Udine

How to Get to Udine

Udine is well-connected by rail and bus, making it easy to reach from nearby airports.

From Airport

The most convenient arrival point is Trieste Airport (TRS), located approximately 44 km from Udine.

• By Train: Direct Trenitalia regional trains run from the "Trieste Airport" station to Udine.
  • Journey time: ~33–40 minutes.
  • Price: €4–€7 (standard regional fare).
  • Tickets: Purchase at the airport station machines (English menu available). IMPORTANT: If your ticket does not have a specific departure time, you must validate it in the green or yellow machines at the station before boarding to avoid fines.
• By Bus: The E51 bus line connects the airport to the Udine Autostazione (bus terminal), located next to the train station.
  • Journey time: ~55 minutes.
  • Price: €3–€5.
  • Tickets: Available from machines or the Tourist Information desk in the arrivals hall.

From City Center

Udine’s historic center is highly walkable, but local buses are available for longer trips.

• Bus Lines: Multiple urban lines operated by TPL FVG connect the train/bus station hub to the city center (e.g., Piazza Libertà).
• Frequency: Buses run frequently throughout the day.
• Tickets: Buy tickets at tabaccherie (tobacco shops) or newsstands before boarding. You must validate your ticket immediately upon boarding the bus.

By Taxi

• From Airport: A taxi from Trieste Airport to Udine takes about 30–40 minutes and costs approximately €90–€120.
• Within City: Taxis are available at the station. A short ride to the stadium or outskirts typically costs around €15.

Note: Always carry your ticket with you on public transport. If you purchase a paper ticket that isn't pre-dated, validation is mandatory.

Welcome to Udine, a key hub in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. For a first-time visitor, the station’s layout is refreshingly straightforward. Unlike sprawling metropolitan terminals, Udine features a compact, single-level design with 8 numbered tracks, though only 7 are used for passenger service (track 2 is a through-track without a platform). Think of the station as a simple, linear arrangement: the main passenger building sits directly adjacent to the platforms, all of which are accessed from the ground level.

Because this is a through-station, all trains—whether regional services to Trieste and Venice, or international connections toward Austria—pass through the same platform area. There are no upper or lower levels to navigate, which makes finding your train very simple. Upon entering the main hall, you will find clear electronic departure boards. Simply check your assigned track number and walk straight out from the main building onto the platform area.

Since all platforms are located in a single row, moving between them is quick and easy. Even with luggage, you can walk from the main entrance to the furthest platform in under three minutes. If you have reduced mobility, the station is equipped with accessible paths and elevators to reach platforms 5, 6, 7, and 8, ensuring you can navigate the station without needing to climb stairs.

A common point of confusion for newcomers is the numbering. While there are 8 tracks in total, do not be surprised if you see a gap in the platform sequence or if a train is announced for a track that seems "missing"—this is simply because track 2 does not have a platform. Always rely on the digital signage in the main hall rather than assuming a train will arrive at a specific platform based on its destination. If you arrive early, the main hall offers all essential amenities, including ticket offices, waiting areas, and cafes, all within a few steps of the platform boarding area. Enjoy your journey through Friuli-Venezia Giulia!

Traveling to Udine? I wish someone had told me these practical details before my first trip to the station. Don’t worry, but do keep these tips in mind to ensure your arrival is as smooth as possible.

Before You Arrive

• Book Online: Download the Trenitalia app or use Trainline to book your tickets in advance. You’ll avoid queues at the station and, for high-speed or Intercity trains, your ticket is "ticketless"—just show the QR code on your phone to the conductor.
• Understand the Station: Udine’s station is a manageable, historic hub with 5–7 active platforms. It is not a massive, confusing maze, but it is a busy transport junction, so stay alert.

At the Station

• WiFi & Facilities: Free Wi-Fi is available at the station. For quick needs, there are retail shops and cafes inside the main hall.
• Toilets: Restrooms are available within the station. Keep some €1 coins handy, as they are often required for access.
• Luggage: There is a luggage storage service available if you need to explore the city center (about a 15–20 minute walk away) hands-free.
• Accessibility: The station is wheelchair accessible with ramps and designated seating areas, but keep in mind that navigating older Italian stations with heavy luggage can be challenging as elevators are not always available on every platform.

Common Mistakes

• The Validation Trap: This is the #1 mistake. If you buy a paper ticket for a Regionale train, you must validate it in the small green or yellow machines near the platforms before boarding. If you don’t, you risk a hefty fine even if your ticket is valid. If you bought your ticket online for a specific time/train, you do not need to validate it.
• Platform Panic: Don't wait until the last second to check your platform. Platforms are often posted on the departure boards only 15–30 minutes before the train arrives. Check the boards regularly, but don't panic if your track hasn't appeared yet.
• Ticket Machine Quirks: If you use the self-service machines, ensure you select English on the touchscreen first. While they accept cards, always have some cash as a backup, as machines can occasionally be temperamental with certain foreign credit cards.

Through station serving Udine, Italy. Opened in 1860, this historic facility remains the busiest railway hub in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, managing approximately 7.6 million passengers annually. While the original structure dates to the 19th century, it underwent significant restoration and modernization in 2005 to improve passenger amenities and services. The station serves as a vital junction for regional, local, and international train connections, including services to Austria and beyond.

Is this station huge and confusing? Not at all. Travelers will find a straightforward, manageable layout that is far less intimidating than major metropolitan hubs. The station features eight tracks, though not all are used for passenger service, and it is well-signposted with clear electronic displays in the main hall.

For first-time visitors, navigating the station is simple, but keep two practical tips in mind to ensure a smooth experience. First, platform assignments can change, so always verify your departure information on the electronic boards in the main hall 30 to 60 minutes before your scheduled departure. Second, while the station is accessible and compact, allow yourself at least 15 minutes of extra time to locate your platform, purchase tickets, or find your way to the nearby taxi stand and bus connections outside the main entrance.