Strade provinciale or strade bianchi are perfect for exploring Italy’s hidden countryside. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio is 0.08%, random breath tests can be imposed and there are severe penalties for drink driving. By law, both driver and passenger must wear their seatbelts, if fitted, or face an on-the-spot fine of €30. Speeding fines follow EU standards and are levied between €30 and €300, depending on the speed. Driving through a red light is fined at €60.50. The minimum age for driving is 18 and all those not in possession of an EU licence must carry an International Driving Permit. EU nationals taking their own car will need an International Insurance Certificate, also known as a Green Card (Carta Verde). Automobile Club Italiana – ACI (tel: (06) 4998) provides further information. Emergency breakdown service: ACI 116 Routes to the city: Bologna is linked to Milan, Florence and Rome by the A1. The A13 arrives directly from Venice and Padua and the A14 links Bologna to the coastal towns of Ravenna and Rimini. Approximate driving times to Bologna: from Milan – 2 hours; Florence – 1 hour; Rome – 3 hours. Coach services: There are over 30 coach service providers operating to and from Bologna’s recently revamped coach terminal, Autostazione di Bologna, Piazza XX Settembre 6 (tel: (051) 247 134), just around the corner from the train station. Coaches (pullman) from regional centres such as Ferrara and Modena arrive at this station. There are also long-distance services from Milan and Ancona and international services from London, Paris and Frankfurt. Facilities at the coach station include a restaurant, cashpoint, hairdressers and newsagent. |
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