Turin's public transport network is compact, reliable and easy to navigate. The city runs on a single automated metro line, a web of trams that have served the streets since the early twentieth century, and a comprehensive bus network — all managed by GTT (Gruppo Torinese Trasporti). If you are staying in the centre, you can reach most major sights on foot or in a few stops by tram.
GTT Metro Line 1: the backbone of the network
Turin's metro is a single line — Line 1 — running roughly east to west for about 15 kilometres and serving 21 stations. It uses a fully automated, driverless system (one of the first in Italy) called People Mover, and trains run frequently throughout the day, typically every couple of minutes in peak hours.
Key stops for visitors include Porta Nuova, the main railway station; Porta Susa, the high-speed rail hub; Piazza Castello in the historic centre; and Lingotto in the south, close to the former Fiat factory turned shopping and events complex. A southern extension towards Bengasi opened in recent years, improving access to the southern suburbs.
The metro runs from early morning to around midnight on weekdays, with reduced hours on Sundays. Check the GTT website for the current timetable before you travel late in the evening.
Trams: the city's historic network
Turin's tram network is one of the most extensive in Italy and gives the city much of its character. Trams cover the historic centre and connect neighbourhoods that the metro does not serve, including Vanchiglia, parts of the Crocetta district and the long boulevard of Corso Francia heading west.
Several tram routes converge near Piazza Castello and Via Po, making the city centre easy to reach from most residential areas. Trams share the road with cars on some sections, so they can be slower during peak hours, but for short inner-city hops they are a pleasant and authentic way to travel.
A heritage tram, the Tram del Cinema, runs as a tourist service on certain days, tracing a route past some of the city's grand Baroque buildings. Worth it if you want a slow, scenic introduction to the city.
City buses
GTT buses cover the areas between and beyond the tram and metro network, including the hill neighbourhoods of Superga and Cavoretto and the outer suburbs. Routes fan out from several interchange hubs in the centre.
For the Basilica di Superga on the hill above the city, take bus 79 from Sassi — or better yet, combine a bus with the Sassi–Superga rack railway (tramway), a narrow-gauge funicular railway that climbs steeply through parkland and is a minor attraction in its own right.
Tickets and passes
A single GTT ticket covers travel on the metro, trams and buses within the urban zone for 100 minutes from validation. You validate once per journey (not once per vehicle), so you can transfer between a bus and the metro on the same ticket within the time limit.
- Single ticket: valid for 100 minutes from validation across all modes.
- Day pass (24-hour): unlimited travel for a full day — good value if you plan more than three or four journeys.
- Multi-trip carnet: strips of single tickets sold at a slight discount over buying individually.
- Weekly and monthly passes: available for residents and longer-term visitors.
Buy tickets at GTT ticket machines in metro stations, at tobacconists (tabaccherie), and at some newsagents. You can also buy them via the GTT mobile app. Do not board without a valid ticket — inspectors work all modes, and fines are substantial.
The Torino+Piemonte Card
Visitors staying a few days should look at the Torino+Piemonte Card, a combined tourist pass that includes unlimited public transport plus free or discounted entry to dozens of museums and attractions, including the Egyptian Museum, the Mole Antonelliana, and the royal residences. Cards are available for two, three or five days and are sold at the tourist information offices and many hotels.
For a short city break focused on museums, the card often pays for itself within the first day of sightseeing.
Getting to and from Turin Airport
Turin Airport (Caselle Torino, TRN) is located about 16 km north of the city centre. The main connection is the Sadem bus service, which runs between the airport, Porta Susa station and Porta Nuova station in around 40–50 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run regularly throughout the day and into the evening.
There is also a rail connection via a shuttle bus to the Caselle–Aeroporto station, then a regional train into the city — useful if you are already using the rail network. Taxis are metered and fixed rates apply between the airport and the city centre; confirm the rate before you set off.
Cycling and shared mobility
Turin has a growing network of cycle lanes, particularly along the river Po and through the centre. The city's bikeshare scheme (TO Bike) has docking stations near most metro stops. Electric scooter-sharing services also operate across central Turin. For short distances in good weather, cycling is genuinely practical — the centre is largely flat.
Tips for getting around
- The metro is fastest for longer cross-city journeys; trams are better for scenic short hops through the centre.
- Weekday morning and evening rush hours (roughly 7:30–9:00 and 17:00–19:00) see crowded trams and slightly slower journey times.
- Most tram stops have a route map and basic timetable posted. GTT's journey planner is available in English on its website.
- Night buses operate on selected routes after the main network closes. Services are less frequent and routes are reduced.
- Turin's centro storico is large and walkable — the metro and trams complement walking rather than replace it.
Frequently asked questions
Does Turin have a metro?
Yes. Turin has a single automated metro line — GTT Line 1 — running east–west across the city, with 21 stations including Porta Nuova and Porta Susa. Trains run frequently and the system is modern and easy to use.
Can I use the same ticket on the metro and the tram?
Yes. A single GTT ticket covers all modes — metro, trams and buses — for 100 minutes from first validation. You do not need to buy a new ticket when changing between vehicles within that window.
Is there a tourist travel card for Turin?
Yes. The Torino+Piemonte Card combines unlimited public transport with free or discounted museum entry, and is available in two-, three- and five-day versions. For a museum-heavy visit it usually saves money compared with buying transport and entry tickets separately.
How do I get from Turin to the airport by public transport?
The Sadem bus connects Turin Airport with Porta Susa and Porta Nuova stations in around 40–50 minutes. Buses run throughout the day and are the most direct public transport option.
Sources and further reading:
- GTT (Gruppo Torinese Trasporti) — route maps, timetables and ticket information at gtt.to.it
- Torino+Piemonte Card details via Turismo Torino e Provincia.
- Airport bus schedules: Sadem.
- For neighbouring city transport: Milan public transport guide.