Ravenna is a straightforward city to visit: compact, walkable, and well-connected by train to Bologna, Ferrara, and Rimini. Most visitors come on a day trip from Bologna or as part of an Emilia-Romagna road trip, but staying 2 to 3 nights allows you to see all mosaics at a relaxed pace, visit the beaches, and enjoy the evening atmosphere. This guide covers all practical details: how to get here, how to get around, what to eat, what to pack, and answers to common questions. See our weather by month guide for more details. See our best time to visit guide for more details. See our where to stay guide for more details. For a complete overview, see our Ravenna travel guide.
Getting to Ravenna: Airports, Trains, and Driving
- By air: Closest airport is Bologna Guglielmo Marconi (BLQ), 80km west (roughly 1 hour by car). Rimini Federico Fellini Airport (RMI) is 55km south (45 minutes by car). From Bologna Airport, take Marconi Express monorail to Bologna Centrale (11 minutes, 11 euros), then regional train to Ravenna (1 hour, 7.60 euros). From Rimini Airport, bus 9 to Rimini station, then train to Ravenna (1 hour, 5.60 euros). Both airports serve Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet.
- By train: Ravenna station on Bologna-Rimini regional line. Direct trains from Bologna Centrale take 1 hour (7.60 euros), from Ferrara 1 hour 10 minutes (6.00 euros), from Rimini 1 hour (5.60 euros). No high-speed service; change at Bologna for Frecciarossa connections to Milan, Florence, Rome, and Venice. Station is 10-minute walk from Piazza del Popolo.
- By car: Ravenna is on the SS16 Adriatica highway. From Bologna, take A14 motorway to Ravenna exit (roughly 1 hour). From Venice, take SS309 Romea coastal road (2 hours 30 minutes). Park at large lot on Via Giuseppe Mazzini near station (1 euro per hour, 5 euros per day) or Piazza Della Resistenza underground car park. Centro Storico is ZTL (limited traffic zone).
- By bus: FlixBus runs services to Ravenna from major Italian cities. Bus stop at Piazzale Farini outside railway station. Regional bus 70 to Marina di Ravenna (15 minutes, 1.50 euros), bus 4 to Classe (15 minutes, 1.50 euros).
Getting Around Ravenna
Ravenna is a walking city. The Centro Storico is mostly pedestrianised and flat; all five city-centre UNESCO sites are within 10-minute walk of each other. For Basilica of Sant Apollinare in Classe (5km south), take bus 4 from station (15 minutes, 1.50 euros each way). For beaches, bus 70 to Marina di Ravenna (15 minutes) or bus 80 to Punta Marina (20 to 25 minutes). Tickets cost 1.50 euros, valid 75 minutes; buy at tabaccherie or START Romagna app. Taxis available at station rank; trip to Marina di Ravenna costs roughly 15 to 18 euros. Bicycle rental popular: several shops near station rent bikes for roughly 10 euros per day. City is flat and pine forest trails make cycling pleasant way to reach beaches.
What to Eat in Ravenna
- Piadina Romagnola: Quintessential street food of Romagna. Thin flatbread grilled on hot plate, filled with prosciutto crudo, squacquerone cheese, and rocket. Costs 4 to 7 euros at a piadineria. Try Piadineria del Borgo on Via Corrado Ricci.
- Cappelletti: Small hat-shaped pasta filled with ricotta, Parmesan, and nutmeg, served in rich meat broth. Signature first course of Romagna. 10 to 14 euros at a trattoria. Try Trattoria La Rustica on Via Maggiore.
- Passatelli: Thick noodles from breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, and nutmeg, served in broth or with butter and sage. Roughly 10 to 12 euros.
- Grigliata di Pesce: Mixed grilled fish platter featuring Adriatic seafood: prawns, squid, sea bass, sardines. At beach restaurants in Marina di Ravenna, generous platter for two costs 30 to 40 euros. Try Ristorante Al 18 on Viale delle Nazioni.
- Sangiovese di Romagna: Local red wine, medium-bodied with cherry notes. Carafe in trattoria 5 to 8 euros.
- Ciambella Romagnola: Simple ring-shaped cake flavoured with lemon zest, traditionally dunked in red wine. Roughly 3 euros per slice at bakeries.
Practical Tips for Visiting Ravenna
- Combined mosaic ticket: Buy the 10.50 euros combined ticket at first monument you visit. Covers San Vitale, Galla Placidia, Sant Apollinare Nuovo, Baptistery of Neon, and Archbishop Museum. Valid 7 days. Mausoleum of Theodoric costs 4 euros extra. Sant Apollinare in Classe covered by same combined ticket.
- Best time of day for mosaics: For best natural light, visit San Vitale and Galla Placidia between 10:00 and 12:00 when sun streams through alabaster windows. Mosaics look different at different times of day; revisit if you have multi-day ticket.
- Dress code: Basilicas are active Catholic churches. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Carry light scarf or shawl in summer.
- One day in Ravenna: Focus on five city-centre UNESCO sites. Buy combined ticket, visit San Vitale and Galla Placidia first, then Sant Apollinare Nuovo, Baptistery of Neon, and Archbishop Museum. Lunch at piadineria, visit Dante Tomb, evening aperitivo in Piazza del Popolo. Total walking roughly 3km.
- Two days in Ravenna: Add Mausoleum of Theodoric in morning, then bus 4 to Classe for Sant Apollinare in Classe and Classis Museum (3 to 4 hours including transport). Second afternoon at Marina di Ravenna beach if warm.
- Tipping: Not expected in Italy. Service charge (coperto) of 1 to 3 euros per person included on restaurant bills. Rounding up to nearest euro for coffee or taxi appreciated but not required.
- Tap water: Safe to drink throughout Ravenna. Water is hard but perfectly safe. Carry refillable bottle; public water fountains (nasone) in Piazza del Popolo and near station.
- Language: Italian primary. Museum staff and hotel receptionists speak English in historic centre. In smaller restaurants and beach areas, English less common. Learn basic Italian phrases.
- Safety: Very safe city. Standard precautions for pickpockets in crowded areas (train station, busy museums) apply. Violent crime extremely rare. Beach areas well-lit and safe at night.
- WiFi: Free WiFi in Piazza del Popolo and at most hotels and cafes. Municipality operates EmiliaRomagnaWiFi; register once and use across region.
- Best souvenirs: Mosaic art pieces from shops around San Vitale (small framed mosaics from 15 euros), local Sangiovese wine, artisanal balsamic vinegar from nearby Modena, hand-printed Romagna tablecloths.
Suggested Hotels in Ravenna
Palazzo Bezzi
A 4-star boutique hotel in a restored 17th-century palace, directly opposite Sant Apollinare Nuovo. Rooms combine historic architecture with modern Italian design. Rooftop terrace with panoramic city views. Best for couples and travelers wanting central, characterful base. Check rates and availability
Hotel Centrale Byron
A 3-star family-run hotel 3-minute walk from Piazza del Popolo. Clean, classic Italian rooms with helpful owners who know every restaurant in town. Breakfast includes homemade piadina and local pastries. Best for first-time visitors seeking mid-range, personal experience. Check rates and availability
B&B Hotel Ravenna
A budget chain hotel with modern, functional rooms about 15-minute walk from centre. Free WiFi, air conditioning, and underground parking. Best for budget-conscious travelers and those arriving by car. Check rates and availability
