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How to Get to Ravenna

How to Get to Ravenna

Ravenna Emilia Romagna And San Marino, Italy Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ): This is the closest and most convenient major international airport for reaching Ravenna. It is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of Ravenna. BLQ has a wide selection of international and domestic flights.

Rimini Airport RMI & Airlines

  • Federico Fellini International Airport (RMI) in Rimini: Smaller airport, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) south. Mostly caters to charter flights and some low-cost carriers, notably in the summer months. Flight possibilities are more limited.
  • BLQ Airlines: Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, KLM, The National flag carrier airline of turkey, Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, and ITA Airways. Connects Bologna to major European hubs.
  • RMI Airlines: mainly served by Ryanair and various charter airlines. Routes are mainly to Eastern Europe and some seasonal European leisure destinations.

Flight Connectivity & Prices

No direct intercontinental flights arrive at Bologna (BLQ) or Rimini (RMI) from outside Europe. Travelers from North America, Asia, or other distant regions connect through major European hubs.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

  • Highest Prices: Expect high prices in the peak season (June-August) around main holidays like Easter, Christmas, and New Year.
  • Better Value: The shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) generally give a better return for flights. You will find more competitive rates and good weather.
  • Lowest Prices: The low season (November-March) typically has the lowest flight prices, though you might encounter fewer non-stop routes or less frequent flights.
  • Dollar Flight Club for deals. Compare on Skyscanner.

Bologna Airport BLQ Facilities

Bologna Airport has typical features: car rental desks, taxi stands, bus connections, duty-free shops, a variety of restaurants and cafes, and airline lounges. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Rimini Airport RMI Facilities

Rimini Airport is smaller, with fundamental services like car rental, a taxi rank, and restricted food and shopping options. It serves as a smaller regional airport.

Airport Transfers to Ravenna

From Bologna (BLQ): Bus + Train is efficient. The Marconi Express monorail goes directly to Bologna Centrale train station (7 minutes). From there, frequent regional trains travel to Ravenna (1h 15m - 1h 30m train ride). Direct bus services occasionally. Taxi is an expensive option (€150-€200).

Transfer Options to City/Accommodation

From Bologna Airport BLQ

  • Bus + Train: Marconi Express monorail connects BLQ to Bologna Centrale (7 min). Frequent regional trains to Ravenna (1h 15m - 1h 30m).
  • Direct Bus: Some exclusive companies (e.g., Shuttle Bus Ravenna) offer services, check schedules.
  • Taxi: Quicker but more expensive (€150-€200). Good for groups splitting the fare.
  • Rental Car: Major companies at BLQ. DiscoverCars.com. Gives flexibility for exploring Emilia-Romagna.

From Rimini Airport RMI

  • Bus + Train: Bus #9 connects RMI directly to Rimini Centrale. From Rimini Centrale, regional trains connect to Ravenna (30-40 min).
  • Taxi: Approximately €80-€100.
  • Rental Car: Available at RMI if you prefer to drive.
  • Free Wi-Fi at BLQ. Fundamental services at RMI. For easy travel from Bologna Airport, book your Marconi Express and train tickets in advance.

Pre-booking & Planning for Arrivals

Marconi Express

For easy travel from Bologna Airport, book your Marconi Express tickets in advance or allow time at the station to purchase them.

Train Tickets

Purchase train tickets to Ravenna early, or allow time at the station to acquire them. Regional train tickets have a fixed price.

Car Rental & ZTL

DiscoverCars.com for car rental. Remember Ravenna’s city center has low-traffic areas (ZTLs) and difficulty parking. Plan to park outside the ZTL and walk.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Ravenna has good connectivity through Italy’s regional train network, managed by Trenitalia.

Major Train Routes

  • Bologna: Frequent direct regional trains (1h 15m - 1h 30m). From Bologna Centrale, connect to The boot’s high-bullet train network.
  • Rimini: Numerous non-stop trains (30-40 min). Ferrara: Direct trains (40-50 min).
  • Tickets: Purchase at train stations from counters/machines or through the official Trenitalia website/app. Validate paper regional tickets before getting on.

Bus Services

While trains are often preferred for travel between cities inside Italy, long-coach services offer an alternative, sometimes more non-stop, or more budget-friendly option for certain routes.

Bus Options

  • FlixBus: This major European bus company offers connections to and from Ravenna from various Italian cities and some international destinations. Check their website for routes and schedules.
  • Local Bus Services (e.g., Start Romagna): These companies operate regional and the routes of local buses. Start Romagna connects Ravenna to its coastal towns (like Lido di Ravenna) and other inland areas within the Emilia-Romagna region.
  • These are useful for exploring the immediate surroundings or reaching points not served directly by train.

