Getting to Ravenna in Italy is easy by car or public transportation (very cheap local trains) for day trips from Bologna and Ferrara, or stopovers from Venice. Cheap accommodation makes sleeping over in Ravenna a good alternative to nearby cities and resorts.
Ravenna is famous for its eight UNESCO World Cultural Heritage-listed sights with Byzantine mosaics and monuments from Late Antiquity. It is an interesting town to visit with further sights related to Dante. Getting to Ravenna is easy by car or by train — change to the local train at either Ferrara or Bologna. Only local trains, which are both cheap and comfortable, operate on the railways to Bologna. Travelers in a rush often treat Ravenna as a quick stopover but few would regret staying overnight in this pleasant town.
Travel by Car to Ravenna
The Italian town of Ravenna is located near the Adriatic Sea coastline of Emilia-Romagna, not far from Bologna, San Marino, and Rimini. In Roman times, the nearby port of Classe was of major importance but currently, roads in this area are mostly quiet, yet not so remote that driving here is slow or challenging.
Driving to Ravenna from Bologna, Ferrara, San Marino, or Rimini takes around an hour. Busy travelers often see the famous Byzantine mosaics on a stopover between larger cities but cheap accommodation means it is also a good option to spend the night in this pleasant town.
The old town center of Ravenna is compact. If on a day trip, simply park at the edge of the old town, such as behind San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placida, and explore the center and top sights on foot. The Mausoleum of Theodoric is a bit out of the center while it is worth driving to nearby Classe to see the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare.
Public Transportation to Ravenna
It is easy to reach Ravenna on public transportation. Local trains are the most sensible way but cheap long-distance bus services are also available.
Travel to Ravenna by Train
For most travelers to Ravenna, the most important train services are the trains from either Bologna Centrale or Ferrara. There is roughly a train from either station each hour with the trains taking just over an hour. Both services are on regional trains only, meaning second class only, no seat reservations required (or possible), and no need to buy tickets much in advance of travel. Tickets are cheap — less than €10 one-way. (Always buy Italian train tickets and validate if necessary before boarding trains.)
For most travelers from other parts of Italy, the logical change is at Bologna Centrale station when traveling to Ravenna.
However, when traveling from the northeast, such as from Venice, Verona, or Padua, changing at Ferrara is usually faster (and almost always cheaper). While railway apps often recommend high-speed trains from Venice to Ferrara or even Bologna, regional trains are hardly slower on this route but a fraction of the price and do not require reservations.
Regional trains on the services to either Bologna or Ferrara are generally on modern trains with air conditioning, ample space for luggage, toilets, and sufficient seats.
All major sights in Ravenna are within easy walking distance from the train station, except the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe. If only stopping over in Ravenna, book luggage storage in advance. The bicycle rental shop directly outside the station is convenient but has only a few lockers. Hotels in Ravenna are often far cheaper than in nearby cities or resort towns.
By Flixbus to Ravenna
Flixbus often has very good deals for intercity travel in Italy and Europe. However, the services are limited to a few times per day and often not the most convenient times for leisure travelers. Also, double-check the bus stations used — some are next to highways far outside towns and not convenient for town centers.
More Articles on Ravenna, Italy
Time-slot reservations are currently essential to see the Mausoleum of Galla Placida and the Neonian Baptistry in Ravenna. This is easiest done when buying the tickets online.
- Top Sights to See in Ravenna
- UNESCO-Listed Sites in Ravenna
- Visiting UNESCO-Listed Sites in Ravenna – Opening Hours and Tickets
- Neonian Baptistery & Archbishop’s Chapel
- Arian Baptistery
- Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
- Basilica of San Vitale
- Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
- Mausoleum of Theodoric
- Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe
- National Museum of Ravenna
- Transportation to Ravenna. Book luggage storage online for stopovers or check cheap hotel prices.
Book Guided tours of Ravenna — tours are generally three hours. For tours not including admission fees, around €12 per person must be added. Small groups and families may find better value in private tours.