San Marino

How to Get to San Marino

As San Marino has no railway system or international airport, your journey will conclude by road. The primary gateway is the Italian city of Rimini.

From Airport

• Closest Airport: Federico Fellini International Airport (RMI) in Rimini.
• To Rimini Station: From the airport, take local bus Line 9 to reach Rimini Central Station (approx. 25 minutes).
• To San Marino: From Rimini Central Station, take the dedicated bus to San Marino. The stop is located on the street in front of the station near the Hotel Napoleon.
• Tickets & Costs: The bus from Rimini to San Marino costs approximately €6.00. Purchase your ticket at the tabaccheria (tobacco shop) located near the bus stop before boarding.
• Important: Confirm the current timetable at the tabaccheria or the local tourism office, as schedules vary by season.

From City Center (Rimini)

• Bus: The most popular and reliable option is the direct bus service from Rimini Central Station. The journey to San Marino takes approximately 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
• Tickets: Buy tickets at the tabaccheria near the station. Machines often have an English language option; ensure you have a credit card or cash ready.
• Tip: If you are staying in the Borgo Maggiore area, you can take the bus there and then use the Funivia di San Marino (Cable Car) to reach the historic center. It takes about 2 minutes and offers spectacular views.

By Taxi

• Journey Time: Approximately 30 minutes from Rimini Airport or City Center.
• Approximate Cost: Expect to pay between €70 and €100+ depending on your exact pick-up point and provider. Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.

Platform Guide & Layout

If you are planning a trip to San Marino, it is vital to know that the Republic of San Marino does not have a railway system or a train station. Despite what some third-party booking sites may suggest, you cannot arrive in San Marino by train. The country is entirely landlocked and relies on road transport for all arrivals.

For first-time visitors, the "mental map" of your journey is straightforward: your rail travel concludes at the Italian city of Rimini. Rimini Station serves as the essential gateway, and from there, you must transition to a bus service to complete your trip into the Republic.

Upon arriving at Rimini Station, you will find a traditional Italian rail layout. The station features platforms numbered in a standard sequence, serving regional and high-speed trains from major hubs like Bologna, Milan, and Rome. Once you alight from your train, do not look for connecting rail platforms or signage for San Marino trains. Instead, exit the station building to the main square, Piazzale Cesare Battisti.

The bus terminal for San Marino is located directly outside the Rimini train station. While the exact stop location can shift slightly due to local traffic, it is typically found near the Hotel Napoleon. You will need to purchase a ticket for the shuttle bus—commonly operated by companies such as Bonelli Bus or Fratelli Benedettini—which will take you on the approximately 50-minute journey into the City of San Marino.

Because there is no railway station in San Marino, you do not need to worry about platform numbers, terminal layouts, or walking times between tracks within the microstate itself. Your primary logistical concern should be ensuring your train arrives in Rimini with enough time to comfortably transfer to the bus, as these services are limited and run on a fixed schedule. Always check the departure times for your bus in advance to avoid long waits at the Rimini station area. By focusing on the Rimini-to-San Marino bus connection, you will ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival at your destination.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

I wish someone had told me before I started planning my trip that San Marino does not have its own train station. It is a common point of confusion for first-timers. Don’t worry, though—it is easily accessible via the Italian city of Rimini.

Before You Arrive

• Plan your connection: Since there is no train to San Marino, your journey ends at Rimini station. From there, you must take a shuttle bus (the Bonelli Bus) to San Marino.
• Book bus tickets in advance: I wish I had known that the Rimini-to-San Marino buses can get full, and travelers are frequently turned away. Book your bus seat online ahead of time if possible to avoid being stranded.
• Use reliable tools: Download the Trenitalia app or use Trainline to manage your train travel to Rimini. These apps are excellent for monitoring real-time platform changes, which can happen, so check your app 20–30 minutes before your train arrives rather than hours early.

At the Station (Rimini)

• Buying bus tickets: Do not go to the main Rimini bus station for your onward travel; they don’t sell tickets for the San Marino route. Instead, walk out of the train station and look for a local tabaccheria (tobacco shop) or kiosk nearby to purchase your bus ticket.
• Facility access: There are ATMs and various small shops inside and around the Rimini station complex for last-minute supplies. Prices in the main hall kiosks are higher, so try to grab snacks before you reach the station if you are on a budget.
• Luggage: If you have heavy bags, be aware that the historic center of San Marino is pedestrian-only and extremely steep. Use the cable car (funivia) from Borgo Maggiore to reach the top, as it is much easier than walking uphill with luggage.

Common Mistakes

• The validation trap: If you are taking a regional train in Italy to reach Rimini, remember to validate your paper ticket in the green machines at the station before boarding. Failing to do so can result in a steep fine from inspectors.
• Assuming proximity: Don't assume San Marino is a quick, minor excursion. It is a sovereign nation and deserves more than a rushed half-day. Give yourself enough time to enjoy the views without the "last-bus jitters."

No train station exists, serving San Marino, San Marino. Travelers should be aware that the country has no active railway system or passenger train platforms. While a narrow-gauge electric railway historically connected the republic to the Italian city of Rimini from 1932 until its closure in 1944, all rail infrastructure has since been dismantled or repurposed. Today, the site of the former station in the City of San Marino is primarily used for vehicle parking and bus arrivals.

Is this station huge and confusing? What should I expect? Since there is no station, you will not need to navigate platforms or train schedules. Instead, your travel to San Marino will rely on regional bus services that connect directly to the Italian rail network. The most common route is to take a train to Rimini Station in Italy, then transfer to a bus for the final leg of your journey. Because there is no train terminal to navigate in San Marino, your arrival is straightforward. Simply ensure you have your bus tickets purchased in advance or from a local shop near the Rimini station, and check the bus schedule to align with your train arrival, as these bus services operate independently of the rail network.