Molise is one of Italy's smallest and least-touristy regions, a hidden corner of the central Apennines where Roman ruins, Samnite sanctuaries, mountain villages, and a short stretch of Adriatic coast remain remarkably unspoiled. Split from Abruzzo in 1963, it rewards travellers seeking authentic Italy without the crowds.
Getting around Molise almost always means renting a car: outside the three main towns the Roman ruins, Samnite sites and inland villages are effectively unreachable by public transport, and a rental car is essential for any flexible itinerary. Public options exist but are limited. Termoli sits on the busy Adriatic mainline with frequent Trenitalia services to Pescara, Foggia and Bari, while a slow, scenic regional line links Campobasso and Isernia to the coast and, via Vairano-Caianello, to the Rome–Naples line. Intercity coaches run by Flixbus, Di Fonzo, SATI and Molise regional operators connect the towns with Rome, Naples and Pescara, but services to small villages are sparse and timed around school and market days. The scenic Transiberiana d'Italia heritage railway runs seasonal tourist trips from Isernia towards Sulmona. Seasonal ferries link Termoli with the Tremiti Islands from spring to autumn. Inland roads are quiet and scenic but often narrow, winding and snowbound in winter, and the old-town cores of Campobasso, Isernia and Termoli have ZTL limited-traffic zones.
Transport at a glance
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Rent a car to reach Saepinum, Pietrabbondante, Agnone, Capracotta and the inland villages — buses are infrequent and taxis scarce
Plan on a car for the interior: most of the best sites and villages have little or no bus service
Use the Trenitalia app or trenitalia.com to check times, as the inland Campobasso–Isernia line is slow and runs only a few times a day
Validate regional train and bus tickets when boarding, or in the platform machine, to avoid fines of €50 or more
Respect the ZTL limited-traffic zones in the old towns of Campobasso, Isernia and Termoli — driving in without a permit triggers automatic camera fines
Carry snow chains in winter when driving the mountain roads around Capracotta, Agnone and the Matese, which see heavy snow and ice
Book Tremiti ferries from Termoli ahead in July and August, when day-trippers fill the boats, and keep plans flexible as crossings depend on the sea
Fill up at supermarket fuel stations, which are usually cheaper, and note many rural stations close midday and on Sundays