Day trip to Assisi - car or bus?

Take your car because then you can also drive up the hill to the Eremo di Francisco, in a hilltop wooded setting. Others take taxis up there. Very worthwhile. After touring the Eremo you walk on the property past shrines. We missed it on our first visit to Assisi and were so glad we we saw it last time we were there.

Look at a map. There is parking in Assisi on the outer edge of town. Then, you walk down into town. The Main Church of St. Francis is located on the far end of town - takes a little walking to get there. Be sure to visit the other churches as well like St. Clare and St. Ruffino. It's a great town to walk. Beautiful.

I usually am a taxi, bus or train person. But this time, I agree, take the car. Parking in Assisi is a pain, and is expensive. The trip up and across Mount Subasio is well worthwhile. The views cannot be matched. From the Hermitage (do not skip this!), keep going up the mountain. Follow it all around and you'll come down in Spello which is itself a lovely place. You'll see Assisi is quite close by. But by all means, while in Assisi just walk - you don't really have much of a choice.

Thank you all, and for the tips!

A couple of parking lots on the east side of town, one a bit closer to the edge of town than the other, off the main road as you drive up. If you like hiking, it is possible to hike through the woods up to the Hermitage.

I did not use a car in Assisi. I want to put out this option for you. There is a town at the base of Mt. Subasio. It may be the "modern" part of Assisi. Perhaps it will be easier for you to park here, then take the bus up to the top of Mt. Subasio to visit historic Assisi. Plan on a full day in Assisi. I wish you could spend more time there. Good walking shoes are a must. A day pack can be helpful. The roads slope up and down in Assisi. Friendly people. I love Assisi. There is a RS free audio download for a self walking tour of Assisi. It was very helpful to us. The tour is mapped out in his guidebook. Or, you can just chuck the maps and have fun wandering. You can review the audio before your visit.

Car it is, so we are free to explore!