Miramare Castle sits 8 kilometers northwest of Trieste. You can reach it several ways from the city center, but first you need to get to Trieste itself.
Flights to Trieste
From the USA
You won’t find a direct flight from major US cities to Trieste. Expect at least one connection through a European hub—most journeys take 12 to 14 hours total. Round-trip tickets from the East Coast (Boston, New York, DC) run $400 to $600. West Coast travelers should budget $450 to $700. Prices shift depending on the season.
The airlines serving this route include ITA Airways, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, TAP Portugal, and Swiss International. Trieste Airport (TRS) is small but expanding. In 2024, it became Ryanair’s 17th base in Italy and handled over a million passengers for the first time.
From the United Kingdom
Flights from London and other UK cities also require a connection. Journey times come to around 6 to 8 hours with layovers. Ryanair offers budget options from London Stansted. Round-trip fares from UK airports typically cost £60 to £340, depending on how far ahead you book and the season.
Travel Documents & Entry Requirements
For US Citizens
You don’t need a visa to stay in Italy for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months past your travel dates. Starting in late 2026, the EU will require ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)—similar to ESTA for the US. The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes, costs a small fee, and approval is usually straightforward.
If you fly through the UK, you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). It costs £10, lasts two years.
For UK Citizens
British passport holders don’t need a visa or ETIAS for Italy. You can stay visa-free for 90 days within any 180-day period. If you’re visiting other Schengen countries as well, make sure your total time in the zone doesn’t exceed 90 days.
Getting from Trieste Airport to Miramare Castle
Trieste Airport is about 27 to 32 kilometers from the castle.
By Bus
APT Gorizia operates bus line 51 from the airport to Trieste city center, with a stop at Grignano/Miramare. The trip takes 45 to 55 minutes and costs €3 to €4. From the Grignano/Miramare stop, it’s an 11-minute walk to the castle.
You can also take bus 51 to Trieste Centrale (the central train station) in about 50 minutes, then switch to a direct train for Miramare (details below).
By Train
From the airport, take Trenitalia toward Monfalcone, then transfer to a regional train for Miramare Station. Total time is around an hour and 15 minutes. Fares range from €3 to €36 depending on which trains you take.
By Taxi or Private Transfer
Taxis cost €60 to €75 for the 30-minute drive. Private transfer services offer similar pricing but include meet-and-greet and more flexibility if you book ahead.
By Car Rental
Economy rentals start at £22 to £25 per day (about $28 to $32 USD). February is cheapest at around €20 daily; July peaks at €45. Major companies like Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Hertz all operate here.
| Transport | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 51 | 45–55 min | €3–4 | Budget travelers |
| Train | ~75 min | €3–36 | Comfortable travel, no driving |
| Taxi | 30–35 min | €60–75 | Groups, luggage |
| Private transfer | 30–35 min | €60–100+ | Door-to-door convenience |
| Car rental | Self-drive | €20–45/day | Exploring the region |
Getting from Trieste City Center to Miramare Castle
Trieste Centrale sits on Piazza della Libertà. From there, several straightforward options reach Miramare.
By Train
Regional Trenitalia trains run every 30 minutes to Miramare Station. The journey takes 9 minutes. Tickets cost €1.70. Archduke Maximilian built this station specifically to serve the castle, so you exit directly into the park. Walk about 150 meters along Via Beirut to reach the main entrance. From there, a 500-meter walk through the park leads to the castle.
Regular departures throughout the day include trains at 11:28 AM, 12:32 PM, 1:32 PM, 2:28 PM, 3:58 PM, 4:28 PM, 5:28 PM, and 6:28 PM. Schedules change seasonally.
By Bus
Bus lines 6 and 36 leave from Piazza della Libertà, heading toward Miramare-Grignano. Get off at Bivio di Miramare and walk 750 meters to the park entrance. If you stay on until Grignano (the final stop), it’s a 200-meter uphill walk to the park, then another 350 meters to the castle. Total travel time runs 25 to 36 minutes depending on stops.
By Car
Take Viale Miramare from the center (it begins near Trieste Centrale) and follow signs for Castello di Miramare. The drive takes 15 to 20 minutes over about 8 kilometers. The main parking lot is accessed from Regional Road 14, the coastal road. It fills up during peak hours. Free parking is available near Grignano marina, across the street from waterfront restaurants.
By Ferry
From June through early September, a maritime service connects Trieste to Sistiana with stops at Barcola and Grignano (directly behind the castle). The ferry departs from the Nazario Sauro waterfront near Molo Bersaglieri. Four trips run daily. Check the Trieste Trasporti website for current schedules and fares.