Assisi is straightforward to reach by train and car from Rome and Florence, but the hilltop location and religious nature of the town mean there are a few things you should know before you go. This guide covers transport, practical tips, and answers to common visitor questions. For a complete overview, see our Assisi travel guide.
Assisi Travel Tips: Getting There
The closest airport is Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport (PEG), 12km from Assisi. Ryanair operates direct flights from London Stansted, Brussels, Barcelona, and several other European cities. From the airport, take the Air Link bus to Perugia train station (EUR 8, 20 minutes) and then a train to Assisi (EUR 3.50, 20 minutes). Total journey: about 1 hour plus connection time. For more information, see our Assisi weather by month.
Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Rome Ciampino (CIA) are the major international airports. From FCO, take the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini (EUR 14, 32 minutes), then a train to Assisi (EUR 12-16, 2 hours). Total: about 3 hours. From CIA, take a shuttle bus to Termini (EUR 6, 40 minutes), then the train. For more information, see our best time to visit Assisi.
Assisi train station (Stazione di Assisi) is in Santa Maria degli Angeli, 4km from the historic centre. Trains run to Rome Termini (2 hours, EUR 12-16), Florence Santa Maria Novella (2 hours 15 minutes, EUR 15-18), and Perugia (20 minutes, EUR 3.50). The Line C bus connects the station to Piazza Matteotti in the historic centre (EUR 1.50, every 30 minutes, 10-minute ride). Taxis cost about EUR 15. For more information, see our things to do in Assisi.
If driving, take the A1 motorway and exit at Orte. Assisi is about 45 minutes from the exit on the SS3 highway. Park in one of the large public lots: Piazza Matteotti (eastern end, closest to St. Clare), Porta San Pietro (southern entrance), or Porta San Francesco (western end). Parking costs EUR 1.50-2.00 per hour or EUR 15-18 per day. Do not attempt to drive into the ZTL (limited traffic zone) unless your hotel has issued a permit. For more information, see our Assisi events and festivals.
Assisi Travel Tips: Getting Around
The historic centre is entirely walkable. The main street, Via San Francesco, runs from the basilica at one end to Piazza del Comune in 10 minutes. Steep streets and steps connect the different levels, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. The Line C minibus (operated by Umbria Mobilità) loops from the train station to Piazza Matteotti, stopping at Porta San Francesco and Piazza del Comune. Tickets cost EUR 1.50 from tabacchi shops and ticket machines. The Line A and B buses connect the station area to the parking lots. For more information, see our Assisi neighborhoods guide.
Taxis wait at Piazza Matteotti and the train station. The ride from the station to Piazza del Comune costs about EUR 15. For day trips, trains from Assisi station reach Spello (5 minutes, EUR 1.50), Spoleto (30 minutes, EUR 4), and Perugia (20 minutes, EUR 3.50). For more information, see our where to stay in Assisi.
Assisi Travel Tips: Dress Code and Etiquette
The basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare enforce a dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered (men and women). You will see signs at the entrances and staff may refuse entry. In summer, carry a light scarf or wrap to cover your shoulders. Shorts are fine if they reach the knee. Photography is not permitted inside the Basilica of St. Francis (Upper and Lower Churches). It is permitted without flash in Santa Chiara, San Damiano, and Santa Maria degli Angeli. Silence is requested inside all churches; these are active places of worship, not just tourist sites.
Assisi Travel Tips: Food and Drink
Umbrian cuisine is hearty and land-based. Look for strangozzi pasta (hand-rolled thick spaghetti) served with black truffle or wild asparagus, torta al testo (griddle-baked flatbread stuffed with prosciutto or greens), and cinghiale (wild boar) stew. Umbria produces excellent olive oil and the Sagrantino di Montefalco red wine from vineyards 30km south. Tap water is safe to drink. A simple lunch of pasta, a glass of wine, and coffee costs EUR 15-20. A three-course dinner at a mid-range restaurant: EUR 35-45 per person. Restaurants close between 15:00 and 19:00; plan lunch before 14:00.
Suggested Hotels in Assisi
Nun Assisi Relais & Spa Museum
A luxury five-star hotel in a restored 13th-century convent with Roman spa and indoor pool in the historic centre. Best for couples and special occasions. Check rates and availability
Hotel Giotto Assisi
A comfortable mid-range three-star hotel 200 metres from the Basilica of St. Francis with rooftop terrace and restaurant. Best for pilgrims and couples. Check rates and availability
Hotel Il Duomo
A budget-friendly two-star hotel near the cathedral with simple rooms and breakfast included in the historic centre. Best for budget travellers. Check rates and availability
Assisi FAQ: Quick Answers
Can I drink tap water in Assisi? Yes, the water is safe and good quality. You will find public fountains (fontanelle) throughout the old town where you can refill bottles for free. Do you need to book basilica entry? No, all basilicas are free and do not require advance booking. The only queue is for the Porziuncola chapel at Santa Maria degli Angeli, which can take 30 minutes in peak season. What is the best day trip from Assisi? Spello, 8km away, is a beautifully preserved medieval hill town with Roman ruins and flower-decked streets (5 minutes by train). Perugia, the regional capital, is 20 minutes by train and has a larger historic centre, Etruscan walls, and the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria art museum. Is Assisi accessible for people with mobility issues? The historic centre is a challenge: steep, uneven cobblestone streets and steps are the norm. The Line C minibus does reach Piazza del Comune, but many streets are pedestrian-only and very steep. The Basilica of St. Francis has a ramp entrance on the left side.
