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How to Get to Verona

How to Get to Verona

Verona The Veneto, Italy Travel Guide

Air Travel

Main Airports & Carriers

Verona's main airport and nearby alternatives.

Airport Overview

  • Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN) - Valerio Catullo Airport: Main airport, ~12 km (7.5 miles) southwest of city center.
  • Other nearby airports: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) serve as alternatives, often with more international connections.
  • Airlines VRN: Served by low-cost carriers (Ryanair, Wizz Air, Volotea, EasyJet) and flag carriers (Lufthansa, British Airways, Air Dolomiti).

Routes & Seasons

Direct flights and price fluctuations.

Flight Details

  • Typical Routes: Flights mainly connect Verona to major European cities like London, Munich, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, and Barcelona.
  • Global Hubs: Direct intercontinental flights are rare. Most travelers connect through major European hubs (London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Rome, Milan).
  • Seasonal Prices: Summer (June-August) has highest demand and prices (Opera Festival). Shoulder seasons (April-May, Sep-Oct) have moderate prices. Low season (Nov-March) has lowest prices, fewer direct flights.

Airport Facilities

Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN) has car rental services, duty-free shops, cafes, restaurants, currency exchange, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi.

Aerobus Transfer

The ATV Airlink shuttle bus connects VRN to Verona Porta Nuova train station. It departs every 20 minutes, taking ~15 mins. A ticket costs €7.00. This is the most straightforward and cost-effective option.

Taxi & Car Rental

Taxis are available outside the terminal (~€20-€30 to city center). Car rental agencies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, and Enterprise have counters at the airport.

Flight Booking & Travel Services

Flight Comparison & Deals

Ground Transport & Insurance

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Verona Porta Nuova is a major railway hub.

Train Services

  • High-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo): Give direct connections to major cities like Milan (~1h15m), Venice (~1h10m), Bologna (~55m), Florence (~1h40m), and Rome (~3h).
  • Regional trains: Connect Verona to smaller towns throughout the Veneto and Lombardy regions, including Lake Garda towns, Vicenza, and Padua.
  • Booking: Trenitalia (state operator) and Italo (private operator) manage train services. Booking in advance for high-speed trains is recommended for better prices.

Bus Services

Long-distance and regional bus options.

Bus Options

  • FlixBus: Has connections to various Italian and European cities from Verona Porta Nuova bus station. These services often present a cheaper alternative to trains, but journey times are longer.
  • ATV (Azienda Trasporti Verona): Operates regional bus lines. These connect Verona with smaller towns and the Lake Garda area.
  • Border Crossing: Italy is part of the Schengen Area. Land borders with neighboring Schengen countries like Austria, Switzerland, France, and Slovenia generally do not have routine passport checks. You can cross these borders freely.

Self-Driving Considerations

Understand self-driving requirements for Verona and Italy.

Info

  • Requirements: You need a valid driving license. Non-EU citizens often need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in conjunction with their national license.
  • A credit card in the main driver's name is needed for the deposit.
  • Book your car in advance, especially during peak season. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before driving.

Road Conditions & ZTL

Important driving laws and traffic zones in Verona.

Driving Guidelines

  • Driving Laws: Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Headlights must remain on outside urban areas.
  • Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90-110 km/h on main roads, and 130 km/h on autostrade (motorways).
  • ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato): Verona's historic center has restricted traffic zones. Non-authorized vehicles entering these zones during operating hours will receive fines. Hotels located within ZTL areas can often register your license plate for temporary access. Parking for visitors is typically outside the ZTL.

Road Safety Concerns

  • Italian drivers can be assertive. Maintain defensive driving habits.
  • Be aware of scooters and motorcycles, especially in city traffic.
  • Roads in Italy are generally safe and well-maintained. Roundabouts are common.
  • Toll roads (autostrade) are common for intercity travel; payment is by cash, credit card, or Telepass.
  • Use parking garages located outside the ZTL for visitors (e.g., Parcheggio Cittadella, Parcheggio Arena, Parcheggio Centro).
  • Sea/River Arrivals: Verona's inland location means direct sea or river arrivals are not applicable. Nearest major cruise port is Venice.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Prepare for your departure from Verona by understanding exit procedures and airport/station facilities.

Timing Recommendations

  • Airport (VRN): Arrive at least 2 hours before a Schengen flight. For non-Schengen flights (rare from VRN), allow 3 hours.
  • Train Station: Arrive 15-20 minutes before your train's departure. High-speed trains depart promptly.
  • Bus Station: Arrive 15-20 minutes before your bus departure.

Exit Fees & Facilities

Understand any fees and available services for departing travelers.

Fees & Services

  • Exit Fees or Taxes: Italy or Verona do not levy specific departure taxes or exit fees when you leave. Airport taxes are typically included in your airfare.
  • Airport Facilities: VRN has check-in counters, security screening, duty-free shops, cafes, restaurants, lounges, and restrooms for departing travelers.
  • Train Station Facilities: Verona Porta Nuova train station has ticket offices, waiting rooms, shops, cafes, restrooms, and luggage storage facilities.

Smooth Airport Exit

Allow ample time before your flight, especially for international departures, to navigate check-in and security.

Train Punctuality

Trains in Italy are generally punctual. Arrive a bit early to locate your platform and carriage.

Onward Journey

Confirm any onward travel details and connections, especially if traveling to non-Schengen destinations or other Italian cities.

Sea/River Arrivals

Verona's Inland Status

Verona's inland location means direct sea or river arrivals are not applicable.

No Direct Sea/River Access

  • Verona is an inland city. It does not have a direct sea or river cruise port for arrival.
  • No commercial river boat services operate for arrival or departure from other cities on the Adige River.
  • Some tourist boat tours on the Adige may be available seasonally within the city itself.

Connections from Ports

If arriving by sea at a nearby port, onward travel by land is needed.

From Venice Cruise Port

  • The nearest major cruise port is Venice (Marittima or San Basilio).
  • From Venice cruise ports, shuttle buses or vaporetto (water bus) services connect to Venice Santa Lucia train station.
  • From Venice Santa Lucia, trains run regularly to Verona.

Immigration at Seaports

Not Applicable for Verona

Immigration procedures at seaports do not apply for direct arrival in Verona, as it is an inland city.

Venice Port Entry

For cruise passengers arriving in Venice, immigration procedures are handled at the Venice port itself.

Schengen Area Entry

As part of the Schengen Area, once you clear immigration at your first entry point, you can travel freely to Verona.

Travel Planning Tip

For flexibility, a rental car is useful for exploring beyond the city center, but be mindful of ZTLs in urban areas.