Assisi and Umbria: is Car Necessary?

Absolutely not. Trains and busses go throughout Umbria. I’m sure you know that it will take longer to get to your destinations than if you were driving yourself, but sit back and relax and enjoy the ride.

If you land in Rome and are considering going to Orvieto, go there first. Orvieto to Spoleto will be 2 plus hours, Spoleto to Assisi about two. You'll half the time if driving, you decide on the time you have available.

I would suggest checking the following websites to get an idea of your public transit options- Trenitalia, Rome2rio, Get by Bus.

Don't use Rome2Rio for anything other than finding the name of the bus company serving the route you're interested in, and possibly a link to its website. Rome2Rio is notorious for providing some wildly off-base fares, travel times and frequencies. It can really lead you down the garden path. Go to the website of the appropriate bus company to get the straight scoop. Use trenitalia.com to check on rail schedules to Assisi, Spoleto, Orvieto, etc.

If you use Assisi as a base, you can also visit Spello nearby. Both trains and buses can take you there.

I agree that you absolutely don't need a car for the locations you've specified.

I totally agree with acraven's comments regarding Rome2rio and should have stated same in my original post. Important to know.

Ditto what others have said: NP to use public transit. I second recommendation to visit/stay in Spello - a gorgeous Umbrian hill town less crowded than Assisi. In fact, you can take a lovely 7-mile walk (past olive groves) from Spello to Assisi. Then can train back after exploring. If you do decide to stay in Spello, let me know and I can recommend a fabulous place I stayed.

Agree with everyone and would like to add Perugia if you haven't been there already.

I traveled to Italy in April and did it all by train and also visited Assisi. We were able to take a regional train right to Assisi’s station. Many of my previous Europe trips we’ve rented a car so this was my first 100% train experience and I would do it all over! Italy’s rail system is truly incredible and I don’t believe there is a need for a car in most circumstances! Also, cars and tolls are very expensive in Italy. Parking is also difficult in many places! Assisi was one of my favorite parts of Italy make sure you stay for sunset!