Die Fakten, die man zuerst sucht – aus diesem Guide.
From Airport (Bologna Guglielmo Marconi - BLQ)
Download the Trenitalia or Italo Treno app well before you arrive. Buying tickets online in advance is significantly cheaper than purchasing them at the station, and it saves you from queuing at machines that might be busy or malfunctioning.
It consists of two levels: services on the lower level and platforms on the upper level, connected by escalators and panoramic lifts. It’s a modern, open-plan space, so you won't get lost.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the station, though you will need to complete a quick registration process to access it.
The Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana station is located approximately 4 kilometers north of the city center. As a dedicated high-speed hub (Frecciarossa and Italo), it is distinct from the central city station.
From Airport (Bologna Guglielmo Marconi - BLQ) Bologna (BLQ) is the nearest major international airport. There is no direct train; you must connect via Bologna Centrale.
From City Center
By Taxi
Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana is a strikingly modern, linear through-station designed by Santiago Calatrava. Its layout is intentionally straightforward, designed to facilitate quick transfers for high-speed rail passengers. Think of the station as a long, elevated "wave" structure where the entire passenger experience is contained within two distinct, vertically stacked levels.
The station features a simple arrangement of four tracks serving two side platforms on the upper level. These platforms are dedicated exclusively to high-speed trains (Frecciarossa and Italo) traveling along the Milan–Bologna line. Because this is a through-station, trains do not terminate here; they arrive, stop briefly to allow passengers to board or alight, and continue on their journey. There is no confusing maze of terminal dead-ends or distant wings to navigate.
The lower level serves as the station’s ground-floor concourse. This is where you will find the main entrance, ticket offices, self-service kiosks, waiting areas, and connections to local transport, including bus stops and taxi ranks. When navigating the station, remember that all passenger facilities and services are concentrated on this lower level, while the upper level is strictly for boarding and alighting from trains.
To move between levels, the station provides two sets of escalators—one on each side of the concourse—and two central glass elevators. Because the station is a single, linear structure, the walk between any two points is direct and intuitive. Even with luggage, you can comfortably navigate from the main entrance to your platform in just a few minutes.
The most common point of confusion for first-time visitors is the station’s location relative to the city. It is situated approximately four kilometers outside the historic center of Reggio Emilia. If your ticket is for a regional train, please note that those services operate from the city’s central station (Reggio Emilia FS), not this high-speed hub. Always double-check your departure station before heading out. Once you arrive at Mediopadana, the minimalist design makes it nearly impossible to get lost; simply follow the clear signage to the central escalators or elevators to reach your platform on the upper level.
Navigating the Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana station is a breeze if you know how this futuristic hub functions. I wish someone had told me these tips before my first trip!
The station is an architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. Its structure is a pristine white, undulating wave-like form made of steel and glass, resembling sails. This design makes it one of the most recognizable stations in Italy and a key highlight for visitors.
This is a specialized station exclusively for high-speed trains. It serves the Frecciarossa and Italo high-speed services on the Milan-Bologna line. Regional commuter trains do not stop here; for those, you must use the city's central station located in the historic center.
The station is open daily from early morning, around 05:30, until the arrival of the last train, around 00:30. The elevators providing access to the platforms observe specific hours, operating from 05:10 to 00:00.
Yes, the station is equipped for passengers with reduced mobility. Assistance services are provided via the RFI's Sala Blu. This service must be booked in advance, ideally up to 12 hours before travel, via the RFI website or in person at a Sala Blu office. Accessible toilets and parking are available.
The station is located approximately 4 kilometers from the historic city center. The most budget-friendly option is to use local public buses, specifically Line 5 or Line M, which connect the station to the central areas of the city.
The station has a total of 2 platforms (binari) for passenger trains. The building is a single linear structure. Passengers use escalators and elevators to reach the upper-level platforms. Barrier-free access to platforms 1 and 4 is provided via elevators, which also have tactile guidance paths.
Through station serving Reggio Emilia, Italy. Opened in 2013, this high-speed rail facility is the only intermediate stop on the high-speed line between Milan and Bologna. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, the station is an architectural landmark characterized by its 457 steel portals that create a distinct, wave-like aesthetic. It serves as a specialized transit point exclusively for high-speed services, such as Frecciarossa and Italo trains; it does not accommodate regional commuter services, which utilize the city's separate central station.
First-time travelers often worry about navigating large European hubs, but Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana features a straightforward, linear layout. The station consists of two levels: a ground floor for passenger services, ticketing, and amenities, and an upper level for the tracks and platforms. Access between these levels is managed via elevators and escalators. Because this is a specialized high-speed station, the environment is generally less complex than major city terminals.
To ensure a smooth experience, allow extra time for your arrival, as platforms are elevated and partially open. Electronic displays are clearly visible, and signage is well-maintained. As with many high-speed hubs in Italy, track assignments are typically finalized 30 to 60 minutes before departure, so monitor the main boards upon arrival. With its simple design and intuitive flow, the station is accessible and efficient for all travelers.
