How to Apply for a Bus Pass in Italy (Regular & Regional Discounted Passes)

 If you use public transport in Italy regularly, getting a bus pass (abbonamento) is the most convenient and cost-effective option.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to apply for:

• A regular bus pass directly from your city’s transport company

• A regional discounted pass offered each year through your comune

• The costs for an annual bus pass in different parts of Italy

1. Regular Bus Pass – Apply Anytime

Where to Apply

Each city or region has its own transport company:

• Rome – ATAC / Cotral

• Milan – ATM

• Florence – Autolinee Toscane

• Veneto – ACTV / Busitalia Veneto

• Naples – ANM

You can apply:

• In person at main ticket offices or authorized resellers

• Online via the transport company’s official website or app

Documents Needed

•  Valid ID card or passport
•  Codice fiscale (Italian tax code)
•  Passport-size photo
•  Proof of eligibility for discounts (student card, age certificate, disability proof, if applicable)

Application Steps

Option A – In Person

1. Visit the ticket office or main bus station

2. Fill in the application form

3. Provide required documents and a photo

4. Pay for the pass (cash or card)

5. Receive your personalized travel card (for monthly/yearly passes)

Option B – Online

1. Go to your local transport company’s website

2. Create an account (requires codice fiscale)

3. Upload documents and photo

4. Pay online

5. Get a digital pass (app) or collect a physical card

Costs

• Monthly pass: €30–€50 (full price)

• Annual pass: Discounted compared to 12 monthlies

• Student/Senior pass: Lower prices available

Annual Pass Prices in Italy

Here are some examples of what a 1-year bus pass costs in different cities and regions (2025 prices):

• Rome (Metrebus) → €250 for unlimited travel in the city; zone-based passes for Lazio range from €172 to €688 depending on coverage.

• Milan (ATM) → €330 full price; €200 for under 30/student; €300 for seniors.

• Alto Adige (South Tyrol) → €250 regular price; €150 for under-26; also available as €39/month option.

• Tuscany (Autolinee Toscane) → €378–€1,395 depending on the suburban route/distance.

• Start Romagna (Emilia-Romagna) → €256–€596 depending on zones.

• Catania (AMTS + Metro FCE) → €120 for integrated bus + metro annual pass.

• Naples suburban AVM → €333–€676 standard; €268–€569 for students depending on zones.

Prices vary by city, region, and whether the pass includes metro, tram, or regional trains.

2. Regional / Comune Discounted Bus Pass – Apply Once a Year

Many Italian regions offer reduced-price or free bus passes for:

• Students

• Seniors (over 65)

• People with disabilities

• Low-income residents (based on ISEE)

How It Works

1. Annual Announcement – Each year your comune or region publishes a public notice (bando).

2. Where to Apply – Usually through:

   • Your comune’s website (online form with SPID/CIE login), or

   • In person at the comune’s URP (Ufficio Relazioni con il Pubblico)

3. Required Documents:

   • Valid ID / residence permit

   • Codice fiscale

   • ISEE certificate (for income-based discounts)

   • Passport-size photo

   • Proof of student status or age (if applicable)

4. Collection – If approved, you’ll get:

   • A voucher or discount code to use at the transport company

   • Or a directly issued pass

Deadlines

• Applications usually open once a year:

  • June–September → for school passes

  • December–February → for annual passes

• You must reapply every year to keep the discount.

3. Useful Links for Regional Discount Announcements

• Lazio Region Discount Pass Info

• Lombardy – Io Viaggio Card Info

• Veneto Transport Discounts

• Tuscany Transport Benefits

(For other regions, search your comune’s website or “abbonamento autobus agevolato [Region Name]” in Google.)

4. Tips for a Smooth Application

• Check your comune’s official website regularly for announcements

• Apply early to avoid delays, especially before the school year starts

• Keep digital copies of your documents for online applications

• If you lose your card, request a duplicate (usually €7–€10 fee)

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use my bus pass in other cities?
Usually no, unless it’s a regional integrated pass (like Io Viaggio in Lombardy or Metrebus in Lazio) that covers multiple towns. Always check the coverage area before buying.

2. What if I lose my bus pass?
Go to the issuing office or contact customer service. You’ll need an ID and possibly a photo. A small fee (€7–€10) is usually charged for reissuing.

3. Can tourists get a monthly or annual bus pass?
Yes, but you must provide an Italian address and codice fiscale. Some cities also offer tourist travel cards for short-term unlimited rides.

4. Do I need to validate my pass every time?
Some electronic cards require a tap at the validator for every trip, even if you have an active monthly/annual pass.

5. How long does it take to get the pass?
If you apply in person, you may get it the same day. Online applications might take a few days if a physical card needs to be mailed.

Conclusion

Getting a bus pass in Italy is simple  and if you qualify for regional or comune discounts, you can save a lot on public transport. Whether you apply directly through your city’s transport company or via your comune for the annual scheme, make sure you have all the documents ready and watch for application deadlines.