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car offers flexibility, especially for exploring the countryside or smaller villages not easily accessible by public transport.

Requirements & Rental

  • Requirements: Non-EU citizens must carry a valid national driving license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) simultaneously. Minimum driving age is 18, but most rental companies need drivers to be 21 or 25, typically with a young driver surcharge.
  • Car Rental: Major international rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise) operate at Bologna Airport (BLQ), Rimini Airport (RMI), and in larger cities. DiscoverCars.com for booking.
  • Booking: Book your car rental online in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to get better rates and vehicle availability.

Driving & ZTLs

Road Rules & Parking

  • Driving Side: Italy drives on the right-hand side of the road. Road Conditions: Italian roads are generally well-maintained. Motorways (autostrade) are excellent, multi-lane highways but are toll roads.
  • ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato): Many historic city centers, including Ravenna, have Low-traffic Places where vehicle access is not allowed. Driving into a ZTL during restricted hours without authorization results in a fine.
  • Parking: In Ravenna's historic center, parking is highly restricted due to ZTLs. Look for blue-lined parking spaces (paid) or underground garages like Parcheggio Piazza Baracca.

Road Conditions & Safety Concerns

  • Motorways: Generally safe and efficient, but tolls apply. Ensure you know how to pay tolls (cash, credit card, or Telepass).
  • Local Roads: Quality varies. Be prepared for narrower roads in rural areas or villages.
  • Driving Style: Italian drivers can be assertive and fast-paced. Defensive driving is recommended.
  • Scooters and Motorcycles: Be highly aware of scooters and motorcycles, especially in urban areas. They often weave through traffic.
  • Maintain a safe distance and anticipate quick maneuvers.
  • Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited except if you use a hands-free system.

Sea/River Arrivals

Port & Ferry Services

While Ravenna is not a main ferry or river cruise destination for general tourism, its port does handle some maritime traffic.

Port Operations

  • Port of Ravenna: Mainly a commercial port, it also serves as a cruise port. It accommodates smaller cruise lines and some river cruises that extend into the Adriatic Sea.
  • Cruise ships dock at Porto Corsini, a short distance from Ravenna city center.
  • No major public ferry services connect Ravenna to other significant destinations across the Adriatic (e.g., Croatia, Greece) as a main passenger hub. These connections are more common from other Italian ports more to the south.

River & Immigration

Within Ravenna city, there is no significant river getting around for tourism, although the city is connected to a network of canals.

Boat Excursions & Procedures

  • Some water tours might be available from the nearby coastal areas into the Po Delta lagoons for nature viewing. These are more for recreational purposes.
  • Immigration Procedures: For international flights arriving via cruise ship or other maritime vessels, standard immigration procedures apply upon disembarkation. These are similar to airport procedures.
  • Passengers will need to present their passports and any needed visa documentation to port authorities.

Port Accessibility

From the Harbor of Ravenna (Porto Corsini cruise terminal), taxis are available. Cruise companies often organize transport buses to connect passengers directly to Ravenna city center or the train station.

Coastal Connection

Closeness to the Adriatic coast means Marina di Ravenna and Lido di Ravenna are popular beach destinations easily reached from the city.

Commercial Hub

The Port of Ravenna remains an important trade hub, linking the city to global trade and helping the region's economy.

Departure Information

Exit Fees or Taxes

Italy does not levy specific exit fees or taxes directly on travelers departing the country. Any applicable airport taxes or charges are typically included in the price of your flight ticket.

Flight Cost Clarity

  • Always confirm all fees are included upon booking your flight.
  • No surprises at the airport regarding additional charges.
  • Your flight price is final with no hidden exit costs.

Departure Procedures & Timing

Knowing exit procedures and timing recommendations can prevent last-minute stress.

Airport Departure from Bologna BLQ or Rimini RMI

  • International Flights (outside Schengen Area): Plan to arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time. This provides ample time for check-in, security screening, and passport control.
  • Domestic or Schengen Flights: Arrive approximately 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • Peak Season/Holidays: During high season (summer) or close to major holidays, allow extra time for all procedures, as airports can be very busy.

Airport/Station Facilities

Bologna BLQ

Bologna Airport possesses several facilities for departing travelers, with duty-free shops, a choice of restaurants and cafes, and waiting areas for those with access.

Rimini RMI

Rimini Airport is smaller, offering basic services like car rental, a taxi rank, and limited food and shopping options.

Ravenna Train Station

Ravenna’s train station (Stazione di Ravenna) has more basic facilities. You will find a ticket office, self-service ticket machines, waiting areas, and a few small shops or cafes.

Final Departure Checks

Double-check your flight or train departure times the day prior to your departure, and confirm any transfers to the airport.