Getting Around Emilia Romagna 2025
Navigate Emilia Romagna like a local with our transportation guide.
Emilia Romagna is Italy's gastronomic heartland, stretching from the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic Sea. Known as the 'Food Valley' for producing Parmigiano-Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar, the region also boasts medieval cities, Ferrari's birthplace, and vibrant beach resorts.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in Emilia Romagna.
Public Transit
Excellent train network connecting all major cities; buses fill the gaps to smaller towns
Taxis
Available in all cities, reasonable rates; itTaxi app recommended
Car Rental
Recommended for Apennine hills, countryside wineries, producer visits, and smaller towns not on rail
Walking
City centers are very walkable; Bologna's porticoes make walking pleasant in all weather year-round
Getting There
How to arrive in Emilia Romagna.
✈️ By Air
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport
Main international airport serving Emilia Romagna with connections to European and international destinations. Over 50 airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa, and Air France.
Federico Fellini International Airport
Seasonal airport serving Rimini and the Adriatic Riviera with charter flights mainly from Northern Europe. Active May-October.
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within Emilia Romagna.
Bologna's historic center is very walkable (flat, covered porticoes); Ferrara is best explored by bicycle; Rimini beach area is bikeable; trains connect all cities within 90 minutes.
Walking in city historic centers
City bus for longer routes within cities
Regional train between cities (best method)
Car for countryside, agriturismo, and smaller towns
🚌 Buses
TPER buses in Bologna and Ferrara, SETA in Modena/Reggio Emilia, START Romagna on the coast; €1.50 per ride, €5 day pass; validate on board
🛺 Local Alternatives
BiciBO electric bike sharing in Bologna (€1/30 min); extensive bike rental in Ferrara (€10/day at station); Rimini has bike paths along the seafront
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Regional trains connect Bologna to Parma (55 min), Modena (20 min), Ferrara (35 min), Ravenna (1h15), Rimini (1h20), Piacenza (45 min), Reggio Emilia (25 min). All under 90 minutes. Trenitalia dominates regional routes.
Long-Distance Buses
Flixbus and Baltour long-distance buses from €5; useful for Adriatic coast towns not on rail
Shared Taxis/Minivans
BlaBlaCar popular for longer routes from €5-15
Domestic Flights
Domestic connections via BLQ airport from €30 to other Italian cities
Private Car/Driver
Private car hire from €60/day plus driver from €100/half day
Driving in Emilia Romagna
Information for self-driving travelers.
Recommended?
Yes
Driving Side
right
License Required
EU license valid; international driving permit recommended for non-EU visitors
Road Conditions
Excellent motorways (A1 Milan-Rome, A14 Adriatic Highway); ZTL restricted zones in all historic city centers—do not enter without permit
Driving Considerations
- Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
- Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
- Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)
Transportation Tips
Essential advice for getting around.
Always validate train/bus tickets before boarding or face fines of €50+ from inspectors
Book Frecciarossa high-speed tickets in advance online (trenitalia.com) for best prices
Bologna Centrale station is the regional hub—use it as your base for day trips
Avoid driving into ZTL restricted zones in Bologna, Modena, Parma, Ferrara—automatic cameras issue fines
The Via Emilia (SS9) is a scenic alternative to the motorway, passing through all major Food Valley cities
Ferrara is Italy's most bicycle-friendly city—rent a bike at the station for €10/day
Rimini's beach strip is flat and bikeable—bike rental from €8/day at any stabilimento
Useful Apps
Trenitalia
Book national and regional train tickets; check real-time delays
Italo
Alternative high-speed train operator for Bologna-Milan and Bologna-Rome routes
itTaxi
Official taxi booking app for all Italian cities including Bologna, Parma, Modena
BlaBlaCar
Budget ridesharing for intercity travel; good for routes not served by train
Google Maps
Best for real-time bus and train routing throughout the region; very accurate
Navigate Emilia Romagna Like a Local
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