Ancona is a working port city that serves as a gateway to the Marche region and a ferry hub for the Adriatic. It does not have the polished tourist infrastructure of Rome or Florence, which means fewer crowds and lower prices, but it also means some logistics require planning. Here are practical answers to the questions travelers ask most, from airport transfers to drinking water safety.
Read our complete Ancona travel guide for an overview of the city.Ancona Travel Tips: Getting There and Arrival
What airport serves Ancona?
Ancona Falconara Airport (AOI) is 18km west of the city in Falconara Marittima. It handles a limited route network: Ryanair operates flights from London Stansted, Brussels Charleroi, and several Italian domestic destinations. Lufthansa runs a seasonal Munich route. The airport is small: you can walk from the gate to baggage claim in 3 minutes. A shuttle bus (Aerobus Raffaello) connects to Ancona Centrale station in 25 minutes for EUR 5 (pay on board, cash only). Taxis from the airport to the city center cost EUR 35-40 and take 20 minutes. For more flight options, Bologna BLQ (2.5 hours by train) and Rome FCO (4 hours) are better entry points. See our weather by month guide for detailed information. See our best time to visit guide for detailed information.
How do I reach Ancona by train?
Ancona Centrale sits on the main Bologna-Lecce Adriatic line. High-speed Frecciarossa trains connect from Milan (3 hours, EUR 45-65) and Rome (3.5 hours, EUR 40-60 via the Ancona-Rome direct route). Regional trains run along the coast to Pescara (1 hour, EUR 8) and Rimini (1 hour, EUR 8). The station is a 10-minute walk from Piazza Cavour in the center, or bus lines 1/4 and 1/3 run from the station forecourt (EUR 1.50, tickets at the station tabacchi).
For more information, see our things to do in Ancona.How do the ferries work?
Ancona is a major Adriatic ferry port with year-round services to Split, Croatia (Jadrolinija and SNAV, 10-12 hours, EUR 50-80 for a deck seat); Zadar, Croatia (Jadrolinija, 7 hours); Patras, Greece (ANEK Lines/Superfast, 22 hours, EUR 80-130); and Igoumenitsa, Greece (same lines, 16 hours). Durres, Albania is also served (Adria Ferries, 18 hours). The main ferry terminal is at Molo Santa Maria, a 15-minute walk from Piazza della Repubblica. Book tickets at directferries.com or at the terminal offices. In summer, book cabin berths at least 2 weeks ahead. The terminal has a bar, a small shop, and limited seating: arrive 90 minutes before departure. See our events and festivals for detailed information.
Ancona Travel Tips: Getting Around
The city center is walkable if you stick to the Piano district and port area. Climbing to the Duomo requires a 10-minute uphill walk via stepped alleys from Piazza del Plebiscito. Conerobus operates the city’s orange buses: single tickets cost EUR 1.50 (valid 90 minutes) and are sold at tabacchi and newsstands, not on board. Validate your ticket in the yellow machine when you board. The main lines for visitors are 1/4 (station to Passetto via center), 1/3 (station to port), and RE1 (station to Sirolo and Numana on the Conero Riviera). Taxis wait at Piazza Cavour, Piazza Roma, and the station; a ride within the center costs EUR 8-12.
For more information, see our Ancona neighborhoods guide.Ancona Travel Tips: Practical Information
Can I drink the tap water?
Yes. Ancona’s tap water is safe to drink and tastes fine. The water comes from mountain sources in the Apennines and is regularly tested. Restaurants serve tap water on request (acqua del rubinetto), though most will bring bottled water by default. Public drinking fountains (fontanelle) are scattered across the city: the one in Piazza del Plebiscito has continuously flowing water and is safe to use.
For more information, see our where to stay in Ancona.Do I need cash in Ancona?
Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, small cafes, market stalls, and bus ticket vendors at tabacchi often prefer cash for purchases under EUR 10. Keep EUR 30-50 in cash for small transactions. ATMs (bancomat) are plentiful on Corso Garibaldi and at the train station. The Thursday market is cash-only for most stalls.
Is Ancona safe?
Ancona is a safe city by any standard. Violent crime against tourists is essentially non-existent. The area around the train station can feel sketchy after midnight with groups of young men hanging around, but it is more uncomfortable than dangerous. Standard precautions apply: watch your bags in crowded market situations and do not leave valuables visible in parked cars at the Conero beach parking lots, where break-ins are the most common crime affecting visitors. The historic center and Passetto are safe at all hours.
What is the tipping custom?
Tipping is not expected in Italy the way it is in North America. Restaurants include a coperto (cover charge) of EUR 1.50-3 per person, listed on the menu and the bill, which covers bread and service. For good service, rounding up the bill or leaving EUR 1-2 per person is appreciated but never required. In cafes, leave small change (10-20 cents) on the counter if you want. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, though rounding up to the nearest euro is common.
Suggested Hotels in Ancona
Grand Hotel Palace
A historic seafront hotel overlooking the port, housed in a 19th-century building with frescoed rooms and a rooftop terrace with panoramic Adriatic views. The location is a 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal and 10 minutes from Piazza del Plebiscito. Best for couples and travelers who want a grand hotel experience in the heart of the old port. Check rates and availability
Ego Hotel
A modern 4-star near the train station with a spa, sauna, and some of the best-reviewed service in the city. The breakfast is a standout with fresh pastries and made-to-order eggs. The location is practical for train travelers and the walk to Piazza Cavour takes 10 minutes on flat ground. Best for solo travelers and couples who want reliable comfort at a fair price. Check rates and availability
Hotel Fortuna
A family-run 3-star on Piazza Rosselli with simple, clean rooms from around EUR 60 per night. Three generations of the Fortuna family have operated this hotel, and the personal service shows: they will help with ferry bookings, recommend restaurants, and arrange parking in a city where street spaces are scarce. The top-floor breakfast room has a small terrace. Best for budget travelers and train passengers needing a comfortable overnight base. Check rates and availability
