Navigating the Minimetrò
An opinion piece by Reagan Lee
The Minimetrò is the coolest little system I have ever seen in terms of public transport. With its seven stops, covering 1.9 miles, you wouldn’t think that this will be a big part of your life. But unless you have legs of steel, the Minimetrò will save your days. So let’s get into what you need to know about this gift.
Operating Hours
Weekdays: Approximately 7:00 AM to 9:20 PM
Saturdays: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Sundays and Holidays: 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Note: Operating hours may vary on holidays or special occasions, so it’s advisable to check the latest schedule at this link (just search for Minimetrò Perugia on your search bar, or look for https://www.minimetrospa.it/).
Now, these times can be inconvenient, as unfortunately the end of service is programmed for 9pm. If you are planning to travel over the weekend, you have to be consistent with your train plans. Let’s say, you roll into Perugia on the latest train you could find coming from Florence. Finding a taxi? It’s pricey and it can be difficult. The Fontivegge train station is the main station in town. Once you get there from your travels, I recommend making sure that you can make it back on with public transport. Depending on where you live, not all places are walking distance. My friends and I definitely take this schedule into account when making travel plans.
Pro-tip for Navigating Fontivegge Stop:
When exiting at Fontivegge, going left will direct you along one side of the tracks, continuing the line. Going right will take you towards the opposite end of the line, which can save time if you need to transfer or head in that direction. A visual guide past the turnstile with arrows can assist if this is confusing.
General Advice:
The Cupa stop is especially convenient for those living on Via Del Priori, as it’s just down the escalator.
For a quick and enjoyable way to familiarize yourself with Perugia, simply ride the Minimetrò, getting off at various stops to explore the surrounding areas. With trains arriving every three minutes or less, you won’t have to worry about being stranded—as long as you remember the operating hours.
Minimetrò Stops Inbound Order:
- Pian di Massiano (Barton Park and ride facility)
- Cortonese
- Madonna Alta (find McDonald’s here)
- Fontivegge (next to the main train station)
- Case Bruciate
- Cupa (near student housing)
- Pincetto (Historic city center, near student housing and the school)
Learn more about each stop with me
Pian di Massiano Station, the beginning station
Park and Ride Facility: Large parking area for leaving your car. JUST KIDDING, you won’t be driving, will you?
Stadio Renato Curi: Perugia’s main football stadium.
Weekly Market (on Saturdays): Open-air market with clothes and local products. So, so cool. You’ll want to travel every weekend but keep at least one open to go to this.
Pian di Massiano Park: Green space for jogging and outdoor activities
Cortonese Station
Supermarket (Coop): For groceries and necessities. Personally, I just use the ones in the city center, but some people prefer to go to this one because it has more options.
Parco Chico Mendez: Nearby park for relaxation.
Bars and Cafés: Local spots for coffee and snacks.
A children’s park, so you and your friends can embrace your inner child and make fools of yourselves. It’s for kids but some of the equipment is so fun.
Madonna Alta Station
Emisfero Shopping Center: Variety of stores and a large supermarket.
Restaurants and Pizzerias: Local dining options.
Fitness Centers: Gyms and wellness facilities. What, the hills aren’t enough for you?
McDonald’s: Missing home? Salt? Fat? Fast food? Me too, this is a little comfort food spot. Can get a meal, sit down, enjoy it, in less than 45 minutes. Be aware, the map might say it’s at the Cortonese station. No worries if you get off there; it’s just a ten-minute walk. Literally less than 500 feet from this station, though.
Fontivegge Station. Your bread and butter
Perugia Train Station: Main hub for regional and national trains. This is the station that will have the most use for this fact alone. It might take you a trip or two, but soon you’ll be able to make the walk from one station to the other blindfolded. Don’t worry if your maps don’t show you exact directions here. Keeping your eyes open, the path is pretty intuitive; worst comes to worst, just follow the crowd.
Bus Terminal: Connections to local and long-distance buses.
Supermarkets: Grocery stores like Coop and Conad City.
Case Bruciate Station
Local Shops and Markets
Parco Sant’Angelo: Park for walks and outdoor relaxation.
Cafés and Gelaterias: Enjoy coffee and Italian ice cream.
Cupa Station. Hey, this is familiar!
Close to student housing for those on Via dei Priori.
Pincetto Station
Also the other station for students. One of the accesses is down near COOP (you’ll learn this place quickly) and is easier for students who live near Via Campo di Battaglia to access.
Affordable and easy
Now that you know what it is, let’s talk about getting on! You’ll need a ticket to board, just like the subway. Make sure to keep the ticket on you and available because you will need it to get out of the station as well. You can buy them at tobacco shops, or just outside the entrance on the big red (mercifully with English) machine.
There are a few options, but I’ll talk about two: a one-ride and a ten-ride. I get the ten-ride because it’s more affordable (€14.00) and with how I travel on the weekends, I know I’ll use it. The one-ride costs about €1.50. Every time you use it, it stamps the back so you know how many uses are left.
Super simple! Websites will say you have to validate them; don’t worry, that just means scanning them to get in. No extra steps necessary. Expect to see bikes, strollers, and pets on the metro, and make sure to make room when they come on. If there is a pet, beware the leash, a major trapping hazard.
Overall, the Minimetrò is a feat of engineering that I bow down to for its convenience and efficiency.