You normally have no choice. To get onto a metro(or funicular), you need to push your card through the pass reader at the entrance gates.

It's essential the card be validated (validation machines everywhere) before you use it for the first time.

I honestly don't know whether, once your card's validated, there is any reason to put it through a machine again on buses. Can't see that it hurts, though.

On bus in Naples, once I validated the card elsewhere, you just hop on.

On Cicumvesuviana, you must use the card to open the turn style. I found that the turn styles card readers are rather picky about the card. My new card was rejected by two different turn styles at Sorrento, but got finally accepted by the third one.

Thank you flanneruk and greg. I get it now!

Flanneruk, do you think the ferries will still be running from Salerno mid October??

Jay H.

I'd recommend you don't stamp the Artecard's travel pass on the buses more than once, as there's a risk with older machines that the original date and time details will be obscured by subsequent ones!

It's not necessary in any case, as only the start time and date are relevant.

Which ferries exactly are of interest? The various routes end at different times!

Peter

Hey Peter,
Thanks for your reply. We are interested in ferry from Salerno to Amalfi on October 15 or 16. Will it be running? and I know a lot depends on the weather! and i guess Arte card not good for ferry?

I have also read that one of the places where the 3 day Tutta La Regione Arte card can be purchased is at port in Salerno. What do you know about this possability? Would be great to get it there because it will be our "base of operations" so to speak, for five days from where we plan to do "day trips" to various sites ansd places in the region.
Thanks again for your input.

Jay H.

The Coop Sant'Andrea people usually run through into October, but you'd need to confirm with them nearer the time exactly which of their current offerings will still be going then...

http://www.coopsantandrea.com/it/servizidilinea/servizi_s.asp?partenza=Salerno&arrivo=Amalfi

But indeed the Artecard won't be of any help!

Can't say I recollect reading of any of its versions being sold in Salerno, or of seeing anywhere there listed as a sales point - but almost anything is possible!

Otherwise it costs only €3.30 for a single from Salerno to Paestum (which is in the Comune of Capaccio, if you're looking it up on the UnicoCampania site!) that can be used on either the trains or buses, where you should be able to buy one....

http://www.unicocampania.it/index.php?lang=en&center=inside&colonna=biglietti

OK?

Peter

OK! Thanks again Peter. As a matter of fact we are planning on Paestum being our first jaunt the morning after our arrival in Salerno and I know we can purchase thge 3-day tutta La regione Arte Card there before entering the archeological complex, and then, with the card, free entrance, isn't that correct?

Jay H.

My pleasure! And that should be fine - though it does look very much as though buying one in Salerno is a no-no...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187779-i161-k4359775-Can_I_purchase_an_ARTECARD_in_Salerno_or_Amalfi-Amalfi_Coast_Campania.html

Hope you'll have a great time,
Peter

PS... If I've not suggested it already, for some other places within fairly easy reach, try:
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/tele