How to get to Trieste

Trieste is an atmospheric port city in the north-east of Italy, where Mediterranean elegance and Austro-Hungarian grandeur intertwine harmoniously. You can get here in various ways: by direct flight, a scenic train route, as well as by bus or car. This destination is ideal for both a cultural weekend and the start of a grand journey across the Adriatic.

The fastest way to reach the region is by air, using flights to Trieste Airport, which is conveniently located just 33 km from the city. This air hub receives regular flights and is well integrated into the transport system, making it the most convenient option for saving time.

Alternatively, travellers often choose to fly into neighbouring countries: to Portoroz, Rijeka, or the capital of Slovenia — Ljubljana. These airports are within a 100 km radius, from where it is easy to continue the journey by ground transport.

Rail travel is one of the most comfortable ways to arrive: the main station, Trieste Centrale, is located in the very centre of the city and receives direct trains from major Italian metropolises, such as Venice and Milan. Convenient connections with Austria are also established, making the journey by rail relaxing and beautiful.

If you are travelling from neighbouring countries where direct connections may be absent, it is convenient to reach major hubs in the cities of Ljubljana or Rijeka, and cover the remaining part of the journey by bus.

Bus lines connect Trieste with many European cities, offering budget-friendly travel options. The fastest route runs from the city of Ljubljana: covering a distance of about 95 km will take approximately 1.8 hours.

A journey from the Croatian city of Rijeka will last about 2.4 hours, revealing beautiful views along the way. A trip from the resort of Portoroz may take just under 3 hours, which is worth considering when planning connections.

A trip by car offers freedom of movement and allows you to enjoy the landscapes of the border regions. The shortest path leads from the city of Portoroz: a distance of about 36 km can be covered in just 40 minutes.

The road from the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, will take approximately 1.3 hours along high-quality highways. It is also convenient to get there from the city of Rijeka, from where the journey by car or taxi will last about 1.4 hours.

Preparing for a trip to Trieste will make your stay in this cosmopolitan city as comfortable as possible. Here are some proven recommendations for travellers.

1. Clothing & Belongings: The city is famous for the "Bora" wind, which can be very strong, so a windbreaker is a must even on sunny days. Footwear should be comfortable for walking on cobblestones.
2. Transport: The historic centre is compact and ideal for walking, while city buses are excellent for going up to the higher districts or visiting Miramare Castle.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but a small amount of cash is useful for paying in historic coffee houses or kiosks.
4. Health & Safety: This is a calm and safe city; pharmacies are easy to find by the green cross symbol, and duty pharmacies operate around the clock.
5. Communication: Italian is the main language, but many locals understand German and Slovenian, and English is spoken well in tourist areas.
6. Local Etiquette: Greeting with "Buongiorno" or "Buonasera" when entering small shops is considered a rule of good manners.
7. What to Avoid: Do not count on a quick snack during lunch time (siesta) — many kitchens close from 14:30 to 19:00.
8. Extra Tip: Be sure to visit the historic cafes — coffee culture is a revered tradition here, and a cup of espresso at the counter is quite inexpensive.

By following these simple tips, you can easily settle into the rhythm of city life and get only positive emotions from your trip.