Last update: December 9, 2024.

How to move around in Parma

It’s fairly easy to get around in Parma. Although entry into the city center by car is limited, Parma has a very well-organized transport infrastructure. There are plenty of buses and their routes cover practically the entire city. But many tourists prefer to see Parma on foot or by bicycle, also available for hire.

Walking around Parma

Street to Duomo, Parma, Italy
Street to Duomo

Tourists love to walk into the city center of Parma, where the main places of interest are located. There are many small medieval alleyways, so walking around the streets of Parma becomes very interesting! Take time to stroll through the tiny streets and lanes of the city.

By bus round Parma

Trolleybus in Piazza Garibaldi, Parma, Italy
Trolleybus in Piazza Garibaldi

There is a map of the bus routes and timetables at almost every bus stop. Buses usually run with an interval of 10-15 minutes. Google Maps supports all navigation in the city on public transport, so we suggest you use Google Maps!

The cost of a ticket is €1.20 / $1.40, valid for 60 minutes. The ticket must be obliterated each time you use a bus, and every time you change from one to another. It is best to buy tickets at a tobacconist, because if purchased directly from the bus driver it will cost twice as much.

By bicycle around Parma

Traffic light and cycle lane, Parma, Italy
Traffic light and cycle lane

This is a very popular means of transport and perhaps the fastest, and there are many dedicated cycling paths in Parma. What’s more, it’s very easy to see the city on a bike!

You can hire a bike at “La cicletteria di Parma”. This rental point opened in 2016 and is located right outside the train station. It’s necessary to leave a document in deposit when you hire a bike.

Prices of “La Cicletteria di Parma”: €5 / $5.80 for 2 hours rental; €15 / $17 for one day; there are discounts available for longer rentals.

Opening hours: Weekdays from 6am to 10.30pm, Saturday from 9am to 7pm, Sunday from 10am to 7pm. On Sundays and public holidays it is closed for lunch from 1pm to 3pm.

Automatic bicycle rental, Parma, Italy
Automatic bicycle rental

Moreover, there are more than 25 car parks in the city for the automatic rental of bicycles. They are all in easy-to-reach places. Here is how you rent a bike in these car parks: First you must download the app Bicincitta, register and buy your ticket for 1 (€5 / $5.80) or 2 days. With the help of this app, you will be able to unlock any bicycle in the carparks. The daily ticket includes 2 hours of rental and the rest of the time is paid extra, but only the time spent traveling is counted. Once you park your bike in any automatic parking area of Parma (map attached) the length of time it remains parked will not be counted.

By taxi around Parma

Taxis in the center, Parma, Italy
Taxis in the center

Taxis in Parma are used very little. This is because a trip in the city would cost on average from €10 / $12 to €15 / $17 (with the taximeter). But if you do need a taxi, finding one is not a problem. Taxis are usually parked in special areas close to the station or the central square, “Piazza Garibaldi”. You can also call a cab on the number: +390521252562 (for phone calls) or send an SMS to number +393666730000 with the precise address, for example: “strada Republic 1 Parma”. In a couple of minutes, you will receive a confirmation of the order with an indication of the number of the cab.

By car around Parma

Toschi parking entrance near the center, Parma, Italy
Toschi parking entrance near the center

If you want to use the car, you will need to remember certain rules. Car traffic in Parma is limited. Entry into the city is open only to residents with eco-friendly cars. And car parks in the vicinity of the center are by payment (approximately €2 / $2.30 per hour). Therefore, it’s much better to leave the car at the hotel or at the bus stops at the entrance into the city and only use it to go to visit the places of interest outside Parma. The addresses of all the car parks are indicated on the page “How to get to Parma”.

Text printed from website www.visit-parma.com

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