Perugia’s Minimetrò proves small trains can replace cars in historic cities
Perugia’s historic city centre thrives without cars, thanks to a clever transport solution. The Minimetrò, a small automated train, has played a key role in keeping the medieval streets free of traffic. Residents and visitors alike rely on this efficient system to move around the hilly terrain with ease.
The idea for the Minimetrò began in 1998 as part of Perugia’s sustainable mobility plan. Construction started in 2003, and by 2008, the system was fully operational. Its purpose was simple: connect the valley’s residential areas to the hilltop old town, where narrow, winding roads make driving difficult.
The three-kilometre route climbs 161 metres in elevation, linking seven stops along the way. Each cabin carries up to 40 passengers, completing the journey in just ten minutes. The train winds through tunnels and past landmarks, offering a quick and comfortable ride. Today, the Minimetrò runs from 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM on weekdays and until 2:00 AM on weekends. It transports around 10,000 people daily, making it a vital part of city life. Meanwhile, Piazza IV Novembre and the surrounding streets stay lively, filled with pedestrians rather than cars. Without the Minimetrò, navigating Perugia’s steep, medieval roads would be far harder. Larger vehicles often struggle on the tight bends, but the tiny train moves smoothly, avoiding congestion. Its reliability has helped shape a city where walking and public transport come first.
The Minimetrò has transformed how people move through Perugia. By reducing car dependency, it supports a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly city centre. The system’s success shows how small-scale transport solutions can make a big difference in historic urban areas.
