Ravenna

How to Get to Ravenna

Ravenna is best reached via Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), which serves as the primary international gateway.

From Airport (Bologna BLQ)

• Step 1 (Airport to City): Take the Marconi Express monorail from the airport to Bologna Centrale train station. The journey takes 7 minutes and costs €12.80. Tickets are available at station kiosks (English option available, accepts credit cards).
• Step 2 (Bologna to Ravenna): From Bologna Centrale, take a Regionale train to Ravenna. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs roughly €10–€12.
• Important: Validate your paper train ticket in the green/yellow machines on the platform before boarding if it does not have a specific travel time printed on it. Digital tickets purchased via the Trenitalia app do not require validation.

From City Center

• Walking: Ravenna’s historic center is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Most UNESCO mosaic sites are within a 10–15 minute walk from each other.
• Local Bus: The Start Romagna bus network connects the train station to the wider city and coastal areas. Tickets can be purchased at newsstands (edicole), tobacco shops (tabaccherie), or via the StarTap system (contactless payment directly on the bus—1 credit card per passenger).

By Taxi/Car

• Taxi: A private transfer or taxi from Bologna Airport to Ravenna takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay between €120 and €160.
• Driving: If renting a car, note that Ravenna’s historic core is a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) where unauthorized vehicle access is prohibited and monitored by cameras. Park in designated lots outside the city walls to avoid heavy fines.

Platform Guide & Layout

Ravenna railway station is a straightforward, manageable facility that serves as the gateway to the city’s famous mosaic-filled historic center. Unlike sprawling metropolitan hubs, this station features a single-level layout with nine passenger tracks, making it very easy to navigate for first-time visitors. Think of the station as a linear arrangement: you enter the main building at Piazzale Farini, and all passenger platforms are accessed via a central underpass that runs perpendicular to the tracks.

Because the station is a through-station on the Ferrara–Rimini line, as well as a terminus for local lines to Faenza and Bologna, train departures can vary. Most regional and intercity trains serving the "Romagna mosaic city" use the main platforms (numbered 1 through 7, plus specific "Nord" designations for certain tracks). There is no complex upper or lower level to worry about; all tracks are accessible from the same ground-level underpass.

For a first-time visitor, the most important navigation tip is to look for the digital monitors in the main hall immediately upon arrival. These will confirm your specific platform number, as platform assignments can occasionally change. If you have heavy luggage, note that the station has undergone recent accessibility upgrades, including the installation of three new elevators that connect the station entrance to the platform level. These are operational from 04:30 until midnight.

The station is compact; you can comfortably walk from the main entrance to the furthest platform in about 3–5 minutes, even with luggage. The main point of potential confusion for newcomers is the numbering of the "Nord" tracks—such as 1 Nord and 2 Nord—which are simply extensions or specifically designated sections of the main platforms. Always double-check the platform display boards, as they are your most reliable source of real-time information. Once you head through the underpass, you will emerge directly onto the platform, where you can easily spot your train. With its human-scale layout and clear signage, you will find navigating Ravenna station to be a simple, stress-free part of your journey through the Emilia-Romagna region.

Traveling to Ravenna to see those incredible mosaics? It’s a beautiful experience, but I wish someone had told me a few things to make the transit smoother. Don’t worry, but do prepare—it will save you a lot of stress.

Before You Arrive

• Download the Trenitalia app: This is the easiest way to manage your tickets and check real-time updates. Avoid the stress of searching for a machine upon arrival by booking your regional tickets in advance.
• Book online when possible: Buying your tickets online (via the Trenitalia app or website) means you have a digital copy ready to show the conductor. It saves you from standing in queues at the station, especially during peak tourist times.
• Expect a manageable station: Ravenna station is fairly straightforward compared to massive hubs like Rome or Milan. You won’t need hours to navigate it, but having your travel details pre-loaded on your phone is still the best strategy.

At the Station

• WiFi and Facilities: The station provides free WiFi. There are toilets available for a fee of €1 (keep some coins handy, as they may not accept cards).
• Accessibility: Following recent upgrades, the station is well-equipped with elevators if you are traveling with heavy luggage.
• Food: Skip the expensive station kiosks for a full meal. You are just a short, pleasant walk from the historic city center where you can find authentic local food like piadina.

Common Mistakes

• The Validation Trap: This is the biggest mistake travelers make. If you buy a paper ticket at a machine or window, you must validate it in the small green or yellow machines before boarding. If you don't, you face a hefty fine on the train, even with a valid ticket. (Note: Online tickets usually don't need this, but always check your ticket's instructions).
• Platform Changes: Don't rely on information screens two hours early. Platforms in Italy can change with little notice. Check the boards again 20–30 minutes before your departure to ensure you’re waiting in the right spot.
• Payment Methods: Older ticket machines often reject non-chip cards or certain foreign credit cards. Always carry some cash as a backup for ticket machines.

Through station serving Ravenna, Italy. Originally opened in 1863, the station underwent significant modern redevelopment, completed in December 2025, which enhanced both its architectural brick facade and passenger accessibility. It serves as a central hub for regional and local trains, connecting travelers to major regional cities like Bologna, Ferrara, and Rimini. While the station handles approximately 2 million passengers annually, it remains a manageable size for those unfamiliar with European rail travel.

Is this station huge and confusing? Not at all. With its straightforward layout, it is significantly less intimidating than the massive hubs found in larger European capitals. The station is well-signposted with clear, English-friendly digital displays for arrivals and departures. Following recent upgrades, the facility features modern amenities, including elevators and tactile pathways, ensuring a comfortable experience for all travelers.

To ensure a smooth journey, keep in mind that platform assignments for regional trains can occasionally change 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Always verify your train's platform on the overhead monitors once you arrive at the station. Allow yourself a little extra time to navigate the concourse, especially if you are traveling during peak summer months when tourist interest in the city's mosaics is at its highest.