Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) to Ravenna is by train, involving a short transfer in Bologna city center. The total journey takes 1 hour 40 minutes to 2.5 hours and costs between â¬15 and â¬25 per person. The cheapest option is the direct bus at around â¬10-â¬15, while a taxi is the fastest door-to-door option but costs â¬150-â¬200.
By Train from Bologna Airport to Ravenna (Step-by-Step)
Taking the train is the most efficient and scenic public transport option. It requires one easy transfer at Bologna's main railway station. Hereâs a detailed breakdown of the process, costs, and what to expect.
Total Journey Time: 1h 40min - 2h 15min | Estimated Cost: â¬15 - â¬25 per person.
Step 1: Airport to Bologna Centrale Station
You have two reliable options to cover the 8km from the airport to the city's central station:
- Marconi Express Monorail (Recommended): This dedicated service is the fastest link, taking just 7 minutes. It runs every 7-15 minutes from 5:40 AM to 12:00 AM.
- Cost: â¬11 one-way, â¬20 round-trip. Tickets can be bought at airport kiosks, online, or via their official app.
- Drop-off: It terminates directly inside Bologna Centrale station, making the transfer seamless.
- Shuttle Bus (BLQ Bus): A cheaper, slower alternative operated by TPER.
- Cost: â¬6 one-way. Buy from the driver or at TPER ticket machines.
- Journey Time: 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
- Drop-off: At the bus terminal outside the station, requiring a short walk inside.
Step 2: Bologna Centrale to Ravenna by Regional Train
Inside Bologna Centrale, follow signs for "Treni". Trains to Ravenna are regional (Regionale or Regionale Veloce) operated by Trenitalia. They depart frequently, typically 1-2 times per hour.
- Journey Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Ticket Cost: â¬8.40 - â¬12.50 one-way. Prices are fixed, but booking in advance on the Trenitalia website does not yield savings for regional trains.
- Where to Buy: Use the red Trenitalia self-service machines or the ticket office in the main hall. Validate your paper ticket in the green or yellow stamping machines before boarding.
- The Ride: The route passes through the flat Emilia-Romagna plains. Trains have standard seating and overhead luggage racks. There is no assigned seating.
Key Considerations & Pro Tips
- Luggage: Manageable, but the transfer at Bologna Centrale involves walking and possibly stairs. For heavy bags, consider using the left luggage service at Bologna Centrale if you have a long wait, or look into the Italian luggage forwarding service, Bagagliò.
- Total Timing: Always allow a minimum 30-minute buffer between your Marconi Express arrival and your train departure to account for ticket purchase and finding the correct platform.
- Weekend & Holiday Travel: Check for revised schedules, especially on Sundays and national holidays, as service can be less frequent.
By Direct Bus from Bologna Airport to Ravenna (The Budget Choice)
For travelers prioritizing cost over speed and willing to forgo the train experience, a direct bus is an excellent alternative. It eliminates the transfer in Bologna, offering a simpler, point-to-point journey.
Operators & Routes
Two primary private companies serve this route:
- Shuttle Italy: Offers scheduled services connecting BLQ directly to Ravenna's city center and train station area.
- Bonelli Bus: Another reliable operator with similar routes and pricing.
Important: These are not frequent public buses. They have specific, limited departure times per day, making advance booking essential.
Journey Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Journey Time | 1 hour 45 minutes - 2 hours 15 minutes |
| One-Way Fare | â¬10 - â¬15 (Online advance fares are cheapest) |
| Departure Point at BLQ | Designated bus bays outside the arrivals hall. |
| Arrival Point in Ravenna | Typically at the Ravenna Train Station (Piazzale Farini) or a central stop like Via Trieste. |
| Frequency | 3-5 departures per day; more limited on weekends. |
| Luggage Allowance | Usually one suitcase and one carry-on per passenger. Confirm with the operator when booking. |
Who Should Take the Bus?
- Budget Travelers: It's consistently the lowest-cost motorized option.
- Those with Heavy Luggage: No transfers mean you only load/unload your bags once.
- Travelers Arriving During Off-Peak Hours: If your flight lands conveniently near a bus departure time, it can be more straightforward than the train.
Drawback: Travel time is subject to road traffic, especially during peak hours on the A14 motorway.
By Taxi or Private Transfer (Door-to-Door Convenience)
This is the most expensive option by a significant margin, reserved for specific circumstances where convenience, time, or necessity outweighs cost.
Cost & Practicalities
- Official Taxi Fare: A metered taxi from Bologna Airport to Ravenna will cost between â¬150 and â¬200 for the ~80km journey. The final price depends on traffic, time of day (surcharges apply at night, on Sundays/holidays), and the exact destination in Ravenna.
- Private Transfer: Pre-booked services (found via platforms like Welcome Pickups, Suntransfers, or local companies) offer fixed, agreed-upon prices in the same range. A driver will meet you in arrivals with a name sign.
- Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
- Where to Find: Official taxi ranks are located directly outside the arrivals terminal. For private transfers, your driver will specify a meeting point.
When Does a Taxi Make Sense?
Consider this option only in these scenarios:
- Late-Night/Early-Morning Arrivals: When public transport (last trains/buses ~midnight) is not operating.
- Small Groups (3-4 people): Splitting the fare can make it comparable to or even cheaper than multiple train/bus tickets.
