How to get to Cuneo

Picturesque Cuneo is a hidden gem of the Piedmont region, comfortably situated on a wedge-shaped plateau at the confluence of the Stura and Gesso rivers. The city is renowned for its unique geometry and elegant architecture, while the majestic peaks of the Alps serve as a magnificent backdrop, creating a unique atmosphere of comfort and grandeur.

The city's calling card is its famous arcades, stretching for eight kilometres. They turn walks through the historic centre into a true pleasure in any weather, allowing you to enjoy shop windows and the aromas of local cafes. The heart of the city is considered to be the spacious Galimberti Square, which regularly hosts lively markets attracting guests from all over Italy. A trip here offers you the opportunity to touch authentic culture and enjoy a peaceful pace of life surrounded by picturesque nature.

The city is served by its own international airport, Cuneo-Levaldigi (CUF), located approximately 20 kilometres from the centre. Although this aviation hub is small, it receives flights from budget airlines from various European cities, which can be an excellent option for economical travellers.

If a suitable direct flight cannot be found, you can use larger neighbouring airports. The nearest and most convenient alternative is Turin (TRN), located approximately 80 kilometres away. It is also worth considering arrival options via French Nice (NCE) or Italian Genoa (GOA): both cities are located within a radius of 110–120 kilometres and are connected to the region by a developed network of ground transport.

Travelling by train is an excellent choice for those who appreciate comfort and scenic views. Cuneo has its own railway station located within walking distance of the central part of the city, which eliminates the need for complicated transfers to buses.

The most popular and fastest route leads from Turin: regional trains run regularly, and the journey takes only about an hour. For those travelling from the seaside, the trip along the historic "Cuneo — Ventimiglia — Nice" line will be a real discovery. This railway, passing through the heart of the Maritime Alps, is famous for its bold engineering solutions and magnificent panoramas, turning an ordinary transfer into a fascinating excursion.

Bus services connect the region with neighbouring areas and countries, offering picturesque routes through mountain passes and valleys. The shortest and most popular route leads from Turin: comfortable coaches cover the distance of about 100 kilometres in one and a half to two hours, allowing passengers to enjoy views of the Alpine foothills.

For those arriving from the Côte d'Azur, bus connections from French Nice are available; the 130-kilometre journey takes about four hours and passes along impressive winding roads. It is also convenient to get there from the Ligurian coast: the bus from Genoa travels 140 kilometres in approximately three hours, revealing contrasting landscapes to travellers, from the sea coast to snow-capped peaks.

Travelling by car offers complete freedom of movement, and the fastest route to Cuneo is from Turin: the distance of 100 kilometres along a convenient motorway can be covered in just over an hour. The road from the Ligurian coast, from Genoa, will take about two hours, during which you will drive approximately 145 kilometres, watching as seascapes smoothly give way to the majestic foothills of Piedmont.

A trip from French Nice will be a real adventure: although the journey is about 130 kilometres, due to mountain serpentines and tunnels, the travel time often extends to three hours. If you decide to use a taxi for intercity transfer, be prepared for significant expenses: a trip from Turin will cost on average from 150 to 200 euros, and a voyage across the border from the Côte d'Azur will cost significantly more.

To ensure your trip to Cuneo leaves only pleasant memories, it is worth noting a few local features in advance. This Piedmontese city lives at its own measured pace, and knowing simple rules will help you easily blend in with the locals and avoid awkward situations.

1. Respect the afternoon break. As in all of Italy, the midday break is sacred here. Most shops, small stalls, and even some attractions close from approximately 12:30 to 15:30. Plan active shopping for the morning or evening, and sit down for lunch strictly before 14:00, otherwise you risk being left without hot food until dinner, which begins no earlier than 19:30.
2. Choose comfortable footwear. The historic city centre is paved with old cobblestones. For long promenades under the famous arcades and visiting squares, it is better to forgo heels in favour of comfortable sneakers or soft flat shoes.
3. Keep cash handy. Despite the widespread use of card terminals, small notes and coins are necessary. They will be needed for parking payment, tips, buying coffee at a bar, or goods at the grand market, which occupies the central Galimberti Square on Tuesdays.
4. Consider the foothill climate. The proximity of the Alps makes the weather variable. Even on warm summer days, evenings can bring a noticeable chill. Be sure to take a light jacket, windbreaker, or sweater with you to feel comfortable during evening walks.
5. Discover the main specialty. The gastronomic symbol of the city is the "Cuneesi al Rhum" sweet. This is an exquisite treat made of a double layer of meringue and dark chocolate with a rich filling (please note, the traditional recipe contains rum). They are best purchased in historic confectioneries (pasticceria) in the city centre — they make for a classic souvenir.

Locals are distinguished by their politeness and reserve. When entering any establishment, it is customary to greet people ("Buongiorno" or "Buonasera"), and to say goodbye when leaving. Observing these simple norms of etiquette guarantees you a warm welcome and quality service.