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Gubbio has no train station, so most visitors arrive by bus from Perugia or drive. The nearest airport is Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi, about 40km away. The historic centre is fully walkable, tap water is safe to drink, and tipping is not expected. Here is what you need to know before you go, as part of the full Gubbio guide.
Gubbio Travel Tips: Getting There
The nearest airport is Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi (PEG), 40km southwest, served by budget carriers such as Ryanair; a taxi from there costs roughly 60 to 80 euros. Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is 220km south and Florence (FLR) is 170km northwest, both around a 2.5 to 3-hour drive. Gubbio has no station; the closest rail stop is Fossato di Vico-Gubbio, 20km away on the Rome-Ancona line, connected by a local bus that takes about 30 minutes. Buses from Perugia (about 1 hour, around 5 euros) run regularly and stop at Piazza Quaranta Martiri.
Gubbio Travel Tips: Getting Around
The historic centre is small and best explored on foot; the climb from Piazza Quaranta Martiri to the cathedral is steep and takes 15 to 20 minutes. The Funivia Colle Eletto cable car (about 6 euros return) saves you the 45-minute walk up to the Basilica di Sant’Ubaldo; opening details are in the things to do in Gubbio guide. Parking is limited inside the walls, so leave the car in the lots around Piazza Quaranta Martiri or the Porta Romana area and walk in.
Gubbio Travel Tips: Money, Tipping and Language
Gubbio uses the euro. Most hotels, restaurants and museum ticket desks take cards, but keep 20 to 30 euros in cash for the market, small bars and the crossbow museum. Tipping is not expected; restaurant bills include a coperto (cover charge) of 1.50 to 2.50 euros per person, and you round up the change at most. Italian is the working language; younger staff in hotels and museums usually speak some English, but a few phrases go a long way in the smaller trattorie.
Gubbio Travel Tips: Safety, Water and Health
Gubbio is very safe, with low street crime; the main risks are the steep, slippery stone lanes after rain, so wear grippy shoes. Tap water is safe to drink and the public fountains are potable. There is a hospital in the modern lower town for emergencies, and pharmacies (farmacie) are marked with a green cross.
Gubbio Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Gubbio as a day trip from Perugia or Assisi?
Yes. The bus from Perugia takes about an hour and drops you at Piazza Quaranta Martiri, leaving 5 to 6 hours to see the main sights and ride the cable car. Assisi is about 45km south by car but has no direct bus, so it is easier to visit Gubbio from Perugia. Focus your time using the Gubbio neighborhoods guide.
Do I need to book ahead for the Festa dei Ceri?
Yes. Book accommodation 4 to 6 months ahead for May 15, and confirm your route in, because the town closes to traffic that day. If you are driving, arrive before 9:00 to find parking. Dates and the full schedule are in the Gubbio events and festivals guide.
Is the Christmas tree worth a dedicated trip?
It is best combined with Perugia or Assisi. The 750-metre tree on Monte Ingino lights up from about December 7 to early January and is visible from anywhere in town, so a single evening is enough to see it. December averages 3.8°C, so check the Gubbio weather by month guide and the best time to visit Gubbio guide for the exact lighting dates.
Suggested Hotels in Gubbio
These three cover the main tiers; for a full area-by-area breakdown with countryside agriturismi, see the where to stay in Gubbio guide.
Park Hotel ai Cappuccini
A 4-star in a converted 17th-century monastery with the largest indoor pool and spa in Gubbio. Best for couples and spa-focused travellers. Check rates and availability
Bosone Palace
A 14th-century palace 200 metres from the cathedral with antique-furnished rooms. Best for history lovers who want a central stay. Check rates and availability
Hotel San Marco
A 14th-century former hospital near Piazza Quaranta Martiri with a courtyard garden and free WiFi. Best for budget travellers. Check rates and availability
