How to get to Cremona: train, plane, car and bus

How to get to Cremona

Cremona, the city of Stradivari and nougat, set on the left bank of the Po in the heart of the Po Valley, is one of Lombardy's hidden gems. Well connected to northern Italy's major cities, it is easily reached by train, car or bus.

Getting there by train

Cremona station is a regional railway hub served by Trenord. From Milan Centrale, regional trains reach Cremona in about 1 hour and 20 minutes with direct services on the Milan-Cremona-Mantua line. Frequency is good, with trains every 30-60 minutes during peak hours.

From Brescia, the train takes about 1 hour. From Parma, the Parma-Brescia line passes through Cremona in about 50 minutes. From Piacenza, there is a direct connection taking about 40 minutes. From Mantua, regional trains take about 1 hour.

From Bologna, the journey takes about 2 hours with a change at Parma or Piacenza. From Rome, you arrive in about 4 hours with a Frecciarossa to Milan and then a regional train to Cremona.

Practical tips

• The station is 10 minutes' walk from Piazza del Comune and the Torrazzo
• Trenord tickets can be bought online, at the station or via the app
• The Cremona-Mantua line is scenic, crossing the Po Valley countryside

Getting there by plane

Cremona does not have an airport but is well served by Lombardy's airports. Milan Linate Airport (LIN) is the most convenient, about 90 km away. From Linate, the shuttle bus reaches Milan Centrale in about 25 minutes, then a regional train to Cremona.

Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) is about 80 km away, with many European low-cost flights. From Bergamo, the shuttle bus reaches the railway station, then continue to Cremona via Treviglio or Milan.

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is further, about 150 km, but offers the most intercontinental flights. The Malpensa Express reaches Milan Centrale in about 50 minutes.

Parma Airport (PMF) is just 60 km away but has limited flights.

Getting there by car

Cremona is reached from the A21 motorway (Turin-Piacenza-Brescia), exit Cremona. From Milan, the fastest route follows the A1 to Piacenza then the A21: about 100 km in 1 hour and 15 minutes. Alternatively, the SS415 Paullese connects Milan to Cremona directly: about 85 km in 1 hour and 30 minutes.

From Brescia, the A21 reaches Cremona in about 50 km and 40 minutes. From Parma, the SS343 Asolana or the A1+A21 via Piacenza: about 60 km in 50 minutes. From Mantua, the SS10 or SS420 through the plain: about 70 km in 1 hour.

Parking

• Piazza Marconi car park: spacious, near the historic centre
• Piazza Cadorna car park: convenient for reaching Piazza del Comune
• The historic centre has restricted traffic zones: park in the perimeter areas
• Cremona is a bicycle-friendly city: many car parks have bike racks

Getting there by bus

FlixBus connects Cremona with Milan, Rome, Bologna and other Italian cities. Regional bus lines (now part of Autoguidovie) connect Cremona to provincial towns and nearby cities.

The bus station is near the railway station. From Milan, FlixBus takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, often at competitive prices.

Getting around the city

Cremona is a compact, flat city, perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle. From the Torrazzo, Italy's tallest bell tower, to the Violin Museum, from the luthier workshops of Via Sicardo to the Romanesque Cathedral, everything is within walking distance.

The urban bus network is managed by Autoguidovie. For excursions along the Po or into the Cremonese countryside, a car is the most practical option. The riverside towns of Casalmaggiore and Sabbioneta (a UNESCO site) are reachable in under an hour.

Discover Cremona

Now that you know how to get there, plan your visit:

• Where to stay in Cremona for choosing between city centre hotels and countryside farmhouses
• What to see in Cremona in 2 days for an itinerary between violin-making and art
• Where to eat in Cremona to discover nougat, marubini and mostarda