Weekend in San Marino: How to Get There from Rimini and What It Costs
Weekend in San Marino: How to Get There from Rimini and What It Costs
San Marino is just 35 km from Rimini. You can reach it in 40 minutes, there are no real border formalities (only a symbolic crossing) and it offers one of the most spectacular views in all of Romagna. Yet many tourists staying on the riviera never go. This guide tells you everything you need to know.
How to Get to San Marino from Rimini
By Car (recommended)
The most direct route is the SS72 (Superstrada per San Marino), heading inland from Rimini. About 35 km, 35–45 minutes. The dual carriageway is free of charge.
Parking in San Marino:
- The historic centre is not accessible by car
- Pay car parks on the edge of town: €1.50–2/hour
- Tip: use the free car parks on the SS72 before entering the territory, then take the shuttle (€2 return)
- P2 Cava dei Balestrieri car park: free, then 5 minutes on foot
By Bus
The Bonelli Bus line connects Rimini to San Marino every day. Departures from Rimini railway station, final stop at Città Vecchia (the Old Town).
| Route | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Rimini FS → San Marino | ~1h | €5 one way |
| Return ticket | — | €8 |
Timetables on the Bonelli Bus website. In summer, buses run every 30 minutes.
By Taxi or Private Transfer
Approximate fare from central Rimini: €40–55 one way. Useful if you're travelling in a group.
What to See in San Marino
The Three Towers (Guaita, Cesta, Montale)
The three fortresses that dominate Monte Titano are the symbol of San Marino. Recommended visit:
- Guaita: the oldest, with views across all of Romagna to the Adriatic
- Cesta: houses the Museum of Ancient Arms (included in the ticket)
- Montale: not open internally, exterior only
Combined towers ticket: €5.50 adults, €3.50 reduced | Opening hours: 9:00–19:00 (summer)
Città Vecchia (UNESCO)
The historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. You can explore it on foot in 1–2 hours. Medieval streets, government buildings, churches and artisan shops.
Must-sees:
- Piazza della Libertà with the government palace
- Basilica del Santo (free entry)
- State Museum (€3, historical collections)
- Walk along the city walls (free)
The Duty-Free Shops
San Marino is not part of the EU for tax purposes. Prices on alcohol, perfumes, electronics and tobacco are noticeably lower. It's not the main reason to come, but it's a real bonus.
Products worth buying:
- Spirits and whisky: 20–30% less than Italian prices
- Perfumes: 15–20% less
- Cigars and tobacco: lower prices
How Much Does a Weekend in San Marino Cost?
Sample budget for 2 people, 2 days:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Transport (car + petrol, return) | €15–20 |
| Parking 2 days | €10–15 |
| Tower tickets × 2 | €11 |
| Lunch in local restaurant × 2 | €30–50 |
| Dinner in restaurant × 2 | €40–70 |
| Breakfast × 2 mornings × 2 | €15 |
| Total excl. accommodation | ~€120–170 |
Accommodation in San Marino
| Type | Price/night per room |
|---|---|
| B&B in Città Vecchia | €60–90 |
| 3-star hotel | €80–120 |
| 4-star hotel | €120–180 |
Budget alternative: stay in Rimini and do San Marino as a day trip (saves €60–90/night).
What to Eat in San Marino
San Marino's cuisine is very close to Romagnolo cooking, with a few local specialities:
- Fagioli con le cotiche: the typical Sammarinese dish (beans with pork rind)
- Sammarinese piadina: similar to the Rimini version but slightly thicker
- Torta di tre monti: typical layered cake with wafer and chocolate
- Bruschetta sammarinese: with lard and local honey
Recommended restaurants:
- La Taverna di Piazza — panoramic view, full Sammarinese menu (€30–45)
- Osteria dei Amici — traditional cooking, no frills (€20–30)
Practical Tips
- Arrive before 10:00 to avoid organised tour groups
- Avoid August mid-morning: packed with cruise-ship tourists from Rimini
- Friday and Saturday evenings the centre is actually quieter than weekday mornings in summer
- Bring cash: some shops don't accept cards for purchases under €10
- Don't buy replica weapons: many are prohibited when re-entering Italy
Is San Marino Worth It?
Yes, especially if you:
- Have never been to a European micro-state
- Love medieval architecture
- Want a day that's different from the beach
- Have children (the towers and castle are highly engaging)
Less interesting if you:
- Expect a "real" town with a genuine local life — it's very touristy
- Can't stand crowds in August
- Want to eat out cheaply (prices in the centre are high)
Useful Links
Fonti, verifica e aggiornamenti
Questo contenuto e costruito con taglio pratico: confronto tra zone della Riviera, dati di contesto e verifica editoriale. Quando disponibili, usiamo fonti ufficiali, portali istituzionali e riscontri diretti dal territorio.
- Data di pubblicazione e data di aggiornamento sempre visibili.
- Revisione periodica nei periodi chiave della stagione.
- Segnalazioni lettori integrate nel ciclo di aggiornamento.
Hai una correzione o una fonte migliore? Scrivi a info@vitaromagna.it.
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