- Travelers with Significant Mobility Issues or Excessive Luggage: The door-to-door service is invaluable.
- Urgent Business Travel: When time is the absolute priority and you need to work or rest during the transit.
Warning: Always ensure you use the official taxi queue or a reputable pre-booked service. Avoid unlicensed drivers soliciting inside the terminal.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: Finding Your Best Option
This table summarizes all key data to help you decide at a glance.
| Transport Method | Total Journey Time | Estimated Cost (One-Way) | Transfers | Best For | Book in Advance? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (via Marconi Express) | 1h 40min - 2h 15min | â¬15 - â¬25 | 1 (Airport->Bologna Centrale) | Most travelers, efficiency, scenery | Monorail: Optional. Train: Not needed. |
| Direct Bus | 1h 45min - 2h 15min | â¬10 - â¬15 | 0 (Direct) | Budget travelers, heavy luggage | Essential (limited schedules) |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | 1h - 1h 15min | â¬150 - â¬200 | 0 (Direct) | Groups, late arrivals, special needs | Highly recommended (fixed price/availability) |
Verdict: For a balance of cost, speed, and experience, the train is the recommended choice. For the absolute lowest price, take the direct bus.
Traveler Experience & Insider Tips
Beyond schedules and tickets, hereâs practical advice from seasoned travelers to make your journey smoother.
Mastering the Bologna Centrale Transfer
This is the only potentially stressful part of the train journey. Bologna Centrale is a large, busy station.
- Follow Signs: From the Marconi Express platform, follow clear signs for the main station concourse ("Stazione").
- Find Your Train: Use the large departure boards ("Partenze"). Look for trains to "Ravenna". The platform ("Binario") is usually announced 15-20 minutes before departure.
- Validate Your Ticket: If you have a paper ticket for the Ravenna leg, find the green/yellow validation machines before going to the platform. Fines for unvalidated tickets are steep.
Luggage Strategy
- Packing Light is Key: The easier your bags are to carry, the smoother your transfer will be.
- Left Luggage at Bologna Centrale: If you have a long layover, consider storing bags at the "Deposito Bagagli" (Left Luggage office). This allows you to explore Bologna city center unencumbered.
- Luggage Forwarding Services: For a hassle-free experience, services like Bagagliò can send your suitcase directly from the airport to your Ravenna hotel, allowing you to travel with just a daypack.
Seasonal & Event Considerations
- Summer & Ravenna Festival: Ravenna is a major cultural destination. In summer (especially during the Ravenna Festival), book bus seats and accommodation well in advance.
- Weekends: Public transport, especially buses, may run on reduced schedules on Saturdays and Sundays. Always double-check times for your specific travel date.
FAQs: Bologna Airport to Ravenna Travel
Is there a direct train from Bologna Airport to Ravenna?
No, there is no direct train from Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) to Ravenna. You must first take the 'Marconi Express' monorail or a shuttle bus to Bologna Centrale, the city's main railway station, and then transfer to a regional train to Ravenna.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bologna Airport to Ravenna?
The cheapest way is by bus. The 'Shuttle Italy' or 'Bonelli Bus' services offer direct connections for approximately â¬10-15 one-way. While slower than the train (about 1h 45min - 2h), it avoids the cost and hassle of the airport-to-station transfer in Bologna.
How long does the train journey from Bologna Airport to Ravenna take?
The total journey takes between 1 hour 40 minutes and 2 hours 15 minutes. This includes: 7 minutes on the Marconi Express monorail, a short walk/transfer in Bologna Centrale, and a 1 hour 15 minute to 1 hour 40 minute regional train ride to Ravenna. Always allow extra time for buying tickets and finding your platform.
What should I do if I arrive at Bologna Airport late at night?
Late-night options are limited. The last Marconi Express monorail runs around midnight, and the last train to Ravenna typically departs before 11 PM. Your only reliable options are a pre-booked taxi (â¬150-â¬200) or a private transfer (similar cost). We strongly advise booking these in advance for late arrivals.
Is a taxi from Bologna Airport to Ravenna a good idea?
For most solo travelers or couples, a taxi is not cost-effective (â¬150-â¬200). However, it can be a reasonable choice for groups of 3-4 people splitting the fare, travelers with a lot of luggage, those with mobility issues, or for very late-night arrivals when public transport has stopped.
Where do I buy train tickets from Bologna Airport to Ravenna?
You need two separate tickets. 1) Buy your Marconi Express ticket at the airport station via machines, ticket office, or their official app. 2) Buy your Bologna Centrale to Ravenna regional train ticket at the Trenitalia machines or counter inside Bologna Centrale station. You cannot buy a through ticket from the airport.
Is the journey from Bologna Airport to Ravenna suitable for families with children?
Yes, the train journey is family-friendly. Regional trains have space for strollers. The main challenge is the transfer at Bologna Centrale, which involves walking and potentially stairs/escalators. Consider traveling light or using a backpack. The direct bus can be simpler as there's no transfer, but check luggage space.
Can I use a Eurail or Italy Pass for the journey to Ravenna?
Your rail pass covers the regional train from Bologna Centrale to Ravenna. However, it does NOT cover the Marconi Express monorail from the airport to Bologna Centrale. You must purchase a separate ticket for the monorail (approx. â¬11). Show your pass when required on the regional train.