Getting There & Away: Modena

Air Travel

Major Airports

Modena does not have its own international airport, but several nearby airports provide convenient access. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is the closest and most practical option.

Airports

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ): Approximately 40 km southeast; the most convenient.
Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN): Approximately 100 km north, less direct.
Milan Airports (MXP, LIN, BGY): Further afield (2-3 hours), suitable for distant intercontinental arrivals.

Airlines & Routes BLQ

BLQ has a wide range of airlines and routes, connecting Modena to much of Europe. No direct transatlantic flights operate to Bologna Airport (BLQ).

Flight Information

Full-service airlines include Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, British Airways, Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, and Vueling.
BLQ connects to major European cities like London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Rome, and Munich.
High season (summer) sees increased frequency but highest prices. Shoulder seasons (spring/autumn) offer competitive pricing (Dollar Flight Club, Skyscanner).

Airport Facilities BLQ

BLQ offers standard airport amenities, including ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental desks, and free Wi-Fi.

Transfer: BLQ to Modena

Marconi Express from BLQ to Bologna Centrale (7 mins, ~€11), then regional train to Modena (25-35 mins). Taxis cost €80-€120.

Car Rental

Major rental companies at BLQ. Driving to Modena is about 30-40 minutes via A1 motorway. Consider rental for extensive day trips (DiscoverCars.com).

Air Travel Departure

Departure Timing BLQ

Schengen flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before scheduled departure.
Non-Schengen flights: Arrive at least 3 hours before scheduled departure.
Allow extra time for transfer from Modena to Bologna Airport (train + Marconi Express).
These timings are especially important during peak season.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

BLQ has check-in desks, security checkpoints, departure gates.
Selection of lounges, shops, and restaurants.
No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied beyond what is included in your ticket price.
For train departures from Modena, 15-20 minutes before departure is generally sufficient.

Affiliate Resources: Flights

Flight Deals

Dollar Flight Club for budget-friendly flight alerts.

Compare Flights

Skyscanner for comparing prices across many airlines.

Car Rentals

DiscoverCars.com for car rental comparisons.

Land Transportation

Train Travel

Italy's comprehensive train network makes land travel to Modena convenient. Modena railway station is just north of the city center.

Train Services

Main operator: Trenitalia. Italo also serves routes via Bologna.
Frequent regional trains connect Modena to Bologna Centrale (25-35 mins), a major high-speed rail hub.
Booking: Online via Trenitalia app/website, station counters, or self-service machines. Validate regional tickets before boarding.

Self-Driving

Modena is connected by the A1 motorway (Autostrada del Sole).

Driving Information

Tolls: Italian motorways are toll roads. Pay by cash, credit card, or Telepass.
ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones): Modena's historic city center has ZTLs. Unauthorized entry results in steep fines. Verify with hotels within ZTLs.
Requirements: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally required for non-EU license holders, alongside your national license.

Car Rental Procedures

To rent a car, you typically need to be at least 21 years old (some companies 25 for certain classes). A valid national driving license held for at least one year is needed.

Rental Company Details

Major Companies: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, and Enterprise have offices in Modena.
Booking: Book in advance, especially during peak season, for better rates and vehicle availability.
A credit card in the main driver's name is needed for the security deposit.

Other Land Transport

Beyond trains and cars, other ground options exist, though some are less common for tourists.

Additional Options

Long-Distance Buses: FlixBus offers routes to and from Modena, providing a budget-friendly option.
Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals: Available from specialized shops, but less common for tourists.
Bicycle Rentals: Several shops offer daily/weekly rentals. "Modena in Bici" is the municipal bike-sharing service.

Road Safety & Requirements

Italian roads are generally good, but drivers can be assertive.
Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
Awareness of ZTLs (Limited Traffic Zones) is pivotal to avoid fines.

Parking can be challenging and expensive in city centers.
Speed limits: 50 km/h (urban), 90 km/h (main roads), 130 km/h (motorways).
Legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05%.

Sea/River Arrivals

Maritime Access

Modena is landlocked; direct sea or river arrivals are not applicable.

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

No direct access to ferry services or cruise ports.
Nearest major cruise ports: Venice, Genoa, Livorno (several hours away).
If arriving by cruise, arrange land transport from these ports.

River Transportation

There are no significant river transportation options for tourism directly to Modena.

Waterways Access

The Po River lies to the north.
The Po River does not offer direct routes to the city for tourism.
Modena is an inland city.

Walking Friendly

Modena's historic center is largely pedestrianized, making it ideal for walking tours.

Cycling Friendly

Modena is relatively bicycle-friendly with dedicated bike lanes and low-traffic streets.

Important Tip

If you drive, understand ZTL rules. Unauthorized entry leads to expensive fines.

Departure Information

Airport Departures BLQ

For flights departing from Bologna Airport, plan sufficient time for security and check-in procedures.

Departure Timing

Schengen flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before departure.
Non-Schengen flights: Arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
Factor in transfer time from Modena to BLQ (train to Bologna Centrale, then Marconi Express).

Train Departures

Departing by train from Modena is straightforward with simpler procedures.

Train Station Procedures

Arrival at Modena train station: 15-20 minutes before departure is generally sufficient.
Ticket validation: If you have a physical regional train ticket, validate it using the green machines on the platform before boarding.

Airport & Station Facilities

Bologna Airport BLQ

Offers check-in desks, security checkpoints, departure gates, lounges, shops, and restaurants for departing travelers.

Modena Train Station

Features ticket counters, self-service ticket machines, waiting areas, and a few small shops or cafes.

Fees/Taxes

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied for departing travelers beyond what is included in your ticket price.

Departure Reminder

Arrive early for international flights. This allows time for check-in and security processes.

Getting There & Away