The Orvieto funicular connects the town to the railway station and car parks at the base of the cliff, running almost vertically up the face of the tufa rock. It is one of the oldest funiculars still operating in Italy, dating from 1888, and the view from the ascending car — looking back across the valley as the town rises above you — is a fine introduction to Orvieto's dramatic setting.
At the top, the funicular connects with the town's electric minibus system (the "bus-train") which loops around the old town for those who don't want to walk. The funicular runs every 10 minutes during the day and is the most pleasant way to arrive; it is included in most Orvieto tourist passes.