Traveling solo in Italy using public transport

Hello, I’d like to travel from Lille in the North of France to Italy safely and on a budget. Preferably by bus. If you have other ideas, I’m all ears! I’m interested in any suggestions. How can I get to Italy? Which city is the cheapest? The most visited? Is it safe, please? Thanks for your replies. Best regards,

hi Khadija

You could take a FlixBus There are routes between France and Italy Here’s the link—just pick a departure and arrival point on the map https://www.flixbus.fr/voyages-car?departureCity=40deaa9f-8646-11e6-9066-549f350fcb0c

I ran a simulation for LILLE–ROME since I think it’s the most visited city in Italy https://shop.flixbus.fr/search?departureCity=40deaa9f-8646-11e6-9066-549f350fcb0c&arrivalCity=40de90ff-8646-11e6-9066549f350fcb0c&route=Lille-Rome&rideDate=15.08.2026&adult=1&_locale=fr&features%5Bfeature.enable_distribusion%5D=1&features%5Bfeature.train_cities_only%5D=0&features%5Bfeature.station_search%5D=0&features%5Bfeature.station_search_recommendation%5D=0

Hi, Thanks a lot! I know FlixBus, but I’m too tired now. I’d rather get there as quickly as possible. Thanks again for your reply

hi again Khadija

You didn’t say where in Italy you’d like to go... so it’s hard to give you an answer. What about taking the train? With OUIGO and TGV, there are some affordable prices. Hope you find what you’re looking for! !

If you want to get there fast, you should take a plane...

I’d like to go somewhere it’s easy for me to get around. Flying is too expensive for me. Maybe OUIGO could work for me. Thanks a bunch!

I prefer trains, they’re the best option for me. Given my budget, it’s normal to set limits. Same for accommodation—just somewhere to shower and rest safely. The rest works fine for me. Thanks a bunch for your support!

Hello, Thank you for your reply. I’d like to travel by train, based on my budget. And to a city where I can easily get around, with clean, safe accommodation where I can shower and rest peacefully. Just the basics. As a humble, simple, and modest woman, I’m not really into luxury. Thanks a bunch for your valuable tips! See you soon

Okay, so Turin for example.

I’d look into the train from Lille to Roissy Airport, then a flight. Compare it with going all by train—it’ll be faster and maybe cheaper now. Up to you, though...

How can I get to Italy? Which city is the cheapest? The most visited one? Is it safe, please?

Traveling in Italy is relatively expensive. As for safety, no problem—just keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. To get there, you can fly from Brussels with Ryanair. Ryanair serves the biggest Italian cities. Alternatively, if you're over 60, you can get the Senior Advantage card, which gives a significant discount on train tickets to Milan. Check with SNCF. Otherwise, there’s also the Interrail pass.

Buying the senior card for 49 € and the ticket will double the price. With Interrail, haven’t ever used it. How does the pricing work, and what about the cabins, etc.? Thanks for explaining! Maybe it’s the perfect chance to try this option? Thanks for your feedback— you’re all amazing.

First, decide where you want to go, when, and for how long. Until this is clear, you're just spinning your wheels.

After that, calculate the cost of train tickets based on your chosen dates using Trainline, checking the Senior option—or even buying the Senior card as well.

You can also check Interrail prices on their site. In Italy, regional trains aren’t expensive (see Trainline or Trenitalia). Unless you’re taking a lot of trains, Interrail might not be worth it.

Then compare with flights—sometimes they’re cheaper...

Thanks for the detailed info! I’ll reach out to the group to decide when we’re leaving—probably in October. If all goes well. Thanks for everything!

Buying the senior card for 49 € and the ticket will double the price

Yeah, okay, but the train ticket has a cost, right? Otherwise, take the flight from Brussels with Ryanair—it’ll really be cheaper. As for the Interrail pass, you can travel unlimited across all European countries. In your home country, you’re entitled to one round trip. Everything’s explained on the website

Hi Mathew, Sorry for the delay. The travel forum locked the discussion after several replies. I’m responding to your reply. If the flight ticket is cheaper, you’re right—I’d rather do round trips without the extra fatigue. I’ll check with Rayner. As soon as a solution is possible, I’ll book. Great opportunity! Have a nice end of the day. See you later.

good evening, well, have a great end of the day as well, and safe travels! 🙂

Thanks to everyone who answered my questions! Thanks to all!